Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Decorating Dilemmas Party...Round 8!

Welcome to my Decorating Dilemmas party, a spot for bloggers to link up with a Decorating Dilemma (or Solution) and receive some helpful feedback from other participants.


As always, please please read my guidelines as a courtesy to me before you link up here:

1. Please include a link to this party somewhere within your post, OR use this blog button code:
Decorating Dilemmas

This helps your readers find the party to participate in the fun.

2. When you add your link to my inlinkz list, please be sure to use the permalink to your specific party post, not your blog's homepage.
Please feel free to email me if you have questions or trouble adding your link. Sometimes the inlinkz system is a little bit testy.

3. Please, pretty please, leave me a comment with your link.
This is helpful if I need to edit links or if I have problems with inlinkz. Also, I have a Dilemma I need help with too...otherwise I wouldn't be hosting. {wink}

4. MINGLE.
Please try to visit at least one or two other links on the list. If you need a few days to do that, it's fine with me. I try to host parties that include participation and encourage community. Otherwise, this is just a long list of links and that's no fun for anyone. You'll be surprised at how easy (and fun!) it is to see someone else's Dilemma and come up with all sorts of creative solutions.

Bloggers who link up with a (valid!) link will be entered to win a copy of:

Okay, link up here and don't forget to scroll down and let me know what I should do with my Dilemma. The party will be open for new links until 10 pm ET on Wednesday. Short, but sweet!


Here's my Dilemma for May:
I've had this old crate for ages. I was using to keep the dog toys in, which was stupid because neither dog really plays with toys. They'd much rather nap and lay on the air conditioning vents.

I'm planning on using it to house my growing stack of "to-read" magazines, but my Dilemma is:
~Clean it up and leave it as-is OR paint it?

If I paint it, white or black? Stencil something on it? What to stencil? So many ideas.

What do you think?

post signature

38 comments:

  1. OK, I love the shape and the wood of that crate. I love anything nostalgic, especially crates with words, but something about the fact that it says "Canned Pink Salmon" makes me want to paint it. A bright color. Like turquoise or apple green. Something that will make you surely want to reach for your 'must reads' !!

    Just my two cents !

    xoxo
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think that you would completely ruin the character of this cool old box if you paint it. Leave it like it is!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the rustic look of it. Maybe you could paint or decorate the inside of it. Or a stain that would show the original text through it?
    I tried the linky a few times and it didn't work. Here is the link:
    http://www.homeandheartsblog.com/2010/05/decorating-solution.html
    I would like to title it "Lamps Solution"
    Thank you for hosting. I got a lot of great advice at the last party.
    Mama E
    Home and Hearts
    www.homeandheartsblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love that crate! I really like the colors and the faded lettering on it... perhaps paint it a light color so that you would still be able to see what it says? Definitely a good spot for magazines or for toys!


    http://norrisintexas.blogspot.com/2010/05/help-my-living-room.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's so funny, I was totally in favor of leaving it as is (charm, character, etc...) until I read Centsational Girl's post and realized it says "canned pink salmon". Now I say paint it! Especially if you've had it forever as is. You might fall in love with it all over again after it's been reinvented!

    Also, I've tried to add my "design dilemma" twice seemingly unsuccessfully. I'll try again later. Glad I found your link party because I could really use some help!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmmm...I think it depends on the decor of the room it will be in. If the room is on the rustic side, I would say to leave it as is. If not, I would paint it white and, yes some stenciling would be cute. Maybe stencil the name of whatever you are putting inside. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for hosting! Love the crate, but the fact that it's pink salmon kind of weirds me out, but remember I don't eat anything that swims! But I do love the old crate look, but it would look amazing painted too.....I say that if it fits in with the decor/colors of the room leave it, but if you paint it I say paint it a bright color, distress and glaze. Can't wait to see what you do!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dont paint the crate!!!! I have been oogling over vintage crates like that and around here, those babies go for $30+!!! It is beautiful as is! But I won't hold it against you if you paint it- I might cry though :)

    P.S. I linked up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello my friend! I love your Decorating Dilemmas party! I think that crate is really cool. I would leave it as it is. I love the worn look and the words on it. It might be cool to see if you can find a couple other boxes/crates that are different sizes and use them together somewhere.

    I am excited to join up. I am going to try to take my pictures in the morning and link up!

    XOOX
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  10. I wouldn't paint the whole thing. I think painting the inside a really vibrant color would be awesome...maybe bright red or yellow. You could also paint a stripe around the crate. That would add some color and interest without covering up all the fun rustic details.

    ReplyDelete
  11. No paint! That's the charm of it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you paint this baby it will loose it's awesomness. I vote you leave it just as it is =)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like the crate as is, but I am also a huge fan of painting it...basically I am useless in helping you make a decision, BUT the crate is lovely.

