Drab to Fab

Sometimes there can be nothing more frustrating than an ugly, tired piece of furniture.  I know particularly as a 20-something year old that before you've "made it" you may think you have to compromise on furniture choices until you accumulate enough money to actually buy the pieces you like.  But with a little flexibility and creativity, you can get the furniture you've always wanted.

I have a very old bar tray in my apartment.  My puppy has chewed on the legs, things have been spilled on it.  It looks its age, to put it gently.  I was this close to throwing it out in a fit of spring cleaning when I actually stumbled on an epiphany.  Instead of focusing on what the cart lacked (expensive finishes, a sophisticated wood grain), I thought of what it embodied as an object.  The purpose of the bar tray is to facilitate good times!  That is what spurred me to paint it a cheerful, bright red.  I bought a quart of Sherwin-Williams "Real Red" in Semi-Gloss and got to work.  A couple coats of paint later, check out the complete transformation:

Albert Hadley, famed American Interior Design, loved symmetry.  However it's ok to not do things perfectly.  While the above set-up is linear, and focuses on the central part of the space, the items of varying shape, size, and category (flowers, bottles, framed crest) create a casual, relaxed vibe.  Add some fabulous PPD Silver Embossed Lace cocktail napkins and your bottle opener and you're ready for your party!