What is one way to hide a chaotic heap of twisted cords beneath a colossal TV screen? My solution includes strategically positioning a visual diversion: A custom console styled with arty pots on the bottom and a Nambé bowl on the top. This project is for a home with an interior that is a nice mix of Modern and Ethnic Chic. (What is Ethnic Chic?)

Materials

• Oval Sofa Table, Unfinished (16″D x 46″W x 29″H)
• Whitewash Distressed Metal Knobs
• Saral Transfer Paper, White
• Latex Bonding Primer
• Valspar – Umbra 8002-20G, Satin Latex Paint
• Beige Uni-Posca PC-5M Paint Pen, Medium Bullet Tip
• Satin Polycrylic
• 220 Grit Sand Paper

How To

I’ve been pinning images of illustrated furniture for years. This project was my chance to dive in and give it a try. I found an unpainted sofa table that was the right size and style. Once the table was assembled, I removed the knobs, pulled out the drawer, and lightly sanded and primed all surfaces. Then I coated it with a few layers of satin latex paint and gave the drawer slides a very light coat to keep them in good sliding condition. I created an illustration the same dimensions as the drawer front using Adobe Illustrator. Next, I printed the illustration to size and it became my pattern. I traced the artwork by sandwiching a sheet of Saral Transfer paper between the print out and the drawer face. After the artwork was transferred to the drawer front, I drew on top of the traced image with a paint pen. NOTE: It was really important to let each layer dry the recommended amount of time, as well as, lightly sand between coats. After all the paint had cured for two weeks, I covered the table with several coats of poly acrylic (again – pay attention to drying times and sanding between coats). I rubbed a bar of soap on the drawer slides to improve their glide and attached the knobs. Kinda cool. Kinda artsy. I heart.