Potting Bench Makeover

Well, Bliss did it again! From yesterday’s post, not only did she give me the great idea of what to put on my loggia wall, but she was the first to comment AND guessed the correct answer, too.  That girl has it all together!  I’ll be sending her a little something special.  Thanks and congrats,  Bliss.

From the last post, this piece below was made from an old piano front panel.  I am a pianist so it makes it extra special for me.  I was lucky to find it.  Thanks for all the comments and guesses.

On to today’s project which is my potting bench makeover. 

I have been lusting after really wanting a charming potting bench ever since I saw Yvonne’s over at Stone Gable and Pam’s at Simple Details.  You know, the kind everyone else always seems to have and you can’t ever find the right one.  

A little voice in my head said  “You should just look in your storage areas”!  I did.

Icky, cheap (and I mean “cheap”) potting bench found at Big Lots years ago.  It is very flimsy and had been moved from the garage to the lawn mower storage building.  Crappy little drawer that doesn’t open properly.  Tons of mowing/lawn supplies had been plopped on top of it.  Anything to keep it out of sight!  I just never took it seriously. SERIOUSLY?

I should be thankful to have it.

What was I thinking?  It is a potting bench, right?  It doesn’t have a great zinc top or anything, but it’s nothing that a little paint can’t fix for sure.  I mean, I’ve seen some of you girls (and guys) create treasures out of mere pieces of wood (or less).   This is at least recognizable as it’s intended purpose.

I did have that new quart of ASCP in Old Ochre that I won (yes, WON ~ don’t be jealous) at Haven, so it was time to try it out.

Tah Dah!

I see why everyone raves about this color.  It’s a little creamier and warmer than Old White.

Even the old green plastic liner that it came with was suddenly elevated to something special.

I was simple-minded on this re-do.  No antiquing, sanding, waxing, buffing, or distressing on this piece.  Nope.  Just wanted it fresh, clean, and bright.  I’ve heard ASCP does well in outside weather and I wanted it to age naturally, over time, and have that true weathered look from the rain, wind, and sun.  

We’ll see what happens….(actually I was just too lazy to do anything else to it and it was soooo hot outside)  therefore it gets to age naturally and gracefully like all of us!!!!

Of course, the most fun was just playing around with all the cool outdoor stuff you can put on a potting bench.  Who knew?  Staging and vignetting are the icing on the cake.  Do I actually have to do any potting???

Numbered zinc tags from Dore at Burlap Luxe, French champagne buckets, cloches, vintage baskets, rustic French pottery and gardening tools just scream potting bench.

O.K. so you thought I had a problem with a large brick wall in the loggia!  Here is another blob of a brick wall.  We have lots of brick here at LBE!  The potting bench helps, but it still needs something else.  ???????

It’s a great location because of the water hose as a water source which I think will come in handy.  I will have to add brackets on the sides for hanging flowers like Yvonne did.

Plateau baskets, terra cotta pots, demi-johns, numbered tins….oh, the list just goes on and on.  Are you kidding me?  What have I done all these years without a functional potting bench?

Fresh flowers and numbers….get outta here!

 

Yes, yes, I’m thinking it could be a beverage center or a dessert area for outdoor entertaining.  You sneaky potting bench acting as a chameleon!!!

Can anyone have this much fun with a potting bench?  Well, I guess so.

I will continue to play with my potting bench whilst I whisk away the summer.  Oh, and maybe “pot” some hardy mums in the fall……oh, and finish harvesting my summer lavender.  The possibilities are endless.   I can’t wait to see how it weathers in all of Mother Nature’s furry.

Do you think I should change the knob on the little drawer?

Au Revoir,

Kim

Partying at:

WOW! Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Inspiration Friday at At The Picket Fence

Potpourri Friday at 2805