I have a project list that seems like it’s a mile long, and I feel like I never find the time to get any of these projects finished.
I have a whole lot of “before’s”, but not a lot of “after’s”!
I’ve decided that I’m going to start taking “some bites” out of this list and here is what I’m working on.
I found this frenchy table about a year ago at an estate sale and I’m tired of this shabby, overly distressed finish.
It has great legs and detail, and just needs a new paint makeover.
I’ve been coveting the shabby rose, painted finish on this chest for years and I think I’m going to attempt duplicating it on this table. So wish me luck!
Inspiration Piece | via Pinterest
About eight years ago, I found this fabulous pier mirror in the dirtiest, junkiest antique shop in South Alabama. It was behind stacks of furniture and I could only see the top half of it sticking out. After moving everything out from in front of it so I could see it, I knew it had to come home with me.
It has the most amazing detail to the top, and the old beveled mirror has some silvering loss to the back, which makes it perfect {in my eyes}!
RubyLou enjoys sitting and admiring herself.
It is painted in a shabby white paint, with bits of some gold paint peeking out underneath. There is a piece of the moulding that is missing in the top so I will need to replace it before I paint it.
I think I’m going to gold leaf the entire piece, something similar to this inspiration picture.
Inspiration Picture | via Pinterest
Another piece that’s on my list is this french linen cabinet from Soft Surroundings. We blogged about it in this post here.
I’ve decided to paint the cabinet. I’ve lived with it for awhile, and I’ve decided that it’s just a little bit too green for me.
It’s such a great cabinet, with lots of storage, and I love the details in the wood.
I think that a bluish gray would work much better in my home, so it’s going to get a makeover.
I have a little bit of an obsession with french chairs and if I find them at a good price, I usually can’t walk away from them. Which is how I ended up with so many chairs in need of updating.
I recently found this pair of fabulous french rococo chairs at a local, newly opened, antique market.
They are french, gold, and fancy, so of course, I had to have them!
I’m not sure I like the upholstery, however, so I’m thinking about changing it to something else, I’m just not sure what that is yet. Suggestions?
Another chair that I’ve had sitting in storage is this fabulous french cane chair. It was $38 at the estate sale a year or so ago. The caning in the seat is busted, but it’s perfect in the back.
I love the sweet curve to the arms.
I’m not going to repair the caning in the seat. I’ll cut a piece of plywood to cover the hole, and upholster it in a fabric. I may paint the wood, but I haven’t decided yet.
And the last chair {on this list} is this french beauty! I’ve had it for awhile and removed all of the old upholstery and left it in it’s deconstructed state.
I’ve enjoyed it looking like this for awhile, but now I’m tired of it and I’m ready to give it some new clothes. And as with the other chairs, I’m not sure what kind of fabric I want to upholster it in. Toile? Grain sack? Buffalo check? Ticking? What do you think?
That’s it for this project list…..though it isn’t the last of the furniture that I have in storage….all needing some kind of makeover. But I have to start somewhere!
Cheers,
Cindy
I love the plank ceiling to cover popcorn ceiling. My husband ( the finish carpenter) is insisting that the crown molding be removed. I showed him how you talented ladies used caulk. Would you send/post a picture of the crown meeting the plank? I would like to show him that you were able to install it with out removing the crown.Thanks Kwright2023@ yahoo.com
Hi Cindy. I love your blog. I have an old Victorian mirror that I purchased at an estate sale. The back of the wood is warped. Just wondering, how d you treat furniture that may have had termites?
Hi Patti! Once the damage is done, I’m not sure anything can be done to repair it. If you feel like the piece may still have the bugs in it, I would spray the piece with a really good bug spray before bringing it into your house.
Thanks Cindy got your reply!
I’m loving all of these beautiful pieces! I can’t wait to see them after you work your magic. They’re going to be amazing!!
You have some beautiful pieces & I love that mirror! Where in So Alabama did you find it? I’m curious since I live in Alabama. Love that soft green chest too!
Florence, we found it in Foley, AL!
Everything looks wonderful! Regarding the last chair, I look forward to seeing what fabric you choose as I have the same dilemma. I have the frame only so I’m looking at all inspiration. I have considered grain sack and duckcloth. I’m wanting a casual feel. Good luck with yours!
Thank you Christine!
You have your work cut out for you and I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. Your cute little Ruby is such a ham! I hope you keep on featuring her.
