I too like the idea of using the oak shelves for a window seat. You could clean them really well and fume them with ammonia and give them a Craftsman, arts and crafts bungalow-esque look.
I LOVE the idea of making a window seat unit out of that piece! It's not something I ever would've thought of seeing that at the thrift store. So smart!!
A window seat ONLY if it's comfortable and ACTUALLY gets used. If it doesn't get used that would annoy me. Waste of space. You could have a rectangle table that gets pushed up to the window seat?
I love a window seat, at least for looks! Haha but I definitely can see plants all over it and inside the shelves! I like the round table there, but maybe a little larger one with some metal rounded chairs that you can see through to take your eye to the window, bc that is the best feature!❤❤❤
Love this, it's great for inspiration. I love a window seat and think those look great at your window. I like the round table with it too, softens the squareness of the shelves/window seat. Can't wait to see what you decide 🤎
I agree with you on when it's okay to chop something up. I can't imagine the ghastly black glass entertainment centres coming back, I sincerely hope not. Glad you bought those units, they look like quality pieces. I love a window seat but not sure those would be wide enough for my behind but if you used loads of cushions for the seat and backrest they would look great there. Table wise it's a narrow-ish room, I do like the round table in there although a long slim rectangle table could be a cool comfy potting shed/conservatory/sun room situation? Did you say "already for beddy"?? I spat my tea out, was not expecting that 😆🤣. Great video, thanks.
WINDOW SEAT would be AWESOME! I had a friend in grade school that lived in a huge mansion, like something out of Gone With The Wind. When I wouldspend the night in her huge bedroom, I would alwasy sit in her lovely window seat looking out at the beautiful trees. Her room was on the second story.
Great tips, Andrew! Love the lamp with the “flame” look. It reminded me of the Olympic torches. I have a tip for you. I have recently been made aware of Howard FeedNWax with beeswax and orange oil polish and conditioner. After years of purchasing many kinds of furniture polish, I have been amazed how this product works. Having inherited many antiques from my late parents, I bought this product at Home Depot here in Georgia. A 16 oz. Bottle was only $9.98. It has revived so many of my antiques. You might want to try it on some of your finds. I’m telling you that it is superb! A little goes a long way too. No sanding required. Just get dirt and dust off item and apply the product and follow directions. Great video.
Yes to window seat.. go with your gut! The round table feels right for your space, so I’d just p the scale of it. Great recycle suggestions… you have a gift!
This is great, thanks for your thoughts. (Of course, I happen to agree with you, so you validate me. Haha.) I love hearing your thoughts on thrift-able pieces rather than only seeing befores/afters. I think it sparks the imagination in us. More, please!
Okay, as an interior designer, I have my own doubts re: window seats, banquets. They do look cute, but they are a pain to live with in dining areas. Someone always has to get up to let someone else out and it just makes the space less gracious. However, I love the way these could look in your breakfast area, as you're considering. Maybe it isn't a window-seat so much as storage. Your could even put some doors on that sit back ever so slightly and are a glossy soft white, leaving the body in a amber-y oaken tone. The only reason for the last suggestion is that hidden storage is golden - places where you don't have to be as precious and thoughtful and can just pack crap away. Very fun video and lots to think about.
I like painting the wingback chairs 9:31 . I'd probably want the cushions upholstered for more comfortable seating and giving the chairs a two-toned look. Adding cushions to the window seating would make them more comfortable and inviting and I think Queenie would appreciate that, too. It's always nice to have extra seating available.
I liked this first desk a lot. I could really imagine modifying it for my space. I like the functional yet stylish retro look of it. Maybe in green (as you said) or black or blackish brown. Maybe even burgundy. Although I don't know how that would look with the wooden top. The idea/concept of cutting a round table in half and put it on a wall is also quite cool. I don't like round tables in full a lot. 😅 Maybe you should reconsider dismounting the metal lamp you saw for your wall! I think you don't even need a battery operated bulb, you just could plug it in. It could be perfect! The seating bench project/idea is amazing!! Glad you bought the pieces, they are great! ..I think the only occasion where I strongly dislike (😅) modifying a piece is, when people sand down a beautiful wooden piece just to then paint it grey or taupe or beige. 🙈 I always wonder "Why??"!!.. If you really feel the urge to paint wood in perfect condition, then at least do it in a crazy, interesting colour (like neon pink, pastel mint/blue or maybe even gold or sth.). But not in one of those *conservative/restraint, boring (and ridiculous) pseudo natural colours!* I hate that! 😅😅 Great video! Love you. ❤
Hey Andrew! I love your ideas and your unique perspective as an insider. A window seat sounds perfect for making use of the shelving units while preserving the natural light. You might need to find some high-density foam for cushions, and I think your collection of upholstery fabric could help create a comfy seating area. Have you considered a drop-leaf table for flexibility, or maybe an oval or rectangular one depending on the space? Good luck with your project!
I love your idea for the lamp table! I like the look of the window seat, but not the functionality, if you have people over enough to use it. I think a rectangular(maybe oval?) shaped table would work best in that space, with some chairs with curves and a round rug to take away from all of the angles and edges.
Andrew, they sell this fake gold leaf on amazon that is really cheap. (20 dollars for 100 sheets). I cannot think of anything as thin and fragile as this is. You basically wall paper with this stuff on small objects. The learning curve is sharp, be prepared to make mistakes, it is very detailed and fussy to work with, but you learn fast. It looks very real, when you get the knack. YOU would be good at it since you don't mind that delicate fussy work. There is no comparison to gold paint or rub and buff, this looks like gold leaf, NOT gold spray paint. I got it to do the inside of my lampshades, then now am doing picture frames. It drives me crazy, but since you painted your wall paper in that bathroom, you have the temperament and skills to do it well. Great vid, thanks.
For the window seat, maybe a couple of chunky square cushions, one on top of the other, angled. The rest of the space as a shelf with a plant. That way, you can see if you would actually use it as a seat or a shelf. I like how it will frame your window. If there is something im not sure of, I tend to put it in and leave it for a week or two, then see if I like it or not.
