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Raleigh Green Gables

Organize Your Life

Use What You’ve Got

June 25, 2014



I wanted a cute table by the chicken coop. Yes, I could have bought a new one. But I am Raleigh GREEN Gables, and I always encourage clients to use what they have instead of rushing out to buy more stuff.

I had a table I found in our shed when we moved in. I assume the original owner of our house built it.

It, however, did not meet the “cute” factor I want for my coop. No problem. I also tell clients if your table or pillow or bench is not exactly what you want, refurbish it. You can paint anything. Or reupholster. Or switch lampshades. Just use what you’ve got. You will have less clutter, and there will be less stuff in our landfills.

Here is the table. I forgot to take a “before photo” when it was standing upright. It’s summer, so I was too lazy to turn it over for the photo. Do a handstand and look:

Table Before

Table Before

To paint furniture, start painting the piece upside down. Let it dry. Then flip it over, so you can cover everything. First, I primed upside down and then right side up. I painted in the same order. It took about two hours. And ta da!

IMG_4214

IMG_4213

IMG_4212

If you look closely, you can see the ladies through the table. They are such hams! I love it so much that I am thinking of painting our dining room table and my son’s room this color. (It’s Irish Moss by Benjamin Moore.) I found it while reading Young House Love.

Say it with me, folks: Use what you’ve got. It will save you money and our planet.

Filed Under: Because I Said So, Chickens, Refurbish

(919) 623-1160

raleighgreengables@gmail.com

Leah Friedman
Hello!
I'm a professional organizer in Raleigh, North Carolina, helping people declutter their homes and work spaces.

Testimonials

Leah Friedman turned a wretched job into fun! It’s true. She even had me laughing. She is worth every penny. We plowed through two closets. They are now nicely organized, and I know where to find my clothes. I even know what I own. Leah hauled about six bags of give-aways to Interact. I heartily recommend Leah. She gets the job done! She a combo of firm, gentle and fun. Just what I needed.
Judith TillmanRaleigh
I love the way my master closet looks, and my husband is very happy, too. Thank you so much for helping me through the whole process. I still can’t believe how much work we got done.
BeckyDurham
After working with Leah Friedman, the room looked and felt calm, rather than chaotic. When I am overwhelmed again, I will certainly hire her expertise and energy. What an investment in order, calm and piece of mind!  
Lucy KeenanRaleigh
Leah helped me to organize several spaces in my home that have been on my “to do” list for years. She arrived on time, ready to tackle the projects, and made something I dreaded doing lots of fun! She never judges, is always encouraging and gets the job done in a reasonable amount of time. I highly recommend her!
Anne ShermanChapel Hill

Blogs RGG follows

  • Carolina Parent
  • Furbish Studio
  • Garden With Confidence
  • Honey and Fitz
  • Kindness Girl
  • Knick Knack Antiques
  • Ornamentea
  • Pretty Handy Girl
  • Sew Liberated
  • The Chicken Chick
  • The Style Bungalow
  • Young House Love
Raleigh Green Gables, llc
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