What Would Sarah Do? Bamboo Headboard

Welcome to another installment of What Would Sarah Do? Today, I'm sharing a bamboo, Chinoiserie headboard found at Habitat Restore. 

I ended up purchasing the matching bamboo nightstands (all pieces were $40 each), but I left the headboard behind .. I'm trying to limit my thrift purchases since we're moving at the end of April. Wish me luck ;)

Funny side note .. the associate who rang me up was trying to talk me into purchasing the headboard too .. he was telling me how avocado green and yellow were really in right now .. and that he just sold a few similar pieces (from his home) to his neighbor who sells things on Etsy. I had to chuckle .. I don't think his neighbor was purchasing it because of the color, I think it was the bamboo ;)

Option 1 - Paint it glossy white. Here's the actual headboard roughly photoshopped into one of my photos.

Or maybe add grasscloth inserts?

This is a very similar headboard - love how KC Interiors paired with the white juju hat!

kc interiors

David instantly thought of trimming off the outside and turning them into mirrors. I LOVE double mirrors!! 

This would be fairly simple - just trim off the side pieces with the jig saw - apply wood filler - sand and paint. Then get a mirror cut to size at a glass shop and glue in the center with mirror adhesive. 

Here's the actual headboard turned into mirrors, roughly photoshopped in one of my photos. 

Here's a few real life (similar) examples.

I love the pop of color on this white wall in Kiki's List guest bedroom makeover - the whole space is stunning!!

via Pinterest - original source not found

via Pinterest - original source not found

If you know of the source for either of the two photos above, let me know and I'll add it.

What would you do? Are you a fan of keeping it as a headboard or turning it into a mirror? I really love both options! 

If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!

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What Would Sarah Do? | Caning Chair

For today's What Would Sarah Do? I'm sharing a caning chair sent in by Becky. I have a soft spot for caning chairs, I still miss mine that I sold before we left CA!

The frame looks like it's in fairly good condition, so maybe apply a little Restore a Finish to refresh the stain and upholster with a bold geometric like this (remove the tufting).

Or paint the frame white and upholster with this ikat dot fabric (remove the tufting).

Note: fabric content/recommend use isn't provided for this fabric, so I'd recommend ordering a sample or doing more research prior to upholstering to make sure it is durable.

Thanks so much for Becky for sending in her find! If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week! Please remove the {} from my email .. inserted to reduce spam :)  

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What Would Sarah Do? | Louis XVI Chairs

For today's What Would Sarah Do post, I'm sharing this Faux Bois Louis XVI chair, sent in by a reader.

Obviously, I love the shape, since I recently bought a similar pair ..



I LOVE the classic lines of these chairs juxtaposed with a large, bold, modern print. Like this fabric from China Seas.

A wide horizontal stripe would be amazing too!!

via pinterest

I had a hard time narrowing it down .. more options here, here and here

I would definitely paint the frame white, I also love a bright color or black, but I find myself coming back to white. It's clean and lets the shape and fabric shine!

Now I just need time to finish my set!!

If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week! (remove the { } from my email address .. inserted to reduce spam. thanks!) 

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Also, don't forget to head over to BHG and VOTE for your favorite gallery wall! I'm so honored to be included!! It's super easy, only takes 2 clicks!! Voting will be open till Sunday :)

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What Would Sarah Do?

Today, I'm sharing another "What Would Sarah Do?" with this ornate console table.

I'm not a fan of the multi-colored / dark finish .. it feels dated and is too much with the detail. I'd update it by painting it a bright glossy finish.

First, I'd recommend:

- Sanding with 120 grit sandpaper, wipe off any dust.

- Priming with a durable primer, such as Kilz Bonding or Zinsser Cover Stain.

- Give it a quick sand with 220 grit sandpaper, wipe off any dust.

- Give it a bright, glossy finish with Rustoleum Enamel. I just used this over the weekend, the key to a brush free finish is don't over brush .. only pass over one area a few times and leave it. It will have brush strokes (leave them!), but they will self level, once dry. Apply it thinly on vertical surfaces to avoid drips.

A few things to remember with an oil based paint, it's stinky, so paint outside // paint in a dust free area, it takes 24 hours to dry, so avoid leaves, bugs, etc. if you can // because of the slow dry time, wait 24 hours between coats // use an old brush and throw away or clean with mineral spirits (this part is a pain..)

