how many of you ask people for their opinion on your painted furniture or projects?
me, too.
okay. now how many of you want an opinion that is not quite the same as yours?
if you're not as uber-duber-confident as i am, perhaps you might hear yourself muttering the following:
"i guess i could have used one of the 8 stencils in that pile to my right.... but i didn't."
"really? hmm. and since you've refinished, i don't know, like....ZERO pieces of furniture in the 10+ years since i delivered you from my body...."
"not neutral enough? oh, you mean, like white???"
"no, i'm not crying. seriously, i'm not. it's the high pollen count... you know, from this warm winter weather. so, since you're already giving your opinion, what are your thoughts on global warming?"
then i wonder 'cuz wondering is hard not to do.
should i make a change? or a few changes? certainly the opinions of others matter but it's not like these peeps peruse pinterest or blogs or have even heard of design*sponge or johnathon adler. nor are they the ones shelling out $ for my furniture.
still, i wonder.... and here's the "before" shot of my current wondering-about piece:
a craiglist find for $50. a steal though it was a wobbler and teetering on the edge of "crap". it accidentally ended up in a few pieces...
and i realized what a catch i had caught. the strip-down did yield some unblemished wood, however, there was some bleak blackness going on that my citrastuff could not budge.
annie sloan's aubusson blue was the color of choice for this dude....but then i had to deal with the dented and damaged top that likely used to wear a layer of veneer.
"hmm," it thought as a pinterest image popped into my head and the oval shape screamed "i dare you!" at me.
i dared.
and those opinions that i brought up early in the post? well, they aren't in support of my sunburst.
not. a. one.
zilch.
so, i ask.....
and be honest. totally honest. no blowing smoke. no phony baloney. no mealymouthed mumbo jumbo allowed.
you peeps know your stuff and i want to hear the truth. so review the pics, ponder the purpose... then let me have it.
bring. it. on.
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55 comments:
holy cannoli! It's fab!! Really great...wanna send it to me, I have just the spot! A pretty fern on the center of that and it would sit nicely in my entry. Pay them all no nevermind...they are simply boring. This piece is lovely and full of personality!
Honestly? I love it. The colors, the design and the gorgeous shape. I like things that show some personality and this table has it.
(Don't second guess yourself if you don't have an overwhelming thumbs up on something you create. I've found that the more interesting something is the more likely you are to have a few people absolutely love it rather than many who just like it.)
I really do like it. But I LIKE color a lot. The older I get the more color I crave around me. It makes me happy! Now, that being said, a lot of people who pay me for stuff like neutral colors. I just said this morning how I need a break from Old White and Old Ochre on my next finish! If the piece makes you happy, then it's bound to make someone else happy too. Go for the rainbow!
Aren't the opinions of the kids the best? - because they have so much experience with decorating their homes and all! I'd put it right smack in the middle of my sunroom. I love it! I love how rich the blue looks on the base and the whole thing just feels cheerful and sunny.
It's so funny - it's actually kind of weird! - I am planning a coffee table with pretty much exactly those colors in a much more abstract design, so I am delighted to see it! And I have been thinking about whether Aubusson would work for both the base of the coffee table and/or a hutch I have in mind, so all together, this post was like some sort of message from the universe sent directly to me. (Thanks.)
I think it's a GREAT entry piece, or would be amazing in a sunroom. It makes me happy to look at it. The uneven sunburst is unsettling to me, I have to admit - my need for symmetry is such that I either want it to be totally symmetrical or not centered at all. But the colors and the concept and the execution are fantastic, and I think that symmetry thing is a neurotic thing about me that I try to work against, so it's not really a criticism.
Your family doesn't have to love everything you do; your customers do! And actually, just ONE customer. Go forward boldly! It rocks, and I love how creative you are; I especially love that your pieces don't look like every other chippy-ASCP-refinisher-blogger's pieces. You really inspire me when you try stuff out like this; you definitely make me more confident to try out my own insane idea for my coffee table.
Oh, and the stuff I liked as a kid? Yeah. I was no design maven. Bet your kids aren't, either!
I think it's super duper cool and I love it! Why are you even asking your real life people? Just ask the experts on the internet;0)
My daughter thinks pink ruffles and rhinestones should go on everything. Whatever.
that blue color on the base is just stunning. And it would be great in a beach house. IF I HAD ONE. sigh.
;)
Ah, HELLO!!!
HELL YES!
and a final
AAABSOOOLUTTTLYYY!!!!!
Well done my friend!
LOVE IT!!!!!!!! And that 's no phony baloney ;->
You got guts lady and I like that
janet xox
The Empty Nest
Sorry to have a descending opinion. I really am not a fan. I think it would have looked better in a solid color and without the washed out look. With a nice poly finish. Or, refinished with an original wood look.
You are an artist. Follow your heart on what YOU think is beautiful!! Did you know contemporaries of Van Gogh did not like his work? Don't try to imitate others, find your own voice...and it looks as if you have!!!!!
Dang. I hate color and think you should have gone with showing the dented, previously wood-grained top.
