There were a few differences to note between the two. The Dakota was smaller by a couple inches and obviously sported a yellow-wood top, while the Box Frame was whitewashed. But the designs were nearly identical. Metal frames with wood tops. And then I thought, I am sure I can whitewash! I read in the description that the Dakota had a solid wood top, with “distinctive pine grain” which seemed like the perfect candidate for a good sanding. Clear cut decision–Dakota it is.
Before it arrived, we decided that we’d live with the “natural” (super-poly’d) wood for a little bit to make sure we definitely wanted to white wash it, but it only took one day, before we were sure.
Then I’d wait a minute or two and lightly wipe off excess with a paper towel and let the rest dry for about 10 minutes.
I ended up repeating the process four times until the layers of gray wash built up to an opacity I was happy with, which happened to be this:
We think the result is pretty close to the West Elm version. Which means, if you can whitewash, you can save $250. And let me tell you, you can whitewash.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
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Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
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[…] then in this one you can kind of see that we moved the couch away from the wall a bit and moved our old coffee table to use as an end table. This couch is that big…or that coffee table is that small? Maybe a […]
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Wow. That’s Stunning :)
Those extra inches really would have helped- that table looks tiny…
The table looks amazing! What a great purchase!
Gotta love finding cheaper versions of goodies! Nice find!
The table looks great. I love how light and airy it is to balance the dark walls behind it. Plus, the square sides echo the squares in the wall too. Lovely!
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Wait… is that mom’s sander? Wert.
Jones paint and glass every time. :)
I have been wanting to do this forever to my dining table with is a lovely ikea pine yellow table (blech). We are in SF too…where do you get Benjamin Moore paint locally? I usually just go with the paint at Four Chairs in Lindon when I refinish things, or from Jones paint and glass. Thanks!
From the angle I can’t really tell, is your table taller than the sofa?
Nope. A few inches shorter.
That looks great Julia! Awesome job!
Well done!!
Off topic – you will be installing, or have I missed it? a “Subscribe” button?
Under the photo of Chris and I at the top right corner, you’ll see an RSS subscribe button lined up in the social media buttons, which will give you lots of ways to subscribe. Let me know if you are looking for an additional platform so we can add that, too!
Yesssss! I am so happy you posted this today. I’m getting ready to whitewash a kitchen table we picked up. I’m sold. Yours looks SO great! Way to save, my girl!
I kind of want to do it to our table, too! Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
Really pretty. I’ve been wanting to do this to an old frame. This is the final push I needed.
Get it, girl!
So in love with the table! Love peek-a-boo Greta :)
score! That Greta–she is so funny. I loved your #tbt newborn picture of her! Were our babies really that small once upon a time?? Seems like an eternity ago we brought Brinley home from the hospital.
That picture completely melts my heart. I had a good time looking through a lot of her newborn photos yesterday and remembering the…simpler times. :)
Ahhh good save there! That looks great! Don’t you love a good deal?!
Love! a good deal.