I have a running joke (with myself) that when I introduce a new piece of furniture or accessory into my home, it’s really there to audition for a role. Sometimes, the pillows just aren’t what I’m looking for or an accent chair has the wrong accent, and they don’t land the part. Other times, a table works great with the rest of the cast and gets the role immediately.
My bedroom has recently held auditions for the nightstand on my side of the bed. Before auditions took place, I had a very nice wooden nightstand with a drawer and a shelf. It is amazing quality and even has a little “touch” strip on the back, so all I have to do is touch it to turn my lamp on and off.
My original thought was to paint the nightstand black and add a new knob, since obviously it didn’t work in its brown tone. The more I considered my options, the more I realized that this nightstand needed to find a new home in my guest bedroom. In this particular space, I decided that it was too boxy and heavy next to the large headboard and tall yellow dresser. It created a tight corner, and it made me feel slightly claustrophobic.
I set out to find a new nightstand, and I was looking for an actor who had two qualifications. First, I wanted it to be round so that it would be a better balance between the straight lines of the bed, dresser, and chevrons that are painted on two walls. I also thought it would be nice to have some glass components to give it both a modern and a lighter feel.
Okay, I guess there were three qualifications, because I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on it, either.
I spent a while looking at thrift stores, but I was never able to find anything that fit my qualifications. About that time, I received the new Ikea catalog, and I saw a side table that could possibly work. I brought it home to audition in the space under my window.
I found that it was too anemic for that big window and too small for my big lamp. What if I moved it over closer to the bed?
Negatory. It actually looks a little bit better off center like that, but it’s still not quite right. I thanked it for it’s time and took it back to Ikea, where it will likely land a role in someone else’s home.
Several days went by, and I still couldn’t locate exactly what I needed in that space. Round. Glass. Inexpensive. Then, it hit me. What I really needed was a vintage bar cart/tea cart. I found a few at antique shops around town, but none of them really met the inexpensive qualification. I finally found one that was reasonably priced, and I’m so glad that I continued to shop around until I found it.
Ding! Ding! Ding! This bar cart absolutely perfect for this space, and I love the idea of having a nightstand that’s not really a nightstand. It may look fragile and delicate, but this is a mid-century piece that’s very solid. The casters and handle are a lot of fun, and there is great brass detailing underneath the rounded glass.
My only question now is what to do about her appearance. Do I let her play her role as is since she’s a vintage mid-century modern piece? Or, do I ask her to get a fresh cut and color (ie – a new coat of paint) for her role? I’m considering changing the brass to a silver tone and painting the brown wooden legs a shade of dark grey or black. What are your thoughts?
Do you ever hold furniture and accessory auditions in your home?
Since you are soliciting…here’s my advice…Ilike the silver/black idea. I think your idea of using the glass, instead of a blocky wood, is spot on. What I think might be missing in this picture is a different lamp…or perhaps just a shade redo to bring in some yellow (like its friend nearby, the chest)…or maybe just some flowers in yellows…I dunno. Whatever you end up doing, I know it will be swell.
Thanks for your advice, Leslie! I completely agree. I’m taking my time redoing this room and doing it in layers, so I’m working on the furniture pieces right now. After I get that squared away, I’ll move on to the other layers, such as window coverings, accessories and lighting. I know it looks bare now, but I will definitely be adding some things per your suggestions! Thank you for taking the time to comment. 🙂
I love it!! And love the “audition” 🙂
Fabulous! Loving the last one. Have a delightful day, Kellie xx
i had seven different curtains hanging in my family room before I found the right ones. I still love them, and get lots of compliments on them.
the living room only had to go through 3.
of course, that doesn’t count all the ones I looked at in stores and online, as well.
Fantastic post, my favorite of late!
The cart is perfect, I love that it is what you ended up with. I agree with the silver/black idea. Love it. Inspires me to start in on my bedroom!
LOVE that cart!! Wow, what a find, Lindsay! I think it looks the best out of all of them. 🙂
I would say either coat it in black or gray, gray would be better I think, to liven it up and play of the vintage part by decorating it with vintage items or a vintage cloth. Think that would be a good mix of both new and old.
My vote is silver/black!
Oh yes, when I moved I had quite a few end tables that did not make the cut. They now live with new families. Like the glass cart, visually doesn’t take up space so your walls show through well. I have a glass computer desk that I use as a desk for the same reason, it just works for the spot.
Brass is back, baby! I say leave it! I think it’s good to have a little bit of natural metal/wood in each room to play off of painted pieces. I’m extremely jealous of your lovely little cart. If you ever get tired of her she can come live with me!
In a word, yes. 🙂
My entire house stays in an “audition”. I think sometimes I have ADD when it comes to design because I want to try out so much, so my house is just ever changing. At least I’m single, this is probably the only reason this behavior is acceptable…LOL!
Oh yes, yes! The silver with grey legs sounds divine.
I’m with Jessica!!! I feel like my pieces are always in jeopardy of losing their gig or getting relocated! It’s fun to mix it up!
I would NOT paint it. I’m a big fan of painted furniture, but the brass is PERFECT with your yellow dresser! It brings the room together. Great find!
Lindsay,
I just found your blog and I luv it! I am crushing on your walls and citron dresser 🙂 My 2 cents on the cart is to leave it brass, I think it looks vintage modern (if that even makes sense!) and it looks great with the dresser. I’m becoming a follower, thanks!
my vote is color combinations…i love pictures