Broyhill Fontana Redux

Well, I don't think we want to bring the Fontana series back,exactly. There's a lot of it still out there and it's great but it just needs to be freshened up and brought up to date with new paint. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just take a look.

 

Recognize it now? This was the look of the '90's. The pieces are all classic and well made but the finish on the pieces really date them. The honey pine color and the thick laminate coated top have got to be updated. A farmhouse table will forever be classic. And so will ladderback chairs. And the chests are a welcome fit in any room.

I loved this set when I got it in 1993. It was the first "real" furniture we owned. We bought the farmhouse extension table, six chairs, 2 chests, the buffet with hutch, a bookcase and 2 night stands. I guess we didn't know it was ok to "mix things up". I'm pretty sure we walked into the showroom and said, "We'll take this entire room. As it is. All of it".

Last summer I finally had the time to paint the table, chairs and chests. The other pieces still need to be rejuvenated. The table top needed heavy sanding to get rid of the laminate and waxy buildup. The chests had water damage on them from my boys. They had used them as night stands and never used coasters for their water glasses. I sanded them really well, too. After the sanding everything was primed and then painted everything off white. All the pieces were lightly distressed before I added a coat of satin polyurethane.

Oh, and I removed the decorative scroll from the chairs and sanded that really well, too. The chair seats were easily recovered with remnant fabric.

I'm pretty pleased with the results. I think the table looks as good as the Norfork table from Pottery Barn.

Maybe someday I'll be able to replace the chairs with the upholstered ones I'm dreaming of, but for now, I'm satisfied with this redo. I think we'll be able to love this table for another 20 years.

I know you've seen umpteen white painted table posts, but I hope this will push you into believing that you, too, can do the same thing for your own home.

Hoping to inspire and I hope to see you at this weeks parties!

Barb