Shabby Chic to Edwardian Charm - A Vintage Rescue

Summer is flying by and we can already feel Fall in the air!

But last month was hot and dry and my husband decided to take advantage of the weather and finally apply varnish to an old vintage plant stand ... that he had been diligently sanding and preparing for the better part of the year! 

By far the largest part of the job was painstakingly removing the white paint from all the little crevices -- and all without damaging the detailed woodwork.  Lots of delicate sanding was involved but the Grumpy Old Gnome in the Grove stuck with the task.

Here's the backstory ...

---

---

BEFORE - Vintage plant stand outdoors with last year's tomatoes

This fantastically funky plant stand was gifted to us by my sister-in-law.  It had a great distressed look as someone had once painted it white; with much of the paint flaking off, giving it this awesome distressed look.  The paint was falling off in big chunks so using this piece of furniture inside was not an option.  Instead, we had it first outside on our little covered deck, and then moved it to the top of our front stairs ... last year saw tomatoes growing in it!

AFTER - Vintage plant stand completely refurbished and ready for its new indoor life

While I liked the "shabby chic" look of the planter before (and being able to use it outside without guilt) - I think it looks just beautiful as a restored piece and will make a wonderful addition to our front living room!

The next task is to build, or have built, a glass atrium for the top ... so that maybe we can transplant many of our little succulents into it.  I know it would be perfect for growing some kitchen herbs too ... but we have far too many of those in the Grove already!!

Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019