Country Pine Commode Transformed

Another day, another DIY project done! This is an old commode Coach and I picked up at auction last fall for $25.

Unfortunately, it was buried in the back of the barn until our most recent barn sale (which was quite a success, I must say). My mom had been searching for a nice storage cupboard for her entryway, and I knew this would be the perfect piece once I rescued it from under the piles of books and bric-a-brac!

All it took was a bit of cleaning, a few coats of Annie Sloane Chalk Paint in Old White, a bit of sanding around the edges and a new product (more about this later), a crème wax by Americana Paints that you literally paint on with a brush and then buff off. It has no odor, has the consistency of a clear paint, leaves a nice, soft sheen and a very smooth protective finish. Our original intent was to paint the hardware as well, but once the piece was sanded and finished, we liked the dark contrast against the light wood.

But, the best part about this makeover is the staging that occurred once the commode was finished and moved into place. Because my mom is an artist, she sees everything a bit differently than most folks. The surfaces in her home become a canvas that she transforms from simple and unadorned to simply beautiful,  with a little help from her favorite HomeGoods store(s).

Each of these decorative items were purchased separately, but together they become a lovely vignette in shades of blues and silvers, with a few natural elements from the sea. Flanked by two antique ladder back chairs with gunny sack pillows, some of my mom’s paintings and the pediment mirror that is more than 25 years old, the vintage country pine commode has a new life greeting visitors in my mom’s entryway.

And that is what the three “R”‘s are all about- reclaim, recycle, relove. Have a lovely weekend everyone, the sun is about to shine!! Susan