Ruined. Better off before.
Hahahaha...that's what you'd get if Apartment Therapy picks this on up...
Good golly...you stinkin' know what I'm gonna say...so I'll just let you make it up in your own head. And your kids...the ones that LOVED the rainbow chair bite their thumbs at this? What did you feed them for breakfast? Smack 'em and put them on the bus...
Then keep on paintin'...that's what an artist does.
hi Amy - *love* the blue finish on the legs and bottom. I'm with the reader above that from the top down view, the asymmetrical sunburst throws me off too, but I like it from the side view. I think this would be fun in a sun room. Overall the top I think does somewhat detract from the "richness"/expensive-look of the orig piece, but I like that you went out there and had fun with it. Thumbs up!
I think this is my favorite piece of yours, ever. I love the colors and I think you are an artiste! It's one of a kind, just like you. Sure, the easy route (plain solid color) would have been safer, but what is your goal? Have fun and let your personality keep shining through!
Xoxo
Erin
Honestly? It took my breath away! Love it! You go girl!
one of my all time favorites! i love the colors, love the design, shape everything about it!
1000% yes!
I REALLY like it...and am laughing about Gwen's comment! Did you play it safe? Nope. But it turned out fab. And frankly, as unique and wonderful as this piece was before, it wasn't in great overall condition. So you could've killed yourself trying to strip it and restain it only to get a so-so result, but why do that when this makes you happier? Love it!
btw, there is nothing "eh" about your stuff, ever.
I hope you are holding up ok, re: your dad
OK, so it took me a minute, but I really love it! I think it is the epitomy of bravery! I am always so conservative in my painting and decorating, but you took a risk, and rocked it!
Okay, so at fist I thought it was a palette of colors you were going to choose from and then in the second picture (Yaozzaa!) I realized it was the top of the table!! That looks awesome. Extraordinary, really.
I love the blue as a whole. I guess I'm on the fence about the tabletop: I very much like the colors together. And, I like the sunburst idea in concept -- even if the sunburst is asymmetrical. Finally, I like the table from the side.
That said, from the overhead view, the centered placement of the sunburst in combination with its asymmetry throws me off. (It's centered, right?) For some reason, it seems to make the tabletop look smaller than it is ... and, instead of simply admiring the colors and the pattern, I find myself asking: Did she intend to center the sunburst or not?(I think that's what throws my eye off.) Part of me thinks it might have been better to move the sunburst deliberately OFF center to further accentuate your design! But what the heck do I know?! You're the artist and it's your vision!
You can't hear it, but I'm clapping. Because you deserve a round of applause! I think it is very well done and if it makes YOU happy then that is all that matters. Love the color(s).
LOVE IT
Two thumbs up! I love the tabletop and the design:) Stop by for a blog visit!
I think it is a fun piece. I love that your work is not the norm you aren't afraid to be different and let the piece strut its stuff. Really awesome! I think life needs color and not all neutral in everything which seems to be the norm these days.
Lovelovelove this piece! Great work!
Okay, I'm a guy without a single creative bone in my body so my opinion doesn't count. But I know what I like and what I don't like. So here goes. I like the bottom, the color and how you fixed those feet. I don't like the top. But, I think the top would look great with a dark stain and several semi-gloss polyurethane coats. I know this would entail re-veneering the top. Anyhow, that's what I would do.
okay, it's obvious that i've been asking the wrong people for opinions! sheesh! i may even lock the naysayers out from now on!
still, a few of you aren't digging the PERFECTLY centered sunburst especially due to the asymmetrical design. hmm.
hmmm. still wondering.
Honest? I wasn't crazy about it at first. But, it's growing on me... like mold? I hope not:). That saying always disturbed me.
Bottom line: it's not really my style (i.e. it would look out of place in my house), but I like it for the style it represents. And it's totally ballsy and I really like people that aren't afraid. of life. of color. of going for it. and i like the asymmetrical vibe, because life isn't symmetrical, and it ain't ever going to be.
I say, go forth boldly!
Amazing transformation! I would love for you to stop by and Link up at my Link Party via: www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
PS: I am your newest Linky Follower!
Mrs. Delightful
www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
I love the blue of the feet but I'm not a mad fan of the top I must say. I would have loved to see the same colour blue all over but then I'm not very brave with patterns in general (I'm working on it!) Love to see all your stuff though, and if we all liked the same thing, life would be boring! Go girl!
I love the colors and the pattern. I think it's so cool. I'm a new follower! I hope you'll follow me back!
Oh my that is wonderful...I love it both ways but the paint makes it pop
Bristol
Amy,
I pinned it. I think that is the ultimate vote of confidence. I love the colors (and I am not usually a big color person) but there is something about the combination that works. I read the comments and I think most of us are fans.....carry on :)
:) me
I like the idea of this table a lot, and I'm a sucker for blues and greens. I think that my only hesitation with it is that the pattern is really graphic and kind of mod, and the chalk paint is a bit more rustic. I think it would look even cooler if the paint was more opaque and had a glossy finish. Then you would have the juxtaposition of this very traditional piece and modern, graphic paint treatment, removing the rustic element from the mix. It might also look cool with a bright white base, keeping the cool design on top for contrast.
