Refinishing a Dining Table

A few months ago I purchased a set of mid-century dining chairs from the flea market that had really great style, but needed some major TLC. The chairs came with a table and when I first saw it the legs were detached and it was in super shabby condition, not to mention that there were a bunch of what looked like old dental tools scattered on top of it, which sort of grossed me out. I didn't really want the table, I was really only in it for the chairs, but I begrudgingly hauled it to my car anyway.

I need a lot of furniture for my new apartment and naturally I'm on a budget. The dining chairs that I thought would work in my new space ended up being too big and I didn't want to over crowd the dining area because it is the only pathway to the kitchen. Then I got to thinking about that crusty old legless table and I thought....this is so crazy, it just might work.

Crazy for a couple of reasons. 1. The table needed a major overhaul (I apologize for not taking a before picture, apparently I was just super anxious to give it a make over that I forgot.) and 2. I am sort of anti DIY. I think in theory DIY projects are great, and if you have the time, talent, and patience to pull it off...more power to you. But I am not one of those people. I want things done right, especially when it comes to furniture, and I know my limitations. Nothing I do would ever come close to the beauty and precision I get when I take something to my upholstery shop to my wood finisher.

But with this ratty old table, I decided to give it a go just to see if I could do it. Of course I would need the help of my father, who is basically good at everything and also a licensed general contractor (although he had only refinished one other table before), and a step by step tutorial that I found online here. I skipped the first few steps and went straight to the sanding because our original surface was already pretty weathered and stripped. Then we stained and added 3 coats of clear finish. I let it dry for a day or 2 and then moved her in to my new place!

I was pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out. It's not perfect and the stain is a little splotchy in areas, but I think it's the kind of thing that only I would notice. My new, smaller scaled chairs should be arriving this week. And with that, my dining area is one step closer to accommodating dinner guests.

Today on Craigslist

People have told me that I have an eye for seeing diamonds in the ruff when it comes to home furnishings. I don't think that I've always had that knack, it's definitely something that I've developed over the years of observing good design. I shop on Craigslist, eBay, thrift stores, and flea markets regularly, but my treasure hunting has sort of been on overdrive now that I'm trying to furnish my new place.

I'm entertaining the thought of getting a new vanity to give me a little more storage and counter space in my little bathroom. I came across this beauty in my search. It's a little too big to fit into my space so one of you should snatch it up. Straight out of Whittier California, it is made of an antique side board and fitted with a carerra marble top and Kohler sink. At $1200 (and it's Craigslist so you can most definitely haggle for a little better price) you can't go wrong. I can't tell you how much more character this will add to your bathroom than something like this that is more expensive. And check out the same look from Restoration Hardware for double the price.

Snag it here.

Unpacking

I've decided that unpacking is significantly more fun than packing. Something about a clean slate and a fresh start and the chance to purge excess stuff that has been weighing you down for, in my case, 8 years. I only took things with me to my new apartment that I really love and need. Everything else was given away to friends and neighbors or hauled away to Goodwill in one of my 5 different drop offs. 

I spent a good 2 hours putting my dishes into their proper place in my cupboards, mostly because I kept stopping to stare in amazement at how neat and organized everything was. (I'd show you a photo of the cupboards at my last home, but you would most definitely think less of me.)

My sister asked me to text her photos of my unpacking progress so these are 2 of the photos I took with my phone, all featuring things that I love and most definitely can't live without: vintage goblets and glasses, everyday glasses, cute serving bowls, industrial mixing bowls, my moccasins, and about 1/4 of my design magazine collection. 

Influencial Designer / Tim Clarke

If I was giving advice to someone trying to find their way in the interior design profession (not that I'm an expert), one thing I would suggest, that I didn't do and sort of regret, is to work for a designer that you really admire. There are so many designers out there that create such beautiful interiors, each with their own unique take on design. I got a little over-anxious to start my own business shortly after graduating from design school and didn't take the opportunity to intern or assist for one of my favorite designers. To make up for it I devour design magazines, books, and designers' online portfolios and analyze every detail. I note everything from the color palette to textures and finishes, to furniture styles and layout, to the overall feel of the space.

I can honestly learn something new from every designer, even if I don't relate to their personal style, but there are a few who stand out that I constantly go back to for inspiration. I want to highlight those who have been the most influential for me here on my blog.

Today I wanted to share a few interiors by Tim Clarke, a Santa Monica based designer. His interiors are so pretty - I just don't know how else to describe them. They are put together so well and his palettes are always so soothing, but his spaces are never boring. His rooms seem to always have a comfortable beachy feel, which is so applicable to me since so many of my clients' homes are along the coasts of Southern California.

interiors by Tim Clarke