coffee table makeover

Here is a simple makeover project I tackled this week.


Check out this gaudy black shellac kidney-shaped coffee table -- straight from the 1970’s, complete with gold trim.

I picked it up for $9.99 at Value Village. What a steal!  Even though it was beat up, I could see the potential.

Here are the steps to this makeover project:

1. thorough clean with a damp cloth, wipe dry

2. place on a large drop cloth, in a well ventilated area (outside is best)

3. sand down the bubbles in the table top until flush with the rest of the table top

4. clean again, with a damp cloth and wipe dry

5. paint with awesome flat black paint left over from another project. (Note: normally, I would recommend priming it first but I used Tremclad rust paint, which sticks to just about anything!)

6. Let dry. Paint second coat of black paint on table top and let dry.

7. Volia – you are done!

In the spirit of upcycling, I gave this old, beat up coffee table a whole new life. It looks fantastic in my living room. It's amazing to me what a good coat of black paint can do!


And, of course, you’d never find such a hefty, solid, interesting coffee table like this for 10 bucks!






For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

home sweeter home?

How would a $100,000 home renovation change your life?

That’s the question asked in the Ramar Home Sweeter Home contest. (homesweeterhome.ca)

To me, that’s like asking what would you do if you won the lottery.

Although I’ve only ever entered one contest in my whole life, I decided to enter this one.

So I came up with a crazy idea and submitted it…

www.facebook.com/RamarHomes?sk=app_206242786138231


My entry is on page 5 and is called “change my career, change my life”. Check it out and vote (you have to be logged in to Facebook).

All entries (and there are a lot of them!) are judged on impact, originality & uniqueness, feasibility and the number of votes you get.

You could help take rouge from an awesome small side business to an awesome small business!


Hugs and kisses,
rouge.




For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

steal this idea

I found this amazing DIY project on one of my favorite blogs -- design*sponge -- and I had to pass it along it on to you.


A vintage suitcase charging station. How brilliant is this??


http://www.designsponge.com/2012/02/diy-project-vintage-suitcase-charging-station.html

With my love of mixing vintage and modern -- and of course giving an old object a new life -- this one just blew me away....I absolutely love it.

I love that it could be very pretty, but also be modified to be very handsome for the man in your life...all depending on the suitcase you find.


As you will read, these are also available for purchase by the ladies at SugarSCOUT, who's project this is. Way to go! Fabulous idea.


But I'm a brave DIYer and intend to do this myself. Especially with such detailed and easy to follow instructions and photos.


Now, I'm on the lookout for a vintage suitcase...I can't wait to tackle this project!!


I’ll let you know how I make out…but in the meantime, feel free to steal this idea. (I did!)




For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

good things in store

If you are in the Halifax area, and are in the mood to do some second-hand store browsing/ shopping/ hunting for a great deal, make sure you stop into Great Things in Store. (www.parkerstreet.org/services/retail.php)

I hadn’t been there before last week. I was actually looking up information on The Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank (www.parkerstreet.org) so I could make a donation to the furniture bank.


Then I discovered that the good people at Parker Street also run two retail value stores in this city…

“These stores offer a wide range of new and used merchandise that have been donated. Items include clothing, antiques, small household appliances and furniture.

Our objective is to offer a wide range of products in the moderate price range – good quality at prices people can afford.

Please visit both locations where you’ll find great buys and friendly service. All proceeds from sales go back towards funding our operations at Parker Street.

* (Items sold in our stores do not impact the furniture bank inventory)


Located at 6108 Almon Street, Halifax (Tel) 406-305195 and Caledonia Road, Dartmouth (Tel) 406-4345”

Now that’s smart thinking.

So out I went to the Almond street store. Although on the small side, I was surprised and impressed with what they had…all the furniture items were in excellent repair and the prices are very affordable…I spied a lot of great deals, in fact.

A great place to look if you are searching for a furniture makeover project, or maybe even something vintage or antique to use as-is.

I spied a beautiful antique chair, with new upholstery for $65, a solid wood dresser set with an interesting look and feel for only $300, a buffet for $200…and even a cool-looking old fondue pot for 5 bucks!

Certainly will be on my list when I’m in the mood for a second-hand shopping trip.

Nothing better than getting a great deal on something good, and doing something great at the same time!

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com