I snagged this diamond in the rough at a thrift shop several months ago, and have been trying to figure out exactly what to do with it for my booth space at BarnHouse....
So many ideas for this piece, and so many color choices too. Should I paint it a weathered white, and showcase it with pretty bar items, or maybe a soft dove gray with a huge beverage server, vintage silver, old chippied plates, well worn linens and whatever else for a buffet service? Maybe it would make a great patio piece, painted my signature Robin's egg blue and staged with flowers, peat pots, plants, and garden tools?
The top tray is removable, for serving from, which makes it all the nicer. Should I paint the brass the color of the cart, or keep it natural? I'm still undecided....
What's your take on this little gem? Hmmmmm?
I've linked this post to the
Im afraid Im no help, any of those would be great! Maybe you should just figure its a no lose situation, close your eyes and grab the closest can of paint:>)
Posted by: Kathleen Grace | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I like the idea of the dove gray leaving the brass natural, but all the options are great.
Posted by: Susan | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I love this table. Oh to just weather it would be great.
Posted by: GG | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
What about just restoring the warm wonderful wood? Just a thought.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
The first thing I thought when I saw it was that flowers would be so cute in those bottles! Thats all the help I can be! Cant wait to see whatcha do with it!
Posted by: Betsy | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Oh my, Tracey, so many great ideas. Any of those would be fantastic. I know my input doesnt help, but I know it will be gorgeous no matter what you do with it.Cant wait to see its after pics!
Posted by: CosmoGirl Carla | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
The gray would be so classy; the weathered whitewould be my personal choice for my home. Its such a wonderful piece, cant wait to see what you do with it! xo Debra
Posted by: Debra @ Common Ground | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
What a find! I know your thing is painted furniture but my choice would be to try using furniture polish with a stain already in it to see if that would make this baby shine again. The wood is so beautiful . . . as is the brass, so I wouldnt paint either. Id like to see it stay as a server with plates, linens, silverware, etc. I cant wait to see what you do! Good luck at the show.
Posted by: Barb Smith | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I would paint it weathered cream and verdigris the metal portions...then it would fit in perfectly with MY house! LOL!
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Hi Tracey! Just wondering if youve tried the Annie Sloan chalk paint that is all the rage these days. Miss Mustard Seed has great tutorials on using the paint. Seems like this cart would be perfect painted with chalk paint. They have some great colors. Check it out and have fun at Barn House!
Posted by: Cyndi | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I love the idea of the porch potting idea. I would definitely paint it.
Posted by: Miss Char | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I think you should paint it black, high gloss- the metal would really shine.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Oh wow Tracey. I have not seen a table like this in years. I am looking so forward to seeing what you do with it. :o) You have such a beautiful eye for color and design, I just dont have any idea what I would do. I would be writing to you and asking your advice! ;o)Have a lovely weekend.Sincerely, Trish
Posted by: notes of sincerity | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I dont know why, but I thought bathroom for this Tracey. Shabby Chic white, with some fluffy white towels on the bottom part. Maybe some great bottles of bubble bath, bath salts, lotion in the holders {in pretty bottles, of course}. Magazines, chocolates on a small tray or dish, and other bath pretties on top and it looks like there is enough room between the leg and the top to hang one of those back scrubber loofas off.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Hello Tracey, long time fan of your blog. I would paint it a soft white, then wax it. The metal hardware would be sprayed in Krylons Brushed Metallic Satin in Nickel (kind of a slightly tarnished silver). Id add a large, vintage silver tray and use for a bar cart or perhaps a dessert cart. I dont have a blog, but you can see a little about us in my daughters blog eclaireart.com. Warmly, Barbara.
Posted by: Barbara Stevens | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Tracey, I am sooo tired of painted furniture. Just my opinion... I love the grain and I think with some polish it would be so lovely. Jan
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I agree, Jan, that the grain on this piece is particularly attractive. I vote leave it as is (after a good cleaning and polishing)! A beautiful crystal decanter set and some antique spritzer bottles and Bobs your Uncle!
Posted by: Anonymous | July 21, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Love the grain. What if you stripped and stained the top a dark walnut, followed by some dark Briwax? Then paint the rest a subtle off white, again with wax. The metal looks like a dull brass, just leave it. I would think this lovely would find many suitable places in your home. In bath or bedroom with fluffy towels and old jars of bathsalts... or near the dining area, topped by a silver tray and stacks of mismatched tea cups. It would even be extravagantly useful in your studio, with the jars set in the bottom holding pencils, and the top with books and artful supplies. You have found something very special. Now I am going to keep my open so I can copy you!
Posted by: martha | July 22, 2011 at 05:00 PM
I might try an unexpected color. I think the market is getting a little white saturated....just my opinion. I wouldnt touch the brass, well just clean it up a bit. I love the old tarnished brass. What a fun piece.Kathy
Posted by: Anonymous | July 23, 2011 at 05:00 PM