Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Copying Bunny Williams – Well, Sort of

The most recent edition of Veranda includes a half page spotlight of three pieces of Bunny Williams’ second Beeline Home Furniture line of small scale tables and stools.


Although I loved all three featured pieces, it was the simple white painted stool upholstered in muslin called “The Pug Bench” which caught my eye.


I immediately thought of the footstool I purchased a while back for a few dollars at a thrift store.

 

Now I realize it is a very big stretch to compare the two as mine is a footstool and Bunny’s is a small bench and the lines of the two pieces are not similar at all. However, seeing Bunny’s bench was just the inspiration I needed to transform my formerly very dark footstool into something much more stylish. (I’ll explain the missing nailhead trim below.)


Here is how I accomplished this simple transformation.

Remove needlepoint cover. Lightly sand frame and paint with BM Paper Mache.


Use old cover as a pattern for new cover made of natural color linen.

Attach new cover using staple gun - same process as covering a chair seat.

Attach top to stool base using screws.


Add decorative nailhead trim.

At this point the project took a turn for the worse. I tried to attach the nails with a hammer and they just would not stay – this stool was not made for this type of trim.


Not one to give up I went to plan B – glue.

This did not work either. It looked exactly like what it was – glued on nail heads.


I regrouped, removed the mess-ups and settled on a plain top.


Much better!

Linking up to these wonderful ladies.

35 comments:

Anne said...

I like it!

Abby M. Interiors said...

I love this! I can't believe you found this at a thrift store!!
I love it.
abby

Anonymous said...

I love the pug bench! Great work.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It looks really good in white, Stacey! So, sometimes less is more! : )

Steph. :) said...

I like it too! I see what you were after with the nailheads, but it is also important to stop when something is not working (I have trouble with this!). :)

foreverdecorating said...

Talk about taking a dated vintage looking stool and turning it into a wow for today. Great job. Hop over to my blog for my giveaway.

Darcy from The I.Design Box said...

Fabulous transformation! If you want a little bit of color with the transformation what about using some sort of ribbon edging glued in place instead of the nailhead trim? Just a thought. Love it just as it is though.... very pretty.

Darcy from The I.Design Box said...

I love the transformation! You can see all the intricate detail in the base of the stool. If you want a little contrast in place of the nail head trim try gluing ribbon or some sort of edging in its place... just a thought. Beautiful as is! Love it.

michelle said...

What a pretty little foot stool! I love the claw feet.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Your foot stool is wayyyyyy better than hers!!! Great find!

K&B by the Sea said...

Your stool looks great! It's really similar to the inspiration piece.

If you want to dress it up a bit, what about attaching a strip of grosgrain ribbon or trim along the base of the cushion?

Unknown said...

I love this. The nailhead trim isn't necessary at all. Very sweet transformation!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What a pretty footstool! I love the intricate design and agree with you! The simple top is perfect! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Jessica @ Me and My Bucket said...

I like the transformation! What about putting the nail heads on the edge of the wood? It would help to break up all the white and still give you the look like Bunny's and you won't have a problem with them sticking :) Either way, nice work!!

Casa Très Chic said...

First time on your blog.
I liked your footstool more than hers.
Beautiful work, congratulations.
Hugs from Brasil
Tereza

Anonymous said...

I really love your stool! It looks adorable.

Kathy

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

So pretty! I love your blog. Thought I was already following but who knows. I'm your newest follower and would be delighted to have you follow me back. Your blog is beautiful! I'm partial to it b/c I used to own a business called "Red Door."
Tammy

Katie @ OhhBaby said...

Cute! It looks amazing!

Allyson Pecilunas said...

Love the stool. I just found your blog and am now following along. Come check me out if you get a chance.

Noplacelikehomeally.blogspot.com

Adrienne said...

So cute! Love the change.
~Adrienne~

Inspired by you said...

I definitely like your footstool better! It has great wood details!

laxsupermom said...

Pfft, who needs nailheads? It looks great in white! Great makeover! Thanks for sharing.

{oc cottage} said...

LOVE this!!!

m ^..^

Abby M. Interiors said...

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I've added your blog to my "blog love" list. Have a great day!
abby

Unknown said...

If you still want the nail head trim, you could always hammer them into the actual wood frame at the edge, instead of into the fabric part. It'll give you a much neater finish if the nails won't go into the cushiony part.

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

It's adorable... great job! Nailhead, schmailhead :)

Julie said...

I love love you post...darling...just found you...new follower...just beautiful....fondly Julie
at lifeatfirelakecamp.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

Found you on 504 Main. WOw! What a transformation. I hope I can find an old footstool while thrifting this weekend so I can borrow your idea!
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas

Lisa said...

Wow, great transformation & knock-off! It looks great!

Anonymous said...

Love what you did to that footstool! If you want to add nail
head trim, a blog called Dwellings by DeVore, posted a piece about her transformation of a dining room table using nail head trim that came in strips, and she nailed
every 5th one. Her post published the same day as this one, and she had a link to her source for the trim. Not saying you need to add anything, just saying there is an option out there to consider.

I'd love to do the same thing with my footstool, only my Mother in law made it, so hubby would never agree. I'll have to keep my eyes open for one at our local thrift stores. Blogless Peggy

jandjhome said...

I love this footstool. I love the white on white and the details of the wood are beautiful. It reminds me of a footstool I saw at a Vintage store in my area. It was white as well, with a black and white fabric. Here's a picture http://jandjhome.blogspot.com/2011/01/week-end-finds_25.html

Karie said...

Your stool is adorable. I love old stools. Thanks for sharing.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Cute little foot stool.
Nothing wrong with a little inspiration~ I'm constantly looking for inspiration!
I recently had a nail head trim FAIL too!

I like the foot stool and that yours was way cheaper (inexpensive) too!
Pat

Stephanie said...

I like yours better! I don't do well with upholstery nails, it is harder than it looks!

Holly Lefevre said...

I am on the hunt for a footstool like that or an ottoman...anything. Great transformation.

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