A Good Eye

The latest project is another find from the usual haunts. My friend and favorite local designer immediately spotted a piece I had passed right by. I have a good eye for finding hidden treasures, but my friend is better than I. Looking back, what appeared to me as a piece with interesting details, in vibrant orange red, had all the charm of a rolling garage tool cabinet. Live and learn--he saw the potential. The results are spectacular. We began by stripping this somewhat eclectic piece of unnecessary adornment-- detailed brass goo-gaws and designs made out of upholstery tacks. (really) Cleaning, sanding, priming, and a good coat of basic black paint transformed this ugly duckling immediately. The interior of the upper drawer, which folds out to expose cubby holes, drawers, and a writing surface was painted in a muddy olive green and over glazed. The top book rail and side metal mesh panels (pot metal) were stripped, cleaned, and painted for an aged brass look. The addition of Porturo (black and gold) marble on the upper columns and gold detailing on the drawers and sides of the piece really made it sparkle. We're waiting for new drawer pulls which will complete the transformation. A perfect small secretary- who knew? The moral of the story? Don't judge a book by it's cover- or take a talented friend with you when you are scouring your favorite haunts. I'll post more pics when the piece is totally complete and in it's chosen setting.