Pure Organization Project #6: Reinvent a Beauty (Our Coffee Table Makeover)

So after our crazy weekend of bench-haggling and coffee-table searching (see previous posts) we found "the one!"  We'd searched all day and found everything BUT the coffee table I was looking for & I was about to give up.  For a last-ditch effort, we stopped at the Restoration Hardware outlet.  I sat in the car with Justin while Dave ran in & texted me pictures and prices.  He found this table:


It was beautiful and had the exact lines I was looking for (of the cursed bench to be exact.)   And it was only $188.  But I knew the wood (as gorgeous as it was) would sadly be wrong in our living room:


While I often mix woods, this would be way too much mixing.  The gorgeous grayed barnwood finish just wouldn't work with my warm green sofa or the other woods in the room and was way too close to my rug.  And since Better Homes & Gardens is having me remove my cow hide (they get complaints form readers when they see them in homes) I really needed some white in that area of the room or it would feel too blah.  (above)  So the options I thought of were: white marble (gorgeous, but kind of a costly & kid-unfriendly fix) and white vinyl.   Here it was before (I know it's really beautiful.)


And here it is now:


We went with the faux white leather (vinyl) for $8.  (By the way, that candle on the table smells INSANELY WONDERFUL and it's the Elle DEcor 20th Anniversary candle by Votivo.  I'm now a bit obsessed am am guessing all of their candles are probably this good...  Could be my new additcion.)  Anyway, I coudn't bear to cover up that wood (love it!!) so we went to Home Depot and had a piece of plywood cut 1/4" smaller than the barnwood table top so there would be room for the vinyl to fit around the sides ($17).  (And now we can use the pretty wood somewhere else.)  Here is is layed out ready to be stapled:


Once we wrapped the vinyl around the new piece of wood, Christian "helped" drill the screws in the frame:


I chose the white vinyl because it's cleanable, low-maintenance and super-cheap.  (And I love the look...  it's hard to tell from the photos but it has a great leather grain.  I used to be "meh" about vinyls but they really do have so many gorgeous ones out there.)  So one more view, here it is before:



And here it is now:


Much better for our space!  Clearly I worked a little harder at the styling, but I took the 'before" early in the morning (lazy) and couldn't have my 'before' looking better than the after now could I?  ;)  It's really soft and I love having a larger square table because there's more suraface area for displaying our things.  I keep dirtying it on purpose & testing the clean-up, and so far so good!  (Do you spy lab a lab beaker?? shocker! I found more at that flea market a month or so ago & just tossed in some leaves from my paperwhites that have no bloomed & gone...  No sense wasting green these {freezing} days.


Like I said, I love mixing woods & metals.  I'm  so happy withe the clean modern lines & pure white of the table against the crackled curvier gold antique chair:


So what about my little lucite table??  I don't know!!  I love it too.  We can't decide, but I'm getting a bit sentimentally attached to this one and am thinking of inviting some friends over to chant around it tonight and get the word out that it's "not for sale."  ;)


Also, I do think everything happens for a reason and I have to tell you all that I had such fun this weekend with this whole bench/ table fiasco!!  You all made me feel like you were on my team, feeling my frustrations with me.  It made it all fun & silly and I really appreciate that.  Also, I'm SO over the bench but when I go back (I will go back :)  I'll try to snap a pic of the bench on my phone so you can all see it.  But this one fits the space so much better and it was such a fun, easy inexpensive project vs. having to pay for reupholstery & tufting. 

So anyway, the project this week is to:

 Reinvent or freshen up something in your home that isn't quite right.  {even if it's already beautiful}

This may involve recovering, painting, staining, rearranging, embellishing or even replacing something in your house that isn't perfect for a space.  The coffee table was beautiful before I touched it & I'm sure some people may consider what I did an atrocity, but it wasn't right for the space.  Are there objects like this in your home?  It's time to get critical.  Sometimes we have things in our homes that are beautiful but that just don't do anything for the space.  Getting rid of these things or changing them can be hard to do, especially if we've paid a lot of money for something, but it's like admitting a mistake.  So now's the time to take a piece and customize it to your space.  Make it perfect.  And if there's no way to make it work for your space, consider saying goodbye to it and sending it to a home where it'll be loved.

xoxo,
lauren

There were some pretty junk drawers linked up to last week's post and if you missed them you can go back & check them out here.  I'd love to see your "reinvented beauties" so link up if you have a reinvented something to show us all!  Make sure to link to the address of the exact post, not to your whole blog or we won't be able to find it, and type in your name and the subject/ title of the post.  :)  (Also, Please don't link up if your post doesn't pertain to the Pure Organization Project-  thanks I really appreciate it!) 

Also, today's the last day to enter the Inside Avenue Giveaway!!



50 comments:

Janis@HomeStyle said...

