That old game table in my new column this month wasn't the only treasure I scored in Charlotte.
Check out these French porcelain beauties: on the left, a pierced basket to keep the others company on the sideboard in our dining room and on the right, one of eight salad plates in a cheery hue reminiscent of Pantone's color of the year. They were just the inspiration I needed for a pretty-in-pink makeover with double-duty appeal.
Keep the table closed, and it's great next to a bed or in a front hall. Swivel and open it completely, and it’s a card table with storage.
As much as I loved the table's shape, that dingy wood veneer would have to go. Paint is the easiest way to freshen up old furniture, but it’s the prep work beforehand that ensures a smooth and lasting finish. After removing the claw feet, I filled and sanded chipped corners, holes and scratches with an epoxy wood filler from Minwax. It's the perfect material to use on old furniture. You mix it like cookie dough, mold it like clay and when it hardens, you sand it like wood. To make it even easier, I used a Dremel tool fit with a sanding bit, then ran a coarse grit sanding block over the entire piece until smooth.
Beginning with the table open, I primed the top, pedestal and legs first with a good, shellac-based primer to lock in the stain. Once dry, I folded the table over, then primed the underside of the top and drawer. After a second coat of primer, I was finally ready the paint.
Two coats of white later, applied in the same way as the primer, and that dingy wood veneer was a thing of the past.
For the magazine, editor Jen Kopf and I imagined two scenarios showing the transformation: one would be shot in the library of our house with the tabletop open for playing cards; the other, with it closed in our foyer. For the first scenario, I picked up these dining chairs at one of my favorite junk shops—$40 for six—but they, too, would need a little love.
Inspired by the cheery hue of a set of French porcelain plates, I painted the underside of the table and four of the chairs two tones of pink from Valspar through Lowe's. The fabric is a pretty floral from Calico Corners.
Now for the top of the table, I wanted to do something a little different, so to mimic the look of a classic awning, I added stripes. Simply measure and tape off the widths (sides, too), then apply two coats of glossy pink paint. Be sure to use 3M Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape to prevent any bleeds.
To go a step further, I lined the table's flip-top drawer with pink scrapbook paper for a sweet and stylish surprise. Measure the interior drawer and cut paper to size with scissors. Apply spray adhesive to the back of the paper, and smooth in place. Using a glue gun, outline the drawer with grosgrain ribbon.
Three days from the shoot, and the transformations were complete! The pair of club chairs in our library had been easy enough to move, but after only two months in the new house, our windows had still been bare! For a quick fix, I hung linen panels on cafe rods to soften the room for the shoot.
Flash forward, and here's the image photographer Miki Duisterhof captured on yet another snowy day in January. For the most part, we were all very pleased. This story, however, was slated for May, and so greenery of some sort would have to be added in post-production. The other issue revealed itself later when the editors were reviewing the images and chose this perspective as their favorite—minus me! For the article, they preferred my picture with the beat-up table at the flea market, and so that part of the image, too, would have to be retouched.
Here's the photograph as it appeared in the magazine. It's the same one only enhanced, quite skillfully, with foliage and with my presence magically erased! The pierced French basket from the flea market I planted with a bird's nest fern and moss, while the pink porcelain plates flank a vintage brass candle sconce with a petal pink taper from Creative Candles.
Here are the big, beautiful detail shots of the tabletop and drawer that Miki captured, only without the size constraints of print. If I were to do it over again, I'd definitely add to this image perfectly manicured hands to give it life!
Just because it's cards doesn't mean it can't be colorful! These are a mix of new and old—vintage Tiffany, together with a pastel set from Kardwell.
For the second scenario, we moved to the foyer. When folded up, the table now doubles as a catchall for keys and mail. In the mirror, you'll notice the cord to the wall sconce, the glass coffee table in our living room, and a leg of the tripod. Now you see them...
Now you don't!
Here's another of Miki's lovely detail shots of the tabletop with a simple arrangement of hydrangeas and roses in a vintage ginger jar.
Huge thanks again to photographer Miki Duisterhof, her assistant Tiffany and editor Jen Kopf, along with the entire team at Southern Living for all their talent and hard work.
And of course, thank you again to editor in chief Lindsay Bierman for the incredible opportunity to contribute. It's an honor to be a part of the Southern Living family, and I can't wait to share all the dazzling transformations to come!
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Posted by: SANDRASchmidt34 | October 24, 2011 at 03:40 AM
love this! and the pink!? what an interesting and amazing choice. you are fearless.
love this!
