Kitchen Chairs and Island Barstools

Every now and then its fun to give a room a little update- just a shot in the arm to keep things feeling fresh. Now that the upstairs is done (I promise to photograph it soon for you!) I've started thinking it's time to give the kitchen a little facelift. Our cabinets are currently a buttercream color- but I'd like to paint them a truer white, the walls could definitely use a new coat of paint (probably a cream) and I'd like to swap out my barstools and kitchen chairs. The barstools I've been using are pretty cute, and quite functional, but I'd like to go for a more industrial/schoolhouse type style now. We have a pair of kitchen chairs around a faaaabulous small 19th century farm table. The chairs are just vintage folding chairs, and they're not particularly sturdy. I'm going to go for a pair of painted farm chairs instead, to inject a little color into the room. Here are some cool barstools, and kitchen chairs.

This is a really cool stool. It reminds me of the kind we had in chemistry lab class. 

I like the simple, classic lines of this one.

I could just collect a couple different ones for an eclectic feel.

I picked this one up a few weeks ago. It had been at the barn door desk in the office, but got usurped by the antique white wood one I bought at Brimfield last weekend. I think it might be a little too rough for my husband though.

These are possibly the coolest bar stools EVER.

I think this is exactly what I want- I keep gravitating towards this form. I wonder if I could score a pair at the flea market.

This is an especially nice example. The base is very robust, and the seat height is adjustable.

* on to kitchen chairs*

Classic lines, and very handsome. These would work well.

This sweet pair of bow back windsors would look very cute

I really like the color and chippy paint surface of these antique chairs

Another adorable pair with a freshly distressed surface. 

A Rustic Schoolhouse Style Kitchen Island

Sometimes the transformations in furniture can be surprising. I think the transformation of this piece readily qualifies. I snagged the 19th century sideboard at the flea market. I liked the scrolled base and the generous overhang of the top. It's solid chestnut- and that's a plus too. I knew immediately that it would make a great kitchen island. Also, I've been itching to make a black kitchen island, as all the others that I done thus far have been white or cream. I think the result is pretty handsome. I added a barnboard top, supporting it on antique wrought iron brackets, painted the entire case in a black, with a bit of distressing and craquelure for character. It's a nice balance of rustic, but with fresh paint, beautiful wood, and very clean lines. I created a nice overhang to accommodate bar stools, and put it on casters to make it multi functional. This one is going up on craigslist today, so feel free to email me at kateaverydesign@yahoo.com if you're interested.
Here are the before and afters!

*Before*

*After*

You can kind of see the craquelure in this picture- that was a lot of fun to do.

What I Bought in Brimfield

Aaaand here's the big reveal on what crazy things I purchased at the gigantic Brimfield flea market. After about 5 hours of dedicated shopping and then about 30 minutes of wandering around picking everything up and then hauling it back to the car (thanks for the help Marisa!!) these are the results of a full day's worth of Brimfield mania.

I bought this adorable set of three vintage quails.

I snagged this fantastic antique stool with early white paint. It probably dates to about 1900

Probably my favorite thing that I bought. This HUGE oil on canvas of Mona Lisa isn't that old, and I'm thinking it was done by an art student- see how the hands and arms aren't even finished. I love how much more color there is in this composition than in the original. The scale is magnificent. I hung it in our upstairs hallway and every time I walk by it, it makes me smile. It was only $20!!!

We took this right after I bought it.

I was so sad last week when I had to pass up the painter/furniture refinisher sign at the Wayside Antiques Show. Obviously all things happen for a reason. I saw this sign and knew it was meant to be. I think its from about 1950. It still has its homemade copper pipe hanger, and its double sided.

Brimfield Flea Market Part 2

I took sooo many pictures that I needed a second post- just to keep the first one from getting too long. Here are more cool highlights from the May 2013 Brimfield Flea Market

beautiful 19th century dry sink

Posing with a giant clock face so you can see the size of it

I'm not sure what on earth one would need these for in this day and age- but they're so neat

LOL

Very pretty impressionist painting

another giant clock face

the sweetest little antique chandelier

Such a beautiful antique painted stool. It would match my other one perfectly

I'm not allowed to buy anymore gold picture frames or mirrors because I have about 1000 of each, but I admired a lot of them.

Great antique trade sign.

Another great antique sign.

This hand painted banner was so stunning in person

Very pretty antique oil landscape

Antique sign for furniture!

Very cool Chippendale style mirrors cute from aluminum.

Fantastic kitchen island.

Large antique counter, probably from a post office.

sweet little table with spool turned legs and a marble top.

Very nice 19th century corner cupboard

An entire tent full of crystal chandeliers