You're right that table was a beauty, glad you figured out a way to change it and still keep the original top.....it looks fantastic in white!!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Lauren, I am so glad you have your table. Looks great, and completely agree that you have to do what it right for your home. I've got a dark old piece that is waiting for a make-over. I am sure the purists would die....but it just doesn't fit in my home. I posted a cerused oak piece today....seems very popular at the moment. Cannot wait to hear all about your photo shoot. Tomorrow I am doing a post on a home that was in two different magazines, 3 years apart. I was actually surprised at how little was changed from one to the next. Sorry for the novel here!

Jaime Rogers said...

I think you did a great job, I am always impressed by the initiative so many in the blogosphere take in "altering and installing" pieces themselves as I am all thumbs! Nicely done and very interesting about BHAG not liking cow hides due to readers complaining...something to keep in mind for the showhouse I am participating in...shoot.

All the best,
Jaime

MFAMB said...

i think the white looks great. you were right the space needed that reflective bright white to wake up the room. good job.
can't wait for the mag to come out!!
i am a little weirded out by the fact that the cowhide is a no go. it gives your traditional room a little edge. i hope they put the edge back in there with something else.

Tammy@InStitches said...

Lauren, it turned out really pretty. I've been planning on making a cream faux leather (is that what you mean by vinyl ?) headboard for my guest room.

I linked my new and improved, clean and organized workroom to your party !! Woooo.

Kathysue said...

How wonderful to have found the perfect size and shape and then you were able to make it your own. I think that is important that it feels like YOU!! The pop of white is nice and bright,just like YOU!! Kathysue

cardinalkay said...

Very nice. That couch of yours is scrumptuous.

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

Love what you did with the table, I would have never thought of that. It looks great in your room!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

I'm dying over reading up about the bench! How could they not give in and gave Dave the bench!!! Boo hoo to them. You found something better. I love the look of it!

Diane and Kelly said...

Hi Lauren,
I love what you've done! I like the cowhide, too. I don't get why people who wear leather shoes and eat cheeseburgers for lunch object to a cowhide on the floor!

Beautiful work!

Kelly
Second Hand Chicks

elisabeth (bovagoods) said...

lauren, i love it! and it's so great that you can re-use the wood. i love old barn wood. i am invisioning something like what michelle (three men and a lady) did in her master bedroom here:

http://windhula.blogspot.com/2009/09/sneak-preview.html

too bad about the cow hide. i'm always a fan of flokati rugs...not good with kids (burried crayons and goldfish crackers!) but the texture is great.

have a great week!
~elisabeth

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The coffee table is just perfect and I really love your sofa too. I am on the lookout for a new sofa and the style of yours is just perfect. Everything looks wonderful. Hugs, Marty

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

You certainly have the magic! Looks great and a great price too... I love that!

Puppy day care said...

Great job. I did love your lucite table, but this looks great too. So silly about the cowhide issue! If I could ever get it together, I will participate in one of your projects!

Marija said...

Good choice on the white! But I do love the cowhide. Can you go fake? Or are you anti-fake (some people totally are). BTW, I accidentally entered my name on the wrong mr. linky so if you can delete it from last weeks project list, please don't hesitate. Otherwise, there is a re-purposed dresser in your drawer organziation post!).

Marija

lizziefitz said...

Thank the Lord! Mission complete! You can scratch that off your list. Of course fast forward to you being "escorted" out of the store while trying to take camera phone pics of the bench, Tee Hee! Oh MY!

Karen said...

Love your blog. Great idea to cover that top with the vinyl but not alter the nice wood underneath. Love it!

EMILY said...

I just read your last few posts... I can totally sympathize!!! There is a couch at one of my favorite thrift stores that I have asked several times (to several different sales people/managers) about it... same thing... Not For Sale! Why the heck not... don't you want my money to go to the charity you support!?!?! 'My couch' is located in the apparel section!?

simply seleta said...

Oh my gosh, it's gorgeous!!! You never cease to amaze me with your talent.

Living It At Home said...

Lauren! Your coffee table transformation is just perfect for your space! I love how it came out. Once again, never would have even thought of any of it...you are so talented!

Perfect, perfect, perfect! Enjoy it~

Razmataz said...

I actually really like it before also. What a great idea to cover it rather than paint, so you can revert back to it in the future.

Loved your previous post about the becnh. I too ahve been know to obsess about a piece of furniture.

I was surprised about the cow hyde rug thing and the magazine. I think they should keep yours in the photos. It adds character.

Chania

Allison said...

So chic, I LOVE it!

spark! (Ada-Marie) said...

Looks great -- way to make lemonade with your lemons, girl! ;)

Low Tide High Style said...

I don't know what that bench at the store looked like (can't wait to see your cell phone pic), but it couldn't look better than that fab table you found at RH and made your very own!