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | June 30, 2011 at 07:57 AM
You do great work, Eddie. You were one of my favorites on Design Star and this table looks fabulous.
Posted by: Mountain Dandy | June 26, 2011 at 10:58 PM
Love the look of the table in the foyer. Tres chic!
Posted by: Mimi | June 04, 2011 at 04:19 PM
I LOVED seeing this process...how fun is this!?!?! Beautifully done!
Posted by: Iris | June 04, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Great work! I really like the table with hidden drawer underneath. Its great for office works.
Posted by: furniture wardrobes | June 03, 2011 at 07:18 AM
This is AMAZING. Seriously, Eddie. Every picture is gorgeous.
By the way, when are you two coming back to Philly??!! We miss you down here. :)
xoxo
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Robson | June 01, 2011 at 06:18 PM
I have a larger version of that same table in the corner of my office and have been trying to fiqure out what to do with it...other than tossing it out completely...
hmmmm....
www.ajbarnesonline.blogspot.com
Posted by: Randy | May 31, 2011 at 05:36 PM
LOVE Love as usual!! The ribbon in the drawer Too good XO
ann
Posted by: Ann Lambeth | May 31, 2011 at 03:12 PM
WOOOOOOW! Seriously amazing transformation
Posted by: ALICE IN DESIGNLAND | May 28, 2011 at 12:34 AM
So fun to see the behind the scenes. I loved the transformation! Ya'll are doing great stuff for Southern Living...I love what the new editor is doing.
Best,
Gretchen O.
Posted by: Gretchen O | May 27, 2011 at 07:43 PM
My perfect vacation would be to just sit by the pool and read every post of yours I've ever missed.
Posted by: Alexandra Rae | May 27, 2011 at 12:18 PM
really treasure this table! I love it. You´re the best, Eddie. Kisses
Posted by: bego | May 27, 2011 at 01:55 AM
I feel like a broken record, but you guys are AMAZING! Seriously, I love every detail. Loved seeing you both yesterday and I did a post on it today! Warm wishes!
Posted by: Hamptontoes | May 25, 2011 at 09:51 PM
I loved this! Especially love the table's cheerful stripes. Great job (yet again!).
Posted by: Miranda | May 25, 2011 at 07:38 PM
I would just love to wonder through flea markets in Paris or London with you! You always amaze me! Well done:)
Posted by: mb | May 25, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Eddie, STUNNING!!! LOVE the way table makeover! The high gloss is beautiful. And the pink chairs, be still my heart. Love literally everything you do! xo
Posted by: sandy@oohlafroufrou | May 25, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Yay for you and Jaithan!
Posted by: CourtneyOutLoud | May 24, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Such a soft sweet look! Those chairs are so pretty. Usually I go bold with my pink, but I really like your choice.
Posted by: Naomi | May 24, 2011 at 12:57 AM
This is SOOOOO FABULOUS! If you love this post.. you have got to see this transformation.. From Trash to Fabulous!
http://fabulousonabudget.com/interior/from-trash-to-fabulous/
Posted by: Leah Ashley | May 23, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Wow, this looks amazing! I am curious what type of paint and sealant you used?
Posted by: Christine | May 23, 2011 at 02:53 PM
... tis the season for scoring ...
my shed is sizzling with painting projects ...as I have just "scored" two new shopkeeper clients ... ( from Randolph Street)
we're all out there on the hunt ...
I'm sure one of these days we'll bump into each other!
xoxo
Posted by: savvycityfarmer | May 23, 2011 at 12:25 PM
I love those flip tops left open against the wall. Such a wonderful look.
Seeing all the effort it took to get those few shots that made it into the magazine, phew, I'm relieved they didn't just stroll into your house, take a few snaps and stroll out again. :~)
I always wonder about that...does the house always look like that??
Posted by: SilverMagpies | May 23, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Loved your article, Eddie. Just got my June issue in the mail. Wish you had another story in that one! Keep them coming...
Hillis
Posted by: Hillis | May 23, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Genius, Eddie! It just keeps getting better and better! Come visit us in Nashville! There's a great flea market next weekend! Hope to see you!
Laura
Posted by: Laura | May 23, 2011 at 10:36 AM
The folks at Southern Living were so smart to have hired y'all! I'm renewing my subscription right now...and getting one for my daughter in Charlotte!
