Resolved not to let two things happen as I build my business — 1. The garage will NOT get so over stocked with furniture that my kids risk concussions as they make their way to their backpacks and school shoes. 2. Our house will NOT morph into a furniture gallery as the furniture pieces await their new homes. It’s a challenge isn’t it?
The answer? If I want to move a piece quickly in order to make room for the next project, I paint it white or a neutral shade. Case in point — this piece was added to my etsy shop last week. I had a buyer 15 minutes later. That’s not the first time this has happened.
White is amazing and can sooo easily catapult a tired old buffet to new heights. However, it’s not my favorite go-to color for any piece of furniture although I understand why it has such appeal to the furniture-buyer.
Process
1. Sanded the top with my new orbital sander. It’s an incredible little tool.
2. Cleaned the piece.
3. Painted it with homemade chalk paint.
4. Stained the top with one coat Minwax Dark Walnut Stain.
5. Sealed the entire piece with Minwax Wipe-on Poly. I don’t usually use poly on white pieces but the poly actually toned down the white a bit so I didn’t mind using it.
Original hardware was used which is something I love to do, especially when the hardware is as beautiful as this. It also serves as a reminder of the buffet’s origins.
Another example of a piece that sold quickly: This cute early 20th century piece was painted white and the top drawers were given a fresh coat of my favorite yellow color.
Here’s a picture of the sander I purchased. It wasn’t my first choice but was in stock and I REALLY needed one for a big sanding job so I got this and am pleased with it.
Take a look at how well it works. The picture above shows the old dark stain and the raw wood after sanding. It took about 30 minutes to sand the entire top.
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Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said:
Beautiful job Martha! And I agree, it’s hard to run a business from your home and not have it take over!
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BeColorful said:
I could so relate to your post… the furniture overtaking the house and needing to move it out quickly. My pieces are usually multi patterned crazy pieces with a limited appreciative audience. With our sale event only a few weeks away I am paying attention to your white post and I know you are right. It isn’t the most exciting way to paint a piece but it always looks great and moving them on and out is ultimately the goal for now. Thanks for reminding me I am not alone. 😀
p
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martha at MarthaLeoneDesign.com said:
I hope your sale event goes well. I’m learning that even those white/neutral pieces are very valuable for me… I can refine my painting technique, experiment with new products, and grow in my appreciation for neutral tones. And, I can’t deny the obvious market for those tones… each of my neutral pieces quickly. Have fun balancing the desire for color and neutral tones!
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Sarah @ Alderberry Hill said:
HAPPY EASTER!
Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later today!
I hope you are having a wonderful Easter weekend, and join me this evening for Make the Scene Monday #68!
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Goedele said:
You were featured at Old Red Barn: Crafty Country Cottage Link Party!
Goedele
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Gail (@repurposedlife) said:
Love this piece…I will never tire of this two-toned look. Not surprised it sold so quickly. Good plan to move stuff, and not let it pile up… I hope it continues to work for you. 🙂
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WEST FURNITURE REVIVAL said:
LOVE YOUR BUFFET AND I WOULD LOVE TO INCLUDE IT ON A SPECIAL FEATURE IM DOING ON BUFFETS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW I THIS WOULD BE OK
LAUREN
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martha at MarthaLeoneDesign.com said:
Hi Lauren, Yes. Feel free to share it. Thanks so much for that.
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Danielle said:
This is gorgeous. I love you to share this at my link party if you get a chance – http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/2013/03/silver-pennies-sundays-link-party_24.html
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martha at MarthaLeoneDesign.com said:
Hi Danielle:
Thanks for your comment. I’ll head over this morning and link up!
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Danielle said:
Thank you so much for linking up! So great to have your beautiful piece at the party. Hope you’ll come back tomorrow to share some more of your beautiful pieces.
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AllyJo said:
It is marvelous. Looks so much better painted. And I love that Globe.
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Goedele - Old Red Barn said:
This is just beautiful! I host a link party: Crafty Country Cottage, every weekend. It would be great if you could join the party with one of your projects. Hope to see you soon!
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Angie said:
Overstocked garage? Um, guilty!! 🙂 Beautiful work! Love the stained top against the white. Very safe, but you’re right, it moves!!
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Brynne said:
I think this is the perfect paint + stain combination for the piece. I came over from Miss Mustard Seed’s furniture link party to tell you how much I enjoy the finished product!
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martha at MarthaLeoneDesign.com said:
Thanks Brynne. I’m headed to your blog to visit a while.
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Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine said:
I just love the buffet, classic lines and it was the perfect choice to paint white!
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Jenna said:
Looks amazing! I love it! Pinning! I know exactly what you mean about the garage and avoiding concussions! Its a miracle someone in my family hasn’t gotten one yet. I’ve got a dresser, chest of drawers, buffet, and two end tables out there right now!
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SomeCrafty said:
Absolutely stunning!!! I have a few pieces that I’ve finished for myself and a few more “projects” in the basement. Can’t wait to get working on them as your pieces are inspiring!
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Peggy said:
Martha,love this I am looking for one to fix up for myself.I love your work,thanks.Peggy
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Gretchen@BoxyColonial said:
That sounds like a really hard balance to strike…doing what you love but still making things with mass appeal. My mom has a shop, and I know she’s told me she refuses to have mid century stuff in her space even though it’s trendy, because she just hates it. The buffet turned out beautifully even if it is boring old white, though 😉
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Susan D said:
I totally agree. I have very quickly realized blog land and real life are very different things. A really different looking piece in a bright color can make a great blog post, but it doesn’t mean I can sell it in my area.
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martha at MarthaLeoneDesign.com said:
So true. So many people are doing such a wonderful job at these types of “traditional” transformations as shown in this post. I enjoy this type of treatment but this isn’t where I’m headed as a furniture painter (is that what we call ourselves??). I’m fascinated by more innovative approaches to design… always have been. And yes, those more avant garde designs take longer to sell but when they find their home, you know that the buyer is the right one for the piece because they appreciate the innovation. Have a wonderful day and thanks for your comment!
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Amy said:
Great job Martha. Your work continues to amaze me! A fresh, clean look. I love the contrast with the dark top.
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