Will we ever get tired of watching a worn piece of furniture become something fresh and beautiful with just a bit of paint and elbow grease? Probably not. Transformations like Jesse’s are exactly why DIY makeovers stay inspiring: they show how a little time, creativity, and a few supplies can totally renew an item’s life.
Jesse shared the story on his blog about a hexagon-inspired makeover he performed on a French provincial coffee table. The original piece had been heavily lacquered and was fairly beaten up, but the graceful curves and overall form were intact—and that’s what made it worth saving.
He began by stripping the table down to bare wood, preserving the shape and the original carved details. The top was stained a deep “dark walnut” and then he introduced a geometric pattern by inlaying a series of hexagons. The dark stained wood between the hexagons creates a strong graphic contrast, and the underside and apron were painted a light turquoise, found in a bargain bin—an imperfectly named shade, but perfect for the project.
The result is a beautiful balance of classic and contemporary: the traditional silhouette of the French provincial table playing off the modern geometry and fresh color.
The makeover does a nice job of demonstrating a few useful principles for DIY furniture renovation:
- Assess the piece honestly. Even heavily lacquered or worn furniture can be worth rescuing if the underlying form and detail are good.
- Combine materials intentionally. Leaving sections stained while painting other areas can add depth and emphasize shape.
- Use pattern sparingly. A bold geometric detail like hexagons works well when it’s limited to a single surface, letting the rest of the piece read as a complementary backdrop.
- Experiment with color. Unexpected hues, even those found as inexpensive or imperfect samples, can be exactly what a piece needs to feel updated and personal.
Jesse’s table is a reminder that thrifted and secondhand furniture are excellent canvases for creativity. Next time you pass a table at a yard sale or thrift store, consider its potential: is the silhouette appealing? Are there carved or architectural details that would pop with a fresh finish? Even if the original veneer or lacquer looks rough, the right approach—stripping, staining, selective painting, and adding a simple pattern—can reveal something truly special.
We love how this project keeps the elegance of the original French provincial design while introducing modern personality with pattern and color. That kind of contrast—old form plus contemporary finish—can make a piece feel curated rather than rebuilt.
Have you completed a dramatic before-and-after furniture project? We want to see it. Send your story, photos, and any relevant links to [email protected] to be considered for a Reader Redesign feature. Makeovers like these are what keep the DIY community thriving, and your project could inspire someone else to pick up a brush and give an old piece a new life.