My sweet mom has been waiting on me for a while to get started on her breakfast room table, and it finally came time to start working on it. Her kitchen was remodeled a couple of years ago, and she was ready for the breakfast room to tie in a little more.
She loves red, loves her wallpaper, and loves, well, everything but the table and chairs. She set to work and found some super streamlined Parsons chairs from Overstock.com to replace the original oak chairs. The table is staying, but it needs some updating.
She wanted the top whitewashed, and finished similar to my guest bedroom end table. We planned to do the bottom to match her kitchen cabinetry…painted white with an ebony stain, so it will end up a light gray with dark ebony in the grooves.
Here’s where we’re at so far…
I worked on it for a few hours last week, and hopefully I’ll get to finish it this week or next. The bottom was painted with gray (more details to come), and dry brushed with white. I’m LOVING it, but she’s still feeling that she wants more contrast between the top and bottom.
The top is whitewashed and sealed with Minwax Paste Finishing Wax…it’s looking so fresh and crisp. I’ll be headed down soon to finish up.
Here’s where we want your vote…
Put the ebony stain (wiped off of course) on top of this grey/brushed finish–which is my vote 🙂
or…paint the base white and add the ebony stain then.
Let me know what you think…and hope you have a great day!
I agree with you. Go for the grey. I think white will be too stark.
think we will. think we’re going with the ebony stain over what I’ve done already. Thanks so much for your opinion!
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shaunna
I am right with you on your vote.
Loooks lovely as it is, but it does need some character.
Thanks, Cherie!
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shaunna
I like the idea of dark on top. It will ground the table with those beautiful chairs. Family members are always the hardest to work with, but I wouldn’t haven’t any other way.
I know what you mean, Stephanie!
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shaunna
I like the base as it is now so I wouldn’t go heavy with the stain. The top was hard to see so I couldn’t tell how much contrast there is. But I love the gray!
Thanks Anita! We will…I’m actually going to do a video of the application of the stain used as a glaze.
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shaunna
I think the top might look good a little darker. I just finished an end table, painted it white and then used Johnson’s past wax. It didn’t get very shinney. How many coats did you put on? And did you just rub it off when it dried? I could use some advice. Please….
Susan
I put on one coat, so far. Just use a smooth cloth, and about 15 minutes later, buff it in the direction of the wood grain with the other side of the smooth cloth. I’ll do 2 or 3 coats on this one to ensure it’s durable. Hope that helps!
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shaunna
I vote for a little darker top just because I love the contrast it adds.
Thanks Heather!
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shaunna
I love this table, not so crazy about the stain but once you changed it to the vintage white it is a whole new piece! I used that minwax paste finishing wax and I love the look it leaves!! My entertainment Center does not look professional but better than it did. Thank you for the inspiration!! I’ve forward your blog to everyone! Thank you!
Thanks, Laura!! You’re so sweet to say that!
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shaunna
I love the grey…. no white base!!! Looks great – if your mom doesn’t like it…. I’ll take it!! : )
Thanks! I’ll be sure to tell her you’re fighting her for it.
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shaunna
I love it as is!! It shows the detail w/out screaming detail!! looks great!
Thanks Candace!
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shaunna
Ummm…I like it as it is now. Does anyone look at the base of their table unless you’re down there dusting?
I know what you mean, Maggie! But…she’s wanting the base to show up a little more on her light floor, so I guess I’ll give mama what she wants. 🙂
shaunna
Looks fab. Ok, now you have us hooked. Will you give up the goods and let us see the remodeled kitchen? I’m already drooling over the mix of dining chairs =) I mixed my mom’s too, this awesome bright sunny golden yellow floral tufted chairs and flax linen chairs both from Homegoods. Good finds. Love your blog- a daily read. xoxo Shelli
Thanks! Sure…we’ll do a kitchen post too! You’re sweet to come around here frequently.