I love the window seat idea, ESPECIALLY in an area with limited dining seating. Otherwise, however, the L-units would make a terrific home for plants, books, or collectibles -- or any combination thereof. Another option: instead of chopping them apart to make a window seat or low shelf, why not stand both with the tall sides on either side of the window and set a comparably-simple table, chest, or bench between them, in front of the window? Since you're already using the area for dining, it could serve as a sideboard and open china cabinet.
10:47 These type of round tall table is often used to fill the void space of a curved staircase, or ones that wrap around 2 sides of the wall. You put a tall statement vase with tall branches, with smatterings of knickknacks or candles around it. You could chop it in half, which understandably very scary. But you'll get a pair of this identical table which will look nice if you need to fill a narrow hallway. Pair it with large mirrors and nice sconces. Although you'll need two more identical lathe legs for that, and a lot more work.
@@REISSUED Thank you, and may I just say that I love getting glimpse of you behind the scene, the fail takes, the waking up at 5am, the gym, the exasperations. Makes it all real and we get to know you beyond the handsome face, and the appealing spaces.
One thing that makes desks difficult is that they are often too large for a space that has several pieces of furniture in it. Most offices have at most a bookcase, a file cabinet, and two rather sparse chairs in addition to the desk chair. If I did DIY, I would take the desk to an auto repair for powder coating, and remove the top, as you suggested, replace with a smaller top, eliminating any overhang.
You can tell you are a VISIONARY being able to see potential in all these pieces I've definitely passed on! This video is great and I bet you are now saving a lot of poor furniture pieces from the landfill!
Make those shelves a window seat! Get a larger oval table and make a pseudo nook setup with the window seats at one the end of the table and 4 or 5 chairs around the other 3 ‘sides’ of the oval table.
I love the idea of a window seat. But, like you, I think they can be uncomfortable. You could top it with a super thick piece of foam wrapped in quality quilt batting. Make a slip cover and have a seat. The window seat would be great extra seating for a square or rectangle table.
I got a lovely vintage drawer/mirror piece that had a slightly speckled mirror, was missing 2/4 handles, and had stains all on the shelf and top. I sanded it down, painted a plant that I love onto it in a slightly art nouveau style, and then revarnished those parts (did a dodgy acrylic paint staining job too... I didn't want to buy stain). I drilled holes into the drawers so I could thread rope handles through, which I made out of braided green satin cord that I found at an opshop. I definitely felt like I brought it back from being an unwanted item
That second lamp, if it is brass and stainless steel, I'd take it apart, heat blue the stainless steel, and reassemble. The blue in that 3rd lamp came as a surprize to me, I was expecting dusty rose . . . I don't have room for that first desk, but I think it would look great in a workshop or the office of a workshop or garage. LOL I love those wingback chairs, I recently had 'the worlds most comfy chair' reupholstered in a very similar stripe, even though it does look like one of Don Cherry's jackets . . . I hear you on the entertainment centres . . . I'm so glad the people who bought Mom's house asked if they could keep hers, it was a beautiful piece, well made (it was a palliser) but . . . yeah kinda useless for anything, too deep to make a good bookcase, too small for a modern tv . . .it was going to end up in my shop as storage . . . And yes, on a window seat, Queenie for one will love it, a nice place to sit and bark at the squirrels (or whatever) outside. I'd give them a light sanding and do a darker stain on them, I do have quite a bit of that golden oak finish in my house, but hey, it was the 1990s, and there is and never was any dusty rose . . . sorry this got so long! I was commenting along to the video as I watched it.
great idea to brainstorm ideas and do mockups without having to purchase every item-so many projects, so little room, or time. But the shelves were a great buy (I love this style as well). The design is very flexible, so it'd be a shame to change the structure for just one setting. In this room, you could let each unit stand vertically on either side of the window and then add a removable plank with cushions (window seat) to connect the two units. Think of it as a bench, rather than a window seat. Haha. Then if later you don't want a window seat anymore, you can remove the seating and still have two functioning shelving units. I would refinish in some way though. Maybe a tan wash? Not everyone's style, but seems like a light color might be nice and cheery in the sun room. Again great buy, I would have bought these too.
For the wing-backed chairs, diluted *_chalk paint_* really worked in to the fabric and repeatedly misted with a water bottle in hand as you go, is the best method I've come across for dyeing upholstery a new colour. It leaves the fabric super soft - even velvet - you'd never know it was painted if you weren't told so. You could also effectively dye them eg teal coloured this way, while still retaining the stripes of the original fabric. @DebisDesignDiary has an excellent YT tutorial that inspired me when she painted a large velvet sofa.
OMG! I thrifted those same golden oak shelves and turned them into a low entertainment center/ bench in a game room. Client was going for an industrial look, so we stained them black and put little dome head screws along the edges to look like rivets ( and secure some weakness). With the versatility of these shelves Andrew, you can't go wrong. Have you tried them as a corner bench with the round table? A rectangle table might work better for the linear design mods you spoke about. Excited to see what becomes of these! 😻
Love the idea for a corner bench! That room is tough since the light is centered and the ceiling is complicated… but I’m definitely gonna give that a try!
Ultimately, once you buy something it's yours to do with as you wish. I love the look of vintage frames but have never been a fan of gold. When I find frames I like, I paint them. I know that many wouldn't agree because they love them as is.
