I am on a never ending quest to make our little cottage work for us.
It drives Steve nuts, but he is coming to accept that my ideas are usually pretty good.
My latest move left him with lots more space in his studio.
I have had this cedar chest for as long as I can remember.
My mother got her "Hope" chest in the 1940's and it sat at the foot of my parents' bed throughout my childhood.
My mother used the chest to store precious items and it held great allure for my sister and me.
I don't recall when the chest became mine.
When we downsized to our tiny little cottage, anything we did not have space for went to my sister's house, but the chest is one of the few family pieces I held onto.
For many years, it sat at the foot of our bed, but our precious 14 year old dog keeps knocking into it in our tiny bedroom.
We moved it into Steve's studio where it just took up too much space.
On Friday night, I moved it into the living room.
Yesterday, I had the time to paint it in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Old White.
I wanted some color to poke through when it was sanded so I added some spots of color all around the chest.
If you look closely at the copper details you might think I did a really bad job painting it.
In actuality, the copper pieces are not perfect.
The imperfections did not stand out when the copper was tarnished and set against the cedar.
I like the splotches of color peeping through the white.
A wire basket filled with a lavender plant (it smells so good) and some of my C collection is easy to remove if I want to get something inside the chest.
Between Naps on the Porch - Metamorphosis Monday
My mother got her "Hope" chest in the 1940's and it sat at the foot of my parents' bed throughout my childhood.
My mother used the chest to store precious items and it held great allure for my sister and me.
I don't recall when the chest became mine.
When we downsized to our tiny little cottage, anything we did not have space for went to my sister's house, but the chest is one of the few family pieces I held onto.
For many years, it sat at the foot of our bed, but our precious 14 year old dog keeps knocking into it in our tiny bedroom.
We moved it into Steve's studio where it just took up too much space.
On Friday night, I moved it into the living room.
I wanted some color to poke through when it was sanded so I added some spots of color all around the chest.
In actuality, the copper pieces are not perfect.
The imperfections did not stand out when the copper was tarnished and set against the cedar.
I like the splotches of color peeping through the white.
Steve loved the look of the living room with the cedar chest, but he agrees that the white is a softer look for the room.
I just hope as my mother looks down on me that she will forgive me painting her "Hope" chest.
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Carol,
ReplyDeleteThis looks so pretty in white. I have my grandmother's chest at the end of our bed and I painted it white some time ago and love it white. They are precious treasures to have. I love yours. Great job and the white does look brighter in the room.
Kris
I think your Mother would love it! It looks great in your sweet cottage. Like those Cs! I just found an Annie Sloan dealer in my area. What a gorgeous store! I am so excited. She offers classes. I have never painted furniture before. It is on my list for the summer!
ReplyDeleteI love the chest painted white - it look terrific and goes so well with your pretty living room. I am sure your mother is very proud of you for keeping her chest and up dating it. I have one that is about 100 years old and I am going to paint mine also. Thanks for giving me the idea. I love it.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week
Mary
Often a good Makeover will make all things Old become New again... I think your Mom would be Delighted that this Family Heirloom is having a Long Life within your Family and will continue to hold Treasures and Sentiment.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
I tell all my clients.... If you believe your loved ones can still see what you do, then also believe they now understand and all that little stuff no longer bothers them..all they see is love. <3
ReplyDeleteOh I can guarantee that she is smiling! It looks beautiful Carol! And the bit of color popping through really compliments the piece and the room! I agree with Steve...it softens the space! I think the lavender is a great idea too! Cheers friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your mother would love the idea that you are using the cedar chest... really, the cedar just needs to be on the inside for protection of treasures, right?
ReplyDeleteI must say... all this time I've read your blog, I DO NOT REMEMBER THAT FIREPLACE!
...the Honey is driven crazy by my 'shuffling of stuff' too, Pat
We have several pieces of furniture made by my father in law. He was a professional carpenter and the pieces are beautifully made. Unfortunately the finish doesn't fit my country tastes. I had been feeling guilty about painting them. Your post has made me see it is much better to adapt them so they can continue a useful life.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I love that you brought it out to the living room. It's such a special piece and now it looks so beautiful in the softer shade of white. BTW--I love looking at your accessories too, you've got such a talent for using all your cool baskets and knick knacks.
ReplyDeleteLeslie (Gwen Moss)
I love your white hope chest! But then I have a thing for white :)
ReplyDeleteYou found the perfect spot for the chest and it does look softer in white. Your room is so welcoming and cozy.
