BRIMFIELD 2017

I just got back from another buying trip to Brimfield, Massachusetts, where the huge antique market is held 3x per year. Our van was filled with new pieces to be "re-imagined."  My last visit was four years ago.

Soon, I will add detailed photos of each with measurements, etc. In the meantime, here's everything!

Special thanks to my husband for being a great sport ... with all the consultation, carrying (in the rain!) and multiple times reorganizing the van to fit everything in.

Excited with all my new inventory from the Brimfield antiques market in July 2017 ... waiting to be redone!

Some of the great finds from Brimfield antiques market (July 2017). Actually, the big chair is from Searsport, Maine.

More new finds from Brimfield antiques market (July 2017)

My terrific husband helping to carry chairs many blocks to the van (as the rain was about to start!) — in Brimfield, Massachusetts.

Gorgeous Coordinated Furniture Set

I was excited to create a coordinated group of pieces for a repeat customer. We combined two dusty side tables stored in her attic with a large Hepplewhite buffet server that I located at one of my favorite "thrift" stores.  The styles of the pieces seemed to match well, and offered the opportunity to combine a vintage look with modern colors.

Re-imagined server, with all new custom paint finish

Completed transformation of side tables

The color scheme was a deep orange and off-white.  I ultimately selected Behr's "Carrot Stick" and "Pecan Sandie" as the actual colors.

The two side tables originally had damaged leather tops and scuffed wood finishes.  After some repairs, preparation and removal of the leather, the tables were painted orange.  After the top layers of off-white were painted, the pieces were sanded to reveal hints of orange. 

Off-white paint finish, distressing shows orange peeking through

Close up details of lightly distressed finish

The tops were painted in a custom orange finish. The entire piece was "glazed" in a medium brown to add depth and interest.

Custom orange paint finish on tops of side tables

The larger piece needed stripping and sanding on the top to remove gouges plus some repairs to broken molding.  Once primed, the unique orange paint and brown glaze were applied. Molding and the top edge was given a custom paint finish using a glazed pale gold.

Custom details ... stenciled top, metallic moldings, repainted handles

The top received a custom stenciled design, using the "Chain Link" craft stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils.  The stencil layer was off-white, topped by hand-rubbed glazes in brown and the off-white.  I loved the way the circles in the design tied into the round shape of the end table legs.

Close up of custom stenciled design

For both pieces, the drawers and interiors were refinished in Minwax's "Mission Oak" Polyshades. The original deep brown drawer handles were retained for the side tables.  The handles on the buffet piece were painted in a deep metallic brown to coordinate with the side table handles.

Door close up ... custom orange finish with brown glaze and pale gold molding, plus repainted handles

New wood finish on drawers and interiors

The original pieces had dark wood finishes, with damaged and scuffed areas.  Along with stripping and sanding, an oil-based primer was necessary to prevent the previous stains from bleeding through.

"Before" view of buffet server, with gouges on top, missing/broken molding.  Appears to have been previously refinished.

"Before" view of dusty side tables in customer's attic

For more photos, see Orange & Off-White Server and Orange & Off-White Side Tables.

Creating pieces ready to sell!

This small cabinet was found in a local thrift store, needing repairs and a new look.  I used this piece as a chance to experiment with a silver/metallic glazed finish, which came out as an interesting grey/silver.

For extra interest, I stenciled big "zinnia" blooms on the sides in red and dark silver.  The red coordinates with the new handle on the drawer, which I fell in love with.  (I know, "love" is a strong word for a piece of hardware.  But it's true.)  Shiny chrome and nickel knobs on the two fluted doors further dresses up the look.

There were several repairs necessary, including replacing the wood molding on the drawer.  I received wonderful help at Westfield Lumber to create a custom replacement.   There was a gooky area on the top, along with scratches and areas with damaged finish.  Sanding and gluing, then priming, helped prepare the surfaces for their new coats of paint.

Since this is a vintage piece, some of the original markings on the wood are still visible  ... adding character!  Here are some (more) photos of the "Red and Silver Cabinet." 

 "Before" photo of front.  Piece has damaged wood and some missing trim on drawer and leg.

View of piece from angle and top ... so much potential!

Replacement piece of trim glued on

Piece is primed in grey, getting ready for decorative paint

The first "zinnia" bloom is stenciled

All finished! (And thanks to my sweet husband for his help in drilling!)

The glaze layer adds depth and tones down the shiny metallic paint; it almost appears as shadow-y

Close up of top, showing impact of glazed finish

Interior painted a pale grey to coordinate, and look finished when open

Biggest Project To Date!

My newest project is my most "comprehensive" so far.  I am currently taking on five (yikes ... yes, five!) upholstered chairs to paint & reupholster ... plus the possibility of an upholstered coffee table/ottoman and maybe even a painted console/server.  (I'm not sure how long this project will take ... I might be in a nursing home trying to finish these!)

The customer envisions a coordinated foursome of chairs, to be placed around a cocktail table (perhaps picturing a gorgeous hotel lobby?) .  The customer found two similar chairs in an antique store, hoping that after being stripped of their existing upholstery, they could be given a new painted finish &  beautiful new fabric.

For the other two chairs in the foursome, the customer plans to purchase a French Bergere arm chair from my current inventory.  We are currently on a search for a fourth chair that is similar in size & feel.  These two chairs would be reupholstered in the same fabric as the first two chairs (with perhaps some differences on the back or trim).

The customer also found a taller upholstered chair that will sit further away from the main foursome; this chair will be designed as an eye-catching piece with more striking fabrics & paint choices.  The goal is for all five chairs to coordinate in a palette of orange, grey & off-white colors . . . with a splash of green.

I'm really hoping these pieces come out as beautifully as we imagine!  Designing how a chair could look "re-imagined" is fun (and a little nerve-wracking).   I can't wait to see the "after" photos!  Here are some of the fabrics already selected:

Main fabric for foursome of chairs is the grey circles.  The orange print is for the front of the taller 5th chair.

The dotted velvet fabric will be used for the back of the taller chair

New Web Site Goes Public

My newly-created web site goes public today.  I've been referring to it as my imaginary site, but the free trial was about to end.  So I guess that's what decided it! 

I'm not sure yet who I'll share it with, since I'm still working on its development.  Besides creating it, I have to decide how to list pieces that I want to sell ... especially the pricing, if I go ahead with this.

I have added the "portfolio" of pieces I've already transformed, which might offer inspiration as potential buyers look through the (many) pieces I've purchased or rescued that are waiting to be redone. 

I'm not sure yet how I'll want to handle pieces that I am in the middle of working on.  Do I show them along the way, or hold off until they're complete?

So, if you're reading this blog post (I'm experimenting with this feature since it came built in), feel free to give me feedback!  Actually, I'd love feedback about the whole web site and WHAT'S NEXT FURNITURE as I start this new venture.

Welcome page of new web site (early August 2013)

Brimfield Antiques Market

My first visit to the famous Brimfield, Massachusetts antiques market in May was a success! My good friend Lisa S joined me for this adventure trip.  My minivan came home packed with new projects to work on for WHAT'S NEXT FURNITURE. (I will be busy with these for a long time!) 

I'm hoping to plan another trip there in the future, but it seems that the September timing won't work this year.  The market is held three times per year, in May, July and September.  Maybe I can squeeze in another trip next May (hmm ... the week is sandwiched between two college graduation weekends ... so it will be a challenge!)

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My new acquisitions ready for cleaning in the driveway (and then storage in the garage!)

Wearing our new Brimfield t-shirts that we were so excited to find!

Minivan packed with new purchases ... luckily our suitcases still fit!