piano love

My hunt for the perfect piano started about two years ago.

The parameters for the search?

1. It must be upright, like the piano I had as a girl.

(Oh look! It's little 2 year old me in 1985, riding "Buckin' Bronco"  -my spring loaded horse, in front of the old family piano that I would later take lessons on! Awww!)





















2. It must be old.

3. It must be working (or able to work with minor repairs.)

4. It must have gorgeous, unique details to it, like carvings, moldings or otherwise.

5. It must be FREE.


You'd think "free" would pose a problem - but if you are looking for a piano, seriously, cruise Craig's List. There is almost ALWAYS a free piano. People just want them out of their house, and if you answer the ad quick enough, you can snag one for free. However, the timing was never quite right and I was never quick enough to snag one.

My piano came to me in one of those totally kismet ways that will probably make you a little green with envy. Close to a year ago, I posted on my Stellar Junk Facebook page about my hunt for a gorgeous upright piano. Well, reader Leigh-Anne remembered that all this time later, and when her Dad decided to get rid of his piano, she sent me a message.

"Hey, My dad has an old antique german piano that he is getting rid of today. Im not sure where you live or if you are interested but he is in Winter Haven. I'm attaching some pictures. It was made around 1800. Its yours for free if you want it and can pick it up. Just give me a call if you are interested."

(Cue the clouds parting; the angels singing...)

So, I dropped what I was doing, worked out the details, and here she is...
A nearly 200 year old, 600 lb beauty.
Sitting in my living room.
awaiting her makeover.

I have so many ideas....

I have seen so many inspiring pianos on Pinterest....but... what do I do to mine?

Mine!

That I have to live with for years to come!

I could go bold, like My Home Ideas did here...

or like Design Mom did below with this gorgeous green!

BTW, how ahead of her time was she, painting this Emerald?

#pantonenamescoloroftheyear2013EMERALD.

Well played, Design Mom. Well played.






or THIS classy broad...



(I tried and tried and tried to get a correct link via Pinterest on this gorgeous piano, but alas, every pin lead me astray. Damn you Pinterest, I love/hate you so!)

I think the yellow is my favorite. There's not a single thing that I don't love about it. The sheen, the color, the spindley legs...sigh. It is pure perfection.

Oh, wait. Just wait.

Yellow, you have met your match...





SWEET BABY JESUS - aside from my newborn sons' sweet angel faces, that is just the best thing I have ever, EVER seen.

Tell me what ISN'T perfect about this picture, and I will call you a liar.

Swoooooooon.

Thank you, Addicted to Decorating, for bringing us the fabulousness that is this piano.


But...my piano is very, very flawed. She is chipping and bubbling and damaged in very many ways, and I fear a glossy paint job with only amplify those flaws. The old gal is nearly 200 years old! I don't think she can handle a paint job meant for a piano in her 30's or 40's. Those shiny, young, daring little hussy pianos...Argh. ;)

So, I wonder. Is it too much to think of leaving her shabby? Shall I milk paint her, and let the chips fall where they may? (bah-dum-dum)


I so love this Ironstone piece from Miss Mustard Seed. Couldn't you see that white chippiness all over my piano?



And I love the slightly softer red here, and the more matte look of the old paint.
Not to mention, the chipping.



Seriously, with so much inspiration out there, what is a girl to do?

If she were yours, what would you do?