ReplyDeleteit looks great white and i love it as a coffee table! the whole room is so cute.
ReplyDeletex
Your cottage is so light and airy - the white painted chest fits in perfectly. I love seeing all of your new projects! I have written before that you have the most energetic personality!! Wish I had some of it - lol!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your cedar chest coffee table! My mom and grandma both had cedar chests, too. Your living room is bright and pretty. Jean
ReplyDeletePainting that sweet chest makes the details stand out so nicely. Like the cute feet and the copper pieces. I'm sure you Mom would love its new look.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
What a beautiful piece! Your whole room is so cheery.
ReplyDeleteLooks so inviting,
Deb@LakeGirlPaints
Love it! What a beautiful addition (and one filled with memories) to your living room. I love the bright yellows in your house, that peace through the doorway is awesome (translated: I want it ;) Mary
ReplyDeleteoops, make that "piece" through the doorway ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Carol! JUst saw your blog and I must say your home is very charming! I love the yellow walls and the art all around. Your chest project is also looking good dear. Thank you btw, too for checking out my blog and craft room, appreciate the appreciation!
ReplyDeleteI think that your mom would love what you've done to her hope chest! It looks perfect in the living room, too. Your LR is so charming and cozy...love the yellow walls and all your beautiful decor.
ReplyDeleteThat looks wonderful! You have a great eye for color!
ReplyDeleteNice job on the old chest, I have one I need to redo. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteKaree
I think it looks wonderful and the colors peeking through really help it fit with the rest of the room
ReplyDeleteI have my grandmother's hope chest. I has to be really old. It looks very similar but no bronzey parts. I hope to paint it this summer in the same color. Does yours still have the cedar smell. Your mother should be proud that you still have it. It was one thing I really wanted from my grandmother. Love your cottage.
ReplyDeleteOh I think your mother would love it painted white. It look amazing and you treasure it as much as she did, so that's all that matters. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteGreat transformation! Stopping by from Fluster Buster - thanks for sharing :o)
ReplyDeleteYour hope chest was much prettier than the old Lane chest my husband gave me when we became engaged. Honestly, it is so ugly. And it still sits in our office holding Christmas decorations. I'd paint it in a heartbeat...and then I'd probably be served divorce papers!
ReplyDeleteI love your living room! It's so pretty :-) I have a friend who wants to paint her hope chest and she just can't bring herself to do it. I told her to haul it down here, I'd do it for her, haha! You stopped by and commented on my card catalog - thanks for the visit. Glad to find another blog to look through!
ReplyDeleteThis would be the reason why my mother's cedar chest is still sitting in her spare room - she is afraid I will paint it! I am currently debating whether or not to paint my grandparents' first bedroom suite from the 1920's! To my credit I have had for thirty years with its dark wood - I think it is time for a change. Thanks for giving me a nudge in the right direction (or leading me down the wrong path!) :>)
ReplyDeleteI am sure you mom would approve - it looks fabulous! And that crate full of C's - how cute!!
ReplyDeleteKelly
I think your mom would love the painted chest. I think it is great you have your mother's hope chest.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeletefound you at my friend Vickie's blog, Ranger 911. Your chest looks great painted, lightens everything up. I'm from Southern CA, my family is all there, and my sister teaches 1st grade. Fun to find things in common. I've enjoyed browsing thru and am your newest follower. Would love for you to visit me!
Will be back oftern.
Rebecca
Your mom would be so proud of you! I just love the way your room looks now. Just beautiful, and so practical. Good move!
ReplyDeleteI think your Mother would love it painted white, because it looks just awesome now!
ReplyDeleteWe also downsized and its more challenging to furnish a smaller place and you did such a great job.
Your livingroom is lovely:)
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI could sit in here forEVER!! Love your red and mustard accents, the sunlight pouring through and the overall peacefulness. That red IKEA floor lamp has been on my list for the longest time, but we don't have an Ikea on the island!!
Poppy :)
I'm sure she's thrilled to see her old chest in your wonderful sunny living room! I can't help but smile when I see photos of your home. It's such a bright happy space!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your beautiful hope chest. I am sure your Mom is with you too.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet she is so proud of your ingenuity and talent.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love the transformation of your mother's cedar chest. I have a table and buffet from my mother that I would like to paint but am having a hard time doing. I think you made the right choice, it looks beautiful! New follower.
ReplyDelete