G'day blogging buddies. Thanks for all the questions, interesting theme is the 350, errrm I'll be talking about that tomorrow (I'm thinking you may be thinking my butt is a lot better than it truly is here Down Under, ahem).
As I said yesterday we have had a move around and a furniture de-clutter…pre-empting my Beach Cottage Sale of the Century (which is coming soon) where I will be selling off some of the pieces that are making it hard for my kiddos to move around in this tiny old place.
So I decided this weekend to lose a few things down to the garage, First thing to go was the modern table in the breakfast room, another move towards less modern more old, being replaced with the old blue table and now working for its keep as a breakfast room 'island' and I am lurvin' it. Next was the pie safe, not working in the Sitting Room, so now sadly relegated to downstairs and eagerly awaiting a new cottage to go live in.
And after that I moved a new old table/desk in for the Family Room, to start a new life as the Beach Cottage homework table. Ask me why both of my big kids have desks in their bedrooms and I will tell you I just don't know. Neither of them use them. Ever.
Miss Beach Cottage is usually found sprawled over the Dining Room table and Mr Teenage BC is usually scrunched up and hunched over the Family Room computer (which, may I just interject, and Mr BC hope you are reading this, is about to be replaced by a WHITE MAC). With his very long arms and legs that reach my neck I think now, I decided it unfair to any longer let him cramp up on a vintage chair tucked under a tiny but lovely old desk.
So it was time for the old sewing table/desk that I had zapped with a coat of Beach White to move on and in it's place a slightly bigger table was needed. One that would comfortably fit the paraphernalia of these studious young things.
I came across this table recently whilst out on a treasure hunting jaunt and thought it might be just what I was after, I wanted something with square lines, plain, simple, to sit with the leather…and if I could possibly wangle it, a hint of school desk in the background.
You want school desk, I'll give you school desk said the Treasure Hunting Godmother and I happened upon this table…
…not in the best of shapes and truly seeking a new home and a freshen up with a tad of DIY (go see Kimba for more) and all things white. Someone had already tried to re-invent it, but made a true hash up of it, I am no professional, but, how you can paint something in a white that says 'dirty white' instead of clean, simple pure and fresh is quite beyond me.
But looking past the dodgy paint job, I liked the slightly industrial air of this one…the metal brackets on show on the legs, screws and nails randomly placed, hinting of a past life, working for a living. And you already know I just love that.
On further inspection, once getting it home and cleaning up I realised that the top was actually in pretty poor condition and was coming loose on one corner…it seems though that there were layers to this top (you can see what I mean on the side profile pics) and so I kind of peeled this top layer off…this is the only before shot I took (yep you would think I would have thought of that being the owner of a makevoer blog)…this was after the mammoth sanding and cleaning and about to start to on the legs
…underneath was a layer of thin wood, which it seemed had been painted but was a bit worse for wear but I liked the crackling and the bubbling and it seemed such a shame to paint over this, we all know it's only time, not money that gives true crackles and splits.
But it was fairly dirty and I wondered then whether it was actually suitable for my precious born lovelies. The way I work though doesn't bear much time for wondering and on the spur of the moment t thought I would just attack it with the sandpaper and see how it looked…
so I sanded heavily to get rid of the yuck (I am recommending this for the arms) for a very distressed, rustic feel…
Every time I pick up a paintbrush or see a piece of furniture I am mysteriously drawn to those underneath colour layer effects. I have been musing this for a while and wanted to try it with a sorta sea-green, but I wanted it to be very muted, just a kinda faded hint popping through…this doesn't really show in the photos but actually is quite effective in reality…not as you walk past, more as you get up close there is a nice muted mossy sea green floating around…
Let's not muck around here, this is nothing more than a found thrifted table, it is hardly a furniture feature mooching up there in the heady heights of the design world, but for me, those kiddos and this tatty old cottage it's hitting the mark for now.
{ Of course, teenagers, especially boy ones, love little pink flowers in white cups…even more they love cottage blogs on the screen, layering of frames and starfish *wink…but one thing's for sure, with a price tag like this one there sure is no harm in teenage clumsy table bashing. }
..which of course is the whole point of this lovely journey I find myself on…
and in fact…adds to the character I do believe.
I hope you enjoyed your visit to my de-cluttered old place today????
