Decorative Graphic or Leave it Plain?

I Can't Decide...


I was feeling too much PINK in my posts lately! It was time to share a furniture post with you :)

I've long been a fan of the Shabby Chic style. And when I first started painting furniture, everything got a coat of white. 

It kinda drove Mr. Diy nuts.

I think he had visions of me slowly transforming our home and its entire contents into the inside of an igloo :)

So I branched out into other colors.

However, there is something so soothing about the neutrality of white. And it goes with everything!

I have 3 pieces of furniture that I recently gave either a first coat or a fresh coat of white paint to.

The first is an antique sewing cabinet that I bought for less than $10 at a thrift store a few years ago. It is a little wonky and the top has some cracks, but I love it as a little table. It used to be hunter green, ew! I so wish I had a picture to share with you! I love it for its legs and the applique.


The second is a folding tv tray/side table that I scored for only $2. There were 3 available; I bought 2 and kept one in its original wood while painting the other white. I wish I would have bought that third one too!  I love the original wood one; the warmth of the wood tones breaks up some of the pale neutrals I have in the room. 


The one I painted white is for our bonus room but that room was too messy to photograph, lol. This piece looks a little drab next to my slip covered chair. The furniture in the bonus room has more color but is still fairly neutral.


I know I want to paint something on the top, but I'm stuck. I can't decide if I want to do a graphic on it, something maybe like this?? I love the contrast of the black/white. Or maybe a herringbone pattern or chevron that would cover the entire top. Hmmm, what do you think?


The final piece was a recent find. It's a large folding breakfast tray. $5!! It was in rough shape - I think someone had used it as an art table because of all the tape and other goo that was on it.

Here is its before picture:


During its makeover:


And finally, completed:


Quite a transformation, wouldn't you say??


I can't decide if I want to do anything to the top of this one or not.

The reality is that it's probably going to have stuff on it most of the time. So is it worth putting the time into painting something that will just be covered??  Plus, if you've ever painted the inside of a tray before, you know that it's difficult because that bottom edge gets in the way of your hand. You don't have a lot of space to work. Here's a tray I 'painted' using a Sharpie last year...


On the other hand, it would be really unique with something painted on it as well. Sheesh, I just can't decide! I have 'crafter's block'!!

What do you think I should do?

I'd love your input! Sometimes we 'creative geniuses' get brain freezes too :)

Thanks so much friends :)




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  1. UnknownJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:56 AM

    i think you should leave it the way it is since you will have stuff on it. you could use colored/patterned cloth napkins or doilies to brighten it up. this way you can easily change your colors

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  2. Phyllis @Around the HouseJanuary 30, 2014 at 11:39 AM

    I love the wonderful make overs, the tray is perfect and I love the tv tray with the print on it, what a great job on that piece and it fits the room perfectly...

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  3. The JohnsonsJanuary 30, 2014 at 3:04 PM

    We are crazy for chevron these days at our house. Go for it on that tv tray! You find the neatest stuff!!

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    Replies
    1. Cindy DIY beautifyJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:01 PM

      Thanks for the suggestion...I am leaning towards chevron b/c I love it too!

      Delete
  4. Parlor Room PonderingsJanuary 31, 2014 at 11:48 AM

    You could Modge Podge some pretty ore up napkins (see Heavens Walk blog) or old sheet music or photocopies of old photographs, or glue a piece of lace around the inner edge. Just some ideas! You got some good deals there! Easy pieces to paint too! Looks great! Popping over from Common Ground.
    Blessings, Diane

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    Replies
    1. Cindy DIY beautifyJanuary 31, 2014 at 12:07 PM

      Thanks Diane..those are some great ideas I hadn't thought of. I have several old, old family photos that never see the light of day. It might be fun to do a little decoupage project with them on the table :)

      Delete
  5. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesFebruary 1, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    I love the idea of a graphic on the table and the tray. Love how you transformed the table and the tray.

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    Replies
    1. Cindy DIY beautifyFebruary 2, 2014 at 4:42 PM

      Thanks for your input Amy... I've received some really great suggestions; now to decide... :)

      Delete
  6. Marie-Interior FrugalistaFebruary 3, 2014 at 1:10 PM

    Cindy your sewing cabinet caught my eye over at the Make It Pretty Monday party but coming here to your blog I see your pretty folding table and breakfast tray and I love them all! Have you gone to The Graphics Fairy website for some graphic inspiration for the folding table? I'm thinking a pretty French graphic would look beautiful on it!
    ~Marie@The Interior Frugalista

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    Replies
    1. Cindy DIY beautifyFebruary 5, 2014 at 1:42 PM

      Thanks Marie! I love The Graphics Fairy and have used many of her designs in the past, most of them French, lol (I am so drawn to those!!). Thanks so much for your input...

      Delete
  7. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonFebruary 4, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Cindy, I agree that white paint does a lot of a piece. I think I would leave the tray as is. Sometimes simple and sweet is best. It will be wonderful whatever you decide! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    Replies
    1. Cindy DIY beautifyFebruary 5, 2014 at 1:38 PM

      I think the breakfast tray will be staying as is...thanks for your input, it is so appreciated!

      Delete

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