Makeover for a Pair of Thrifted Stools

When I spied this pair of stools at the thrift store, I knew that they would be perfect for a makeover. I love their shape and versatility. They had been painted (with chalk paint) that was badly scratched and honestly, poorly painted to start with.

I lightly sanded them, wiped them clean with white vinegar, and painted them with a pretty, peacock green oops paint I recently purchased. I clear coated them after painting. Here is a great ttip when brush painting stools or chairs--always turn them over and paint the legs and underside first.

I love these as stools because they sit flat against a wall (or bar) and don't stick out from under a counter.

But, these stools also make fantastic side tables for spaces where you might need a smaller profile.

They are a nice height for a chair or table that has a higher arm and again, like at a counter, they sit flat against the furniture. There is enough space on top to sit a book, a mug of coffee, and even something decorative.

Stools make fantastic, sturdy plant stands.

However they get used, the pair will be available for sale at my August POP-UP SHOP, "Home Stories".

A Warm Vignette Created with Recently Curated Objects

The sourcing for my pop-up shop has been sparse because I have been busy playing in the great outdoors and I have been fairly picky about what I have been buying. But, I have found some lovely items that will be available at my August pop-up shop. I styled some of these curated goodies to create a warm and unique vignette.

My next pop-up shop theme is "HOME STORIES". I hope to help customers find home decor that they love and that feel a connection to. I want people to have their living spaces tell their stories, not the local home story aisle 12 story. Keep reading to learn about the details of these vintage, one-of-a-kind finds.

This mid-century style chair I shared with you a few years ago. I have been using it in my home, but I am ready to part with it now. The pillows that sit in have great texture and I love the mix of patterns. The blue color on the front pillow (that does have a rust colored top stitched line that matches the chair seat color) is repeated in the silk stitched piece and the long, narrow needlepoint piece. 

The table next to it is an antique find. It was scratched and in rough shape, but solid.

I decided I wanted to leave some of the age and character so I didn't sand out every scratch and mark. Instead I lightly hand sanded it and then stained over it all with a dark, mocha stain. I then clear coated the table. I am happy that the original tag was still on the bottom. 

I did a little research and learned that the company manufactured furniture, mostly library tables, from 1906-1916. I love furniture pieces with a history so i don't want to completely erase that history by sanding it out or painting over it. This table has been used and enjoyed in other homes--I'd love to know its whole story.

I love the detailed molding or apron.

Across the table I placed a piece of yellow and brown plaid fabric. I thrifted this and will probably use it to recover a bench seat or chairs. It does make a nice runner in the meantime. The vintage art print in an antique piece is an interesting find. It is a print and it is old, I can see that from the paper it is printed on. But, it has a canvas looking texture to it which I haven't seen before in old prints. I loved the warm, rich colors and the frame. The little library table holds books on the bottom shelf. 

A trio of card wood boxes sit on one end of the table. They provide hidden storage and fantastic, interesting texture. 

Next to the boxes I styled a vintage, 1970's pitcher with faux stems. Remember, if you are going to use fake, make sure they are good fake and no fake ivy! I set the pitcher on top of an overturned copper dish to give it a little more height and to repeat the copper color in the oval dish I hung on the wall.

This hand embroidered, African textile has great colors and textures, The vintage, needlepoint, narrow wall hanging fills the space between artworks beautifully and incorporates more texture and repeated colors into the space. A stitched, silk, Asian piece hangs opposite the needlepoint. It has a few stains on it, but it a gorgeous and very old piece of art. 

The copper dish fills a hole under the silk stitched art and adds warm color. The oval shape breaks up the rectangles and creates visual interest. 

When hanging a wall grouping, don't hang items too far apart from each other because it breaks up the flow of the eyes. You want the grouping to feel connected not disjointed. 

SLOW decorating is all about telling your story and your home's story. Take the time to curate items that speak to you, that you love and display them in an interesting way. Let's say no to boring, cookie cutter, big box store decor!