Young House Love

Home Decorating, DIY Tutorials, & Shenanigans

  • Shop Our House
  • Our Previous Homes
    • Our Richmond House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
  • Before & Afters
    • Our Current House
    • Our Previous House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
    • Our First House
    • Our Second House
    • Our Showhouse
  • DIY & Decorating Tips
    • Most Popular
    • Home Improvement
    • Painting
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Crafting & Art
    • More . . .
  • Podcast
    • Getting Started
    • Show Notes
  • Shop
    • Our Fav Home Finds
    • Our Lighting Line
    • Our Books
    • Book Club Picks
    • Black-Owned Businesses

Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: One Hexy Table

| By John Petersik | November 3, 2011 | 69 Comments

Reader Redesign: One Hexy Table

Will we ever grow tired of seeing a piece of furniture that has been completely transformed with a little bit of paint? Probably not. At least not as long as we’re getting emails like Jesse’s. Here’s an excerpt from his blog about the whole hexagon-tastic transformation of this coffee table that he sent our way:

You can see in the photo that this was one of those over-lacquered tables that was pretty beat up. But the curves are all there, and they are nice!

Jesse Before

The top had really pretty woodwork, a nice diamond inlay. So, continuing with my recent love affair with wood AND paint rather than one or the other, I stripped this table to the bare wood. I stained the top “dark walnut” and then went hexagonal with it. Here’s the after:

Jess After

I love the dark wood flowing in between those hexagons, and then the contrasting turquoise underneath. It’s actually a light turquoise that I spotted in the mishap aisle (so I can’t be sure of the name).

Jesse Side Close Up

Jesse Hex Close Up

Didn’t Jesse do an awesome job? You can check out more pics and details here on his blog. We love the play between the traditional shape of the table and the modern color and pattern. I’m sure we’ve walked past many a similar table at thrift stores or yard sales before. Now we might give them a closer look!

Psst – Got your own awesome before & after project? Send your story, pics, and related links to [email protected] to be considered for a possible Reader Redesign feature. You know we love a makeover.

Psssst – We don’t always tell you when we have a new post up on Young House Life (they just go up every few days – even on nights and weekends – so clicking the Life tab under the header or subscribing is the best way to see all those behind-the-scenes posts). Couldn’t let our Halloween night pics go up without a little shout out though, so feel free to check them out here.

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

Picking A New Siding Color By Painting Some Test Swatches
October Superlatives

Comments

  1. Avatar for Ashely A.Ashely A. says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I have a very similar table. Definitely stealing this idea!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Love the top! That wood and hexagon juxtaposition has me drooling. I am not crazy about the turquoise down under, but to each their own. Brava for making it work for you!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old HouseMaureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    I love the colors chosen for this piece. It really is a total transformation. And the hexagrams! LOVE!!!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Karen L.Karen L. says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Wow, what terrific creativity! Could probably sell that idea, too. Thanks for sharing…….great job!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Tanya @ Lovely GreensTanya @ Lovely Greens says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Brilliant! Love the colours and pattern :)

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Cherri T.Cherri T. says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Just thought you may want to know . . . I checked out Jesse’s blog and she is a HE. Hehe

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 2:20 pm

      Haha- thanks! We shall take our feet out of our mouths now.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for SerenaSerena says

      November 3, 2011 at 2:44 pm

      Actually, under the “View My Complete Profile” link on the right side bar it lists the blogger’s gender as male…so I guess you can leave those feet right where they are :-)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 3:04 pm

      Yup! Jesse is a guy! We originally had written “she” but have since corrected it! So embarrassing.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for SerenaSerena says

      November 3, 2011 at 4:29 pm

      Argh! I totally read Cherri’s correction backwards and thought she was telling you Jess was a girl (since you all had already changed the post to read he by time I got here). So, your comment back to me totally confused me just now-then confusion was rapidly replaced with embarrassment.