Thank you Teddee!
I agree with you on the linen chest. It’s beautiful but a little too green, and I can’t wait to see your transformation! Same with the table, can’t wait for the change. Love the chairs….what about using a linen then having a monogram on the back in a light white. You could always add a small pillow for color. Just something I’ve always wanted to do.
Linda
I love that idea, Linda!
Hey Cindy! I love all of your fabulous finds and anxiously await to see how you transform them! I am sure they will be beautiful! I,too, am in the middle of some projects and your motivation is just what I need to keep me inspired!!! 🙂 I so love seeing what you do with all of your renovations. They never disappoint!!!
Thank you so much Adele!
Cindy~
Love all your items!! Wish I could tag along with you to all the sales, for you have such a good eye to find treasures !!
Speaking of unfinished projects, at times I feel I am queen of that area!! I make so many lists that go unfinished 🙁
I am thinking RubyLou is saying to herself “What a cutie I am “” hehehe
Paula
IN
I know what you mean Paula! I keep adding projects to the list but I don’t seem to ever get them finished! I’ve decided that I’m going to start chipping away at them in small bites until I get them done!
You have so many beautiful pieces to work on! That mirror is gorgeous. The chairs will definitely thank you when you replace the polka dot fabric!
you’ve made some lovely choices. I get a lot of inspiration for chairs and upholstry from the Curator’s Collection. https://thecuratorscollection.com/
I’m going to go against the popular buffalo check suggestions for the deconstructed chair and say toile. It screams French, and that’s what you are! 😉 As for the fancy gold chairs, you are right on with a blue velvet. I also like your idea of rose for the overly distressed table. I like distressed, but that is over the top! You have a lovely bunch of projects that look like so much fun. RubyLou has grown into a stunning dog! A perfect model for you!
Thank you so much Lynda!
Cindy, I recently scored a bergere chair for $29 and haven’t done a thing with it. It has the original tapestry seat, back and arm pads. I will probably live with it for quite a while as I think it’s so pretty and extremely comfortable. I could see your chair with something black and cream, maybe a houndstooth or toile in a small print. I’ve recently fallen in love with black accessories–so classic and very French. Please do this one first on your list so we can see it. Good luck!
Wow, Pat, $29!! What a bargain!
Wow..you certainly have a lot of wonderful projects in store for you!….Yes, I get overwhelmed over the number of things that need to be done that I cannot decide where to start!….love the chairs! and that mirror is beautiful! What about a soft velvet fabric (soft blue maybe) to replace the polka dot…no pattern to compete with the gorgeous details of the chairs..
Thanks Shirley! Yes, I’m definitely leaning toward velvet for the fancy ladies!
Cindy how incredibly fortunate for you to have such a to do list. I have the exact same chair as your last one photographed, it’s covered in grain sack and I gave it a light white wash paint which I just love. Here in Australia it is very rare to find such pieces as your desk, dresser and mirror that aren’t reproductions, I am always hopeful and on the look out for more pieces, luckily I am a patient woman. Suzana xxx
Thanks so much for commenting Suzana!!
Id rather be looking at your project list than making up my own list, haha! You have the most delicious things to work on! Your raw chair is just like the antique one I ordered from Soft Surroundings and then it arrived damaged…it was almost identical! So I might save that chair for last and start with the others. I see so many options for all of your fabrics. The gold chairs are just so special, and I think you must channel your Marie Antoinette to pick something right, maybe a cut velvet in pale blue? I love your pier mirror and cannot wait to see where that baby goes. Its going to look amazing and I wouldn’t worry about fixing the missing molding, perfection is so far overrated! Well I will be watching…have fun and get started before you get swept away in Christmas decorating!
Amy, I’m think a soft blue velvet as well for those fancy gold ladies!
I love the chair with the shabby upholstery. I have seen 2 and an ottoman in upcoming estate sale. One is white the other wood. What price point should I be looking at? I’m falling in love with the French look.
Hi Jane! Price really depends on several things such as age of chair, condition, and even what part of the country you’re in. I’m pretty frugal so I normally don’t spend a lot. The deconstructed chair that I show in this post was in good shape other than the old upholstery needing replacing. I paid $38.00 for it at an estate sale. I’ve also paid close to $100 for a French chair in good condition. But I probably wouldn’t pay any more than that. Good luck!