I find ten minutes scrub with Barkeepers Friend livens up most older metals, and then a dab of polish with Howard Feed n' Wax on older wood. After checking with an expert I did this for a 100 year old Singer sewing machine cabinet. It doesnt reverse any damage, but it makes the wood look a lot better, gives it some moisture back and gives it a new surface seal. Something like that first spiral lamp you can also use a tinted oil or wax to even the tone and fill in any little light colored dings. The table lamp - I'd go Victorian. Replace the glass with wood or faux marble, paint the metal flat black and use some bronze Rub n Buff for a vintage metal look, and then a fancy finish on the urn - ideally I'd do a faux porcelain craquelure finish on a dark cinnabar red. and then of course a fancy victorian lamp shade in red and gold tassels. Minimalism is all well and nice but sometimes going all in on details is good too. ;)
I think we get a little bit too precious with what we think are antiques or too old to alter. Previous generations would take apart and repaint and rebuild a ton of the things they had in their homes, and if it's something you found in a thrift store, chances are they're not invaluable antiques that are irreplaceable as historic objects. I think that any piece from any era (even the dreaded 80s, which I lived through, and saw in all its glory and shame) can be added as-is to most spaces, provided you're going for that look and are willing to lean into the style. I think if I walked into someone's home and they went full-tilt on avocado green and harvest gold in their kitchen in a designed way, i'd probably be super impressed, even though that was the color scheme that 100% everyone in the US HAD to get rid of the second HGTV hit our cable boxes.
I think the key part for a window seat is that whoever sits there is at the same height as everyone else sitting at the table. It's weird to have the odd person out who is way above or below everyone else's level
Absolutely consider repurposing old furniture. I turned china hutches into bookcases with display items. An old entertainment center armoire ended up in my laundry room holding a myriad of household odds and ends below and my recycling center behind the doors above. A long dresser serves as my stereo table with the drawers filled with more misc items: gift supplies and wrapping paper but mostly emergency supplies. The hidden storage possibilities are endless and many older furniture pieces have good display space included. Repurpose when possible.
100% agree! Once you pay for an item or rescue it off the street not only are saving it from landfill you are free to do with it whatever you wish. And if you turn it into something practical or something decorative who cares, or rather no one should care, you have given it a new purpose and a new lease on life. I watch a few furniture refab channels and almost every one will get someone commenting on what a crime it is to paint it or modify it etc but many of those same people go on to say that it wouldn’t suit their home but surely someone would want it? The don’t get that the answer is nobody wants it that’s why it was free, or on the side of the road, or had been sitting in goodwill forever etc. And the majority of those furniture flippers do amazing work and the item sells!! So to me that’s proof that they did the right thing by “re-fabbing” it! 😊
This is what I do everyday - try to reinvent in my head what to do with items of partial potential! But I am curious how you get the visual renderings of them? Are you just finding pieces that look similar or actually using a program to photograph and colorize? Anyway, I really enjoyed this whole video and to me a rectangular table would work better than a round one in front of the window but then I've never been a fan of round tables since you're so far away from your guests. But possibly two or three square tables so it can be put together to be one long table or broken up as needed is always a versatile perk
I have a love/hate attitude toward window seats. I love the idea of them and the way they look, but in my experience they are very uncomfortable to sit on. The seat is always far too high, and I never like reclining against a glass window. It's just unpleasant altogether. So although I have lived in houses that had one, I never used them. They make great spaces for plants though!
Old English furniture polish will hide scratches and other damage in the finish of wooden pieces. So will Howard's Restore-A-Finish. Howard's Feed-N-Wax makes the inside of drawers smell wonderful, and slicks up the sides so drawers glide easily. LIGHTLY worn upholstery can be disguised by placing crochet doilies over the spot and pinning them in place so they mimic antimacassars. Things that have antique value should not be painted or restyled, but vintage furniture that has always been painted is fair game -- that white French Prov furniture is a great makeover project. Time is often unkind to the white finish, and a fresh coat of paint can make it like new again. Or if you have one part of a vintage item, say just the headboard of a bed frame, painting it is acceptable, especially when the finish is already shot. Laminated furniture is always eligible for a makeover with paint, but I hate to see quality wood painted if it can be refinished.
Thank goodness there are "decorators like you. All the worthless crap has someone to promote its uselessness. The inane misuse of the word like tells it all.
I really like the window seat idea. You have given me a new appreciation for some of these old furniture pieces that I have passed up previously. Thank you❣
I love your ideas of revamping out dated pieces of furniture. They way you look at each piece and come up with several ideas is genius. I feel like we should send you photos of what we have and how with a bit of time and tlc we could make them fit our style. I recently saw an old wall unit that was 4 separate pieces, updated, for a walk in wardrobe. It was painted and hanging space inserted in between each section. Extra shelves added for folded clothes. We all know how expensive it is to have a good looking system is, and this is such a cheap good looking solution.
Andrew, love this. But most people cannot envision like you can. To made it easier, first look at an object and define exactly WHY it is ugly. For example, let's look at the floor lamp: The metal is very cheap looking. The blue at the base has nothing to do with the rest. Mass produced junk. It is tall and skinny in proportion and looks dated and easy to knock over, Then how can this be resolved and how much work and cost. Black flat metal will make it more substantial, reminds us of wrought iron. The boring base could made more interesting by wiping bondo or Joint compound with fingers to make it look hand made, then painted. The proportion is still too thin. Could you easily cut some of the main pipe off to make it more stout and substantial? How much is the right lamp shade? Do you already have one? Or is it close to 300.00? In the end, is the cost and time worth it? Do you have the skills and tools to revamp it? It could all go wrong, so are you willing to waste the time and money on it? You might have to throw it away. He decided, NO. Not worth it.
Yes to a window seat! I like to sit on the sideways and read, or i think they are even cute for my dog to just soak up the sun on. Yes, glorified pet bed, but very cute.
My thoughts exactly especially with such a lush green view. Depending on its aspect but I also think it would be a great place to sit and have a coffee in the morning sun before you actually get up and into the day.
I think bun feet would look good with the rounded edges of the piece you are making a window seat out of. Like your round table , but it needs to be a little larger for the space. I love Your ideas. You just need to trust your instincts.