Maureen
Posted by: Marueen R. | May 23, 2011 at 10:34 AM
You make it
look soooo easy!
I've always wanted
either a game table
like this or a tilt
top table. So very
versatile. Love how
you brought it into
the 21st century.
Beautiful job; bravo!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | May 23, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Eddie,I always love seeing your behind the scenes work on photo shoots & everything that goes into it. You are a master as repainting old furniture with such fresh & inspiring colors. Love, love this feature!
P.S. I am now living back in ATL & would love to see you 2 when you come to town again. Let's go junking!!
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | May 22, 2011 at 10:47 PM
LOVE!! And I just posted a week or so ago about vintage cards, backgammon sets, dominoes, etc. I'd love for you to check it out and leave your thoughts. Of course, I don't have the stylist resources or your eye, but I was going for something in the same ballpark!
http://eclecticentertaining.blogspot.com/2011/05/games-people-play.html
Posted by: Laura Roberts | May 22, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I am inspired to start up a subscription, again. Oh, I am so torn between ecclectic and and the less is more thing....but you reaffirm my first love of ecclectic everytime.
Posted by: Kimberly | May 22, 2011 at 06:00 PM
Hi Eddie,
We would like to feature you in July, what is the best way to get in touch with you?
Can you email me at mrsdavis1024@yahoo.com
Thank you so much,
Maggie
Posted by: Maggie | May 22, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Well Eddie and Jaithan, this is so interesting to see how the photo can be changed to correlate with the correct season! and of course the photo shop effects. Thanks for showing us how it's done. Look forward to more of your work in Southern Living, 1 of my favorites. (the BEST recipes)
Posted by: Shawn Herbert | May 22, 2011 at 08:39 AM
E+J- Love these behind the scenes. Miki Duisterhof's photographs are beautiful.
I am impressed with your prep work. No cutting any corners with you! A lot of work, with a flawless result...
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | May 21, 2011 at 09:12 PM
You are amazing and that project turned out fabulous! I love it!
Posted by: melinda | May 21, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Amazing transformation. love it! thank you both. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | May 21, 2011 at 05:49 PM
I love the behind the scenes secrets! It makes the magazine story even more interesting. Although all this talk of Metrolina is back to making me cranky that I missed your Charlotte visit! ;-)
Posted by: traci zeller designs | May 21, 2011 at 05:17 PM
That's it! I'm only 3 hours from Charlotte... I'm on my way! Loved the table... -Ann (birdsofafeatherdesign.com)
p.s. We want to be a part of the S.L. family!
Posted by: Ann | May 21, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Fantastic table! I love the final layout; so fresh. Look for my blue Antibes basket in the June issue of Southern Living; lovely magazine!
Posted by: French Basketeer | May 21, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Hi Clara!
We're shooting at flea markets across the South like crazy, so we can run the stories more frequently very soon. The next one will appear in the July issue! Thank you for asking!
Eddie
Posted by: Eddie Ross | May 21, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Eddie why isn't there an article in this months SL?
Posted by: Clara | May 21, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Wow... now this is inspiring... I love love the pink plate!
Posted by: Jan (The French Tangerine) | May 21, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Great finds presented in new and fresh ways! Great job, Eddie.
Posted by: Carla@DesignintheWoods | May 21, 2011 at 09:49 AM
What a lovely game table! I really enjoy seeing the behind the scene details I learn a lot.
Posted by: Tonia | May 21, 2011 at 08:46 AM
I love your fearless use of color! And it's so fun to see how teams of experts edit things for prime time. Makes me feel a little better about all my imperfections :)
Posted by: Julie LoRusso | May 21, 2011 at 08:06 AM
Love how you work your magic! Everything looks beautiful.
Posted by: Laura Casey Interiors | May 21, 2011 at 07:38 AM
Your creativity just makes me...tingle. Where do these inspirations come from?? It is just fascinating to see and read your blog, etc. franki
Posted by: Franki Parde | May 21, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Eddie this must be one of my favourite posts!!!! So beautiful. With so much tips and techniques.
You would be so much fun to spend time with. And a wealth of information between you and Jaithan!
More, more, more!!! (please? hehe)
Posted by: drey | May 21, 2011 at 12:20 AM
What fun that you shared all the extras behind your wonderful new column! And are those the same playing cards that inspired a chair redo a couple of years back? If so, include that link too -- it was an oldie, but goodie!
