Have you ever gone for a walk only to come back with a treasure from the roadside?

Last spring I went for a lunchtime walk on an unseasonably warm and bright day.

About a block and a half from my house I noticed a pile of disassembled furniture and other sundry items at the curb of a home that had recently been sold.  Evidently the home was part of an estate and the remaining items had to be disposed.  As I walked by slowly, I noticed some tall French provincial cabinet doors stacked on top of each other amidst the partially deconstructed cabinetry.  As I continued my walk down that very long cul-de-sac, I contemplated those doors with the very cool small chicken mesh screening.

 

Vignette and French Provincial Window Screen :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

On my way back to the pile of trash I decided that I should take one of the doors home to prop up in my studio and use as an art or idea board.  Since my husband was at work, I didn’t have a vehicle at my disposal.  What’s a girl to do?  Carpe Diem.  I picked up the solid wood six-foot-high door and walked home with it, down the hill and back up again to my house.  As I set it by the garage I contemplated the fact that there were three more doors, and if I got another one, I would have a pair, and two would be better than one, once I figured out what I would do with them.  So back I walked.

 

French Provincial Folding Screen :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

When I was almost there I decided that three is better than two.  Everything looks better displayed in odd numbers…so I needed to have three of the fine French provincial doors with the awesome chicken wire inserts.  Yup.  Three.

Keep in mind that my treasure gathering is being done on solely on foot.  Another thought came over me.  What if someone else saw these fabulous finds while they drove by and decided they wanted them too?  I needed to act fast.  Being the efficiency expert that I am, I decided that I should carry home two doors.  Two very heavy solid wood doors.  I know you are thinking that they can’t be all that heavy…they have wire inserts.  Well believe me, they were heavy.  I’m sure their length had something to do with their heaviness and awkwardness.

Can you imagine the neighbors looking out their windows to see this lady huffing and puffing down and up the hill, carrying two beautiful French provincial doors with chicken wire inserts?  I really do wonder what they were saying.

When I arrived home, I leaned these up against the garage too.  Then I went in the house to get a tall drink of water and rest.  Whew!

 

French Provincial Screen DIY :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

You do realize by this time that there is still one remaining door sitting on the lawn calling my name?

Uh huh!  I walked back and picked up that one too.  Who is that crazy lady walking back and forth down the road carrying those beautiful doors?  I hope that’s all the neighbors thought.  [grin]

 

Trash to Treasure French Provincial Doors turned Screen :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The doors spent a few months in the garage while I decided what to do with my finds, a decision was made.  My husband and I removed the hinges and re-attached them so that two doors were secured together to make a screen and then we stood the two screens side-by-side in front of our huge window.  I had thought about repainting them, but realized that it wasn’t necessary, and if I had painted them it would have been a lot of work to get the look these have.  All they needed was a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.

I can’t tell you how very happy I am with my vintage French provincial screen.   I really didn’t want curtains at the window because they would block the light which I love.  Though that same wonderful light made taking pictures of the screens so difficult.   I often sit in that room to write on my laptop and when someone like the letter carrier steps up on my porch it sort of feels like my personal space is being invaded.  The screens are a perfect solution…kind of like a visible-invisible barrier.  Plus…they were FREE!!!

Do you pick up trash and make it into treasure for your home?

Have you ever picked up something that you could use without having to clean it up and repaint it?

What’s the best roadside treasure you have found?

 

This trash to treasure transformed to screen helped me with a few more issues as well.  Prior to painting the window trim white, the trim was an awful orangey stain that shouted 1955!  The style did not go well with my vintage furniture to say the least.  The screen serves as a foil to the era.

Also, I’d love some input on the small chest in front of the screen.  It’s an old cast-off I acquired.  It’s not solid wood, but it does have dove-tailed drawers.  I’m considering decoupaging the drawer fronts with music pages.  I kind of wanted some flowy French script, but my husband doesn’t want something he couldn’t read.  In addition I was thinking of painting it a dark red color.  You know my penchant for red.  Or, maybe I should paint it Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Country Grey like my sideboard?  Or should I simply use a wood restorer and then wax it?    I’d love your thoughts and suggestions on it.  Please.