Great video, as always! I love windows seats! My inner 90s teenager needs to have a place to read and write in my diary 😄. It would look great with those shelves around the window, great idea! I have worked in a thrift store and I don't think people understand just how much stuff there is that is coming through thrift stores and that is broken or unwanted. We have so much furniture and things around that altering thrift finds is, in my opinion, totally fine. It needs to be used instead of going to the landfill. I don't think anything is too antique to be untouched, well a few things, but they're probably already in museums. If someone cuts up 100 year old furniture instead of buying it on Amazon, that's a win! I actually liked the striped chairs, I envision myself sitting in one with a cup of tea and a book in my library (that I don't have).
Haha the striped chairs totally fit with your 90s diary vibe! And yes, it’s good to hear this from another thrift store employee. I hate seeing things go in the trash, but it happens all the time 😭
i like that you flipped the shelving units so they are more like a bench. Would they work as benches for your foyer? And put some storage underneath? I am not sure if I would place them against the window.
i love the idea of a window seat mainly b/c that window is just calling for it but based on what i can tell from the spacing, it seems like the table and bench are too tight and honestly with a table in front of it, it kind of seems to defeat the purpose of the window seat. My thought is to compromise and build a farmhouse (you can give this your own twist ofc) style bench seat to combine the window seat and dining table, but i'm not sure.
Ask yourself, are in this room often? Do I love the fantasy of the idea or do I need that space for this everyday reason. I know I do especially when I cleaned out wide closet space which I converted one half to a office space and the other half to functional closet.
Great idea about the window seat! I love window seats! You've got such a great eye, and design mind, you can come up with something ab fab! Just make sure to add a comfortable cushion. And I bet Queenie would love to sit there!
When we moved a couple of years ago, the previous owners left some furniture behind. One of the items was a gigantic tv cabinet from the 90s. We ended up putting it in one of the bedrooms to use as storage. I would eventually like to put in shelves on the inside at some point, but right now I have a small cabinet with drawers inside the cabinet, it looks a little weird, but it does hold stuff. Re: window seats, I do think they look really nice, but to be honest, I wouldn't spend a lot of time sitting at them. They are more aesthetic rather than functional. Perhaps I would use it as a plant stand instead?
I rent an apartment with a built-in window seat in a bay-window configuration. The room is really small and the window seat is completely useless. I'd give my eyeteeth to have those few extra feet of floor space instead of the windowseat. You can't sit in it comfortably because the windowsill juts into your back, and my small couch doesn't fit anywhere else but in front of it. Sure, at first glance, it looks charming, but practically it's nonsense. I have my cat's bed on it, but that's not very attractive, and I'm at a loss as to what to do with the dang thing. Argh!!! But I'm sure there are windowseats that are actually used as such, maybe you will have one of those.
@@REISSUED Mine is much too high for a banquette, my feet would be dangling in the air and I'm tall, but if yours works, I say go for it! Sounds intriguing.
Ah...you work at a Restore, so you get 1st pick on many pieces/items coming in. Your store looks so much better stocked than the one in my area and better prices. I'm in Florida, just north of Tampa.
Huh. I’d switch the table to a similar warm wood oval or square table (seeing a lot of round comments and I’m not fond of the round for some unknown reason), but paint the table legs white or an accent color, maybe related to whatever you choose to make the window seat comfortable. Then use a runner or dollie or tablecloth to break up some of the warm wood, depending on the season or event or purpose. I’m slightly bias bc my grandmother took a painted white oval table and had my dad strip the top to reveal the warm wood, then layered polyurethane on it. It was the kitchen table for a very long time- it’s currently my kitchen table.
The chairs would really be great painted with DIY Chalk paint. I wouldn't use anything else! However I'd rather see you flip things than to hear you talk about it.
Love the video and you give many ideas for our House ! Often so simple to reusing old pieces and bring them back to live. Love the two armchairs and i am a retired upholster so i good easy put new fabric and put them by the fireplace ! So tomorrow is will go to the Thrift store to see what they have in stock thanks to this video.....😊😊 See you on the next episode !!
Ok... as is the shelves are too damned low for a Comfy wondow seat. If you used some type of legs on them to lift them about 3-6" then they would be at a good height you could get some similarly hued media center side towers to provide shelving and height surrounding the window...
Hairpin legs, softer warm stain, window seat with a square or smaller rectangular table for bench seating. The table can be close or pulled away and the seating can be used for drinking your coffee/tea and watching the rain
I share your philosophy about repurposing vintage finds. We throw away so much stuff these days. If it is saved from the land fill I'm onboard with upcycling it.
I love your idea with the table cutting it in half. You can put brackets on the other half and use it as a shelf horse riding legs and make another half table.😊
The interlocking shelf unit would be a very cool bespoke cat condo
I too like the idea of using the oak shelves for a window seat. You could clean them really well and fume them with ammonia and give them a Craftsman, arts and crafts bungalow-esque look.
I LOVE the idea of making a window seat unit out of that piece! It's not something I ever would've thought of seeing that at the thrift store. So smart!!
I was going to say the same thing! This should turn out great for that space.
A window seat ONLY if it's comfortable and ACTUALLY gets used. If it doesn't get used that would annoy me. Waste of space. You could have a rectangle table that gets pushed up to the window seat?
I love a window seat, at least for looks! Haha but I definitely can see plants all over it and inside the shelves! I like the round table there, but maybe a little larger one with some metal rounded chairs that you can see through to take your eye to the window, bc that is the best feature!❤❤❤
Love the window seat idea, I would go with it.
Love this, it's great for inspiration. I love a window seat and think those look great at your window. I like the round table with it too, softens the squareness of the shelves/window seat. Can't wait to see what you decide 🤎
I agree with you on when it's okay to chop something up. I can't imagine the ghastly black glass entertainment centres coming back, I sincerely hope not. Glad you bought those units, they look like quality pieces. I love a window seat but not sure those would be wide enough for my behind but if you used loads of cushions for the seat and backrest they would look great there. Table wise it's a narrow-ish room, I do like the round table in there although a long slim rectangle table could be a cool comfy potting shed/conservatory/sun room situation? Did you say "already for beddy"?? I spat my tea out, was not expecting that 😆🤣. Great video, thanks.
