My first before and after project of 2012

I have a pretty big kitchen layout but NO counter space. Its horrible! whenever I'm cooking  i feel like its a workout ~ having to walk 1/2 mile to get to the sink to the stove- just ridiculous. I was in desperate need of an island to break things up and give me more counter space. Since a kitchen remodel isn't in the budget right now. I've settled for an antique library table???/ counsel table?? Hall Table?? Server??? whatever the correct term may be. 

Anyway got it @ a yard sale for 10 bucks, even got a little bit of history w/it. Its been in the same family here in Southern Maryland passed down from generations~ why they "gave" it away @a yard sale i don't know but it was my lucky day.  it was a little rough around the edges but all easy fixes ~just time consuming and again since it was my lucky day my pops ( just happened to be staying w/me that weekend) stripped all the peeling veneer off the top! Wow thanks DAD!!!  Here's my before pic:



My ever so awesome dad hard at work



That veneer was really stuck on there! Yikes!!

Can you see the potential!! Its the perfect height, got a drawer, a bottom shelf sturdy enough for my lil helper to crawl/sit/jump on. :) and just the right size for my kitchen.  Oh how i couldn't wait to have it completed!
Once the prep work was done.... hummmm decisions decisions how to finish it??
I decided to go for a dark stained top {walnut miniwax} with 3 coats of poly
and my new fav color Annie Sloans Chalk Paint ~ Aubusson Blue for the bottom and then the dark wax to protect it. I love the way the dark wax really makes the blue look soooo rich. If you've shopped at my booth in A Unique House Antique Mall lately you'll know just how much i love that Aubusson blue!
So what do ya think???

I'm not satisfied with these Vintage Glass Knobs as beautiful as they are i think i want something with more sparkle and piazzas.

My pics are getting a bit better huh? Ive got alot to learn.

and of coarse my lil helper is right by my side

 

Our 7 month old lab wouldn't get out of the pics ~ do ya see her posing??

I still need to find some fabulous sparkly knobs for the drawer and I'm also looking for the coolest vintage inspired towel rack / hook to hang on the side, and i think I'm even gonna get a butcher block top eventually.  but for now here she is perfectly perfect in my kitchen.
LOVE!!

Happy Day to You~ Everyday,

Erica