Sunday, June 6, 2010

Eastlake transformation DIY {part one}

This DIY project involves what is/was an old Eastlake bed that Mr. La Bella Vie bought years ago at an auction. The head and foot board have been shoved around from place to place through the years but mainly lived in the garage collecting dust. Its never really been good as a regular bed because of its small size. Its less than a full size bed and somewhat shorter as well. I guess people were really short and skinny during the Eastlake era.

We do however use this companion piece (pictured below, right) to the set called "A Gentleman's chest" in our master suite which is a beautiful piece...especially at Christmas time when its all dressed up its it holiday finery. Note the little side cabinet on the right hand side; apparently this is why the piece is referred to as a "Gentleman's chest" because that's where a gentleman kept his top hat. I would welcome any information anybody may have on the subject especially from Eastlake Victorian since that's what her blog is all about.


So anywho...back to the story...the wheels in my mind started turning about what to with this old bed, and an idea emerged. Now, anyone that knows me, knows that can't be a good thing because it can only mean one thing...another "honey do" project for Mark, but hey he has nothing better to do with his time right?


So...follow us along on this unique and funky, transformation...









Now that I've peaked your curiosity,
stay tuned for part two...


15 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see!!! I am sure it will be gorgeous!! I am so happy for you that your hubby can be the "muscle" while you are the "beauty and the brains" behind the project!

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  2. Oooo...I can't wait to see how this turns out! I love it so far:). The Eastlake style is one of my favorites so this will be fun to watch. Love the gentleman's chest-it's gorgeous!

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  3. Ohhhh I hope you are not going to cut it up..... it such a great piece of furniture!

    Thank you for entering my give away
    good luck to you

    Hugz, Dolly

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  4. Those that know Mr. La Bella Vie know he loves a challenge and he does beautiful work. It's only when Mrs. La Bella Vie gets her hands on his tools it becomes a very long project! I am referring to the master suite coversion.
    NVSue

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  5. OK so now I'm laughing at this last comment!...now where did I put that sledge-hammer?
    :)
    Hugs!

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  6. Olá;
    ohhhhhh que vocação!!!!
    Congratulações!!!!
    Eu gosto muito dos eu trabalho!
    Beijo!

    Maria Paula-BRASIL-

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  7. Mr.La Bella Vie buried it somewhere on the property! (the sledge-hammer)

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  8. Hi Terry-

    I love that your husband is doing something so you can use your Eastlake bed in some way! II can't wait for Part 2! I can't see the chest details very well, but if they match, that's really cool!

    This style of chest was one of several types people could buy for their bedroom suites, not just in the Eastlake style, but in many of the "modern" manufactured furniture of the time. The small drawer is for the man's gloves and the large cupboard for his hat. Yours has a Cheval mirror that tilts so the man can see how great he looks!

    I scanned in some pics from a few books I have that show similar models, and here are also some links to similar pieces:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/43031309@N02/4681479611/sizes/l/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/43031309@N02/4682107966/sizes/l/

    http://www.saladocreekantiques.com/catalogue.php?action=viewitem&gid=564

    http://www.rubylane.com/item/161195-000680/Victorian-Stag-Carved-Hat-Box78

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  9. What a beautiful bedroom. The most important room in a house! This is the first time I have visited your blog and I love it!
    Machelle

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  10. I just realized that my comment I made here when blogger was down did post without my name or picture!! You probably didn't know who that crazy lady was that told you she was still alive!!

    Anyway, just wanted to say good morning and hope YOU are doing well. My mom went to the hospital yesterday so you won't see much of me over the next few days!

    Take care girlfriend!!

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  11. Wow this is wonderful everyone! I love al the support and I can tell you Mr. La Bella Vie will too...he's the one having to do the work but someone has to so it!

    Homeandheart; yep Mark is the muscle behind the beauty:) PS hope you are doing well.

    Dolly; Yep we cut it up, it was either that or leave it unused collecting dust but it needs to be loved:)

    NV Sue, you know me too well, but at least now I know where the sledge hammer is:)

    Bonnie: well a 2 week vacation is just about right but there are those of us trying to keep up bloggerland, someone has to, get back here! Hope you had a great time though girlfriend!

    Pecados da mesa: muchas gracias!

    Eastlake: I posted on Eastlake Victorian, but thank you again for all your help. Love the website!

    The Blackwood cottage: Thank you for the nice compliment, I love Christmas and every room gets gussied up:) I'm now following you...

    Again Bonnie: well what can I say, we missed you!

    Stay tunned 'yall...the rain has been coming down in buckets so the finish of the DYI bed is a bit on hold until it lets up...lets just say paint won't dry when its wet out...

    Now where'd I put that sledge...oh yes NVSue said its buried on my property somewhere:)

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  12. Uh oh, watch out! If Terry thinks that sledge hammer is buried somewhere on their property, Mr. La Bella Vie won't have the time to devote to this new project, as he'll be too busy filling in all the holes that she dug in their beautifully landscaped yard while searching for that sledge hammer. :)

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  13. Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog! You know, I just had to write and say that my mom went back to school at 52--completed her undergrad, then Master's, now has her clinical license in therapy. She is almost 68 and has been doing the job of her dream 10 years! If your real passion is design, go for it now! It truly is never too late. Never, Never, Never!!!! Thanks, Julie

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  14. Hello Terry,
    Lovely blog you have. Looking forward to catching up.
    Can't wait to see part II of your Eastlake project.
    Anyes
    XX

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  15. Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment on my door into blanket chest. I look forward to seeing what Mark does with this bed. I'm thinking bench! ;) But that's the way my brain thinks.
    By the way, I don't do this for a living, I am plodding through and learning a lot as I go. I still have a lot to learn.
    have a great weekend!
    gail

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