Hi Cindy! I love the last chair and have been searching for a similar one for awhile. My problem has been that older ones like this are too low to the ground. That’s fine in my bedroom, but I need o e to go with my modern sofa. Do you have that problem as well?
Karen, a lot of the older antique chairs do sit lower. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s a solution for it.
Thank you for your response. I am in Central Alabama – I emailed Estate Company this am to just ask. I try to only attend on 1/2 price days unless there is something I am reallllllly interested in.
That mirror is just gorgeous, can’t wait to see what you do with it. Love all the chairs and that linen chest is my favorite!
Thanks Pinky!!
Cindy, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m getting a little tired of shabby white after years of loving it. Your French furnishings are a favorite of mine, especially the pieces with color. Exquisite is the word I think of when viewing your rooms; so how are you feeling about the all white phase?
Hi Carol! While I’m still loving my white sofas, I find myself wanting to add in more color, but in softer shades, which still works with a the neutrals. I’ve always said to go with what you love, whether it’s “on trend” or not. I tend to not follow the rules anyway!
Blue buffalo check! You have such a good eye when it comes to finding these beautiful pieces.
Thanks Joanie!!
Your projects are inspiring. How about buffalo check on the back and something different you like on the front of the chairs? I had some black ladder back chairs with beige and white check seats but I gave them away not knowing how much I’d miss them. I love checks. I’m sure you could find a check in a pretty grayish blue.
Thanks Elizabeth!
I would love to learn from you in your painting techniques! You should do tutorials on these pieces as you proceed. Good luck and I know the end products will be beautiful!!!
Thanks Toni! I always have good intentions on doing step by step tutorials, but for some reason, I always get sidetracked!
I love the check idea also , but if not go with Velvet in blue Love,love blue velvet
Eileen
Thank you Eileen! I love velvet as well!
That frenchy table is a charming one♥
Thanks Summer!
I would love to see your beautiful French chairs reupholstered in a black and cream stripe. They would look fantabulous!
Thank you for the suggestion Gwendolyn!
Love the pinkish tone, kind of reminds me of Miss Ruby’s fancy necklace color.
(we don’t use the word collar in our family) as our fluffy child might be offended. 🙂
Looking forward to watching you do your magic on all your to do list!
Thank you Rene’!
So many fun things to tackle!! I LOVE the green cabinet and would dearly LOVE to know how you got that finish…any chance you could share that?
Hi Linda! The cabinet is a reproduction from Soft Surroundings. The finish is the original, from the factory.
Please send the two gold chairs to me in St. Louis!!! I think Buffalo Plaid on the upholstered chair. Cannot wait to see all the girls in their final reveal.
Haha, Debbie! Aren’t they seeet?!? I love them! Buffalo Plaid seems to be a popular choice!
Cindy, you have some beautiful pieces! I can’t wait to see what you do with them. I agree with the buffalo check in blue for the bergere chair. That would be gorgeous! I love those gold french chairs…so pretty! I don’t think the fabric is that bad, but I understand if you don’t like it. You have to be happy with what you choose. I feel like if you change it though it would need to be a small print, a tone on tone, or a solid. I hope that you have a wonderful day!!!
Thanks Shannon! I agree, the current fabric on the rococo chairs isn’t bad at all, I just feel like I want to upholster them in something that is more “me”. Love your suggestions!
For the “fancy” gold chairs consider a pink to go with the table you’re going to do…how pretty!
Thanks Kathy!
Oh, when I saw the pair of gold chairs my jaw dropped…just gorgeous! As far as the “naked” chair goes, I like the idea of a buffalo check. It would be a nice contrast to the curves of the chair. Good luck with all of your projects. I can’t wait to see the results!!
Thank you Julie! Buffalo plaid seems to be a popular choice!
I absolutely know the feeling of never having enough time for your projects! I have so many things I want to do and I just can’t seem to make the time!!! I know you will get to your project list though and I look forward to seeing the results!
Thanks Gerri!
One of these pieces needs some toile!
I agree Jan!
Here in the great Northwest, our use of color, texture, and pattern is different from yours in the South. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy your blog, to see another perspective.
I love the restrained black and white dot against the bright gold. It’s such a clean, chic look on such great chairs. The Northwest designer in me thought, “I love these. Now, how can I tone down this bright gold?” Haha. I’m anxious to see what you do with them.
