Following on from my post about all things yellow and grey for our lounge, here is one of my projects that I had lined up that needed some much needed TLC.
I have recently been made a Pinty Plus Ambassador and this is my very first piece that I’ve painted with their range of spray paints from Novasol. I have so many pieces of furniture that are in need of a spruce up and lots of ideas of items that can be fairly easily made and painted. So many ideas and so little time!
As always I’m on the look out for my next upcycling project and we were lucky enough to inherit this mid century piece from my husbands grandad. I quite liked the look of it in it’s natural state (teak) but it was damaged in parts and was generally looking a little careworn. It was never going to particularly be inkeeping with our colour scheme, although very popular with the current trend for all things mid century and scandinavian, I knew straight away that it would be a good choice for painting.
After carefully considering what would do the table justice we chose a grey Pinty Plus spray paint to cover it and I had plans to initially paint the drawer yellow. However, after spraying it, I realised it just wasn’t working and looked far too garish and wasn’t the look we were hoping for.
The yellow paint is so vibrant but it’s clearly best for statement pieces such as this clock. We absolutely love it and we have lots of little pieces that can be used to add a splash of bold colour here and there.
I then thought about covering the drawer in some patterned paper and had a look at what I could use for it. I didn’t have any luck tracking down a pattern that I liked enough or was able to source some paper, without having to buy a whole roll of wallpaper.
Then I got thinking about the wood itself underneath and it finally dawned on me that it would look much better as just natural wood. I have many many projects that need sanding so the necessity to buy a sander was apparent also the perfect excuse to finally buy one.
The drawer sanded down has exposed a lovely wood and I really think it adds some contrast to the unit and incorporates that scandi look that’s so in at the moment. The drawer has been finished with some wax and I’m pleased that I left it looking more simple, rather than papering it. I’m not sure I would ever have managed to match the drawer with the cushion anyway.
It was never going to be a straight forward paint job due to needing to change the cushion and realising that doing so, was not as simple as I first thought.
The original foam cushion was very flat and it wasn’t surprising after so many years of use. I knew that it wouldn’t be a case of simply covering it in fabric, as I knew that it needed a nice deep seat. There was only one way to achieve this and that was by buying something new. I purchased a piece of foam from Dunelm that needed cutting down to size slightly, ordered some fabric online and used some existing plywood we had to form a base for the foam. Then it was simply a case of stapling the fabric around the foam and under the base and voila something that resembles what an upholsterer might do (if you don’t look too closely).
It took me ages to decide on a pattern for the cushion but in the end I opted for this design from Dashwood Studios. I wanted a simplistic design that featured our key colours, grey and yellow. I found several styles that I liked but eventually settled on this flower design.
It’s taken much longer than I anticipated to complete this little restoration project but I’m thrilled with the outcome. The paint was pretty straight forward to apply (once I got the hang of it) and it’s left a really lovely glossy finish, that is extremely hardwearing. Great for everyday use and also for small fingers around the house!
I hope I’ve inspired you to have a go at sprucing up some pieces that you have around your home. I’ll be sharing my next project soon which is a nest of tables that I am painting and also sanding to go in the lounge. As the room progresses, I shall reveal more.
Nb. I was sent Pinty Plus spray paint to complete the telephone table as part of my role as a #pintypluser.
Love your choice of fabric here and how you paired it with the paint. The finished piece is beautiful!
Thank you Clare! The paint finish has turned out brilliantly but it wouldn’t look half as nice without the cushion added – I just love their fabrics x
It looks great Hannah, and you definitely did the right thing by sanding the drawer back to its natural state.
Thanks Helen 🙂 I think so too, sometimes less is more isn’t it! x
I absolutely love this, especially the colours you have chosen. We did something similar with a set of drawers a few years ago. Will definitely keep my eyes peeled for this paint when I find a new project x
This is gorgeous! You would never know it was upcycled, you have talent! I also love that yellow clock, we need something to go on the dark grey wall in our living room, and I’m feeling either yellow or neon pink! Thanks for the tips lovely x
Thanks Kate! Ah that is lovely of you to say 🙂 Ooh yes a nice pop of colour with the grey. Well you know that I’m a yellow fan but I love the idea of neon pink! I know my husband wouldn’t be quite so keen though x
This looks brilliant Hannah, love grey and yellow such a cool combo! x
I am very envious of this piece, I love the way it turned out. You have such a natural eye xx