{createinspire}: Vintage Console Table

This was a custom piece. It looks so basic, pretty outdated, and a little rough around the edges.

I constantly have this debate with myself about continuing to refinish furniture or just to move on and do something else (I love politics!). Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by all the projects I have that the stress seems to outweigh any benefit I get from painting. But, I still can't see a piece of furniture like this and not think it could look so much better and make someone happy! And, that, my friends, is why I am still painting!

Before

The top is pretty rough and has some pretty deep water stains. The veneer is chipped off the front piece, and it's just looking a little drab.

This piece is actually all cherry veneer. The finish on it hid all the grain.

This is what the top looked like when I sanded it down. I know, right?! I'm not sure if the top is cherry, too, because I've never seen a grain like this in a cherry piece, but it sure did feel and act like cherry when I stained it.

I was a little sad because my client wanted a dark top and I was afraid the dark stain would hide a lot of the grain. It did, but it is still a beautiful piece of wood!

After

She said her kitchen was pretty neutral and we decided a little color would be nice. She showed me an inspiration picture and we went from there. I love how this table has so much more character and presence now. I don't think you would walk by it and not notice it.

Can I tell you a little secret? These side angles are always my favorite. I've done about 500 pieces of furniture in my day and a smooth finish still makes me want to reach out and touch it. I always run my hands over it because I just love how it feels under my fingertips!

The grain isn't as pronounced as it was before, but it is still gorgeous. I used to freak out if there were any marks in the wood after I stained the top (you usually can't see a lot of things in wood until you get the stain and clear coat on). But, now I just embrace those small imperfections and tell myself this piece of furniture is not new. It has a history and a story to tell. I don't want to erase all of that with my orbital. ;) Anyhow, when you're working with veneer you can't sand too deep or you'll go right through and that makes me cry. I don't like to cry.