Thanks for commenting!
You have some fabulous projects in the works! The mirror is fantastic and Ruby Lou is adorable! I love all the furniture pieces. Sure wish I knew how to do upholstery.
Thanks Sandy!
Fun projects Cindy! You are so good at mixing paint on furniture I’m sure the painted pieces will come out looking fabulous. On the Rococo chairs…I get why the previous person used dots to highlight the round upholstery but I love a little juxtaposition. I would go more linear and use a darker gray/blue that would serve as a great backdrop for some French needlepoint pillows and give some contrast to the gold.
Nancy
Thanks Nancy! I love your idea!
They are all such beautiful pieces! I love the birds on your pier mirror (I have a weakness for pier mirrors.) And all the fabric suggestions would look wonderful….although I am partial to toile, buffalo check, and anything with faded roses. And then there is Miss RubyLou’s face, again. She is just precious.
Thank you Holly! I love pier mirrors too, though I never find them anymore. This one definitely needs to get her “fancy” back! RubyLou says, “thank you”!
Cindy,
As always your furniture purchases are beautiful and we all know that your visions will come to fruition and look beautiful!
I just wanted to say that is one awesome collar RubyLou is sporting, she is one stylish puppy and I absolutely love the picture of her admiring her pretty little face.
Love the blog, I’m always so impressed with your talents.
Deborah
Deborah, you are too kind. Thank you so much for your sweet comment. RubyLou’s collar is by bb Simon, isn’t it gorgeous?!? She definitely loves a mirror!
All I can say is yummy to all the projects, and I’m a tiny bit jealous of these wonderful finds. I loved that pink finish as your inspiration and can’t wait to see how you accomplish that finish. I love the thought and process that goes into paint projects. I’m sitting on two table legs turned lamps, that I need to paint but just like you, have waited, but after seeing your projects, I think I may get started this weekend. Good luck with yours.
Thanks Heather!
Wow! What fun projects! Can’t wait to see your after results. All beautiful pieces.
Thank you Gina! I can’t wait to get started on them!
Good morning Cindy! Beautiful pieces – ALL of them!! Great finds! I’d have to think abit about what fabric to cover the chairs in. I’m sure whatever you do will end up fabulous! Will you find a spot in your home for them or do you sell any of your makeovers?
Have a great day!!
Celia
Thank you Celia! I usually keep them, but I have to say, I have quite a stash of “project” furniture. I may have to start selling some of it!
Wow! You found some awesome treasures! How about a leopard print on the gold chairs? As always, you can spot a great piece! And Ruby is adorable.
Hmmm, I hadn’t considered leopard print. Thanks for the suggestion. RubyLou says “thank you”!
Oooo, I agree Dell!! I can just picture a leopard print on those!!
Thanks Celia! It’s definitely something I hadn’t thought of!
Oh Cindy, I totally understand. You have some beautiful finds there. I love the touch of blues and pinks you are wanting. I say buffalo check for at least one of the chairs. I can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Thank you Brooke! I love buffalo check as well, so one of the chairs may definitely need that!
Oh that Ruby Lou is a doll. Did you name her or was she already named when you got her? I can’t believe you’re painting that beautiful French linen cabinet,it’s so pretty. Love all the chairs,especially the twins. Can’t wait to see what you decide.
Hi Sue! We named RubyLou, my husband was born and raised in the Deep South, so he loves old fashioned Southern names!
Buffalo check would look amazing
Thanks so much! I agree on the buffalo check!
Cindy,
You are going to be a busy lady!!! Love all the fab pieces. I adore Buffalo check,I just covered a settee in it. Can’t wait to see the afters of all your projects.
Thanks Diane!
That is quite a list, but a very enviable one to have! I too am in love with French chairs and have a hard time passing them by at Brocantes! What an incredible find the mirror was, it’s gorgeous and I just love that shabby rose pink. Just looking at your ‘befores’ is inspiring me to make my own list of things I must do!!
I have such a weakness for frenchy chairs, which only contributes to my unfinished project problem!
All great pieces. Maybe the Little Rococo chairs consider painting the fabric. The upholstery is in such good shape. A friend did it to some chairs with the Annie Sloan paint and they came out unbelievable. Not stiff and very comfortable. I look forward to all your afters. A girl after my own heart!
Thanks Jane!