    The blog Trey and Lucy did a cool spray paint project with doilies as stencils it was awesome because it only partially covered up her crate. So the original crate still peeked through. Here is the link:

    http://treyandlucy.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-wait-all-year-for-mothers-day.html

    I would also love it if you stopped by my blog. I can't wait to find a dilemma to post about. Shouldn't take me long to look around my house and find something!

    Just Another Day in Paradise

    ReplyDelete
  14. Please leave it as is!!! PLEASE!!! I am begging here! That crate is awesome just as it is! After debating WAY too long I am linking up this post...

    http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2010/05/what-would-you-do-with-it-wednesday_25.html

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love your wooden box! I vote, clean it up and leave it as it. It is wonderful!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm with most of the others - don't paint it!! :) It is so unique.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have to say I'm completely torn. I love the vintage look, but I don't think I'd want "Canned Pink Salmon" sitting in my reading area. I would paint and distress it. I also really like the doily look that Larissa posted. Super cute, Although I'd probably do a pattern around the bottom or top edge with the doilies instead of random placement.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Don't touch that "COOL" old box...leave it as is! Thanks for hosting this FUN party:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would leave it as is, even if it does say Canned Pink Salmon. Maybe, if anything, whitewash it, so there's just a little white, with the words showing through.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I tried a few times to link up, but it isn't working for me. Here is my sofa table decorating dilemma: http://the-wilson-world.blogspot.com/2010/05/decorating-dilemma.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello cute friend! I linked up my kitchen dilemma. I have a crazy day today, but will stop by the links tonight!

    XOOX
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  22. Paint only the inside! My pick would be black, or deep brown, it would protect the insde, and your mags, and not show as much "newsprint wear" as the lighter colours do.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love these kinds of quandries :D I say don't paint your cool box, but flip it on it's side so that it's more of a cubby/shelf and stand or pile your magazines up in it... then just toss on a pretty piece of fabric or "runner" and "decorate" the top with some of your favorite "pretties". Let us know what you decide to do :D

    ReplyDelete
  24. Paint it white & stencil w your fav bible verse or saying. Its a great storage piece!
    Heather @ www.savingmoneylivinglife.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love it just the way it is....sooo much character. It could be a great plant holder too. Looks like a fun party!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would leave as is. I love it! I use my husbands wooden tool box (he made in high school) for my magazines, its perfect for them.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'd leave it as is, but then I love canned salmon! *lol* It would look pretty and all shabby chic with a thick coat of white paint!

    I have a similar dilemma, but didn't get my act together an get it posted in time to link up. Maybe next time! I'm off to peruse those who did... is it wrong that I love giving advice?!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh my gracious! I loooove it just as it is!! The color is gorgeous. I've actually been looking for something similar to use in my bathroom to put rolled up towels in.

    I, personally, think it's perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh, I love that crate! It's so hard to say whether to stick with the old or go with the new! Can't wait to see what you come up with, Ps thanks for doing this, you got me back on the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Amanda!

    It looks like you have a great party going on. . . as usual! I've been away from my computer all day. . . didn't even get to publish a post today, much less a link to your party. I sure hate to miss it--your parties are always fun, and I especially love the way this one promotes interaction among bloggers.

    That crate is cool. I think it could look wonderful painted, but to tell the truth, it speaks to me as a canned salmon crate. My mother always bought canned pink salmon. She used it to make salmon croquettes. But about once a year, she would SPLURGE and buy RED SALMON. It was a big event, that purchase of canned red salmon. Isn't that funny? Things were different then. But honestly, sometimes I think homemakers of my mom's generation were happier overall. They didn't have much, but they had lots of friends who were in the same boat.

    A long story, I know. I guess the point is that I'd leave it unpainted, but I think it would look cute painted. So you can't lose. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Leave it! It looks great the way it is. But, really it would be cute painted white too. Can't wait to see what you do with it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. If it were mine, I'd paint it,
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I vote for leave it as is! I have my Country Living magazines in an old peach crate!

    Thanks for hosting, here is my link!
    http://wendyinflorida.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-decorating-dilemma.html

    ReplyDelete
  34. Painting it would just make it a very ordinary crate. I would clean it up and enhance the wood with a wood conditioner followed by a natural stain that would bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

    ReplyDelete
  35. That's a tough one. It's authentic the way it is. I like the idea of stacking it with other old crates that someone suggested (above). I am having fun at the party, already. I'm running a bit late as I'm out of town, but will visit as many links as I can :).

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hey Amanda! I'm a loser and didn't get a "dilemma" linked up for your party, but I'm looking at everyone who linked up and making comments! I love the crate. I would leave it "as is"!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I lOVE, LOVE it the way it is! It has so much character. And I love crates too. I put mine above hutches and armoires as a low cost accessory!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love just as is! I agree with others...maybe paint the inside? I can't believe you are done with school! we are making up snow days and go until June 10!

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear your feedback! Please feel free to leave comments...just don't send me spam asking me to buy stuff off your website! I've got three kids and no money to purchase your magic weight-loss pill or bust enhancement, or whatever else you might be selling. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you! :)

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...