…well let me know cos comment on here & you get a chance to win the
ANTHROPOLOGIE & MAG Giveaway
See you 'round beach chicks, xx
p.s. magazine is Real Living
sofa cushions : Rough Linen sofa : Freedom starfish frame : Gail McCormack
candle cup/vase : IKEA curtains : IKEA oars : garage sale lamp : Target
adore the table. it has such character and the pink flowers are a lovely touch.
Yes, I did enjoy my visit today!
The table sounds perfect for teenage usage. That’s something I always have to consider around here with two teenage boys and my Farmboy… the number of nerf gun bullets that go flying around this house is insane.
Very nice…I’m sure all the things you have to part with will find a lovely home.
I have a few things myself that need a coat of fresh white paint… your blog is an inspiration!
You prove again your adventuresome spirit and fearlessness in seizing a piece and doing whatever it takes to coax the charming beachy-ness to reveal itself!
what a beautiful workspace! great work. i love that you keep the computer in the family room so the wee ones can’t seclude themselves.
I love this. And I love the idea of not being coped up in another room when I would need to work. I really need to do something like this because even though we have an office, it’s not fun being in there (at the back of the house). :)
you and i are soooo much alike… no matter how dirty… i always try to save these gems… xo
I love to declutter! Makes me happy! Is the new Mac to replace Dell?
So Cute Sarah!!! I’m starting a reno in my kitchen next week in a very tight budget and You inspired me for my own table here! Love it!!!!
Have a good one! :-) Li
Love the table…but I also LOVE the little chair. A match made in heaven.
I think it’s great! And it totally has a school desk feel!
The homework/computer table looks great.
I’ve raised a few teens myself and know what bashing is all about—and sofa support breaking as well…
Nearly all the furnishings in our home have no pedigree and I like it that way—no wiling over dents, dings, and leaky radiators!!
annie
This post has inspired me to do some Spring cleaning. We finally had our first balmy day, so I opened up all the windows. I can’t wait for my internship to end so I can have time to work on projects like yours. :)
I thinks it looks great. I love the warm wood showing through. Usually you see that on edges, but it looks great in the middle of the table- provides a nice soft contrast. I am checking to see if I can get Real Living here in the States. Good Luck with your sale!
Karen
I love that new desk. Very lovely!
-Grace
Character is what it is all about isnt it? Moss green is looking pretty cute and beachy from here and do like that frame within a frame idea on the wall.
Is it my turn to win something??? Okay, if you make me, I will take your new desk off your hands for you!!!! Tons of hugs….Susan
The table looks like it was built for the space beside your sofa! Still laughing about your teenage boy loving the pretty pink flower in the white cup…
You’ll love the mac. Wish I was getting one!!!
The new table is GORGEOUS, no matter that the gentleman may not like the pink flowers! I’d LOVE to find one similar to it on one of my occasional thrift store haunting sprees. You’re bound to get a lot of use out of it!
Congrats Sarah, such a beautiful transformation, you really are an inspiration. Love it.
I love the computer desk….as a matter of fact I HEART it too!!! :) I’m sitting here looking at my computer space, thinking, how yucky!! I’m going to have to do something sweet friend! You can bet I’ll be talking sweetly to my DH, telling him I want my computer space to look just like this picture!!! Of course I will be referring to yours!! Do you think I should warn him ahead of time??? NOPE!!! I’ll just catch him off guard!!
Thanks for the great pictures.
Sally
xoxxo
You have done it again Sarah, you always pull if off. Desk is so cute and I want a White Mac!
Caught you in Real Living, go girl. I buy this mag and Country Style.
Have your ears been burning, I have been talking about you a lot lately, and your wonderful blog.
Love, love, love everything. Just my kinda style.
I was flicking through magazines yesterday, and instanly thought “Hey! I know that place”. Of course it was yours! Love your house and your style. My decorating to a ‘t’….almost, but mine has a touch more pink. Just can’t seem to leave the pink.
Lovely, lovely space!
I enjoyed reading about your paring down of things in the BC. I certainly need to do the same here, and keep only what truly works. Oh, how I wish you weren’t a world away. I’d love to have that old pie safe!
The table looks great beneath your new frame within a frame starfish creation. :)
Discovering beachy blogs today. What a find! Thank you for the inspiration. Note to self…check back often. Thank you for the wonderful blog. I could get lost here for hours.
Keep your toes in the sand!
