G’day!
OK, brace yourself…there’s paint and there’s flowers and neither of them are white…
…but there are blotches…
Remember that black cabinet that I showed you last week? Well it’s black no more…you can click here if for the before if you missed it
…here it is in a Beach Cottage blue…
Wanna know what blotches are??…they are big gobs of paint that get stuck when you paint wicker…(please, I would rather here that my inbox is not filled with the benefits of spray painting) ..yep I know them already….and no I didn’t use it…I don’t really like spray painting that much…I know I know, call me the odd one out in blogland…there is something strangely comforting to me in the therapeutic vibes of a paint brush, the opening of a tin and stirring…aerosol just doesn’t do it for me baby.
So, this was never going to be white…I don’t know why, because for sure there is power in the beach vintage coastal look in white wicker…if indeed we are calling this wicker…
and as I said I had seen something fairly similar to this in a very nice boutique around here…………only this one is oh about $790 lower in price….
While I was painting it, it got me thinking about re-purposing…and how something like this was, in all honesty, on its way to the dump…to be crushed and shoved in landfill…
…and with paint brush in hand I looked around the Sitting Room around me…old white, saggy sofa, a trunk from a garage sale, a coffee table that has been with us since nearly the beginning, a meat safe that I found in England and shipped all the way here and one of my very first vintage makeovers…a double door cabinet now storing all of our dvd’s…I kinda dropped the paintbrush…wow not one thing in here that was ‘new’…I mean yeah the sofa was once new but not so much these days….
It struck me how our home has become a collection of things with meaning…nothing in here from a faceless corporation, though for sure I am not including all the bits and pieces from IKEA…
..and I love that…so very far from the consumer-driven home that I was heading for when I was first starting out….in those days there was far too much focus on having things…you know? or is it just me…?
…everything now has it’s own little story…whether that be that it travelled in a ship from England with us on our big new seachange to sunnier climes, or that I nearly burst a vintage treasure hunting blood vessel when I found it, like when i found the sea trunk from Hungary…or that it is just old and soft and loved and part of us...like that sofa…it’s seen ups and downs, it’s seen Mr BC snoozing on it with a tiny little girl wrapped in pink and asleep on his chest, it’s seen our honeymoon baby bouncing on it in dungarees, it has definitely seen many a movie, had more than its fair share of Limoncello’s and most nights, after dark, it is bathed in candlelight and has a girl with a busy life and a pile of books collapsing on it…
And here I was adding another thing to all of that, another not new thing…but a thing found at a garage sale…a re-purposed thing…
And I thought more about consumerism and though for sure I am sooooo not one of those organic mummies with the hemp handbag who does the school run on a bicycle (I *do like me some handbags, shoes and ruffles about these parts) and I do love new things….I am so very very thankful that for some reason about 12 years ago someone somewhere decided to show me that there was more to life than this obscene thing that they call consumerism…
and right now that is a little blue chest, not perfect, and I have to say here….I am not sure if it will be staying, it turned out differently to what I thought…it definitely is sporting blotches but it’s kinda sweet…
anyway….
that’s it from me here on a absolutely stunning day on the beaches…
if this is Autumn people, well, I am diggin’ it
You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need. ~Vernon Howard
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What a neat transformation! It looks great.
Up-cycling is so rewarding – your take on anti-consumerism is so empowering especially when you can show the *not-so-sure*, as you continue to do Sarah, that new & from a catalogue doesn’t equal a happier life…or a proper married life with all the *bought* trimmings!
I totally understand your *just married* take on the all new & shiny…thankfully for us both…it didn’t last long…!
A house with endless stories & memories means so much more.
Melissa :)
P.S- although your new BC blue is so spring pretty…perhaps you are just really truly a white gal through and through!!
Who cares if its a little blotchy, it only adds to its charm!It looks gorgeous!
I’m with you on the whole consumerism thing, I started buying pieces from the car boot for my home about 5 years ago. I have found fabulous mirrors, occasional furiture, gorgeous wooden wine crates and lots more! I love it that no-one will have the same as me!
Your blog is amazing and full of inspiration, I love it!
I adore your piece of crochet loveliness hanging up, so pretty!
Rachel x
I love it, I think it came out fabulous. This is probably the first time I’ve ever seen something you’ve painted and it wasn’t white LOL
:)
Love all the blotches, the little stand and all your photos. All so sweet. Would you be able to share the name and brand of the paint color you used for the wicker stand? I love the color! Thanks!
