I don't know if this has happened to you, but I suspect it has for
many. You inherit something from someone you love but you
really don't care for it. Not everyone has the same taste, especially
when it comes to home furnishings.
So here it is ~ my inherited but unloved piece. It's a server. It's
actually a good quality piece, but the style is one I would never
choose. It is extremely functional. The top opens up like a book,
giving you a wide surface to serve food. Inside there is ample
storage and a silver cloth lined drawer. I don't think it works
with my hardwood floor in the dining room. It seems as though
the piece just grew up out of the floor.
It's not something I want to keep. It belonged to my Mom, so it has
sentimental value, however she was not all that fond of it either.
A designer in Phoenix talked her into it. She really wanted another
piece, but she caved. The lesson to be learned here is stick to your
guns! Don't let someone (no matter how well intentioned) talk you
into buying something you don't love.
Since I have not found the piece I want to replace it, and with the
holidays looming ahead, I decided to keep it for now but paint it.
I think I can live with it a bit longer now. I still don't love it, but at
least it stands alone now and does not look like an outgrowth of the
floor. I do apologize for this pic. The actual paint color is closer
to the image below.
I distressed it a bit too of course.
Any guesses how long it will take David to notice I painted the
server? I never know for sure. Sometimes he surprises me and
mentions it right away. Other times he notices but just does not
say anything. That happens more often because he really prefers
furniture to be stained. Y'all know what I am talking about here.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Hi Susan and Bentley, I totally understand what you mean about inherited but unloved pieces. You did a fantastic job painting and distressing this server. I have to say I love it and especially the doggy painting above it. Typically hubby and I don't wait wood pieces but have refinished several expensive pieces and some antique and make them a darker color. Hope you find the perfect piece to take it's place and enjoy it til you do.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
I love that Scottie painting. My very first dog when I was a little girl was a Scottie named Bonnie Heather MacGregor.
DeleteI know for sure I inherited one from My Mom that must be from the same line.It looks exactly like it only longer.Also I thought it a little funny that Our husbands don't get painting furniture.My piece is in My bedroom.
ReplyDeleteMen just like stained wood. I like stained wood pieces too, but I like to contrast them with some painted furniture too. Men just don't get it.
DeleteIt looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It will be okay for now, but I am on the hunt for something else.
Deleteyou did good.. I like it.
ReplyDeletewhat color did you use?
enjoy it till you do find something you love
Hi Sonny. The color is a grayed green.
DeleteI like it much better painted! I do know what you mean, I've inherited several items that aren't my style nor my daughters so it will be donated or sold.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
I think it's hard to give up inherited pieces. A favorite person once loved a piece of furniture and now you have it but don't love it. It feels disloyal somehow.
DeleteJust grew up out of the floor? Hillarious!!! I don't think David will say anything about this one. I like it painted. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI know it's funny, but really ~ doesn't it look like that? Could be a script for a sci~fi decorating movie ;-)
DeleteI think it looks really nice painted! I know what you mean about not loving something and no matter what you do to it, the love is just not there.
ReplyDeleteTrue ~ I really tried hard to love it, but I just can't. Maybe someone else will.
DeleteIt looks lovely now you have painted it! Love the colour you chose, and the details show up really well.
ReplyDeleteHappy week!
Helen xox
Thank you Helen! Your compliment means so much to me because you are my creative idol!!
DeleteI was going to suggest painting it, but wasn't sure if you would feel comfortable with that, also is there another family member that you could pass it on to who have the right style of home, or a more similar taste to this piece that would love and appreciate it then you would know it was still in the family and being loved, but you could find something else for your own home? xx
ReplyDeleteI don't have any family member who live nearby. I think I will end up donating it to a local thrift shop.
DeleteYes ma'am I do know what you are talking about! The piece looks so much better painted. I used to have one of these, and it was extremely functional -- wish I had never sold it!
ReplyDeleteThey are functional. Do you want mine?
DeleteI always love the painted pieces but being a purist I won't do it! Esp love the contrast of the wood top with the painted bottom. A good compromise until you find a piece you love.
ReplyDeletePainted furniture has been around since the early Egyptians. Staining wood became more common because it was actually less expensive to stain than paint. I personally like a combination of some stained and some painted pieces.
ReplyDeleteAll the time I was reading your blog I kept think " just paint it" and then you did. It does look much better it might grow on you.
ReplyDeleteMary ~ you are psychic ;-)
DeleteHello sweet lady, I think you have the creative talent to change any piece of furniture and make it a delightful piece !
ReplyDeleteI love the new look, it's a fitting piece for your beautiful Texas home.
Give Bentley a scratch on the head for me, I've been rather absent lately, but hope to do better.
Hugs,
~Jo
Thank you Jo! Wish Tennessee was closer to Texas!
DeleteThat's what I'm talking about! Yes with the paint. Huge difference.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat!
DeleteIt's gorgeous! Love that you left the top part stained. Stopping by from Savvy Southern Style.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Pam! I decided that leaving the top stained may be more practical too.
DeleteHi Susan! Oh, honey, I do understand about inheriting pieces. My little mother used to give me things that she thought were wonderful. I didn't like them all but felt I had to keep them out or she would ask where they were! Well, I think you did a beautiful job on the server and it looks very pretty! I've missed popping in to see you as I've been so very busy and now with the unpacking. I know you know exactly how this is as it wasn't that long ago you made your big move.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I do indeed know! I'll share a little secret with ya'll ~ I still have three boxes that I have never unpacked! The boxes are full of things that should have been donated but I never got around to doing it because our move was so chaotic and I was moving two households at once. I walked by them the other day and thought to myself ~ it's been too long Susan ~ get it done!
DeleteHey there, Susan! I feel for you. I have seen inherited pieces in friends' homes and wondered why in the world they keep them. YOU, however, have come up with a great solution! The paint job makes a total difference!!! This piece has done a 180!!! Keeping the top stained looks good and works its way into complementing the wood floors. The distress job makes the piece look old and gently loved and not so stuffy. I like it! I also like that silver piece sitting on top!!!
ReplyDelete99% of my Mom's furniture is not to my taste (she prefers contemporary while I'm more of a traditional lover), so at some point I may face this same dilemma. I'll have to remember your lead!
Have a great weekend!!!