I found this tiered stand looking a bit forlorn at a thrift store. He had great lines, maybe something you would find in a Paris apartment with those narrow tapered legs, brass fittings, and marquetry finish.

I liked the bronzed pineapple finials, so I decided to tone down the brass fittings. They screwed off easily and I sprayed them with American Accents Classic Bronze. To get an aged look, I rubbed a tiny bit of ebony Rub ‘n Buff over them. It’s important not to cover the whole fitting with the ebony–just apply a few streaks sparingly. Using styrofoam and skewers made this process a cinch.

I also liked the marquetry pattern but the wood was not in good shape. I decided on a wash that would let the marquetry pattern show through. I started by removing the finish with Citristrip Stripping Gel and a putty knife. Then I gave the wood a grey wash using Annie Sloan paint in french linen and water. I let it sit for a few minutes and then wiped it off–four times–to achieve the desired color.

And there you have it–my little Parisian corner in the suburbs.

~ Lynette