Posted by: Sharon in Chicago | May 20, 2011 at 10:32 PM
O.K. Eddie, I've been a little worried about this winter never ending but thank you, thank you for the inspiration. I'm going to take the plunge into painting (gasp) my yucky brown wood furniture. By the way, I've ventured as a california girl into the south recently (Savannah) and was blown away by the style that you have blogged about so eloquently, I now get it.
Posted by: cj | May 20, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Fabulous, as usual!
Posted by: Leslie W | May 20, 2011 at 08:52 PM
love the pink..so fun and fresh...your card playing table is so perfect for a few friends to come over for Euchre...or crazy eights..
and I especially love the table in the hall with the black accents...adds a little more sophistication...
great ideas..
maureen
Posted by: eclectic revisited | May 20, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Oh, how do I love this table?! Pretty pink much! Your skill in taking the everyday and transforming it into the "make my day"...is unparalleled. You are the best in the biz.
xo E
ps: I've already heard rumors of group breakfasts before the big Greenwich day! Look out!
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | May 20, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Oh Eddie, you know how I love pink and green and stripes!! Oh my!! what a creative look for that table!!! I just about died when I saw the French Pierced basket, but you already know I turn green every time I see one!! You are the master of creativity and thrifting, xo Kathysue, give Jaithan a hug too!! KS
Posted by: Kathysue | May 20, 2011 at 07:22 PM
The cuteness is unbearable! Thanks for the great how-to.
Posted by: Meagan @ style-edition | May 20, 2011 at 07:11 PM
I just get so inspired when I read your posts... I want to go treasure hunting as well, paint and style... :)
You did a lovely job, I like the sweet table, though I would have kept it white, but that's just if it was for me, and not a "story"!
northern Light
Posted by: Natasha | May 20, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Love the "behind the scenes" info. Got my copy of SL last week. Mom gives me a subscription every year for Christmas - and when it comes we go through it page by page over the phone. (I'm in NYC - she's out west). It's a great tradition and I loved pointing out that "Eddie Ross" in this article is the same fabulous guy who (along with Jaithan) does those wonderful flea market tours here in the city! Looking forward to the next column!
Posted by: Wendy | May 20, 2011 at 05:07 PM
As always, you inspire me with your wide range of creativity and knowledge.
Posted by: Maryann Kenney | May 20, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Eddie it looks great! love the transformation! I love it in the entry that's my favorite!! Congrats! xo Susan
Posted by: susan | May 20, 2011 at 04:16 PM
Great find on the game table, it's so versatile. I also love the makeover and the styling photographed in the magazine. Well done, Eddie!
Jessie
www.mixandchic.com
Posted by: Jessie | May 20, 2011 at 01:25 PM
A game of skill, not chance, with this great makeover! You got game!
xo Cathy
Posted by: stitchfork | May 20, 2011 at 12:57 PM
How charming that table looks in both settings. I'd be curious to know your choice for sealing white paint. I've found that some products turn white to yellow.
Thank you for introducing me to Minwax wood filler. I'd like to restore a small table that belonged to my late brother but thought that it was beyond repair. I'll have to give this product a shot.
Posted by: karen@strictlysimplestyle | May 20, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Loved seeing it all come together! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Cher@NewburghRestoration | May 20, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Wow that french pierced basket and salad plates are fabulous but that table is something else. I can't believe how you transformed the table and chairs, great job! I have to be honest though I like the table better in the foyer, looks more upscaled there. Always a treat and delight to see your spreads.
Posted by: Acquired Objects | May 20, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Be still my heart. Those pink chairs! So cute!
Posted by: Kelley | May 20, 2011 at 11:26 AM
So lovely. But your designs always are!
Posted by: ElleX | May 20, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Wow, that table just got a girlie lift! Love it...
pve
Posted by: pve | May 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM
as always, a fabulous and creative transformation. i appreciate when you include the prices you paid for items, because it gives us an idea of what you consider a good buy. also, i'm hoping to see more pics of your new home.
Posted by: deb mills | May 20, 2011 at 10:55 AM
You are too talented for words. Will the salad plates be in Greenwich on Tuesday?
Posted by: H.G. The Countess | May 20, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Eddie I am just amazed at the stunning results of this project!! Adore the pink and the fabric on the chairs!
xoxo to you and Jaithan
Karena
Art by Karena
Come and enter my New Giveaway from Serena & Lily! You will love it!
Posted by: Karena | May 20, 2011 at 10:48 AM