 

Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

Diane

Click HERE for more fabulous Furniture Makeovers

 

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Comments

  1. This is really cool, Diane! Love it. It looks perfect in your setting. Today I took down my dining room drapes and put up a table runner as a valance. Love it!

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks!! What a fabulous idea to use a table runner as a valance. 🙂 I bet it looks terrific, Susan!!
      {hugs} and best wishes for an Extraordinary week!

  2. I know a lot of people say, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” But I don’t know anyone who can turn junk into treasure as well as you can.

    • Diane says

      You are just the most supportive man a woman could have in a husband. I love you to pieces!!

  3. I am so glad you told the story of this beautiful screen. I had noticed it before and I was sooooo envious of its loveliness. You were such a smart girl to act quickly. What a treasure and you didn’t even have to paint!
    We built our first home in 1961 and it had that same window and natural colored trim. That orangey color came years later because of the formula of the varnish of the time. I am so glad you painted the trim white, it looks fantastic.
    I like the idea of the sheet music on the chest.
    xoGinger

    • Diane says

      And I am super blessed Savannah Granny that you took the time to read the story and leave your encouraging words!!!! It really is a treasure!
      I wondered about that orangey color…thanks for sharing that. You know, I think wood warms up a lot over time also. I am thrilled that I decided to paint it white. You’ll laugh…but I actually started a post about it quite awhile ago. Maybe I should see what it needs to post.
      You’re the first vote for sheet music…I’ll be keeping a tally! [wink]
      Hope your week is extraordinary!!

  4. Cindy says

    I would have done the same thing! No way I could let something so grand go to the trash! She’s beautiful and looks amazing in your room!
    Would love for you to share at Amaze Me Monday…
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    • Diane says

      Sometimes a girl has to take extreme measures! HaHa!!!
      Thanks for your kind words & invite, Cindy!!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  5. Wow, what a lucky find! fits right into your decor 😉

    • Diane says

      It really was a wonderful blessing. God is good.
      Thanks JoAnn for you sweet words! [hugs]

  6. Glenda Kremer says

    Wow! I wish I could find such treasures! so beautiful. I’m sure your chest will be beautiful what ever you do to it–I think red with the green would look a bit Christmasy. I personally love natural wood and think that would be very pretty in front of the screen–just my opinion!
    Glenda Kremer

    • Diane says

      Thanks Glenda!!
      You’ll laugh…but there is no green. I have no idea why…but everything in my room looks green. The screen is actually a pale butternut….or pale warm wheat-like creamy light yellow. And I love your opinion…which I why I asked. 🙂 Blessings!!!

  7. Hi Diane,
    Loved your screen story. It’s close to one I shared recently on my blog but you brought it home and I had to leave it on the curb. Such a drag. Happy you made those screens your own.

    I am always checking out my neighbors trash. There are all kinds of neat stuff being thrown out. I wish I had a bigger garage. LOL.

    Bye for now, Darlene

    • Diane says

      Awwww….I’m sorry that you had to leave your treasures at the curb. 🙁 It’s amazing what gets thrown away.
      It’s always a blessing when I find something when totally out of the blue. 🙂
      Thanks for popping by with your kind remarks, Darlene!!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  8. I love road side finds! I love what you did. Here are two of my road side finds remake posts! Check them out. Tell me what you think!
    http://www.homemaker-mom.com/2/post/2013/05/chairs-i-saved-from-the-trash.html
    &
    http://www.homemaker-mom.com/2/post/2012/04/my-road-side-find-trash-to-treasure.html

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Susie!!
      I will check out your posts! How fun!!!

