New Foyer Chest

I have been in a dilemma ever since I bought this gorgeous mirror.

I love the mirror. 

The whole family loves the mirror. 

The mirror is staying!  

So what’s my problem? 

So glad you asked!   I hung the large mirror above the foyer table (made by my Dad) but something just did not look right.  I worried that the mirror was either too large for the wall and maybe too large for over the table.   It bugged me and I just could not put my finger on it.

I needed a new perspective. So I called in a favor from my blog friend, Becca (Adventures in Decorating), to have a look at this photo below.

(excuse the mess, this table was being prepared to be restained.)

Miss Becca spotted the problem quickly!  The foyer table is too dainty compared to the mirror.  (smmack.  The sound of my palm hitting my forehead.)  Yes, I am so glad Becca has better eyes than me.  For the life of me, I could not figure it out!

Off to town I go in look for a chunkier table/chest.  I straight to the local flea market, where I spotted not one but two chest that I thought could work (from different sellers) .  I went back and forth between the two sellers and brought home the chest with the best price tag. 

What?  That’s not how you make decorating decisions?  hum.

I’m not sure if it’s an antique or not?!?  It seems well built and very sturdy…. and  CHUNCKY!

Now doesn’t that work better in the space?

I shared with my Facebook buddies this photo above a few weeks back.  I asked for some suggestions on how I should refinish it.  And boy, let me tell you….. I was given some wonderful advise. 

Some suggested cleaning and polishing with Old English.  Which is a great suggestion if the piece didn’t have so many chips in it and the top is in very poor condition, in fact, I will be cutting a new top for the dresser.  Good thing I got the chest for a great price! 

Many suggested chalk paint!  Which I haven’t had the honor of trying yet, but find myself drooling over the wonderful things that you ladies are doing with the paint.

Just to show you one chip on the face of the lower drawer that needed fixing.   You can see that I am clamping several scrap pieces of wood and will fill the corner with a self leveling adhesive.

I think Barbara said it best in her Facebook comment.  I really think a pop of color would be exciting to add to the piece and a fun way to greet guest into the home.

Playing around in Photoshop, I came up with a few different color combinations.  I really don’t like the green, but there is two color options that are definitely speaking to me!  Once I get the new top cut, I will have some finished photos to share.