Hi Sarah,
I’m not surprised that your table/desk looks so good! You are the miracle worker with that paint. I just have one question. Do you really sand the furniture in the house? That is daring!!!
Please count me in for the giveaway. I’d love to win something one more time in my life. (The last time was in third grade for my catchy slogan: Children and Fire don’t Match: get it?!!)
Take it easy Sarah!
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
The table is lovely and the wood peeking through is perfect. This kind of furniture is just right for a busy household that includes children and doesn’t mind a bit if they “love” on it a bit! Once again, great job. (PS: The flowers are SO sweet!)
You have inspired me Sarah! I have an old, flaky, white wooden table outside that I have been thinking of repurposing and bringing inside for some time now. I think my new (old) shabby desk is about to take shape!
It never ceases to amaze me how in a matter of seconds …… welllll so it seems to us bloggers that you can whip up a piece of white furniture in no time at all and looking pretty amazing at that!!! just what is down in that mystery garage i wonder and what treasures are awaiting that magic touch!!! we shall wait and see…….
I actually don’t have an Anthropologie close to where I live, but I’d love to see the spread you were featured in Real Living.
I do love your make-overs, they make me want to get my paintbrush out!
THAT table is FABULOUS! It’s just perfect they way you’ve done it! Parring down is hard….I don’t envy you although it does show you the things you are truly in love with! ;-)
Hi – My first visit, very nice & interesting too! I like your little pink flowers in the white cups. Are they Gerbers?
That’s a very, very lovely nook you’ve got there! I’ve been looking for a simular idea for my computer…and, as allways, you’ve come up with the best ever idea!!…. Now, where did I leave that small table…;)
Finding your cottage was, for me, a dream come true. I’ve always wanted a little place by the sea – and now I can go there with just a mouse click! Thanks for the inspiration and for the wonderful ideas, Sarah!
Lovely to see you in print – not from one of your beach babes – instead from one of your homecountry oldies. I have taken up my brush this week albeit only to the cupboard under the stairs. Your makeover ideas are catching.
I adore that table! Gotta’ find me one!
Does commenting everyday help-I am so wanting to read that magazine, and of course, who doesn’t love the A?
I love old tables and love it even more when they get to keep their character…beautiful!!
Very nice Sarah. You have done it again. I am so glad you have a new computer coming. I cant look at Dell ads anymore without thinking “Dell from Hell”
I love the desk — I wish I had the guts to pull out some sandpaper and take it to the antique vanity table that I use as my computer desk. It’s not a quality piece — I bought it from a barn sale, and it’s got various colors of model paint on the top and water dammage rings on the legs — but I love it. I’m afraid there’s not enough veneer on it to sand without destroying the surface altogether.
Sarah, I love the hint of sea green and everything else you did with your table. thank you once again for an ispiring blog.
Eileen
I love the homework desk Sara. Especially because you repurposed an old previously loved peice and who cares about the ” heady heights of the design world “? What matters is that it you like it. Apparently all us other beachy style lovers do too. I like its straight
and simple lines too. I don’t even look at new and perfect stuff. We built our own house a couple of years ago (that I wanted to look old) and love of my life being a carpenter wanted to add all the blingy arches and curlycue finishing touches but I insisted on simple
clean lines and I dont regret it at all. He even admitted the other day that I made good choices . He did get his way tho in the living room and made a tray ceiling (everyone LOVES it and I have to act like like I do too) when I wanted old beat up recycled wood
tongue and groove planks. I tell very few people what I really wanted cuz most people just don’t get it and I really am grateful to have a new home so don’t want to complain. I think he can see now after seeing the path I’ve taken decroating it (which is a work in progress ) that it woulda looked great.
Sarah I am so inspiried by your talents. You inspired me to start a major redecorating in my own beach cottage. I found a nautical inspired blue and white striped couch on amazing discount and paired it with my coastal oil paintings of lighthouses on each side with a 1930′s antique marble top end table as the coffee table. . It adds such a lovely coastal look to my own beach cottage. Now I am inspiried to look for a similar table as yours for my desktop computer. Time for the flea markets. Thanks for another great idea. G’Day! You cheered me so much as my Mum just died and my Brother is dying of cancer. I needed a project to bring me back to reality. I just feel that redecorating with inspiration from your site has given me a wonderful happy new outlook on life. Thank you.