  9. Mel says

    I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve spied something and formulated a plan…only to venture back and *poof* gone. Apparently it was meant for someone else. What a gorgeous find. And what a treasured tale to go with it. It is an awesome addition…and it was a haul and a half, literally and figuratively. LOL. How wonderful. I had no problem envisioning you going back and forth and back and forth..*laughing* Oh what determination!! Paid off a thousand fold!
    As for the chest, I think Both chalk paint (for the frame) and wood drawers. NOT that I’m some expert in design, but I think it would accentuate the sceen and the cabinet and tie everything together beautifully. Oh…but sheet music for the drawers would be cute too! LOL. WHATEVER you choose, I’m sure it will be lovely. Your things always are.

    • Diane says

      Thanks for forming that picture of me traipsing back and forth up and down the streets with those huge doors. 🙂 I had no doubt it would cause a chuckle or two.
      Awww…I’m sorry that your treasure disappeared. I’ve had that happen too. It seems that it’s best to rescue whatever and think about it later. There’s a curb in front of my house too! 🙂
      Thanks too for weighing in on the chest. And of course you are an expert…you have an artist’s eye… 😉
      Hope your day is Extraordinary!!

  10. What a find! I must say I’m a tad bit jealous, but happy for you. Thanks for sharing all of your extraordinariness and blessings to you Diane, Patti@OldThingsNew

    • Diane says

      I would be a tad bit jealous of me too! 🙂 Haha!! Everyone who comes to visit, turns green also.
      Thanks for your sweet words!! Sending blessings your way!

  11. Becky says

    Fabulous curbside treasure! Lucky you, not only to have found it but to have a good back and strong arms to carry it away!

    • Diane says

      Haha!! I am blessed! And believe me, when I carried two doors, it was a feat of will over strength. Seriously!!!
      Thanks for popping by with your warm remarks, Becky!
      Blessings!

  12. Judy says

    Beautiful screens, they look perfect at your house. You are a strong woman to have carried them home, one by one.

    • Diane says

      Haha!! Determined would be the more apt word, Judy!
      Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
      Hope your week is extraordinary!

  13. Julie says

    I so wish I could stumble upon something so pretty. How lucky you are! Most definitely worth the work of carrying them home!

    • Diane says

      Oh I hope you do some time. You never know!!!
      Thanks for stopping by and leaving your lovely words, Julie.
      Blessings!

  14. Suzan says

    I am laughing my head off here – this is too funny – I’d do the exact same thing – what a gorgeous find!!!!
    Visiting from Shabby Creek Cottage
    XOX

    • Diane says

      Kindred spirits! Thanks Suzan!!
      Hope your day is Extraordinary!!

  15. Betsy says

    YOU ROCK!!!!!
    I love the vision of your carying those doors…I would have done the same thing, but I would have been laughing at myself the entire way, and would have had to stop and have a rest!
    I lve the doors and the screens…so beautiful!
    hearts!
    Betsy

    • Diane says

      Haha!! I’m glad you can identify with my craziness!! 🙂
      Thanks for stopping by Betsy and leaving your warm remarks!

  16. Tammy says

    I would have done the same exact thing! They are just beautiful!

    • Diane says

      Yay for roadside finds!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet words, Tammy!
      Hope your day is extraordinary!

  17. IF THIS WAS A DIY CONTEST I WOULD PICK YOU AS THE WINNER FOR SURE! What a great story and you are very BOLD – AND CLEVER!!!

    • Diane says

      Awwww…Bernideen….you just put the biggest smile on my face!! [hugs]

  18. Sandi says

    Hi Diane,
    What an energetic gal you are! I actually had to laugh because you did exactly what I would have done {a few years ago!} The screen looks fabulous and so creative, I might add. Thanks so much for sharing this at my HOME and Happy Summer!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    • Diane says

      Haha!! I think determined is probably the more appropriate word. The energizer bunny disappeared somewhere along the way. [wink]
      Thanks for your kind words, Sandi! [hugs]

  19. Well that was an extraordinary walk x 4 but how beautiful your screen is! Amazing and creative idea…love it!

    • Diane says

      Haha! I guess it was! 🙂
      Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet thoughts, Debra!

