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How to Nest for Less™

Little Updates Around the House

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Well sometimes I make a few small updates around the house that don’t really require a full post. Well, at least in my eyes. First up? My updated kitchen landing table.

kitchen landing centerI didn’t really change the table, but I took a suggestion from a reader and added a little basket underneath for my kiddo’s backpack. This way she knows exactly where to find her bookbag, a designated space so we’re not searching every morning.

kitchen landing center basketI also had some artwork hung above the old landing table, but it was white and kind of got lost on the wall. So I took a little Paris Gray Annie Sloan chalk paint and quickly covered the artwork. Nothing neat or perfect, just a quick and messy coat. Then I distressed and finished it off with some dark wax.

annie sloan chalk paint wall artI think it now looks much better on the wall, plus goes with the grayish blue tones I have on the rest of the main floor, especially my sun room and family room.

kitchen landing centerI’ve also been reconfiguring our entry foyer. Since I moved our old console table to the family room I’ve been looking for something new to fit this space. For now I found an old bench that needs some love.

entry foyer cedar benchIt’s in pretty rough shape on the top so I’m toying around with the idea to paint it. But I’m finding it harder and harder to cover up beautiful wood pieces these days. Anyone else?

cedar bench in entrywayI hung my Goodwill leaf art across the hall in the foyer now that I have new kitchen metal shelving that’s in its old home. Yeah, still have a lot of work to do in the entryway but at least I’m making some progress.

entry foyerI’m thinking new area rug, picture frame moldings and chair rail, a shelf/hook system above the bench if I keep it here… Not 100% sold on the bench staying here but maybe once I get started on the space it will feel more welcoming. Otherwise this puppy is moving upstairs to the loft. And getting a coat of paint?

What’s your input on the foyer?
Practical boot bench, or a wow statement piece instead?
And paint the bench or not?

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Comments

  1. Sue says

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    Hi Erin,

    I know what you mean about not painting certain pieces – I just go with my gut – if it is not a priceless antique or a sentimental family piece, I do what I think fits best in my home. The bench looks a little bulky to me in the entry, what about one of those cool hall tree/bench combos? Good job on finding a place for the backpack NOW – will save many arguments in the next twelve years 🙂

    Sue

  2. Melissa says

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    I love that we are seeing a return to wood tones in design. A few painted pieces are great, but too much of a good thing is just, well, too much. I love the look of the darker wood tones of the chest (brings a repeating theme from the rest of your house to your entry area). Seems that having the scratches on top make it perfect for the spot you have it since the constant use will result eventually result in marks anyway. Love the changes!

    • howtonestforless says

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      Thanks Melissa! And I’m loving the return of wood tones too. Some things are just meant to be unpainted.

  3. Wendie Waldman says

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    Can you come to my house?!!! Is that bench a cedar chest? It’s a beautiful classic and I wouldn’t paint it. But, I wouldn’t leave it in the foyer either. I think it’s too low. I think you need a wow piece here, and I know you’ll come up with something fabulous!

    • howtonestforless says

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      Yep, cedar chest! That’s why I really don’t want to paint it. And I think I agree… wow factor in the foyer.

  4. Charli says

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    I’d leave it unpainted. I think maybe a bench that’s not as deep and has a back might look better there. You may have room for a table under those feathers if you really want a table in the entry. I see where you could shuffle furniture in the hearth room around to fit that bench in there. Or at the foot of the master bed to warm up all the black furniture a little. I love a bench at the end of a bed. It’s a spot to sit, and a place to put those throw pillows you remove for sleeping. And a place to fold the comforter down onto if you get too hot for it. Or it could go under the window in the guestroom. Just my two cents.

    • howtonestforless says

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      Oh, I have been looking for something to put at the foot of our bed, but I think this trunk is too narrow (since we have a king sized bed). I think I need to do a furniture shuffle as you mentioned.

  5. KpMcD says

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    That bench is gorgeous – leave as is! Maybe a long upholstered pad on top to help protect the seat portion? I also really love the finish on your formerly white artwork… any chance there’s a tutorial in the future for something like that? (your leaf artwork too maybe?)

    • howtonestforless says

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      You got it! I’ll try to find something similar this weekend to paint and wax with a full tutorial.

  6. Sharri Burggraaf says

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    I love viewing and reading about your projects and thought I would comment on this wood bench. The wood is too pretty to paint and with your white walls you need some dark color to contrast. I love how the pillows make your bench pop and if you decide to keep the bench there, maybe you could put a pillow with the color of the leaves from Goodwill on there also. I’m with the other reader who said that this bench would go good on the end of a bed. Good place to put blankets, etc. Nice website you have.
    I’m impressed with your taste and ideas. Keep up the great DIY makeovers and love your printables.
    Wish I could sell mine some place. I do word art using bible verses, etc.
    Hugs
    Sharri

    • howtonestforless says

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      Thanks Sharri! I actually already moved that cedar chest to the upstairs loft. And I decided against painting it! I’ve grown to love all of the imperfections.

      And thanks for the kind words. You might want to try selling your printables on Etsy? I know some people have had great luck with that!

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