Wednesday, May 24, 2006

TO PAINT OR NOT TO PAINT?

That was my question. Over the years I have spent many hours stripping layers of paint off various pieces of lovely furniture returning them to their former glory. I’ve often considered why anyone would want to paint a nice looking chest of drawers, chair, mirror, table etc., etc., in the first place, but I guess that as most of these items date back to the Victorian era, which is noted for its dark overbearing style, their subsequent owners were desirous of ’doing a bit of a make over’ and updating to a lighter, brighter colour. Personally, I very much like the Victorian style and my dining room and bedroom are furnished accordingly.

However, I think some changes could be afoot, as last weekend I finished off painting the pine dresser top and a small pine table that I have in my conservatory. I have to admit I did this with bated breath, and found myself thinking, “I can’t believe I’m doing this”. I will add that these pieces aren’t exactly valuable and I certainly won’t be trying my painting effects on my real treasurers, but nevertheless, I am surprised and thrilled with the results. Am I right, or have I made a dreadful mistake and should I go rushing for my paint stripping equipment again? Do let me know. Pity I didn’t take a before photograph then a better comparison could be made.


22 comments:

Sigruns German Garden said...

Marion, it looks lovely, I would do also. It looks good to the colour of the wall. As you I like also the Victorian style and have a lot of dark cupboards. But in this case it looks very good.

Sigrun

Dawn said...

I like the looks of this!! It is lovely!

Terri said...

I love it,Marion! It looks wonderful with your blue walls and blue & white dishes!

Susie said...

A perfect little corner, Marion. You did a lovely job on this!

TJ said...

Hey Marion!
Loved your post...it is always the way...when you are in the middle of something you are really too busy to take pictures but wish you had when you were finished...that is the way I am too...btw...is that a vase of lilacs? I have one in my guest bedroom/office but mine are silk...but I would love to be able to go out to a garden and bring fresh in...anybody that can is very blessed...and those of us that can't well we make do and are still blessed :-D

Rosa said...

I love it! I have never painted furniture but I buy painted furniture. Isn't that funny? I am always so afraid to take a brush to it even it I despise the piece in its current state. But, I am drawn to it if it's already painted! Go figure!! I love the pretty color you chose and your setup.

Anonymous said...

That looks so pretty. What a good idea to paint the table underneath the same. :o)

Anonymous said...

The pieces are lovely together and truly set off your dishes. The lilacs are a wonderful touch. You can almost smell their beautiful fragrance.

Carole Burant said...

Marion, no need to worry, I think it looks fabulous and the colour certainly offsets your beautiful dishes! Also blends in well with the wall colour...perfect all around:-)

Anonymous said...

Somehow that table looks familiar to me ?????????

Anonymous said...

Hi Marion. I found your blog through Sigrun's German Garden, and I love it. Have bookmarked it and will come back to read more and enjoy more photos :-)

Anonymous said...

How fresh and pretty...! I have been looking at an ugly brown dresser for two years..should I paint..or not.
Well after seeing what you have accomplished
I'm off to buy the paint. Thank you for the inspiration!!

Mindy said...

Marion it is just lovely. Love how it looks!! Job well done!!! blessings and hugs to you...

Boxwood Cottage said...

Oh my this is so absolutely and perfectly lovely Marion!!! I totally love the whole corner! The white looks splendid on the chair, the gorgeous table and the beautiful shelf! I love the light blue walls the pretty wall clock and the dishes in the shelf too and the lilac and just everything really! Very well done! Very delightful!

Homemaker's Heart said...

You did a lovely job! It turned out beautiful. You are very talented. I'm glad to see you are doing well and can enjoy being creative again. {{Hugs to you}}

Alice said...

They look lovely, Marion. Thank goodness you didn't paint them and then batter and scratch them to make them look old again. Okay, I know it's the 'in' thing, but I hate it.

Your newly painted furniture looks perfect in that little corner, and so inviting.

patsy said...

just found you feel so lucky, i have not found a blog from wales before, i like to read blogs from other places and i will return to see how you are doing. i live in arkansas usa.

Diana LaMarre said...

I think it looks just perfect. So light and airy.

I found your blog from a comment you left on Tammy's blog.

I see a lot of familiar faces here!

I look forward to coming back to see more. I love & collect dishes so I enjoyed the posts about your "finds" on your weekend jaunts.

Kerri said...

It's lovely Marion. Very crisp and clean. I'm a big fan of blue and white. Beautiful dishes. You must be feeling better to be able to do some painting. I'm very glad for you!

Lilibet said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous. I recently read a blog where the author stated simply that one of the 100 things about her was "I believe in painting it white."

Ms Charity Case said...

I wish that belonged to me it looks a lovey cosy corner. I had a dresser that my sister painted in the 80's(pink and blue,yuck)I was given it years ago and spent hours trying to strip it, in the end I gave up and had it dipped and stripped. I have now painted it this last summer in "off white" and love it all over again. By the way I like your china.

Ms Charity Case said...

I wish that belonged to me it looks a lovey cosy corner. I had a dresser that my sister painted in the 80's(pink and blue,yuck)I was given it years ago and spent hours trying to strip it, in the end I gave up and had it dipped and stripped. I have now painted it this last summer in "off white" and love it all over again. By the way I like your china.