  20. Jan says

    I’m not sure what you mean when you said “the chest is not solid wood.” Many very fine examples of veneer work from the 16th through 19th centuries exist and are worth a lot of money today. Our colonists in the New World, for instance, could not afford in many instances to import the finest furniture from England and France, and when the wars (the War for Independence and the War of 1812) were going on, there was no trade. Enterprising furniture makers in Philadelphia, especially, created masterpieces of fine furniture using local woods veneered over other less “desirable” woods (highly desirable today, though). Not saying your piece is such a piece but if it is veneered rather than “solid wood,” so what? I sure am no expert but I’ve watched plenty of Antiques Roadshow and seen articles on fine furniture in Architectural Digest and Traditional Home. Your dresser looks like a 20th century Hepplewhie reproduction and some of them are worth a pretty penny in and of themselves. I would recommend that you try to find out more about your piece before you do any refinishing or using a wood restorer. Does it have a maker’s name anywhere on the inside of the drawers, on the back, or underneath? That could make your job easier of trying to find out more about your piece. Take some pictures and if you’ve got a museum in the area, ask for a look-see at your pics. You could also post close-ups of your piece on antique furniture discussion boards or blogs (they probably exist – there’s just about everything out there on the internet these days) and ask for help in identifying it or clues on how to identify it. It’s such a pretty little dresser, I would hate to see a potentially valuable or future valuable piece painted and all hope destroyed for retaining any value. Any dresser can be painted, but a fine piece of furniture should never be treated in such a fashion — unless you’re a billionaire and/or don’t care!

    • Diane says

      Oh my goodness, Jan….you have me thinking now. I will do a little bit of investigating.
      When I said that it was veneer, it was because I was thinking of decoupaging the drawer fronts and since I have never done that before, I thought it might be something someone else may have done and would speak to the results if I shouldn’t.
      However….now…you have given me pause. I’ve been debating painting or restoring the finish for months….there is certainly time to check it out.
      Thanks, Jan! I really appreciate your thoughts.
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  21. Heather@Tatter@Fray says

    Oh Diane, I was chuckling at the thought of you trudging up and down the hill lugging all those pieces…and then I thought that I would have done EXACTLY the same thing! LOL! They are truly beautiful and well worth the effort. Congrats!

    • Diane says

      Haha!! A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! 🙂 It really is a funny picture….but oh so worth it!
      Thank you Heather for stopping by and for your warm encouraging words.
      Blessings!

  22. Wonderful story! I love how they look made into a screen. Well worth the trips up and down the hill. Thanks for sharing with TTF.

    Linda

    • Diane says

      Haha! Yes soooo worth the effort!!! Thanks for your kind words, Linda!
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!

  23. I’m visiting for the first time from Claudia’s A Favorite Thing. And I’m in awe. Love the screen, but the story – you are one amazing and determined woman! I might have hidden the doors in a bush somewhere and waited until a vehicle was available. But wow, the end result is sure worth the energy expended.

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Lorrie. You know…sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! 🙂 Haha!!
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  24. Poppy says

    Hi Diane,

    Gorgeous, GRAND find!! You are one lucky girl, I must say. But, more than that, you are persistent and ambitious! Your story reminded me of Frank Sinatra’s ”High Hopes” as you seem like such a slim and petite gal! Imagining you carrying such heavy, solid, doors, to and fro, up and down hills, on a hotter than usual day:

    Just what makes that little old ant
    Think hell move that rubber tree plant
    Anyone knows an ant, cant
    Move a rubber tree plant

    But he’s got high hopes, he’s got high hopes
    Hes got high apple pie, in the sky hopes

    So any time your gettin low
    Stead of lettin go
    Just remember that ant
    Oops there goes another rubber tree plant

    BRAVO to you and CONGRATS! Your Vintage French Provincial screen is very pretty and well-deserved!!