      Oh well, that’s what I got for hanging out at your blog instead of doing one of the many projects I should be doing for grad school. Punishment accepted, now off to work on that paper some more.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm

      Haha, no worries Serena! It was probably super confusing since I had fixed it when you read it!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for JesseJesse says

      November 3, 2011 at 11:08 pm

      haha! Thanks Cherri! You know, this isn’t the first time this is happened.. it comes with having an androgynous name! Happened on the front page of Design*Sponge a few months back, hehe.

      I’m SO flattered to here on Young House Love!! Thanks so much!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 4, 2011 at 12:25 am

      Aw thanks for being such a good sport Jesse!

      xo,
      s

  7. Avatar for Jessica @ The Desert AbodeJessica @ The Desert Abode says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Amazing! I love the turquoise, but the custom-painted hexagons really make the table.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Great job Jesse!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Meg@Keeping up with the Jenks[email protected] up with the Jenks' says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    This is not typically my style, but it really does look so good! It’s nice to see that you can take any piece of furniture and truly make it your own.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for kathykathy says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    Awesome job, Jesse! I love it!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Jess @ Little House. Big Heart.Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I love the mix of the geometric painted shapes and the natural curves of the table! The turquoise might be a bit much for me, but it’s a great piece to look at!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Loves MooseLoves Moose says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    Great job, Jesse!! These poor old coffee tables often get overlooked and cast aside. Your transformation is fun and creative and really, really charming. Nicely done!!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for JoannaJoanna says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    I love turquoise. I used it when I painted my sidetable (http://playingaround101.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/almost-there/). Great job!

    Reply
    • Avatar for JesseJesse says

      November 3, 2011 at 11:09 pm

      I’m gonna marry that side table!

  14. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    It looks so great. But, what I really want to know is some more info on this “mishap” aisle. Where would you find these lost paints?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 2:29 pm

      At our HD and Lowe’s they’re right by the paint counter where they mix it. They call it “oops paint” – just ask where they keep it!

      xo,
      s

  15. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Hi guys! Love your blog and all your great ideas. But today I’m having such a hard time even looking at your post because I’m so distracted by the background! Please change it back…..it’s too hard on the eyes!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 3:05 pm

      So sorry- something must be loading wrong on your computer/browser. The background has been the same for the last few months, so it’s still solid white behind all the text and a soft gray heart pattern on the sides. Maybe try clearing your browser’s cache or viewing it on another browser? Wish it was something we could change on our end!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for suzannesuzanne says

      November 3, 2011 at 8:16 pm

      Mine has been doing the same thing. The the text is on the grey background, but after a few minutes it changes back to the white.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 8:24 pm

      So sorry guys! I bet you’re both using the same browser (ex: Explorer 7). Sometimes a certain browser gets glitchy but usually clears itself up in 24-48 hours!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for StefanieStefanie says

      November 5, 2011 at 4:37 pm

      Sometimes when I read it on my mobile, the lovely heart-design is replaced by never-ending “tweetersiks”… makes it super hard to read! No idea why my phone does that because it never happens on any other device.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 5, 2011 at 7:48 pm

      So sorry about that! So strange. Wish it was something we could fix on our end but it seems to be a random glitch since we haven’t changed anything!

      xo,
      s

  16. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Hah! That’s fabulous! I’d never heard of that before. Thanks!

    P.S. This is my first-ever comment after many months of reading your blog. Thanks for all the amazing inspiration!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Wow that is awesome! And not your typical painted wood piece of furniture make-over. Very cool and creative.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Ginny PGinny P says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    I love this! It makes me wish I had trash-picked the coffee table my neighbor put out a few weeks back…

    Reply
  19. Avatar for MattMatt says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Mmm, I don’t really see how the hexagonal shapes are complimenting the table’s character. Everything about the table is about curves, the seashell, the trim/legs–where is this hexagonal coming from? Or is it just a great shape that you like to put on anything? Also the colors are a very odd choice: a turquoise, pale sea foam, and a dark brown/back. I would have switched to have the turquoise on the top, and the legs be the paler green. That way you are highlighting the top, where would be more attention to your hexagonal design rather than the sides and the legs (which is why there’s so a visual battle of ‘hey, where should i look?’ Nice attempt though, would like to see a redo though.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for KathyKathy says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    I don’t wish to put a damper on things, but I think this one missed the mark. The hex design doesn’t relate to anything on the table–especially the curved legs, apron, and carved shell on the front. While I really like the idea, maybe a better shape could be chosen for the top? That being said, I really like the choice of colors.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      John and I both loved the contrast of the modern hex shape with the traditional table silhouette (we thought that’s what MADE it!) – but it’s definitely one of those personal preference things! We just love sharing other makeovers and ideas so those who like ’em can take the ball and run with ’em!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for ashlee@238windsor[email protected] says