Know I can be a little random, lol.
xo
shaunna
Basically, go with your vote. Your mom asked you to paint it because she’s impressed with your talents. She knows you’ll make the right decision–go for it! It’s looking absolutely amazing!
Only you would leave such a cool comment.
I love you. That’s it.
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xo
shaunna
Looks great as is! Thanks for the great tips subtly inserted.
Thanks, Georgia! Don’t worry, there will be lots more tips once it’s finished.
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shaunna
oooh i like where this is going!
Thanks, girl! I love it, too…can’t wait to finish it for her!
xo
shaunna
I love it just like that! It’s looks so nice, I think I want to do my similar style dining table like this.
Thanks Donna! I hope you’ll let me know if you do the dining table…good luck!
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shaunna
I think I’ll have to do some reading on how to do it. I’ve never repainted furniture before. I purchased your ebook but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. Can you tell me what shades you used or are they just plain grey. I really just love the look and have been telling my husband I want to do it like this since I first saw it.
Hey Donna!
I used Paris Gray chalk paint on the base first. I then dry brushed regular latex…Ben Moore’s White Diamond…on top of that. The reveal will be soon!
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shaunna
It is very elegant looking the way it is but I say a little darker on the top because the contrast will be even more beautiful. I just love everything that you do. I bought your downloaded book and am working on a couple of projects now and really having fun.
Marianne 🙂
Thanks, Marianne! What a sweet comment…made me smile so big!!
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shaunna
It is so beautiful! Definitely leave it grey – although I don’t think the white could mess up such a beautiful table!
I work with your brother, I was so excited when I found out about your blog – it’s my daily read now! 🙂
Hey Jill! How cool is that? I’m asking him all the time if he ever reads it. 🙂 You’re sweet to read along…tell him his sister loves him. And call him Lanc-e-poo.
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shaunna
I vote ebony stain on top of grey/brush finish. It’s looking fabulous already!
Thanks, HEather!!!
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shaunna
While I love it AS IS, we all know mama has her own vision so with that being said, ebon stain for sure to add richness and contrast to it. I think if you do white with a dark stain it will look kind of not blended between the top and bottom because it will change the texture.
I vote for the stain over the existing base. Gorgeous!
Thanks, Dana!!
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shaunna
P.S. Maybe this is just one time that Mother DOESN’T know best! 🙂 (Don’t tell your Mom I said that!)
Well, I like it just as it is, but that wasn’t one of your choices, was it? So, go with the stain first, then if she still doesn’t like it, you can always paint- would be hard to do the other way around! 🙂
I love this table, and everything you redo! I definitely think the ebony stain over the gray will give you the best look overall! I love the sneak peek of the chairs, too. I can’t wait to see it all finished! Great job!
Beautiful work! Where did you get the decorative trim you added around the outside of the table?
LOVE it!! I say either way its going to look awesome! That table has such great lines
My vote, regardless of my opinion, is that whatever your Mom wants is what you should do. It may mean you have to redo it if she decides you were right, but it will be worth it to let her know you value her opinion and her taste. Just a thought……good luck either way! I love the way it looks now, especially the top edge…..beautiful!
I love the table as it is, the detailing shows up beautifully and its a remarkable transformation! How about adding a (jute?) rug to finish off the room and provide the color contrast your Mom is looking for?
I was wondering if you would share where you got the applique for the table. I love it and am looking for something similar that I can attach to something round. Would REALLY appreciate it! Thanks so much I love following your blog you have inspired me!
Asia
Ever since I saw this (and bookmarked it,) I have been so inspired! I found a nice ball and claw pedestal table at our local thrift shop, but it doesn’t have the beautiful trim around the apron. Was that original to the table? Do you think a flexible molding would work to add this kind of embellishment? Gorgeous and inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing.
Love the table!! I’ve been working on a similar table, needed some help, so I bought your ebook. It has been a huge help, thank you!! I would love to know about the decorative trim…is it just flexible moulding? I would love to add it to my table (if you don’t mind me copying you?) but not sure where to get it.
Have a blessed day!! Michelle