    Poppy

    PS: My daughter found a print, brand new, unopened, in a box, waiting to be picked up by the garbage truck, which could be seen approaching in the distance. What caught her eye about it? Poppies! It was Van Gogh’s, ”A Vase with Daisies and Poppies”, which is pictured at the end of my kitchen post. Have a look!:)))

    http://poppyview.blogspot.gr/2013/04/my-happy-kitchen.html

    • Diane says

      Poppy you are too kind. 🙂 Thank you so much for the reminder of that song by Frank….I started to tell it to my husband and he took off singing it. 🙂 Haha!!
      I am pleased with my screen….it really was one of those “I can’t believe” moments. And your Poppies!! Really how serendipitous was that?!!! I’m going to pop over and check it out. Thanks for all your warm thoughts. Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!! [hugs]

  25. What an incredible find. You were so smart to get all four even though you had to do it on foot. lol!!
    I am always picking things up that others throw out. I knew my neighbors think I am nuts, but that’s ok, I have great pieces to show for it. Only thing I picked up that didn’t need too much work was a coffee table that I covered the top to make a bench. The rest was in good shape.
    Happy picking!!
    Bev

    • Diane says

      Haha! Beverly, your neighbors have no idea the jewels in disguise they leave for you. 🙂 I always keep my eyes open when I walk around town for ‘hidden’ treasures.
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!

  26. Hi Diane,

    What a great find! It fits perfectly in your room.
    Happy Summer,

    Bear Hugs,
    Carolyn

    • Diane says

      You are so kind, Carolyn. 🙂 It really was a lovely blessing…helping to tie my room together.
      Blessings!!

  27. bj says

    Great Balls of Fire, woman…this is an AWESOME curb-side find. And, I would have done the same thing…carry them right up that hill and down again. They are beautiful….
    happy pinks…..

    • Diane says

      Sometimes we girls just need to roll up our sleeves and make things happen. 🙂
      Thanks for the kind words, BJ!!
      [hugs]

  28. Daphne says

    Good Evening Diane, Well, I must say, you had the “bit between your teeth” didn’t you, but my word the doors were certainly worth the effort, they are lovely and they look perfect in front of the window.
    Can I say, I would not have been a neighbour who would have been peeking from behind the curtains, I would have offered my help, especially if I had seen you for the second time…… no, that is not true, I would have offered to help the first time I saw you struggling.
    Diane, I found you through Claudia’s, My Favourite Thing so I thought I would pop over to pay you a visit.
    It is lovely to meet you and I am going to become a new follower, but I am not sure how to go about it, as I cannot see how to follow you. I am signing up for your new posts by email though.
    I would like to invite you to visit me at Ivy, Phyllis and Me! where you will be made most welcome.
    Best Wishes to you,
    Daphne

    • Diane says

      They were soooo worth the effort, Daphne…especially once I figured out what to do with them. Thank you!!
      I think you are the rare neighbor and I bet we’d enjoy being neighbors. 🙂
      Because I have a WordPress blog I don’t have the Google Connect….and I decided against BlogLovin’….so unless it’s Facebook or Pinterest…the best way is to subscribe. Thank you for doing that. You are so kind. ‘
      Thank you too for the invite. I’ll pop by for sure. [hugs]

  29. Great find!

    – The Tablescaper

    • Diane says

      I feel totally blessed!
      Hope your new week is Extraordinary!

  30. You must win some kind of award for getting these doors home! I would have done the same thing, I think. I’ve carried (with the help of a friend) a dresser found curbside several blocks to an apartment. When you see something, you have to grab it. Good for you! I love the look of your screens against the window. Great job!

    Thanks so much for joining in this week.

    xo
    Claudia

    • Diane says

      We’re ‘can do’ gals, Claudia! 🙂
      Thanks for your warm and encouraging words.
      Hope your new week is pure loveliness.

  31. Thank you so much for linking up to Home{work} Wednesday! I love this story and your project. You didi a great job!

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Marty!! And thanks for the invite!!
      Blessings!

  32. June says

    Well worth the effort, Diane! Your screen is gorgeous!