That said, if you love it, then don't change a thing! You are the best person to decide whether you got it right or not. You'll hear a million opinions, and some will be worth taking into consideration, but the most important one to trust is your own.
The colors are really pretty! I think, while it's not for everyone, it definitely will find the perfect home and add a pop of color and whimsy to a bland space! I think it's great that you tried something different, fun and interesting!!
Who cares what we think...do you like it? I personally think it is lovely, but you are the one that has to just love it. Lori
Can't wait to see what you do or don't do so I am now following you. Hope you stop by and follow too.
Well, I guess I'm alone out here... I LOVE how you painted the legs, but I don't like the top, and I'm a color-frantic... lol... I usually like to balance color and shape - plain pieces look great in a mix of colors, but this table has an awesome and rich shape, so I prefer it in a solid color. But looking at the comments I guess that's just me (:
Okay, I try not to ever give phony baloney opinions! haha! And I was reading every single word.... curiosity growing and growing and then BAM, you hit me with the pictures - I nearly jumped outta my computer chair! And I think it's AWESOME!!!!! I rarely do this, but I even read through every. single. comment. to see what everyone else had to say. I actually love that you gave it a rustic look while using a more "mod" design. I'd say - Don't change a thing!!!!
It's fantastic and unexpected. Love the colors and though I'm usually all about symmetry, the table already has enough of that with it's strong lines.
Years ago, no one would have painted a big old wardrobe turquoise or lime green, and now it's almost the norm. Who knows, maybe you're starting a new trend.
I love the table. I think Gwen took you on a trip to Wonka's and you took a joy ride on that acid trip train. Didn't cha?
I think I'd like more of a gloss finish on that top myself, but I'm not going to argue with someone fresh off of that crazy train. No, ma'am.
PS. Still sending prayers and hugs to you and yours.
Beautiful piece of furniture, and painting it was the best option IMO. I like it...but would love it with even bolder colors. Are you toning things down because you think it's expected? Just wondering where the lady with the bold kah-nobs is ;)
Also - Sending good vibes to you and yours in this tough time.
I really like it, love the blue button, and love the top. It's so unique, I like the top tones down, loud colors don't necessarily mean better. I find the subtle of the top gives it a very rich and elegant feel about it. So quite stunning! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best. Ps - following you on linky, follow back if you haven't already!
Amy, I think it's awesome! The different shades are perfect in my opinion. I also love the shape and the color blue. But this is coming from someone who's friends tell her (me), that my house and my taste are "different," i.e. it doesn't come straight from the pages of the latest Pottery Barn.
I admire all your hard work and beautiful color choices. As far as my armchair quarterback opinion....? The blue on the bottom is so stunning. I would consider using that color as the center and then border the edges with a sort of striped line pattern using all or more of the colors. But mind you, that would mean I would have to move my lazy rump from the couch so I will likely just admire your hard handy work. :)
Dang, girl...look at all these comments...that tells me you have hit on something! {yes, I checked back in on this conversation, but only because I'm so cool and NOT a stalker..nope}
And I think it's pretty funny how MOST..but not ALL of the naysayers are leaving Anonymous comments...Bold? ehhh..no.
KEEP pushing the boundaries...it's what makes you SO special.
Ho, ho, hope you are hanging in and that good news is forth coming...
Cuz in the dark,
despair is strong,
but in the day,
hope lives on...
I think it's freakin' awesome! Now, granted, I have NO idea where I would use it. Maybe a bonus room, a playroom or the man cave for my husband to play cards? I don't know but think it looks fabulous. Be sure to link it up at my place Wednesday and I'll feature it. You rock. Glad I found you.
Melody
I'm a new follower and love your work. I love colors and just can't understand people who cant step out of their neutral box. But hey, to each their own. The blue is stunning. As other comments have stated, the table is not ordinary and would have to land in a place where it could shine. A sunroom with a fern and some white beachy furniture and wood floors and whitebead board and ....yada yada,,,you get the point. I like the table and I like what you did. Who gives a whooey about others opinions! Do what you like. It doesn't matter what you do to a piece, you will never get 100% likes. And that's what makes this table so unique. It's not like all the rest. That would be too boring. Oh, as a side note, the way you stage for your photo's is great. I love that blue milk paint the table is perched on. I have to paint something that cobalt blue color! It's only my favoritist (hah) color in the whole world.
I'm featuring this table, because it's awesome and so are you!!! Way to step outside of the box.
I love this table, the color is fabulous. I would probably prefer it not to have the sunburst, but I think is is beautiful! (love the side view pic, but from the top it's just not me)
You really did a fabulous job!
gail
Color Color Color, I love it, I love the blues and greens with the dab of looks like lavender color. I may do something similar on a half oval table. I have been looking for some inspiration and this is it. Can't wait to try it.
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