Love also the window seat idea even if it is not a must have for use, It will look so cosy in your room!
WINDOW SEAT would be AWESOME! I had a friend in grade school that lived in a huge mansion, like something out of Gone With The Wind. When I wouldspend the night in her huge bedroom, I would alwasy sit in her lovely window seat looking out at the beautiful trees. Her room was on the second story.
Great tips, Andrew! Love the lamp with the “flame” look. It reminded me of the Olympic torches. I have a tip for you. I have recently been made aware of Howard FeedNWax with beeswax and orange oil polish and conditioner. After years of purchasing many kinds of furniture polish, I have been amazed how this product works. Having inherited many antiques from my late parents, I bought this product at Home Depot here in Georgia. A 16 oz. Bottle was only $9.98. It has revived so many of my antiques. You might want to try it on some of your finds. I’m telling you that it is superb! A little goes a long way too. No sanding required. Just get dirt and dust off item and apply the product and follow directions. Great video.
I’m looking forward to the up cycling.
I do like this format. I play this game myself when thrifting!
Yes to window seat.. go with your gut! The round table feels right for your space, so I’d just p the scale of it. Great recycle suggestions… you have a gift!
This is great, thanks for your thoughts. (Of course, I happen to agree with you, so you validate me. Haha.) I love hearing your thoughts on thrift-able pieces rather than only seeing befores/afters. I think it sparks the imagination in us. More, please!
Okay, as an interior designer, I have my own doubts re: window seats, banquets. They do look cute, but they are a pain to live with in dining areas. Someone always has to get up to let someone else out and it just makes the space less gracious. However, I love the way these could look in your breakfast area, as you're considering. Maybe it isn't a window-seat so much as storage. Your could even put some doors on that sit back ever so slightly and are a glossy soft white, leaving the body in a amber-y oaken tone. The only reason for the last suggestion is that hidden storage is golden - places where you don't have to be as precious and thoughtful and can just pack crap away. Very fun video and lots to think about.
I like painting the wingback chairs 9:31 . I'd probably want the cushions upholstered for more comfortable seating and giving the chairs a two-toned look. Adding cushions to the window seating would make them more comfortable and inviting and I think Queenie would appreciate that, too. It's always nice to have extra seating available.
Wow. Can't wait to see what you do with that table/lamp. I would have walked right past that one and can't wait to see what you come up with.
I liked this first desk a lot. I could really imagine modifying it for my space.
I like the functional yet stylish retro look of it.
Maybe in green (as you said) or black or blackish brown. Maybe even burgundy. Although I don't know how that would look with the wooden top.
The idea/concept of cutting a round table in half and put it on a wall is also quite cool. I don't like round tables in full a lot. 😅
Maybe you should reconsider dismounting the metal lamp you saw for your wall! I think you don't even need a battery operated bulb, you just could plug it in. It could be perfect!
The seating bench project/idea is amazing!! Glad you bought the pieces, they are great!
..I think the only occasion where I strongly dislike (😅) modifying a piece is, when people sand down a beautiful wooden piece just to then paint it grey or taupe or beige. 🙈 I always wonder "Why??"!!..
If you really feel the urge to paint wood in perfect condition, then at least do it in a crazy, interesting colour (like neon pink, pastel mint/blue or maybe even gold or sth.). But not in one of those *conservative/restraint, boring (and ridiculous) pseudo natural colours!* I hate that! 😅😅
Great video! Love you.
❤
Cool ideas!
Hey Andrew! I love your ideas and your unique perspective as an insider. A window seat sounds perfect for making use of the shelving units while preserving the natural light. You might need to find some high-density foam for cushions, and I think your collection of upholstery fabric could help create a comfy seating area. Have you considered a drop-leaf table for flexibility, or maybe an oval or rectangular one depending on the space? Good luck with your project!
I love your idea for the lamp table! I like the look of the window seat, but not the functionality, if you have people over enough to use it. I think a rectangular(maybe oval?) shaped table would work best in that space, with some chairs with curves and a round rug to take away from all of the angles and edges.
Andrew, they sell this fake gold leaf on amazon that is really cheap. (20 dollars for 100 sheets). I cannot think of anything as thin and fragile as this is. You basically wall paper with this stuff on small objects. The learning curve is sharp, be prepared to make mistakes, it is very detailed and fussy to work with, but you learn fast. It looks very real, when you get the knack. YOU would be good at it since you don't mind that delicate fussy work. There is no comparison to gold paint or rub and buff, this looks like gold leaf, NOT gold spray paint. I got it to do the inside of my lampshades, then now am doing picture frames. It drives me crazy, but since you painted your wall paper in that bathroom, you have the temperament and skills to do it well.
Great vid, thanks.
For the window seat, maybe a couple of chunky square cushions, one on top of the other, angled. The rest of the space as a shelf with a plant. That way, you can see if you would actually use it as a seat or a shelf. I like how it will frame your window.
If there is something im not sure of, I tend to put it in and leave it for a week or two, then see if I like it or not.
I love the window seat idea, ESPECIALLY in an area with limited dining seating. Otherwise, however, the L-units would make a terrific home for plants, books, or collectibles -- or any combination thereof.
Another option: instead of chopping them apart to make a window seat or low shelf, why not stand both with the tall sides on either side of the window and set a comparably-simple table, chest, or bench between them, in front of the window? Since you're already using the area for dining, it could serve as a sideboard and open china cabinet.
10:47 These type of round tall table is often used to fill the void space of a curved staircase, or ones that wrap around 2 sides of the wall. You put a tall statement vase with tall branches, with smatterings of knickknacks or candles around it.
You could chop it in half, which understandably very scary. But you'll get a pair of this identical table which will look nice if you need to fill a narrow hallway. Pair it with large mirrors and nice sconces. Although you'll need two more identical lathe legs for that, and a lot more work.
Great insight! Thank you!
