Pretty distressed

Imagine this: walking into your dining room and seeing a tired, old table that seemed too dark and heavy with the current furnishings of the room. You totally covet the upscale Restoration Hardware distressed look but only have enough funds for a dumpster dive.

Well, that was me several months ago until I decided I couldn’t take the look anymore and had to do something about it. I pinned countless ideas on Pinterest. I watched lots of tutorials on YouTube. I also need to give credit where credit is due: I started following Christina Muscari, who goes by @pretty_distressed, on Instagram. I learned so much from watching her and others.

I had a vision, yet I had anxiety. When I began to dream of stripping stain, I felt ready enough. I bit the bullet. I dove in. Home Depot had everything I needed except a knowledgeable human to consult with in-store.

Three weekends later, here’s how the story unfolded for our Pottery Barn table on my social feed:

Before. (Pre Memorial Day weekend and YouTube tutorials and when I totally thought taking on this #diy project would be easy)

During. #sinkorswim #distressed #diy

After. (Three weekends later. Not exactly what I initially imagined but I like. Successfully toned it down for this room. This is why I never get manicures) #diy #upcycled

#Success. Will I do this again? Very likely. Will I do this for a living? Never. But I do enjoy the journey of being an amateur at something.

And at the end of the day, when I walk into the dining room now, I feel some pride and joy.