Using oil based is kinda annoying, but it is a great way to get a SUPER glossy finish! Also, consider using a latex based paint and applying a clear gloss on top.

I'd love to see a bright yellow on this! It's hard to photoshop the finish, but something like this from The Little Green Notebook.

via the little green notebook

Maybe paired with grasscloth and trellis draperies, like this space from Melanie Turner Interiors.

via Melanie Turner

Thanks so much to Shubhi for sending in her find! 

If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!

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Also, only one more week to vote in Bob Vila's Thumbs Up Competition! Would you take a few moments to vote for me? It's super easy - only two clicks! You can vote once a day on all of your devices through the end of the month :) 

Vote HERE Thank you!! 

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What Would Sarah Do? Mid Century Modern Edition

I'm so excited to share another edition of What Would Sarah Do this week! Thanks so much for sending in your thrifted finds!! Today, I'm sharing Jill's amazing second hand treasures, a Mid Century Modern sofa and pair of chairs (You know I have a weakness for all things MCM!). Both of pieces have amazing lines and just need a little refreshing, so today's suggestions are all about freshening and modernizing.

This sofa! Sure, it looks a little worn, but look at those clean lines and that wood base!

First, I'd remove the back tufting for a cleaner look.

Jill said she was thinking about a cotton velvet and I think that's a great idea! Maybe something like this. Make sure that it is upholstery grade, and if available, check the double rubs (a machine rubs over the fabric, back and forth until the fabric is worn), a higher number is better. (i.e. 100,000 double rubs, but 25,000 to 50,000 is suitable for residential use) Also, make sure to order a sample first!

For the base, I'd sand it down and leave it natural, sealed with clear polyurethane and clear wax. If she's thinking about replacing the bottom cushions, maybe swap for one large cushion for a more relaxed look. But keep three for a more tailored look.

I'm considering a color for a second sofa, I can't get yellow out of my mind! Maybe something like this.

Or maybe a teal! Like this or this

Jill also sent a few pics of this MCM chair. She has already removed the side panel on the arms (great call, as it shows off the detail on the arms!) I love the lines and the tufted cushion!

She's debating dyeing the fabric, before investing time/money reupholstering with a linen or linen look ..

Personally, I'd love to see these in a saturated linen, so I say, reupholster!

Maybe Fuchsia from the Warsa line

Or this yellow. Jill mentioned that these won't be in the same room as the sofa, but if they were, I'd pair them with the charcoal sofa.

I love the arms natural wood, so I'd sand them down and apply a light coat of a gray stain such as Minewax Classic gray - wipe it off immediately so it doesn't get too dark.


If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week! (p.s. Thanks to all that sent in your request, I will try to get to all of them!)

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What Would Sarah Do?

I often get asked, how do you pick out things at a thrift store? What do you look for? or What would you do with this? So I decided to start a little series, sharing second hand finds and how I would transform them into something that I'd LOVE to have in my home!

Look at this headboard!? Sure it's dingy and the brown painted frame looks a little cheap, but new fabric, and paint would make this look like a million bucks!



Headboards are pricey.. DIYing headboards can also be pricey (typically at least $100-$200) due to the amount of supplies (wood, foam, batting, fabric, etc) needed. Finding a headboard that needs a little work is a great way to cut costs and time!!

To get started, I'd remove the fabric panel and foam (I'd probably replace the foam - look for a 50% off foam sale at Joanns (last time I was also able to stack a 20% off regular and sale items too!) or use a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby, or purchase an egg crate and use the smooth side up)

Reupholster the panel in something like this

or this

Or go classic with a solid linen and nailhead trim around the edge, like this bed from Restoration Hardware.

Sand the frame and prime the frame with a durable primer, such as Zinsser Cover Stain or Kilz Bonding Primer. Finish with a top coat of durable paint, such as Sherwin Williams Pro Classic.

Reattach the panel and you're done! This project could easily be done in a day with limited supplies - upholstery stapler, scissors and paint brush/paint are all that you'd need! Depending on fabric choice, this project would most likely be complete for under $100!

p.s. anyone local to Knoxville, TN, as of today, headboard still available at Karm thrift store on Kingston pike! $50 for a king!

If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!

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