@@REISSUED Thank you, and may I just say that I love getting glimpse of you behind the scene, the fail takes, the waking up at 5am, the gym, the exasperations. Makes it all real and we get to know you beyond the handsome face, and the appealing spaces.
Also, from my own window seat designs, they really are best when at least as deep as a dining chair.
Love your channel!
All good ideas.
One thing that makes desks difficult is that they are often too large for a space that has several pieces of furniture in it. Most offices have at most a bookcase, a file cabinet, and two rather sparse chairs in addition to the desk chair. If I did DIY, I would take the desk to an auto repair for powder coating, and remove the top, as you suggested, replace with a smaller top, eliminating any overhang.
Excellent point about the size of the desk being an issue for many people. And great idea with the powder coating!
You can tell you are a VISIONARY being able to see potential in all these pieces I've definitely passed on! This video is great and I bet you are now saving a lot of poor furniture pieces from the landfill!
Aw thanks Leah! 😊
Make those shelves a window seat! Get a larger oval table and make a pseudo nook setup with the window seats at one the end of the table and 4 or 5 chairs around the other 3 ‘sides’ of the oval table.
Good video love the dog !
You could make those two shelves into storage in a mud room. Putting hooks in the long sections for kids coats
I love the idea of a window seat. But, like you, I think they can be uncomfortable. You could top it with a super thick piece of foam wrapped in quality quilt batting. Make a slip cover and have a seat. The window seat would be great extra seating for a square or rectangle table.
You would LOVE Rub n Buff. Tip: put a very tiny amount on your finger tip. Less than you think you need. It goes a long way.
I got a lovely vintage drawer/mirror piece that had a slightly speckled mirror, was missing 2/4 handles, and had stains all on the shelf and top. I sanded it down, painted a plant that I love onto it in a slightly art nouveau style, and then revarnished those parts (did a dodgy acrylic paint staining job too... I didn't want to buy stain). I drilled holes into the drawers so I could thread rope handles through, which I made out of braided green satin cord that I found at an opshop. I definitely felt like I brought it back from being an unwanted item
Love your ideas!
⭐️💖😊🙏 cool items
That second lamp, if it is brass and stainless steel, I'd take it apart, heat blue the stainless steel, and reassemble. The blue in that 3rd lamp came as a surprize to me, I was expecting dusty rose . . . I don't have room for that first desk, but I think it would look great in a workshop or the office of a workshop or garage. LOL I love those wingback chairs, I recently had 'the worlds most comfy chair' reupholstered in a very similar stripe, even though it does look like one of Don Cherry's jackets . . . I hear you on the entertainment centres . . . I'm so glad the people who bought Mom's house asked if they could keep hers, it was a beautiful piece, well made (it was a palliser) but . . . yeah kinda useless for anything, too deep to make a good bookcase, too small for a modern tv . . .it was going to end up in my shop as storage . . . And yes, on a window seat, Queenie for one will love it, a nice place to sit and bark at the squirrels (or whatever) outside. I'd give them a light sanding and do a darker stain on them, I do have quite a bit of that golden oak finish in my house, but hey, it was the 1990s, and there is and never was any dusty rose . . . sorry this got so long! I was commenting along to the video as I watched it.
great idea to brainstorm ideas and do mockups without having to purchase every item-so many projects, so little room, or time. But the shelves were a great buy (I love this style as well). The design is very flexible, so it'd be a shame to change the structure for just one setting. In this room, you could let each unit stand vertically on either side of the window and then add a removable plank with cushions (window seat) to connect the two units. Think of it as a bench, rather than a window seat. Haha. Then if later you don't want a window seat anymore, you can remove the seating and still have two functioning shelving units. I would refinish in some way though. Maybe a tan wash? Not everyone's style, but seems like a light color might be nice and cheery in the sun room. Again great buy, I would have bought these too.
or don't add cushions and just use the added "plank" as an additional shelf
Window seats are great if you include pillows for back support
I think the metal desk would look good painted black with a stained thick wood top. Maybe like the wood from an old deck.
For the wing-backed chairs, diluted *_chalk paint_* really worked in to the fabric and repeatedly misted with a water bottle in hand as you go, is the best method I've come across for dyeing upholstery a new colour. It leaves the fabric super soft - even velvet - you'd never know it was painted if you weren't told so. You could also effectively dye them eg teal coloured this way, while still retaining the stripes of the original fabric.
@DebisDesignDiary has an excellent YT tutorial that inspired me when she painted a large velvet sofa.
Thanks for the resources!
So adorable
OMG! I thrifted those same golden oak shelves and turned them into a low entertainment center/ bench in a game room. Client was going for an industrial look, so we stained them black and put little dome head screws along the edges to look like rivets ( and secure some weakness). With the versatility of these shelves Andrew, you can't go wrong. Have you tried them as a corner bench with the round table? A rectangle table might work better for the linear design mods you spoke about. Excited to see what becomes of these! 😻
Love the idea for a corner bench! That room is tough since the light is centered and the ceiling is complicated… but I’m definitely gonna give that a try!
Ultimately, once you buy something it's yours to do with as you wish. I love the look of vintage frames but have never been a fan of gold. When I find frames I like, I paint them. I know that many wouldn't agree because they love them as is.
I find ten minutes scrub with Barkeepers Friend livens up most older metals, and then a dab of polish with Howard Feed n' Wax on older wood. After checking with an expert I did this for a 100 year old Singer sewing machine cabinet. It doesnt reverse any damage, but it makes the wood look a lot better, gives it some moisture back and gives it a new surface seal. Something like that first spiral lamp you can also use a tinted oil or wax to even the tone and fill in any little light colored dings. The table lamp - I'd go Victorian. Replace the glass with wood or faux marble, paint the metal flat black and use some bronze Rub n Buff for a vintage metal look, and then a fancy finish on the urn - ideally I'd do a faux porcelain craquelure finish on a dark cinnabar red. and then of course a fancy victorian lamp shade in red and gold tassels. Minimalism is all well and nice but sometimes going all in on details is good too. ;)
I think we get a little bit too precious with what we think are antiques or too old to alter. Previous generations would take apart and repaint and rebuild a ton of the things they had in their homes, and if it's something you found in a thrift store, chances are they're not invaluable antiques that are irreplaceable as historic objects.
