Line and repurpose a vintage suitcase

Since I am using my craft space more often I have decided to gather craft tools and get the place better organized. I thought about this charming vintage suitcase which has been above the library for a long time. My mother used to pack my belongings on week-end campgrounds when I was a child so my name is still in it!

My first intention was to line it so I checked a few ideas on Pinterest (click here to see my board): what to transform, ripping out old lining, lining again, organizing sections with fabrics, painting the outside, blah, blah, blah... I was a bit confused and it took me one night to think about it... 

My toys trunk

When I mentioned how many trunks we have at home I was not joking: the one for the books, the one I lined, the luggage one… I have plenty of them and they are all in use.

Waxing a trunk

BEFORE

Antique steamer trunks have always been around at home.  They are generally travel trunk luggages like the one I have lined last month; click here if you missed it. Since my wood floor project is done I checked out every single piece of furniture and realized a new look and attention are needed.  About 10 years ago it has been lined inside with a Provence fabric and with linen fabric on the outside as the existing material was too dark and damaged.  I decided to take everything off: fabric, original cover and cleaned all of it. There were two  travelling labels applied on top of each other! One of them is the luggage registration number (nº423) and on the other one the Paris-Lyon-Marseille route is barely legible. I took them off and left them in water until they got detached. They are now back on the trunk and look gorgeous! This has been an extreme makeover and huge work: woodworn prevention, woodfiller all over, stripped, sanded and cleaned. I used heat gun to apply clear wax all over the wood.  This wonderful antique piece is now in good health and back to its place in the lounge. 

AFTER

Waxed table show for boho chic store

This is a waxed table work on an antique farmhouse table.  Damage was not really severe but urgently needed a great clean, sand, wax and patina. It was due to be shown in a store as a counter top.

BEFORE

The whole place experienced an extreme and unique makeover in terms of deco.  Firstly the laminated floor was removed giving place to a wonderful polished cement. Walls were then whitewashed with lime; false ceiling went off too and steel grids were fixed instead to sustain natural fabric lamps. The aim was to re-use industrial elements for the decor. Rolling corrugated steel bars (used in construction) and wooden planks have been used for hanging shelves.  Adding a few white sprayed branches of olive trees the place now looks like a typical Andalusian penthouse surrounded by local nature. Coming back to the antique table: once cleaned, sanded and protected I waxed (les Antiquaires wax) with heat gun and obtained a great patina. It stands now in the shop and the mixture of industrial elements combine perfectly with boho chic style of the articles. 

AFTER

Check out BEFORE and AFTER as well as tutorial. 

From reclaimed plank of wood to wall coat

DIY:  WALL COATS FOR ENTRANCE HALL

This construction-plank of wood is a leftover from my exterior table project.  Standing idly in a corner of my porch, it waited patiently its turn to be transformed into something magnificent… 

BEFORE

I have never been in love with blue but since my last trip across the East Coast, ideas and inspiration taken from Pinterest and the beach style topics on Houzz I guess I have changed my mind. Firstly, a space had to be created in the entrance hall for what would eventually become my navy-themed area; therefore the shoe cabinet and coat hanger had to go.  These were replaced by an unpainted trunk from my craft room.

Check out the BEFORE/AFTER pics and tutorial afterwards.

AFTER

Upcycled shutters - Part II

Everything is completed: shutters and tailored made cushions for welcoming summer!

Upcycled shutters - Part I

Most of the works have been done on the shutters rescued from the trash. It’s been a long and hard work as no paint stripping is strong enough to remove lacquer; it has been a nightmare and I only could remove and age using the heat gun.

Check out the makeover for a cozy corner.

My dining table

Here is the makeover of my dining table. This asian red wood had been varnished industrially, hence the shinny effect.  The idea was turning the "blink" aspect into a rustic vintage tone as well as enhancing the brightness in the room.