      November 3, 2011 at 6:00 pm

      i personally think this table is a real conversation piece. while i wouldn’t necessarily copy this idea (okay, i wouldn’t at all) it does inspire me to do something a little more bold with a similar table that i have. it’s a definite conversation piece. that’s kind of why i like it.

    • Avatar for JesseJesse says

      November 3, 2011 at 11:17 pm

      John and Sherry hit the nail on the head! P.S. thanks SO much for featuring my table, this is awesome and I’m flattered!

      I really was going for polar opposites. Good ol’ French Provincial needed a modern slap, and I love hexagons. It is one of those personal preference things though, for example: some people just CRINGE when they see I dared to paint on a wood piece… but in my opinion, there’s enough furniture to go around, right?

      Thanks again for all the feedback!

  21. Avatar for Lindsey @ arkadian belle woodsLindsey @ arkadian belle woods says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    That’s awesome! I’m loving the hex shapes! I’m into anything unique that isn’t just another painted piece of furniture. This is a great signature look – table couture!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for JennaJenna says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    What a great makeover! I am loving the contrast between the hexagonal shape and use of paint versus the shape of the table, so fun!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for mpmp says

    November 3, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Fabulous!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for TeresaTeresa says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    Seriously, that is quite the transformation… and if you check out Jesse’s blog there are all kinds of neat transformations!!! Love how you find so much through blogs!

    Reply
    • Avatar for JesseJesse says

      November 3, 2011 at 11:23 pm

      Thank you!! :D

  25. Avatar for BeccaBecca says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    Great table makeover! Seriously rocks.

    PS. I heart that you guys don’t discriminate against small blogs when you do our reader features. Totally rad and just one of the many reasons I love you guys.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for GretchenFGretchenF says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I peeked in his Etsy shop and there is a bar cart there that I covet, but I’d want to do the improvement work myself. He either has a good source or good luck at buying furniture that is in rough shape but can be nursed back to health. He did a great job!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Drew @EpicFinances.comDrew @EpicFinances.com says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Absolutely amazing. Incredible work.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Julie KellerJulie Keller says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    What a smart idea, thanks for showcasing this!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for ReenieReenie says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    hmmm I’m not liking the hexagonal shape ……but I reckon it’s not in my home ;)

    Reply
  30. Avatar for ashlee@238windsor.com[email protected] says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    HOLY SMOKES! doesn’t even look like the same table. gives me inspiration for the table my sister gave me recently – heavily lacquered, wood so dark it’s almost black. but the curves are definitely there. it’s very sleek looking.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for ashlee@238windsor[email protected] says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    hi guys,

    i’ve been having trouble posting a comment today. it keeps saying ‘duplicate comment’ but nothing is showing up. so…i’m trying again, one more time.

    what i was wanting to say was that this table is incredible and it gives me hope for this awful table my sister recently gave me. heavily lacquered, dark dark dark stain.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 8:26 pm

      So sorry Ashlee! Not sure why and this is the first we hear of it. We didn’t change anything on our end so here’s hoping it clears itself up soon!

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for MattMatt says

    November 3, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    What kinds of stain and paint were used here (oil and latex?)? I thought it would be a problem painting over a stained surface, but it appears to work.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 3, 2011 at 8:24 pm

      Here’s hoping Jesse drops in with that info. Or you can click over to his blog and ask him directly there!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for JesseJesse says

      November 3, 2011 at 11:22 pm

      Here I am! Sorry, I got home from work to a full inbox and to my surprise was featured! I’m actually in the midst of doing another table similar to this one by request, maybe I’ll do a tutorial for you guys :D

      In the meantime, here we go. Yes – painting over an oil stained purpose can be a problem, because the oil will leach up into it. A water based stain should be fine though.

