Don't mind the rest of the room, I know it's in need of help, i.e., rug, decor

pink flamingos and tiki torches?

Gee thanks.

Sometimes I wonder about the people who comment ... I'm not a designer but am looking to do a similar thing for my house. I hope you get more helpful hints.

I think the piece looks fine as is. Great find!

Just goofing around try some artwork.

that can add a lot

Thanks. We purchased it for $70, and I thought it had character, and possibility. I thought it was better than buying pressed wood or buying something that would blow our budget. Helpful suggestions are still welcomed. :)

Buying secondhand is good for the environment

Yes, I could paint it, but I think the wood is in great condition, I thought about making the gold black, maybe even eliminating the gold spokes on the sides altogether. What do you think?

Defiantly leave it stained if it is in good condition. Scratches and minor issues can be taken care of with Johnson's dark paste wax, about $2.50 for a tin of the stuff and it will last a lifetime. Just follow the directions to apply and buff. Have you considered bronze vs black to update the hardware? Some great metallic spray paints now.

Thanks Margaret, that is a good suggestion.

What about the side spokes? Should I remove them entirely? or perhaps see how they look with the bronze?

You could paint just the legs, and paint the hardware to match. Or do a "dip" technique, where you paint just the bottom or top portion of the entire console. That would allow you to update it and still keep some of the beautiful wood showing. Since it's very close in color to your floor, I'd do the paint on the bottom part.

I would try them in bronze first. I think they add some interest to the piece.

I realize the inspiration picture I posted isn't really what I was describing. Here's something that hopefully shows the technique better.

No, I can appreciate what you're saying as even from my photo it looks like too much wood. We will eventually get a rug for this room. What do you think about the spokes, keep or lose?

If you remove the spokes, will there be a mark on the wood? It might be very hard to disguise that unless you paint. Why not try removing one and see (are they screwed on?)

By the way, any suggestions for a rug, which would be family friendly yet make the room more inviting? Also, I'm feeling like I need to add to my window treatment?? Argh, so much to do, and so overwhelming! (not to mention so expensive!)

Well, they would leave a hole, which I could fill, here is a close up pic.

close up photo

I could also change the color of the weave

I don't mind the side spokes (spindles, I think?).

Fireplace in the room

It can be overwhelming, but just take it slow and make updates as you can. I would find a room or a look you like in the photo section of this site. You don't need to replicate the look exactly, but find elements you like. Looks like you already have major pieces, sofa, console, etc. right now a rug would give you the biggest boost for the room and you can layer in other things later. have you considered an indoor/outdoor area rug, very affordable and family friendly

yes, spindles is better :) I guess my cycling is showing, lol

yes, I have considered the indoor/outdoor, and actually have a couple, but feel they lack in plushness

Anna, did you notice the woven panels complement you bamboo window treatments? I would leave them as is maybe just update the spindle color to bronze.

Oh, you could use some black paint on the console to coordinate with your fireplace.

I think the wood on this peice looks beautiful! It's hard to tell from the photo, but looks like there are squares of burled maple on the front? I would paint the hardware either black (my preference) or bronze including the "spokes". Then use some metal sculptural art, in the same colour on the wall to tie into the look. If there were a large rug on the floor to contrast with the wood floor and console, that will tone down the look of "too much wood". I used a large soft sisal rug in my house for the same purpose....dark wood floor and wood armoire that houses the tv. It's the first thing that everyone admires when they walk in the room.
It's great to use vintage peices of furniture...they are so much better quality in craftsmanship and materials and they are one of kind now too. No one else will have a tv console like yours!

Good point Margaret, perhaps cleaning them up a bit.

Ahhh...now that I see the photo of your fireplace, I really think black is the best colour for your hardware! :-)

Great suggestions too Wyn. Yes, it is a burled maple, and that is what drew me into this piece. Where did you get your sisal rug? Thanks for your nice compliments. The first comment made me doubt myself, but I'm going with my gut on this one, and feel for $70, I got a steal and you're right, I don't like cookie cutter. I just have to learn to trust my instincts more.

Wyn, what do you think about painting the legs black?

I just bought the sisal and rayon chenille rug recently online from Pottery Barn, still on sale...

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/heathered-chenille-jute-rug-natural/?pkey=cnatural-fiber-rugs&

I was just about to post that I think, after seeing the fireplace, paint just the legs black, and paint the hardware black to look like wrought iron. I think that will make a big difference, without making too big of a difference.

I personally wouldn't paint the wood on a nice maple antique. But I know lots of people would! I just painted a "80's vintage solid pine wardrobe to use in my front entrance as a closet. But have several peices of oak and mahogany antique furniture that I would never consider painting!

Thank you so much. All of you have been very helpful and also supportive, I'm feeling less apprehensive about the purchase. It just took one initial dumb comment, to make me feel like omg did i make a mistake?

If you look through some of the most recent Ideabooks where people have creatively and beautifully decorated their modest homes on a budget, you will see they all made use of vintage and repurposed furniture. And with stunning and attractive results! Notice too, that these are the ideabooks that get the most complimentry and appreciative comments...everyone loves a home that is fresh and unique AND is also affordable!

Never mind the odd thoughtless remark. I think you will find the majority of folks here are kind and try to be helpful.

Buy rugs and carpets first then match other things to them .Get a rug you adore and can't live without. Also relax its not life and death.

Yes, thank you once again, and you're right, most people have been very helpful. I will be definitely posting other photos as well, guess we're all in the same boat, we want our homes to reflect our pride, without breaking the bank, and you're right too, it is so much more gratifying to achieve a look that is unique!

I love your room Margaret B! So beautiful and pulled together. The gorgeous blue colour you painted the dresser looks perfect with the rug and cushions!

Its beatiful! I would go black. I like the spindles too

Paint the spindles black to match the fireplace

paint the spindles and other hardware black if it would leave marks if removed. Those are the only thing I don't love about your piece are those center handle thingys. I agree search and find the perfect rug and go from there. I would go large possible big enough to place the front legs on the rug since it blends with your wood floor. I would NOT paint any of the wood on this. I love it!

Yes, I agree, I'm not loving the handles, I guess I can judge better when they are painted. You were thinking to change them as well right?