chicken coop coffee table

August 25, 2015 | circadee

Our latest upcycled victim is a fantastic old crate which was once a chicken coop. I’d imagine that chickens were transported to and from auction in this coop. Feathers flying as the birds were off to find a new farm to call home.

The coop is larger than most that I’ve seen in the past and a bit more rudimentary in construction. The wear and aging on the wood can’t be matched. It has that perfectly weathered & washed out color that retailers like Restoration Hardware try to replicate.

We removed the door from the top of the coop as it was raised and not conducive to a new life as a coffee table. Over the opening there is now a large piece of glass making it functional again. We added casters to elevate the coop to coffee table height and, of course making it mobile.

I always love a good coop coffee table. We’ve transformed a few over the years! This one is for sale at The West End Garage.

Did you spy the Victorian pink baluster lamp? Another new upcycle from Circa Dee! This one might be a keeper though. It’s still up in the air. We’re working on this living space so we’ll see how things shake out. That color & patina though…

favorite finds for the home

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 | circadee

I’ve never properly shared my newest vintage obsession in my home. That bright orange industrial school locker nestled between vintage French country toile curtains and an amateur ship captain oil painting. None of it makes any sense but it doesn’t have to, does it?

And would you believe my number 1 picker and brother found that flaming orange locker on a curb? No shame in his game. Or mine since I paid him for his haul. Destined for a landfill no more, my friends. It now houses all of the wood stove accoutrements.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, shall we? The wood stove is a brand new addition this winter. It is serving us well as our primary source of heat. Ryan installed the slate tile hearth and I must say that he did a bang up job bringing the rustic vibe I was seeking. We picked up the iron log holder on our last trip to Brimfield. I love this cozy corner in our home which is an eclectic mash up of so many vintage styles. It has set the tone for the direction of the rest of our house.

And do I need to mention the vintage walnut & mohair chairs again? Because I will. American furniture designer Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates circa 1970. They go for about three grand on 1st dibs. Unbelievable. Let’s just say I paid less than 1% of that and didn’t have an idea of their value until I researched the label. Neither did the seller obviously. My most prized find to date! It certainly pays to buy (or trash pick) what catches your eye. Always trust your gut when shopping for vintage.

makers

November 20, 2014November 26, 2014 | circadee

This week has been all about making. And pricing but we won’t talk about the endless task of tagging holiday inventory. Making, however, is one of my favorite things to do. My second favorite actually. Buying, sourcing, picking, whatever you want to call it…that is my very favorite task in this business.

When sourcing vintage inventory it is common for us to come across old wood, doors, trim and the related that can be used to paint a vintage style sign. I can get lost for hours sketching, painting and conceptualizing these signs. This week they were primarily holiday specific.

Ryan prepares the surfaces, cuts and secures boards and attached the hardware. Some are simple but evoke the spirit of the season.

Painting smalls like these signs presents a great opportunity to use leftover milk paint mixed from a larger project.

The Santa is permanent chalk over rustic old boards with great texture. I achieved the look by using a fine flat brush and grainsack milk paint applied over the initial chalk sketch.

I think this board was part of an old cupboard door. The green streak of paint was already there along with the texture and smudges. I took a lead from those colors when choosing the aqua and brown acrylic paints for my design. I painted a similar Moose Lodge sign a few years ago. I always loved it so decided to replicate it with a different color palette.

I went over the moose with white wax to blend it into the old paint job on the door.

This Silent Night sign is a piece of scalloped trim. Nothing fancy. I like the muted color scheme provided by a wash of shutter gray and navy lettering.

Another project on tap this week was turning a salvaged column into a clothes tree for retail display. We’ve had a pair of salvaged white Cape May porch columns for several years. They’ve made cameos a number of places including in our salvage style bedroom (which is currently getting a more sophisticated re-vamp).

I decided to paint one in kitchen scale and topcoat it with antiquing wax. Ryan built a tiered support system on the bottom and secured a trio of iron hooks on top.

The new and improved salvaged column clothes tree will be popping up in a retail display this season! All of the vintage style signs will be available for sale.