      For this, I stripped the table, and stained the top in a dark walnut oil stain until I was happy. Then, I did a coat of water based Minwax Polycrylic (LOVE!) to creat a seal. Then I taped my design, primed, and painted with a few coats of a latex grey. Remove the tape, repair any weirdness, and coat the whole top in minwax poly 4-5 times since coffee tables tend to get beat up.

      The base was a simple sand, prime, paint, seal and deliver (haha, kidding about the deliver… you know, the song…!)

      Let me know if you have any questions!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 4, 2011 at 12:26 am

      Thanks so much for all the details Jesse!

      xo,
      s

  33. Avatar for Janelle DJanelle D says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Not many comments on this one… Surprising! I love the table. It looks like something I’d see in Domino back in the day. Great job!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Cat@BudgeBlonde.com[email protected] says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    I can see why yall like it. It’s kind of like a bee hive. :)) Great job Jesse!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 4, 2011 at 12:25 am

      Haha- you know us and bees!

      xo,
      s

  35. Avatar for Kiran @ KiranTarun.comKiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    What a great idea! So simple and fun DIY project. Thanks for sharing, guys :)

    Reply
  36. Avatar for rachaelrachael says

    November 4, 2011 at 8:12 am

    I just painted a piece and it is still sticky/tacky. It doesn’t feel it to touch it but if you put anything on it it sticks and leaves marks.

    What can i do to stop this? without having to go back resand, prime and paint…because at that point it wouldn’t be worth my time or money.

    any tips for next time?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 4, 2011 at 9:38 am

      I’ve heard that baby powder can be applied to absorb sticky/tacky surfaces (just dust it on and hopefully it’ll suck up some of the tackiness and help things cure).

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for rachaelrachael says

      November 4, 2011 at 12:33 pm

      Thanks! i’ll give it a try :)

  37. Avatar for Kasey MarchKasey March says

    November 4, 2011 at 9:22 am

    It took reading the post to realize the top surface of the table was stained and NOT black. My monitor must need an adjustment. After the shocking realization I am a much bigger fan!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for KayKay says

    November 4, 2011 at 9:27 am

    Very fun! My parents have a similar table that it starting to show it’s years…. hmmmm….

    Reply
  39. Avatar for MiaMia says

    November 4, 2011 at 9:34 am

    That table is beyond gorgeous.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for SuzanneSuzanne says

    November 5, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Great table. I gotta know what color you used for the bottom half of that table..I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 5, 2011 at 11:44 pm

      Jesse mentioned it was “oops paint” (mis-tint paint that’s available at a steep discount) so he sadly can’t be sure of the color. So sorry!

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for Robyn @ Our Backyard 2 YoursRobyn @ Our Backyard 2 Yours says

    November 6, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Love the blue! What a great redesign.

    Reply
  42. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    November 9, 2011 at 5:52 am

    Amazing, I love it. When I looked at the picture of the original table, I was REALLY not expecting what I saw when I scrolled down!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Lynn WilliamsLynn Williams says

    December 23, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    This is one really sharp table and a very nice idea. The transition from the original table to the Hexy Table was quite impressive. I want a table like this one.

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
*This site contains ads and affiliate links*
See our disclaimer & privacy policy to learn more

Latest Finds

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SHOP OUR LIGHTING

Young House Love Shades Of Light Capiz Chandelier

GET POSTS BY EMAIL

We’re Digging

Traditional Rug
The “Magic” Rug
Smokeless Solo Stove Firepit
Smokeless Firepit
Woven Storage Ottoman
Storage Ottoman
Subtle Pink Rug
Our Bedroom Rug
Blue Air 211 Air Purifier
Our Air Purifiers
Faux Potted Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Kohler Memoirs Toilet
Our Favorite Toilet
Soft Striped Rug
Soft Striped Rug
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE FINDS > >

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Press
  • Contact
  • :)

© 2023 Young House Love ® · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · A Fun Wordpress theme on Genesis Framework · Hosted by Liquid Web