  33. Just letting you know I featured this post on Open House for this week!!!
    Bernideen

    • Diane says

      You are so sweet, Bernideen! Thank you sooo much! You have no idea what a lovely blessing this is. [hugs]

  34. karen says

    This is the best story!!! I seriously cannot believe you carried all those doors home, nor can I believe you found them! I sure have found stuff in my neighborhood when I was out for a walk, and you bet I high tail it home to get my car and go back when I do! You must have some guns for arms, that takes a lot of strength! I am sharing at my party tomorrow at 2:00. Love!

    • Diane says

      Haha!! No guns here…I wish. You know the more you realize you have a good thing, you don’t want anyone else to get it. 🙂 I think that’s the competitive spirit. And I just might have a “little” of that. [wink]
      I’m thrilled that you would choose to feature my ‘find.’ Thanks Karen!!

  35. What a great find! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Sherry!! I feel very blessed!! 🙂

  36. A great find Diane and well worth the effort to get those doors home. Us thrifters and DIYer’s do some strange looking things at times! Thanks for sharing this at Shabbilicious Friday.

    • Diane says

      We do, don’t we? Haha!! And yes, it was worth every bit of the effort!
      Thanks Kerryanne!
      Hope your week is extraordinary!

  37. Thanks for linking up at the TGIF link party last week! What a great find, I love vintage goods! I hope you’ll stop by tonight and link up again!

    http://www.livingbettertogether.com/2013/06/tgif-link-party-no-2.html

    Have a great day!
    Rebecca

  38. You go girl! Roadside treasures are the best!

    Wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    – The Tablescaper

  39. Deb G says

    HA!! I can’t wait to share this story with hubs, and a few friends who think I am cuckoo! My story didn’t require nearly the muscle yours did, but it makes people laugh…here goes….I used to drive a tour-bus, big, 45ft long tour bus. One morning as I left a Senior Center with a full bus of senior citizens, I spied some old wooden doors lying out on the curb, I admit I did slowww down, and commented how I’d like them. The woman in charge who knew me very well, as well as some of the passengers encouraged me to stop and get them!. But, being a conscientious good-girl, I replied that we had places to go and I didn’t want to make them late to their destination. Amidst much booing and joshing, I finally said OK if they’re still there when we come back i’ll get them(I was sure they’d be gone). Lo and behold…8hrs later when we returned there they were!!!! Waiting for me!! So…picture me, and several very elderly patrons dragging these 3 very heavy entry type wooden doors into the bus!! Oh, where did I put them? The luggage compartments under the bus are 8ft wide and extend almost the length of the bus…very handy for yard-saleing!! LOL One of the doors has intact glass, like a back door, maybe. They will be hinged together also for a divider….sorry for taking up so much space on your page, just wanted to share. Love all that you do!!!

    • Diane says

      I’m thrilled that you shared ‘your’ story Deb!!! What a great story!! I’m so happy for you that the doors were still there all that much later. You could call the bus a ‘picker bus.’ LOL!
      Now, I’m wondering how you used the doors!
      Thanks for taking the time to share. You blessed me, Deb!! [hugs]

  40. The doors are completely awesome Diane! I’d have been high tailing it to get them home too! I’m amazed what people will just throw away. They look wonderful in front of your window. That little chest is so pretty too. I think it looks great the way it is, but a pop of red would be great too.

    Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!

    Hugs,
    Deborah

    • Diane says

      Thanks for your thoughtful remarks, Deborah! It means a lot!
      Hope you’re doing well with your crazy schedule.

      Wishing you a spectacular Fourth of July!

Trackbacks

  1. […] Roadside Find :: Vintage French Provincial Screen […]

  2. […] the French provincial chair with the lovely white legs?  She came from the same home as my French provincial screen.   Today’s she’s wearing a temporary new dress….a sort of slipcover made from a […]

  3. […] time I lived in that quaint community, I was blessed with several ‘found’ items.  The French “screens” were the best find, hands […]

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