I think that any piece from any era (even the dreaded 80s, which I lived through, and saw in all its glory and shame) can be added as-is to most spaces, provided you're going for that look and are willing to lean into the style. I think if I walked into someone's home and they went full-tilt on avocado green and harvest gold in their kitchen in a designed way, i'd probably be super impressed, even though that was the color scheme that 100% everyone in the US HAD to get rid of the second HGTV hit our cable boxes.
I think the key part for a window seat is that whoever sits there is at the same height as everyone else sitting at the table. It's weird to have the odd person out who is way above or below everyone else's level
Spot on! That’s definitely on my mind for this
If you need more seating at the table, maybe add a connecting top under the window and make it into a dining nook.??
Absolutely consider repurposing old furniture. I turned china hutches into bookcases with display items. An old entertainment center armoire ended up in my laundry room holding a myriad of household odds and ends below and my recycling center behind the doors above. A long dresser serves as my stereo table with the drawers filled with more misc items: gift supplies and wrapping paper but mostly emergency supplies. The hidden storage possibilities are endless and many older furniture pieces have good display space included. Repurpose when possible.
100% agree! Once you pay for an item or rescue it off the street not only are saving it from landfill you are free to do with it whatever you wish. And if you turn it into something practical or something decorative who cares, or rather no one should care, you have given it a new purpose and a new lease on life.
I watch a few furniture refab channels and almost every one will get someone commenting on what a crime it is to paint it or modify it etc but many of those same people go on to say that it wouldn’t suit their home but surely someone would want it? The don’t get that the answer is nobody wants it that’s why it was free, or on the side of the road, or had been sitting in goodwill forever etc. And the majority of those furniture flippers do amazing work and the item sells!! So to me that’s proof that they did the right thing by “re-fabbing” it! 😊
This is what I do everyday - try to reinvent in my head what to do with items of partial potential! But I am curious how you get the visual renderings of them? Are you just finding pieces that look similar or actually using a program to photograph and colorize? Anyway, I really enjoyed this whole video and to me a rectangular table would work better than a round one in front of the window but then I've never been a fan of round tables since you're so far away from your guests. But possibly two or three square tables so it can be put together to be one long table or broken up as needed is always a versatile perk
I just trying to find similar items online! It’s often what I do for my mood boards!
I have a love/hate attitude toward window seats. I love the idea of them and the way they look, but in my experience they are very uncomfortable to sit on. The seat is always far too high, and I never like reclining against a glass window. It's just unpleasant altogether. So although I have lived in houses that had one, I never used them. They make great spaces for plants though!
"When is it ok to modify vintage finds?" As long as it's personal property you can whatever you want with it. If you want it for firewood go for it.
Old English furniture polish will hide scratches and other damage in the finish of wooden pieces. So will Howard's Restore-A-Finish. Howard's Feed-N-Wax makes the inside of drawers smell wonderful, and slicks up the sides so drawers glide easily. LIGHTLY worn upholstery can be disguised by placing crochet doilies over the spot and pinning them in place so they mimic antimacassars. Things that have antique value should not be painted or restyled, but vintage furniture that has always been painted is fair game -- that white French Prov furniture is a great makeover project. Time is often unkind to the white finish, and a fresh coat of paint can make it like new again. Or if you have one part of a vintage item, say just the headboard of a bed frame, painting it is acceptable, especially when the finish is already shot. Laminated furniture is always eligible for a makeover with paint, but I hate to see quality wood painted if it can be refinished.
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FIRST
Thank goodness there are "decorators like you. All the worthless crap has someone to promote its uselessness. The inane misuse of the word like tells it all.
Sorry, but I'm forced to remove my 'like'. Too much 'what about this, what about that!'. I'm dizzy already. Good luck. Cheers
I think putting some short legs on the shelving units to lift it off the ground a little would modernize it some.
Yes there are currently tile boxes underneath to prop it up 😂
I really like a lot of your ideas. Helps get my imagination going. Thx
I really like the window seat idea. You have given me a new appreciation for some of these old furniture pieces that I have passed up previously. Thank you❣
I love your ideas of revamping out dated pieces of furniture. They way you look at each piece and come up with several ideas is genius. I feel like we should send you photos of what we have and how with a bit of time and tlc we could make them fit our style. I recently saw an old wall unit that was 4 separate pieces, updated, for a walk in wardrobe. It was painted and hanging space inserted in between each section. Extra shelves added for folded clothes. We all know how expensive it is to have a good looking system is, and this is such a cheap good looking solution.
I love this idea! Wanna send me some photos that I can share my ideas for in this week’s live? Reissuedstore@gmail.com ❤️
@@REISSUED hi, I’ve sent the photo, I think it’s a great idea and affordable.
Andrew, love this. But most people cannot envision like you can.
To made it easier, first look at an object and define exactly WHY it is ugly. For example, let's look at the floor lamp:
The metal is very cheap looking.
The blue at the base has nothing to do with the rest. Mass produced junk.
It is tall and skinny in proportion and looks dated and easy to knock over,
Then how can this be resolved and how much work and cost.
Black flat metal will make it more substantial, reminds us of wrought iron.
The boring base could made more interesting by wiping bondo or Joint compound with fingers to make it look hand made, then painted.
The proportion is still too thin. Could you easily cut some of the main pipe off to make it more stout and substantial?
How much is the right lamp shade? Do you already have one? Or is it close to 300.00?
In the end, is the cost and time worth it? Do you have the skills and tools to revamp it?
It could all go wrong, so are you willing to waste the time and money on it? You might have to throw it away.
He decided, NO. Not worth it.
Yes to a window seat! I like to sit on the sideways and read, or i think they are even cute for my dog to just soak up the sun on. Yes, glorified pet bed, but very cute.
