Boy, if you ever feel like something looks, this would be an accurate description of “hot mess”. However, even while looking like a mess, you can tell this rustic farmhouse bench has a story to tell. I mean, just look at it…so many pieces of life going on. Today, this bench is getting a reprieve.
If you look closely, there are dents and dings galore, paint spills on shelf, spray paint on the top, and even saw and drill marks where it’s been used as a sawhorse.
What has me curious, however, are those side slots. Me thinks it may have had a utilitarian purpose in a workshop. What say you?
MAKEOVER TIME
As you can imagine, I love the story that this rustic farmhouse bench tells – even all the ugly too. Meanwhile, my DIY heart wants to revive it so it can have center stage instead of tucked away in a workshop corner. First, I fill the saw cuts and drill holes with wood filler while leaving the dents and dings carry on their story.
Then, while the filler cures, I mix up some barn red milk paint. You can see all my past bench makeovers HERE and the use of milk paint HERE.
It’s simple to mix up, just add a bit of water (typically a 1:1 ratio but it depends on brand). That means I can mix as much as I need eliminating the need to have quarts sitting around. What a blessing! Plus, it allows for an aged appeal in various forms to where your artistic style can shine through in any form. My favorite use of this red is when I built a sleigh HERE.
Next, while the paint cures (only one coat is needed for my intent) I design and apply a design using my transfer method.
REVEAL
Finally, after all is my DIY fun is complete, that rustic farmhouse bench tells a brand new “old” story.
In my mind’s eye, I see this as originally sitting outside an old, but cherished antiques shop. Not only did it function as an advertisement, but also a spot for a weary shopper to rest their feet while loving on an ice cream cone. Do you see it too?
For me, adding the touches of word art give a new life to a tired piece. You can see how I use my other designs on these past pieces.
So, tell me, what would you have done with this piece if you found it tucked away in a workshop? If you’d like to add this to your home story, you can find this and more in my online store.
SHARE
Before you go, leave some comment love below. Also, take a minute to pin and share this makeover to inspire others to give DIY a try.
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Until next time!
While you’re at it, more projects like this rustic farmhouse bench makeover:
Larissa – I’m so glad you left the bench intact. And the red with the wording really makes it pop! Love it!
Oh yes, I wouldn’t have done anything to dismantle it. Thanks!
Larissa, this little bench is smiling! I have a similar bench that my father left me in his workshop, but it doesn’t have the notches on the sides. I use it all the time inside and outside as a seat, a stepladder, and a sawhorse!! The center opening makes it easy to carry around. You made this little gem shine!! and I love the graphic! Blessings for your day.
What a treasure you get to have with you, Judy. I love the handle feature and it sure does make it easy. Thank you for the smiles. 😀 😀
well… now you’ve added even more to the story of this little bench. How cute – And functional.
Thanks for sharing your skills, and your journeys.
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Thank you for affirming my efforts. 😉
Larissa,this is one of my favorites. The design might not be as spectacular as “BEEP” because of its simplicity but the look gives that feel. You are awesome.
Hold tight to Gods unchanging hand, there is so much I want to share with you, maybe someday when God gives me the ok. I have felt for years there was much more to you but it’s hard to explain but always knew you are a fighter
Blessings, jo
Your sweet words made my day. Thank you, Jo.
Holding with all my might for sure. I feel your empathy and encouragement. {{hugs}}
Very unique! I enjoy interesting finds like this. It makes me more curious as to the slots on the side. What are they??…… Im not actually asking you because you would’ve told us had you known; it’s a conversation starter for sure! On another note: spiritual warfare, in this time, is ramping up. Trying hard to remember to armor up and stand firm. I will stand with you in prayer sister Larissa.
Yes! I wish they could talk to me like a lady visiting a hairdresser…giving me all the juicy details of their story. Wouldn’t that be fun? Your prayers are felt, Niki. Thank you.
Love your little bench! I see a sticks and bricks kind of store in a possible future for you. You have such a good eye and a passion for repurposing.
Sending hugs and hope from Canada.
Hug received!! I have had many opportunities to open a store, but I don’t want to. Being tied to a building outside of my home is not my heart’s desire. It would be fun for a time though.
Larissa, you are a lady of Light for sure. This little project is very endearing and I’m so glad you didn’t dismantle it. It’s just perfect. Your hand was guided perfectly. Great job!!
Oh yes, I wouldn’t dismantle something like this – too much history and not enough damage. Thank you for your kind words, Caye.
Soooo darn cute!!! I love the graphics and color you chose. Another hit!!! 🥰
It makes me miss those “good ol’ day” for sure. Thank you, Rebecca
What a great little work bench, and I love the red. On a personal note, I’m praying for you and your children during this life challenge. You will come through this and be whole again!❤️
Your prayers are coveted and felt. Thank you for that and the sweet words on my work, Sheryl.
Larissa – Love the look of this and the “loving on an ice cream 😉
I always found it a delight to see how differently people “attack” their ice cream cone. Some lick slowly, some chomp…so funny!!
Larissa,
This is awesome! Seriously it looks like it always looked like that and sat on the porch of a little old antique store. It’s like you freshened it up and it will go home again to allow weary shoppers a place to rest.
You really nailed this one lady!
happy dancin’!! Thank you so much, Marietta. I sure had fun walking down memory lane while I worked.
I’ve been having internet problems for several weeks and haven’t been able to view your newsletter! Really missed your inspiring projects 🙂 Love how you transformed this bench, Larissa.. I really like that old barn red color. Such a classic. You breathed new life into it for sure. Think of you often and keeping you and yours in my prayers dear ❤️
I’ve missed ya, Mary! 😀 I’m glad to hear you’re able to be back in the webs of the internet. 😉 Thank you for prayers and affirmation. Hugs!
Hey Larissa…although I’m loving the bench, what hit me today was your line “Satan only attacks those who are not in his grip.” Saying a quick prayer for you.
Thank you, CeCe. Yes, he leaves alone those he already has. If you’re in God’s will you’re in Satan’s viewfinder. Thank you for the prayers as they are coveted.
You and your family are in my prayer. God bless you.
Thank you so very much, Debra. They are felt.