I have to call my taste into question on some of my furniture makeovers. I look at past projects and cringe or just shake my head. Today you get to see some of my questionable makeovers.
You may not have seen them before because I deleted the posts on most of them. I didn’t want to see them anymore.
But just for you I’m sharing. The purpose? To let you know we all have some questionable projects in our past and there will be more in the future. If you don’t attempt something you never know how good it can be…..or how bad. But the bad is always fixable.
For those projects where the post is still on the blog the pink text links will take you to the original post.
Most of the photos are bad because of lighting issues or just because I didn’t know what I was doing. Click the pink text links if you want to take a look at the old posts.
Take a look at this orange desk and seat. You guys know I love orange but this orange is kind of yucky…..no, it’s really yucky. Then I made the project worse by doing such a funky layered bench cover. I painted the desk about 8 or 9 years ago. I’m claiming inexperience.
This table didn’t look nearly as bad in person as in this photo. I painted about 6 layers of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint on the table and let it chip at will. Then I added a funky hardware plate and knob. This project is still up on the blog. The photos are terrible because they were taken long ago and inside the workshop under very poor lighting.
I like heavy distressing but this went a little too far. The wood bench with storage was a piece made in Mexico. The green color is pretty but the distressing not so much.
If you’re going to paint a waterfall chest of drawers don’t select purple for the color. Purple should be reserved for modern kid furniture ……..or maybe not used at all for furniture. Not a fan of purple décor.
I’m not sure the stenciled number table is a bad makeover just a bad choice for the vintage leggy table. The table had a glass serving tray too which I thought was cool. I never did sell this table. No surprise. I sold the tray and took the table apart.
Another “what was I thinking” project. The yellow is Miss Mustard Seed’s Paint and the cloth piece glued to the door is part of a fabric wall calendar.
I think I put that fabric piece there because there was a great big spot where all of the milk paint chipped off.
Yes, this vintage buffet/sideboard was really really bad. I don’t know hos I put those color combinations together. At one time I did layer a lot of paint on my furniture makeovers and most of them turned out great……not this one.
{Find my favorite furniture paints, spray paints, brushes, tools, etc. on the Petticoat Junktion Amazon page here.}
Color blocking on vintage pieces should be outlawed. This vintage wardrobe sold but I’m hoping they were going to repaint it.
The china cabinet wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t painted more for a kid’s room. You don’t need furniture with glass doors anywhere near a child.
Most readers loved the wallpaper covered chest of drawers but it never sold so I have to think the look was not good. I removed the wallpaper and painted the whole chest white.
Racing stripes on a small wood table. No again. I do like the green and black color combination. One of my favorite in case you can’t tell.
The funky nautical style painted piece is too distressed. The color is great and I like the knobs but the distressed paint makes me cringe.
This last project was just too dressed up. The metallic paint, frufru stencil, and paint dipped legs make this table too formal. No one wanted it. I repainted this piece too.
Well, that’s a look at a few of my missteps. Did you like some of these projects are were they all duds for you too? Leave a note and thanks for stopping in to see what I’m up to. Kathy
Find my favorite DIY products here.
Sandra Bollendorf says
Hi Kathy,
I actually loved the wallpapered chest and the over the top fancy table. It’s good to know
that we are not alone in making oops in painting. Sometimes I buy the paint and have the furniture piece, but are too afraid to start it.
Thanks for the pictures of your oops furniture.
Take care and stay healthy💟
Kathy Owen says
I liked the wallpapered chest too Sandra but no one wanted to buy it.
Leslie Smith says
You are generous and kind to share. I keep lots of “first” crafts so I can see how far I’ve come. 🙂
I loved that blue chest with the wallpaper. It’s too bad it didn’t sell, it was really pretty. Thanks for sharing.
Naomi S says
Well, yes…there are some real dillies in there, Kathy! But, the good thing is that you now recognize what it is that is wrong with them. That’s growth from experience. Not to be minimized. Good for you, girl! Thanks for having the confidence to show and tell us about the “duds”.
Kathy Owen says
haha, dillies for sure Naomi!
Lizzy Leff says
You are very brave! The funny part is I often see pieces like this on FB Marketplace. I’m always so tempted to say something, but I don’t. 😀
Kathy Owen says
Hahaha. They aren’t mine!!
Rose Lefebvre says
Well, they say if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
Kathy Owen says
YES
Stormee says
Thanks for showing us your “not in love with” projects. They were all very interesting – some more than others. I really did like the waterfall chest of drawers that you painted in purple – although it did not look purple to me – it looked more like a Decoart color called soft black. I have to agree with Teri – the yellow “Serenity” piece does look like it’s upside down!! LOL
I love most of the pieces you do and marvel at your creativity! I look forward to your emails telling more more ideas are contained within.
Kathy Owen says
Thank you Stormee!
Teri says
Looking at the yellow “Serenity” piece, could it be upside down? And the hinges are on the right so opening it would be awkward. Anyway, thanks for being a good sport and sharing your less than beautiful pieces. Enjoyed it.
,
Kathy Owen says
No, it was originally a smoking or tobacco stand. Thanks Teri!
Kathleen says
A brave woman you are. Most people wouldn’t admit or even show off their mistakes. But you are a true teacher showing these “mistakes” helps us, your students learn. Very good.
Kathy Owen says
Ha, I don’t mind showing my mistakes at all.
Nancy says
I have to agree with you. But luckily a different paint job would fix them all.
Kathy Owen says
Thank goodness, lol!
Rebecca says
You are gutsy to put your “fails,” which are subjective! out there. I personally love the dark purple/eggplant color on furniture but with gold accents.
Found the yellow table ironic that you put the words, “I cannot change” in effort to change the look! Made me laugh.
Honestly think most are okay and just a matter of taste. Thanks for sharing!
Kathy Owen says
That is so funny. Didn’t notice the I Cannot Change. I painted that piece over 7 years ago.
Megan says
The only 1 I don’t like is the glass door 1.
Rita says
You’re a human as we all are and we make mistakes. We all like different colors and styles. Thanks for showing us your “boo boos” many wouldn’t do that. Paint and time= a do over.
Kathy Owen says
Thanks Rita
Sara says
Mistakes are blessings in disguise, thankfully we learn from them. Thanks for sharing, seriously, it helps those who are trying to redo if the first attempt isn’t perfect. I’m not a big fan of harvest gold ,avocado green or oranges since I’ve seen those revived in decor three times around , no matter what they rename them ,although the oranges with aqua ,turquoise, really worked for me. The purple dresser might work in a much softer shade as it really works for the popular gray fans.
Lori Sawyer says
We all make mistakes with furniture i just hadto redo a major paint mishap😃 honestly i love the yellow table with the serenity prayer
Suzee B says
I love that little table too!
Bobby says
Very brave, very honest. When I do horrible looking stuff, I put it all down to experience gained on the job!