I hear you on repurposing Sarah…when we moved to Australia we came with little more than the clothes on our backs and like you had to be inventive when it came to furnishing our home on one income with four, now five children to support but you know what I have always been this way and have loved every moment I have spent in hunting for preloved treasures…it’s a thrill to give something a new lease on life and I get inspired daily by your blog. I am always reading through old posts, devouring your gorgeous images. Any chance of you ever publishing a book?
I’m quite liking this seaglass blue shade, blotches and all :)
xx
well Tammi…it’s in the plans…but I don’t have much time!!
x
Oh. My. Goodness. Me…..you have just made my day :) :) :)
:-)
what is it about soft blue that makes everything prettier! i love it. off to vote!
Hi Sarah-
I enjoy less and am such a happier person for it, but like you – love fashion and style, too. I laughed at the hemp bag reference. I call myself a “tweener” as I like a bit of both worlds, but tend for less consumerism when I decorate my home. Since I got married a long time ago and decorated my first house I have always been a DIYer. 80% of my furnishings are hand me downs, but over the years I have put my touch on everything. Some worked out and some I sent packing after my experimenting on it didn’t come out as I envisioned – so I understand your second thoughts on your little wicker table. I think by re-purpsoing items to fit your needs gives a home more life, style, and character. Sure I would like certain new furnishings and have bought a few, but I have to really love them before I do. I love to re-purpose things. It is what I do and who I am – if I could not use my creativity in this way life would be boring.
I have friends with beautiful homes where every thing is just so. To me houses like these have no soul and seem like just a bunch of stuff that some arbitrary source said they had to have to lead the “good life”. For me the good life is living as authentically as possible and re-purposing and finding new uses for old furnishings does that for me.
My best- Diane
well said Diane…exactly what I meant :-)
Looove it sarah or as you would say lurve it!!! doesnt sound quite the same when i say it!!(wink) my whole house is repurposed and curb shopped one day if i ever make that blog i will show you just how much of it!!! in fact all of it 2 hutches and a side board dressers bedframes cabinents you name it i found it on a lawn or by a dumpster and no one knows!!! heck i dont even care if they know!!! there is something about a piece that is loved and time worn and my heart aches when i see it siting there on a curb waiting for some paint and some love~~~ usually i push pull load or haul it home however i can! i dont even know how i have gotten some of the pieces in my van but by the grace of god and sheer will!!! it manages to get it there my hubby says often that i should work for bfi or the waste management comp….. since i like to haul trash (treasures) home!!! but i think that could be the start of a bigger problem and i dont wanna be the one featured on a hoarders show for a furniture love!!! lol
that looks awesome rocking the beachy blue as you say!!!!! have a great day!!!!
Love the beachy blue! I agree with the other blogger that said you should do a book. I’d be first in line to buy one. You have an amazing talent for repurposing and decorating on a budget, keep up the good work. Any good buys on your latest treasure hunt?
thanks
I have lots more new finds to show you… as ever
x
Sarah, I’ve done the same…looked around and am happy to say nearly all of my ‘stuff’ is old…and I’m happy! Robx
It’s adorable Sarah. I know exactly what you mean about the feel of the paint brush in your hand. It’s very therapeutic, and my absolute favorite way to paint. ( well besides the roller for big big stuff).
Once in a while though I do whip out that spray can cause it’s so darn quick. It suckers me in!
( I am guilty of a spray rescue just this past Friday)
But I wind up with more paint all over me from spray painting, for some odd reason. Splatters on my clothes, Paint all over my fingers, from nozzle ignorance. I always wind up ruining a good pair of jeans because of spur of the moment spray decisions.
It’s adorable Sarah. I know exactly what you mean about the feel of the paint brush in your hand. It’s very therapeutic, and my absolute favorite way to paint. ( well besides the roller for big big stuff).
Once in a while though I do whip out that spray can cause it’s so darn quick. It suckers me in!
( I am guilty of a spray rescue just this past Friday)
But I wind up with more paint all over me from spray painting, for some odd reason. Splatters on my clothes, Paint all over my fingers, from nozzle ignorance. I always wind up ruining a good pair of jeans because of spur of the moment spray decisions. Not much new in my house either. Except for the occasional table or sign with vintage appeal from Home Goods. I’m addicted there!!
Blotchy is good. That means it isn’t perfect or new looking. I am anti-spray painting except in certain circumstances. Thanks for stopping by to see our kitchen faucets.
Jane
So cute! Feeling a bit sheepish here surrounded by my new house…lol. I know I would love to do the old repainted route but I also am old enough to know I would never get it done I think so mostly new furniture for me but am loving the hunt for the accents. Found the cutest thing this weekend at a garage sale :-)
Sue
I love the redo. I’m with you on the spray painting too. There is just joy in brush strokes, isn’t there?
