Welcome to Down & Dirty Design! This is my very first blog post—I hope you enjoy!
I have several projects that were completed months ago, but I am so absolutely excited about how this one turned out, that I am showcasing it first.
When I first moved into my apartment about six months ago, I refinished an adorable, old drop-leaf table. However, I used an OOPS paint that, once dry, turned to a color that I was not so crazy about. Plus, I realized I could only fit two chairs around the table since the legs were so close together on the other two adjacent sides. Long story short…this table just wasn’t working for me. I eventually wanted to strip the top layer of paint to show off the beautiful wood underneath. What. A. Mistake. I ended up with the ugliest table imaginable. (I will post photos of this atrocity later).
About a month ago, I walked into my favorite thrift store & found a beauty of a table! Drop leaf, farmhouse table legs, REAL wood. I. died. And for only $18 how on earth could I resist???
Like a true DIY blogger newbie, I do not have a full before photo. I know…what was I thinking? But, here are some before shots as we were dismantling the table in order to sand the whole thing down, replace and tighten screws, and shine up the metal. This table was literally falling apart.
The left side is completely sanded, in comparison to the right side which is the original color. I paid special attention to the top of the table, as this was going to be stained therefore needed to be a clean, sanded surface.
I would like to introduce you to this little guy. He is my hero.
He is attached to a drillbit and turns this:
Into this:
I would also like to introduce you to my support group—my dad and my manfriend, Kyle.
They pretty much did everything. They were a BIG help.
Without further ado, here it the finished product!
Louie had to say hi!
I painted the base (as well as the chairs which I will share in another post) a creamy white (Honeymilk by Valspar) and stained the top in an Ebony stain. Lastly, I distressed the legs and base with my sanding block and applied one coat of Polycrlic to the legs and several coats to the top, sanding in between. I compare Polycrilic to that of a clear, top coat of nail polish; it helps protect what is underneath.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this post and found some inspiration of your own!
See you soon!
Chrissy
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Lol, they pretty much did everything! Your posts are interesting, creative AND funny! You get a follow! Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Love your blog–you’re having fun and sharing it with others. What a great thing to do. I think I’m gonna try the book wreath. Thanks!
Hi Chrissy! Your dining room table turned out so “Pottery Barn” and I LOVE Pottery Barn. You did an amazing job, and I can’t wait to see what you do with those great fabric colors and designs.
Sandy LaCroix
Hi Chrisy. Love your work, I too scour Thrift stores and buy mainly 50′s and 60′s furniture to restore. Look forward to seeing more projects. Cheers
Sandy
Sandy-thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! Do you have a site of your finds & transformations? If so, I would love to check it out!
Hi Chrissy!! I love it, really beautiful post. I’m going to be spreading the word. x
Thank you! <3
Nice blog Chrissy! Looking forward for you to get some new pieces and to see more of your projects on here. Keep up the good work.
Thank you babe! (and thanks for all of your help with my projects & for putting up with my love for thrift stores!)
Beautiful job Chrissy – on the blog as well as the table! The bobs would approve.
Lynetter-I think the Bobs would approve too! ; )
The blog looks great! I’m excited to get some crafty ideas from you.
Cool blog i like all the picture especialy the one with louie
Chris, you have such an incredible eye for design! I envy you! This table turned out beautifully… I gotta say, even though that apartment of yours only has one closet, you keep finding furniture for $20 at the thrift stores and you’ll have plenty of storage in no time. And it’s so much more unique and pretty than buying new stuff too. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Kath! I think you need to write a post about those adorable booties you made & I will feature it here! Let me know if you are interested.
OMG sister! I love this. You are truly talented. I cannot believe it went from that to THIS. And even tho, I don’t know all the DIY lingo, I can see you do and that you put a lot of work into it. I am so happy you are doing this site, as I know it’s your passion and like RuPaul you need to show it off! Your apartment is SO adorable. Wow. Ok, I will stop gushing. But I really love it. Can I hire you?
Thank you sister! And of course you can hire me! Feel free to pay me in wine…that’s all this girl needs!