My thoughts exactly especially with such a lush green view. Depending on its aspect but I also think it would be a great place to sit and have a coffee in the morning sun before you actually get up and into the day.
I think bun feet would look good with the rounded edges of the piece you are making a window seat out of. Like your round table , but it needs to be a little larger for the space.
I love Your ideas. You just need to trust your instincts.
Rise to the challenge, my friend : WINDOW SEAT!!!!!
Great video, as always! I love windows seats! My inner 90s teenager needs to have a place to read and write in my diary 😄. It would look great with those shelves around the window, great idea!
I have worked in a thrift store and I don't think people understand just how much stuff there is that is coming through thrift stores and that is broken or unwanted. We have so much furniture and things around that altering thrift finds is, in my opinion, totally fine. It needs to be used instead of going to the landfill. I don't think anything is too antique to be untouched, well a few things, but they're probably already in museums. If someone cuts up 100 year old furniture instead of buying it on Amazon, that's a win!
I actually liked the striped chairs, I envision myself sitting in one with a cup of tea and a book in my library (that I don't have).
Haha the striped chairs totally fit with your 90s diary vibe! And yes, it’s good to hear this from another thrift store employee. I hate seeing things go in the trash, but it happens all the time 😭
That Salvation Army you found those shelves at is a hit! I love those shelves too, so jealous!
i like that you flipped the shelving units so they are more like a bench. Would they work as benches for your foyer? And put some storage underneath? I am not sure if I would place them against the window.
i love the idea of a window seat mainly b/c that window is just calling for it but based on what i can tell from the spacing, it seems like the table and bench are too tight and honestly with a table in front of it, it kind of seems to defeat the purpose of the window seat.
My thought is to compromise and build a farmhouse (you can give this your own twist ofc) style bench seat to combine the window seat and dining table, but i'm not sure.
Ask yourself, are in this room often? Do I love the fantasy of the idea or do I need that space for this everyday reason. I know I do especially when I cleaned out wide closet space which I converted one half to a office space and the other half to functional closet.
Think a single pedestal table would work. Your (& others) knees won’t get entangled when settling in or out. A 4 legged table is a lotta legs!
Great idea about the window seat! I love window seats! You've got such a great eye, and design mind, you can come up with something ab fab! Just make sure to add a comfortable cushion. And I bet Queenie would love to sit there!
She would love to sit there! She loves to be on the sofa in the studio because she can see out!
You have to try rub n’ buff! And restore & refinish 👍🏻
When we moved a couple of years ago, the previous owners left some furniture behind. One of the items was a gigantic tv cabinet from the 90s. We ended up putting it in one of the bedrooms to use as storage. I would eventually like to put in shelves on the inside at some point, but right now I have a small cabinet with drawers inside the cabinet, it looks a little weird, but it does hold stuff. Re: window seats, I do think they look really nice, but to be honest, I wouldn't spend a lot of time sitting at them. They are more aesthetic rather than functional. Perhaps I would use it as a plant stand instead?
I rent an apartment with a built-in window seat in a bay-window configuration. The room is really small and the window seat is completely useless. I'd give my eyeteeth to have those few extra feet of floor space instead of the windowseat. You can't sit in it comfortably because the windowsill juts into your back, and my small couch doesn't fit anywhere else but in front of it. Sure, at first glance, it looks charming, but practically it's nonsense. I have my cat's bed on it, but that's not very attractive, and I'm at a loss as to what to do with the dang thing. Argh!!! But I'm sure there are windowseats that are actually used as such, maybe you will have one of those.
Yeah… that’s what I tend to hear from people with window seats hence my reservation. But maybe if I make it more like a banquette?
@@REISSUED Mine is much too high for a banquette, my feet would be dangling in the air and I'm tall, but if yours works, I say go for it! Sounds intriguing.
Australia here, agree about the upcycling, better used and restored than in land fill. Always look at upcycling
YES! window seats everyone I know loves them, you just need a good seat cushion and cushions! Its a beautiful spot to sit in winter or spring
Ah...you work at a Restore, so you get 1st pick on many pieces/items coming in. Your store looks so much better stocked than the one in my area and better prices. I'm in Florida, just north of Tampa.
Huh. I’d switch the table to a similar warm wood oval or square table (seeing a lot of round comments and I’m not fond of the round for some unknown reason), but paint the table legs white or an accent color, maybe related to whatever you choose to make the window seat comfortable. Then use a runner or dollie or tablecloth to break up some of the warm wood, depending on the season or event or purpose. I’m slightly bias bc my grandmother took a painted white oval table and had my dad strip the top to reveal the warm wood, then layered polyurethane on it. It was the kitchen table for a very long time- it’s currently my kitchen table.
The chairs would really be great painted with DIY Chalk paint. I wouldn't use anything else! However I'd rather see you flip things than to hear you talk about it.
Love the video and you give many ideas for our House ! Often so simple to reusing old pieces and bring them back to live. Love the two armchairs and i am a retired upholster so i good easy put new fabric and put them by the fireplace ! So tomorrow is will go to the Thrift store to see what they have in stock thanks to this video.....😊😊 See you on the next episode !!
Smoldering swagger....LOVE IT! Great tips on revitalizing thrift items.
Ok... as is the shelves are too damned low for a Comfy wondow seat. If you used some type of legs on them to lift them about 3-6" then they would be at a good height you could get some similarly hued media center side towers to provide shelving and height surrounding the window...
Hairpin legs, softer warm stain, window seat with a square or smaller rectangular table for bench seating. The table can be close or pulled away and the seating can be used for drinking your coffee/tea and watching the rain
I personally love window seats with a round table 👍🏼. Also, love this format, your design style is spot on for me!
I share your philosophy about repurposing vintage finds. We throw away so much stuff these days. If it is saved from the land fill I'm onboard with upcycling it.
I love your idea with the table cutting it in half. You can put brackets on the other half and use it as a shelf horse riding legs and make another half table.😊
Love, love window seats!