Tuesday, August 17, 2010

BEFORE and AFTER: The Big Ballerina's Sewing Table and Chair

The sewing table and chair makeovers are basically done. I haven't quite dialed in the Big Ballerina's whole sewing space just yet so for now I'm only going to share the Before and After photos of the two pieces. 

I'm happy with the pieces, but the style of the chair just does nothing for me. It's hard to tell from the Before shot, but it's a Scandinavian style dining chair. I'm pretty sure it's teak. The wood had splatter marks here and there and one of the front legs looked like it had gotten hit by a stray black spray paint can. 

We covered the cushions with a cheery Annie Selke fabric (you know who Annie Selke is, right? The designer behind my favorite Dash & Albert rugs. I just can't stay away. It's a sickness.) 

BSD sanded down the frame and gave it a fresh coat of stain and wax. After it was all put back together again, I ran out and bought two cans of black spray paint. But I didn't go through with it. I don't think changing the color is going to make me fall in love with the chair. It's the lines of the chair I want changed. And a can of black spray paint, as magical as it can be, ain't gonna change the style.




The table? Now that's all kinds of fun to me. It's really not a pretty piece, but it's solid and makes a great workspace. I removed the keyboard shelf. Sanded down the finish. BSD made a new shelf for the bottom that was missing.

We gave it a few good coats of white spray paint. Changed out the knob. Glued a funky Amy Butler fabric to the table top. And covered that with a piece of plexiglass to protect it. 

So...it went from this...


To this...

It's fun. And I hope it inspires the Big Ballerina to keep enjoying her new passion. I can't wait to get the whole space put together. I promise I won't make her go out to the backyard to sew. 
Even though it seems pretty peaceful back there. I can turn on the fountain for her. hmm...maybe I should set her up out here. BSD shapes his surfboards only footsteps away.
And the Little Ballerina's art studio is set up in the garage. Maybe this corner of the patio is the perfect spot?

17 comments:

Stephanie said...

Hi, I just found your blog via another blog we both read. I just have to say that I absolutley LOVE the makeovers! You did an amazing job! I think the backyard looks like a perfect place to sew. :) I look forward to getting to "know" you better.

Jen said...

Wow! You work incredibly fast! I love the fabric on top...and I love that you left the chair brown. It looks so pretty! Great job!

My Interior Life said...

Wow, Kim! The desk and chair look fabulous! And you do work fast. I love that Annie Selke fabric, and I know you're not wild about the mid-century look of the chair, but tons of people would kill for it. Love your makeover!!

Kerri said...

What a transformation Kim! The desk takes on a totally different feel painted white. So cool too how you put fabric on top. And I agree w/ Jen...you do work FAST!

knack said...

wowsa! fabulous job! love it!

xo

Bring Pretty Back said...

Kim, That is amazing!!! I love it!
I want to thank you so much for your heartfelt and sweet comment on my blog! I have decided I am not going anywhere! ( :
THANK YOU!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Gabe said...

I have my eye on a rug for my bathroom. . .love them!

The table top was such a great idea!

love it all. . .

Anonymous said...

Kim! You need to come to my house RIGHT now bc, sister, I have SO many ugly things you could totally make pretty.

Dani said...

Nice!

OK. I love the chair. Especially the lines. It's classic and modern without being cold.

I'd love to have a sewing set-up like that. She's one lucky ballerina.

{cindy} said...

This transformation is amazing!!
I love the fabric you chose and the plexi-glass on top is perfect.
You have quite the creative family!
Enjoy the day

Debbie said...

PLEASE, oh please come work some of your magic at my house! Your changes are fabuloso, as usual- great job. I think BB will be quite lucky to have her own beautiful (and functional)sewing space, no matter where you end up putting it. Personally, I love the idea of outside by the fountain...

kim {the non-mom blogger} said...

Great idea to put the topper on the desk! I wish I had your mad skillz!

sloan said...

UNREAL!! Seriously, these are both AMAZING transformations - and all in one weekend?! LOVE LOVE LOVE them both ... I especially love the fabric desktop, I did that on my older daughter's bedroom bureau (but not nearly as efficiently!) ... LOVE!! What talent!! Can't wait to catch up on all of your posts once I'm home again next week ... bye for now ;-)

Jess said...

love it!!!! what a great transformation...LOVE the fabric on the chair and the desk, what a great way add more color!!!! What a cute and fun place to sew!!!

Liz said...

we had the same EXACT desk! you did amazing things to it! it makes me want it for my house!

mandy said...

this is so totally awesome!

Andriana said...

Love what you did with the chair, I have the same ones and cannot figure out how to get the back panel off to re-upholster. Any tips on how you did yours?