You are a breezy breath of fresh air!
I like the “tidewater” color very much and think it fits into the beachy theme just great. Can’t have everything white and this color goes “swimmingly” with white. I have never had a piece of white furniture, always medium oak, but since following your blog, I have plucked up courage and bought a large white dresser from an estate sale and put it in our bedroom and low and behold, my husband likes it so much, he asked if I wanted to paint his old dresser white and change things over…gradually. It all started with tidewater blue-green paint in the bathroom and the beachy theme was born in our house. Now, I am faced with having to find a new home for an old vanity used as a desk in my boys’ room…tears at letting go. It was my great-uncles, handed down, but they have long since outgrown it and there is nowhere left to stash it as I replaced it with my old brown dresser replaced by the new white one. However, some old things just must go…an old large worn-out mauve (80′s) lounge chair will be my dream to replace, lol! This weekend, I bought for $3 a window mirrow at garage sailing…it is white, soon to be distressed white. Most of our home is re-purposed due to economics, but am now finding it fun, at times, ha :)
Also, I understand about the asthetics of paint brush as opposed to spraying. Others don’t understand my need to hold a book, smell it, feel it, see it, turn pages, etc. as opposed to an electronic book. It just doesn’t do it for me…gotta be a real book. Bookworm “lurve”.
I’m with you about the spray painting….. using a brush just helps align the planets……’brain floating’ while painting is just relaxing – and you don’t have to do all that laying-out-of-old-sheets-so-the-overspray-doesn’t-muck-up-things!
I completely understand your thoughts on consumerism.
There is something so rewarding in “rescuing” unwanted items and turning them into treasures. The only thing bought brand new in our home is the leather couch. Everything else is made by my husband or my dad, or handed down to us, or rescued and refinished, or bought second hand. And I am so proud of it!
I love your little blue creation! Maybe not your usual white self, but oh-so very charming!
And you do it all with so much style and make it your own Sarah.
Look how many of us adore your sense of style and beachy look!
I must admit, I walked into Freedom the other day for the first time in years.
About 10 years ago I would have loved to have gone in and brought everything new and matchy in there, but we were starting a family and didn’t have the money.
Fast forward to 4 kids later, still on one wage with no money for such lavish things and honestly I just don’t see the same appeal in that store anymore.
I would much rather buy something old, with character and fix it up.
I adore going to a store here that has old furniture with that character (although unfortunately it has all been done up already and has a big price tag attached!!) and exploring.
You have done so well to find so many great bargains with your furniture. I struggle here in Hobart, as it seems the good stuff has already been snapped up by other shops and then they fix it up and put a big price on it.
I guess half the fun is in looking and creating your own shabby chic mix of bits and pieces.
Our house is certainly a mix match of stuff and I love that a lot of it has it’s own story to tell, just like your lovely home.
Nice work on the drawers too. What colour blue did you use?
I had it mixed up
I hear you on Freedom…some nice bits in there though…most of the furniture is soooo over-priced for what it is…xx
Love this I like pops of color when you are not expecting it and no I was not thinking you were going to do a fresh color blue but I like it.
Hey Sarah I also think the little wicher side table looks GRREAT! and I just love that color. I am a shades of aqua/turquise/blue lover at heart anyway specially mixed w/white and other pale shades of pastels I think they are so calming. Brite colors have their place and are great but they’re just not as relaxing and compfy as the pale ones I don’t think. There are ways of getting around the “blotchy” spots even using a brush but they also give character to the piece so whether they are there or not who cares?! I am a perfectionist at heart and it is really hard sometimes for me to not be a**l about it when I am creating but I have to step back and remind myself that less is more sometimes and not to overwork and overthink a piece. Even God allows flaws in his creations to give them character and I am certainly NOT a better creater than he so…anyway you inspire me, I don’t know how you are so lucky to get such great finds, most of the yard sales I happen to catch are mostly clothes and real junk, I do catch the occational estate sale, somethimes you can get some great stuff at those. You have inspired me to be more diligent though. Thumb up to you Sarah!!
I think I am safe in speaking for her by saying our Mother Earth thanks you (all of you!) for repurposing as many things as possible and keeping them out of landfills! I think the side table turned out great — my favorite color ever! — and yes, wicker is hard to paint and blotches do appear, but that just means it was lovingly hand-done! The table is a great piece and can be used for so many things, so congrats on a job well done.
