I’ve had this table in my basement for nearly a year. I loved its shape so much, but just couldn’t decide what to do with it. When I finally did decide what to do with it, it was an utter failure (I’ll get there in a minute). Luckily, it made a spectacular comeback with the help of a little leopard print goodness.
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This piece is the last one that my sweet neighbor gave me before she moved. Remember how she gave me the navy chests, the chevron tray, the coral and mint nightstand, and so much more? She’s such a sweetie and we miss her dearly. This table sat in my basement for a while because I couldn’t decide what to do with it.
I was absolutely in love with its retro feel and would have been completely fine keeping it wood toned. But upon close inspection, the finish was peeling – and the top of it wasn’t real wood – it was laminate. No re-staining for this baby.
And then one day, it hit me. The perfect combination of colors and I already them on hand – black and mustard.
Guys.
Seriously.
The next time I think that black and mustard (I swear the color was more mustard in the can and was called fresh mustard) work well together please remind me that they work well together on a bumble bee. And a caution sign.
Not on a table.
Mkay? Thanks.
So we went back to square one. I primed the table all over again. It sat around for a while.
One day I finally said to myself, “Black and Gold. Its never failed you. It looked great on that french desk. Put it on the table.”
So I painted.
I painted the whole piece black with my paint sprayer. Next, I topped it off with a gold leopard print using the stencil from the accent wall in my guest bedroom and office.
I finished it all off with my usual coat of Polycrylic. If you look closely in those pictures, you can see a sneak peek of my porch floor I’m working on – reveal coming next week!
I was thinking I would put this inside somewhere, but I’m loving the feel of it on the porch.
Every room needs a little animal print, right?
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Anni says
Hahaha, that’s a bummer, but the final product looks pretty cool. I’m not usually into the animal prints, but on furniture it looks kindof cool! That’s some awesome stencilwork on the original bumble bee design though! Would look great with a neon pink or blue I bet!
Cheers, Anni
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Anni! I totally agree – neon pink or blue would be awesome!
BrocanteuseRose says
I love the black and mustard but I can so see where that might be a tinsy bit bumble bee-ish. Beautiful “save”! 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks!
Julia from It's Always Ruetten says
The leopard table… so cute! I love the story behind it though… certainly makes for a good laugh! The black and yellow table would be a great fit for a little boys car-themed room – but not the living room. Great recovery on it!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yep, the black and yellow would have worked great for a boy’s room, but not for the living room! Thanks!
Sandi P says
I actually got a bit dizzy looking at the black and yellow, but I think mellower colors (turquoise and silver?) and maybe wider stripes would work better. Black and gold is certainly good with the table shape and size, and perfect for a covered porch.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yep, mellower colors would have definitely been better with the stripes! It all worked out in the end! Thanks!
Julie Spear says
LOVE IT!!! I am about to get some animal prints going in my home… this is an awesome example of how not to overdo it! and, don’t give up on that stripey idea – it looked really great, if only in another color scheme…navy and kelly green, perhaps? i liked the stripey circle, though….
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
I love those stripes too, Julie – they will definitely resurface somewhere else – just not in the form of black and yellow! Thanks!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
It looks great! Very modern and cool, and I love the retro shape of the table too!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Erin! I love the shape of it too!
Emily says
Super cute, and a DEFINITE improvement over the mustard color! 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Emily!
Paige says
I actually love the modern design of the stripes, and how they intentionally don’t line up, on the table and can see the colors working in an ultra modern loft with bright white walls and sparse furniture. I hope you’ll try them, again, on another piece. The new look is perfect for your style, and turned out lovely.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Paige! I’m the same way – I LOVE how the stripes didn’t line up – those two colors just didn’t work well together. I have a plan for those stripes again though!!!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
I’m probably partial because I’m from Pittsburgh, and we love everything black and gold, but I think this is stunning! I love how the leopard print turned out! I think it was well worth the little detour along the way, lol. Pinned! Hope you’re having a great weekend, Jenna!
~Abby =)
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Abby!! Yep, you would be partial! haha!
Carmody says
There is something about this table that makes me so happy. I love it.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It totally makes me happy too, Carmody!! Thanks!
Alexis @ Persia Lou says
Ooh… love the shape of this table, and it looks great with its new makeover. And good call on not sticking to the bumblebee scheme. I would probably leave it even if I didn’t like it because I had spent so much time painting it. Haha… Oh, and if you had a second to come by and link up at The Makers link party, that would be great! 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Alexis!
T'onna Peters (Navy Wifey Peters) says
I love the leopard table. Looks great and neutral. I don’t think the black and yellow looked bad, but I do love leopard.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks!
Julie says
Love the table! I’m a big fan of leopard spots.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Me too, Julie! Thanks!