Now I have to go find that candle!

Kat :)

ALEX ALLIO said...

SUCH A GOOD IDEA AND SO EASY TO REALIZE AS SOON AS I FIND TWO "BEAUTIFUL BOYS " TO HELP ME ... OUPS MAYBE MY HUSBAND AND "TEEN" COULD MAKE IT IF I SHOW THEME THE PICTURES ... it would be easier to make it myself !
Thanks again for all your good ideas
Have a nice day
Alexandrine

gigi said...

i think i would put two together, one looks too small.

Fargerike Dagny said...

Looks fabulous with the white vinyl!! Very crisp! And I can't belive that guy in the thrift store, what a jerk!

Re:Fresh Design Studio said...

It looks great in white! I really love it in your space, but am hoping you bring back the lucite after the shoot! Otherwise I'll take it off your hands ;-)

Rie said...

Wow, what a creative solution. It really looks great! I love that you took the other wood out to use somewhere else. Can't wait to see where!

emma said...

my present to you... http://treasuresforlife.net/index.htm (would love to hear if you get anything if you do go) - also, there's a wooden footstool with a black & pink paisley cushion @ the big lots (I know, odd place for something - I was looking for plastic storage for under a sink) that I thought of your blog when I saw it. a friend shared your blog, she said you're her neighbor, and since I am, too, that makes us neighbors as well. FWIW, I also love that thrift store & they enlisted my 4 y.o. to volunteer there soon (dressing barbies...). Maybe you guys could as well & make friends with the manager... :)

Lovely Little Nest said...

Such a great idea! It looks wonderful :)

Tina said...

Love, love, love the table Lauren:) It looks fantastic in your living room! Thanks for Project # 6, can't wait to get startede!! Have a lovely day enjoying your new table ~ Tina x

LindsB said...

It looks perfect there!! BHG is sure to love this one.

Rachael Sedory said...

Looks great!!!

Unknown said...

Ok, so I was thinking I was totally going to read your post today and find out you got your bench, I mean what a great Valentine's Day story!! But...I am so loving this coffee table and am incredibly jealous you have a RH outlet!! The table looks amazing, what a great idea you came up with and here I was so sad to see the lucite table go, this one looks just as great if not better!

Unknown said...

Ok, so I was thinking I was totally going to read your post today and find out you got your bench, I mean what a great Valentine's Day story!! But...I am so loving this coffee table and am incredibly jealous you have a RH outlet!! The table looks amazing, what a great idea you came up with and here I was so sad to see the lucite table go, this one looks just as great if not better!

elizabeth said...

maybe we should all start complaining that there aren't any cowhide rugs featured in BHG?!

the new table looks fabulous. we did a sofa in white faux ostrich, and it is so easy to maintain (even with four big dogs).

Leanne said...

The table transformation looks amazing. I love the whole room. Congratulations on the shoot.

Maria Killam said...

I just adore your sense of humour!! And I love what you've done with the table (of course). Great work, I can't wait to see the magazine when it comes out at XMAS!! You rock Lauren!

Saara {www.varv.ca} said...

Sorry you didnt get "your" bench! This makeover is great, if that makes you feel better! Too bad the table wasn't a bit longer though, then I think it would be AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Lovely outcome! smiles.

Anonymous said...

What a great find - I miss Restoration Hardware Outlets! I linked to my project for the week - however, I've realized my week-long project is turning into a month-long project. :( Stripping door is hard work!

Catherine said...

Love the white! xo Trina

Unknown said...

What a great table! I can't believe the difference, it looks great with your sofa! I love that color green too, I'm repainting my bathroom a similar color!

Wandering No More said...

Hey Lauren,

Something totally off-topic here... I'd like to see your TV! My husband just had a flat screen delivered to our door and we don't have the luxury of a separate TV room. I'd love a post on how to "display" these TV's that doesn't make them look like an eyesore.

Thanks for considering this as a future post!!!

Amy

The Painted Home said...

Lauren, you had a great vision with that table! Love!

Char said...

Oooh I love it! We have a coffee table "project" that I haven't started because I didn't know what to use for the table top. I was thinking of concrete, but it's large so that would be insanely heavy. Vinyl is a perfect (and cheap) solution. Where did you purchase your vinyl from?

Kaley Garin said...

Votivo candles are my fave, fave, FAVORITE!!!!!!!! Especially the Red Currant...absolutely divine! They are a little pricey however, the scent can fill an entire room and they last a good while too.

ps - love the white table!

Windlost said...

Lauren, what a gorgeous makeover - I love it. You are so creative, wow! And what great helpers you have in Dave and Christian. Love your styling. Those teal books are to die for (I am on a teal bent).
Beaker love too.

xo Terri

Ms. Manor said...

Another fabulous project...Keep them coming!
Cordially,
Ms. Manor