Best,
Kimberly
P.S. I voted for your blog in the 50 Top Bloggers contest! You really are one of my top faves to read!
I like the idea of a re-purposed revolution!!
Keep on keeping on…………
; )
Sarah,
Your words on shunning over- consumerism are truly inspirational and the quote by Vernon Howard is about to become my new Mantra. Thank you.
Oh these photos… yum hehe
I think the table looks gorgeous in blue. It must a real eye catcher when you walk in with everything else in white and neutral tones.
I’m agreeing on you wrt spray paint. The silver end table I did is already scracthed from Madam’s alarm clock (an old fashioned one with legs) and doesn’t go on as thick as normal paint. I have 2 projects – one new hall table courtesy of my neighbours nature strip and a coffee table I picked up a few months ago – and neither of them will be done with spray paint.
We didn’t bring a lot of furniture over with us when we moved, and I am re-furnishing my house with finds instead of doing a one-stop at a furniture place.
Here, here Sarah!! That’s the difference between a house and a home. Anyone can buy a heap of “Stuff” and put it together like they live in a magazine or you can collect recycled stuff with stories and put together a lovin place called home. Homes are far more interesting places to visit than houses and usually the people in them are too.
I also agree with you that ‘there is something strangely comforting to me in the therapeutic vibes of a paint brush’. We are renovating our house at the moment and everything is dusty and dirty so I’m unable to do what I love which is painting (oil on canvas) but at the weekend I was undercoating our skirting boards and suddenly I was transported to my happy place just because I had a paint brush in my hand and paint all over my clothes….ahh bliss!
I think it looks fabulous, blotches and all – it just adds to the charm of it. My favourite things are all pieces that I’ve found here and there and they’re also the ones I get complimented on and what gives our home its personality which is sometimes lacking in other people’s homes when they are filled with mass-produced items. Can’t wait to find some old goodies in Dubai! :)
What a great shade of blue, Sarah! I love it and how you accessorized the top, too. Thanks for your nice comment on my table. I’m impressed that you remembered my sofa! : )
Do you have a Facebook page or Twitter? Would love to follow you there, I’m on my iPhone and love reading your stuff!
I’m down with consumerism! Up with gratitude! There are more important things in life than stuff!
We don’t have much in the way of income, so we are working really hard (and working the system), and sacrificing much to make sure our kids can have a college education. When I watched my oldest walk across the stage and shake the hand of her university president in her black cap and gown, it was one of the high points in my whole life. I thought “every sacrifice was worth this moment right here”.
Looking forward to an ENTIRE summer of junking and garage saling!!! So excited! Even thinking of revisiting the idea of an antique shop here on the farm.
GREAT REVIEW! I totally agree with pretty much all you said in your post, especially at the end of your article. Thank you, this info is very useful as always. Keep up the good work! You’ve got +1 more reader of your super blog:) Isabella S.
I seriously believe that I have thee ugliest couch in America. It’s blue with big bold flowers all over it. I bought it at the thrift store for $30.00 and it’s a hide a bed. Perfect for over night guests or when I just want to sleep out by the fireplace in the winter. With a $30.00 sofa cover from Big Lots, it’s not as ugly anymore! The sleeper is very comfy too. I’m thinking the only new piece of furniture I have in the house is my big screen TV…but my son gave it me. Does this mean I have earned a shopping trip? HMMMM
Loved your post today Sarah, not just what you did to the cane/wicker stand but how many of your treasures, furniture and decor items have been rescued and restored, reinvented, resuscitated! Well done on all the vintage charm and I’m lovin’ the new beach cottage blue!
Such a pretty transformation and I love the “blotches.” There is something about imperfect things being perfect, don’t you think?
What color blue did you use? I am in the midst of re-doing some projects in my house and that is the perfect shade!
Thanks and have a great day,
Jenna
Love your blog! I have shared it with several friends and often on facebook. I just painted and old wicker chair a bright green and looks great with my beachy house. So much of what I do is from getting ideas from you. Now I want to find a drawer set like the one you just painted, Thanks!
Hi Sarah, Have been following your blog slavishly for what seems forever – LOVE your style cowgirl. Can I ask about the lacey, doily looking ‘curtains’ hanging oh-so-casually in the pic? Pray tell what they are/how do I get some/make some?
hi Es they are a crochet throw that I thrifted, vintage and just used as a drape, hope that helps, and thanks for following my blog! happy new year !
sarahx
OF COURSE they were thrifted! *sigh* I never have quite the same fortuitous luck when I am thrifting. All the same-its gorgeous and if you ever tire of it… ;-)