Vintage Shopping and the Trunk Makeover

Last Friday my sister and I finally got around to heading out for a little vintage shopping. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed being out and about for some Vintage Fall Fun. "Fun" has been pretty much off the table this last Summer because I would just poop out after about an hour. But I was ready for some Fall Inspiration and the Shop Hops were in full swing. We headed to our favorite vintage market, "The Vintage Peddler" in Springfield and wandered the aisles for an hour or so, while sipping some bubbly cider.

As usual I'm so interested in shopping that my pics are only so-so. I DO have my new phone, so at least the photo quality itself is much improved.

You all know I have a little "thing" for black kitties!

They always have the best farm tables around; many are custom made. Each time I come in there are several new ones on display. Not to mention the girls always put out a great spread of desserts for their open houses.

There is an abundance of orange for those of us 

that feel like it wouldn't be Fall without a little.

I'm in love with this white mirror,

but didn't get a price on it.

And how about that lamp and shade?

yummy.

I had to have this wonderful antique floral print for the new house.

The background is a mottled gray, just perfect for the new space.

...and these two small ones.

I definitely have some kind of obsession with tiny prints.

So, here's the completely ugly steamer trunk that I've had for about 6 or 7 years stashed away in the basement. As I said in the last post, I'd wanted to repaint it a few years ago, but since I didn't have anywhere to display it, it had stayed hidden, and untouched. Now I'm hoping I can use it in the Hearth Room at the new house.

yes, it's an ugly khaki green-y brown.

But it's covered in canvas, so that's a little more interesting.

I had originally wanted to paint it a lighter taupe gray, like ASCP French Linen, but I gave it a try and the light color showed every little brush stroke and wavy line (mistake). So I ended up using a mix of Graphite and French Linen. (2/3 Graphite, and 1/3 French Linen). It's a little too blue for my taste, but it's going to stay this way.

I restained the wooden support bands and leather strips, then finished it off with a coat of Poly in a satin finish. The metal hardware and bands were already painted black with a nice distressed patina, so those stayed as is. The top of the trunk has a slight bow, but I think with a tray on top, it will work fine as an end table or coffee table.

Here are a few inspiration photos of other transformed steamer trunks from Pinterest.

So Much Better with Age

Remodelicious

no source

Brepurposed

Carol from The Red Painted Cottage

Well, that's what I've been up to this last week. That, and sorting clothes from my closets. Closet space is a real stress point for me, because I won't have a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. It's a small one and I'm giving it to my husband since he's the one trying to dress early in the morning. Aren't I a nice wife? The other two bedrooms upstairs have huge wall closets, so I'm going to have some organizational shelving installed. bummer, but it's just one of the small quirks with this house. gotta do some compromising here. 

xoxo,

joining in here:

The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Inspiration Monday at Refresh Restyle

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Inspiration Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Style Showcase at Savvy Southern Style

Share Your Style at The Vintage Nest

Share Your Cup at Mrs. Olson's

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage