Jack of all Shades

Jack of all Shades

Good day sir, cheerio, pip-pip! That’s right, I’ve got some Union Jack themed makeovers to share.   How do you feel about the Union Jack trend?  I like it!  Do you like it, but you’re afraid it’s too trendy to bring into your life for a long-term commitment?  Here’s my advice: do it anyway.  If you like it, you like it, who cares what the trends say.  Plus, it’s been around since 1801 and still going strong, so I’d say you’re good.

This old cabinet was headed for the dump, but Better After reader Amy swooped in without a moment to spare, and saved from a slow and bitter death, rotting in a landfill, surrounded by used diapers and broken glass. She figured that after such a dramatic escape, it needed a dramatic paint job to celebrate its new life!

 

 

green_unionjack_cabinet_makeoverb

green_unionjack_cabinet_makeover1

Better After reader Amanda also did her take on the design, using Vivienne Westwood’s iconic Union Jack print as inspiration.  Didn’t she nail that distressing perfectly?  Love the lion head pull too. Grand total of this makeover: $29!

 

unionjack_cornertable_makeoverb

unionjack_cornertable_makeover

 

Trendy or not, I think the Union Jack will always be just a great, classic design.  I’ve shared this before, but just for fun, here are some flags that probably won’t be catching on anytime soon:
Antwerp
I feel carsick.
The Benin Empire
Won’t be vacationing there ever.
Libya
More like Lib-yawn
Sicily
I don’t even … wha?
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12 Comments

  1. Stephanie
    October 3, 2013 / 8:56 AM

    I did a UJ dresser for a client (she was actually from the UK). It was tough getting all the lines correct but it turned out great. It took me about 13 hours but I’d definitely do it again. Here is the link to mine. 🙂 http://thepaintedcottagesc.blogspot.com/2013/08/early-reveal-yay.html

    I love paint!

  2. Will
    October 3, 2013 / 10:20 AM

    Boring comment about the boring flag.
    Libya has hoisted the flag that flew pre Gadaffi’s coup. They have an interim constitution that reinstated the former flag. So…It’s no longer a green rectangle.

  3. Lesley
    October 3, 2013 / 10:27 AM

    lol Sicily your comment.

  4. Diane
    October 3, 2013 / 12:14 PM

    We did a table with stain–I blogged about it here after seeing one done by Ashley at Domestic Imperfections: http://talesfromasearshouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/breaking-up-isnt-hard-to-do.html

  5. Shelly
    October 3, 2013 / 1:38 PM

    Both projects are truly inspiring! The blue/green take is very cool.

  6. MUMZY
    October 3, 2013 / 1:53 PM

    Loved these makeovers!!! Loved your comments on ALL the flags!!!

  7. Lois
    October 3, 2013 / 5:00 PM

    I’m not a big fan of any patriotic decor inside the home, but I love Amanda’s table! You were right on, it was the distressing that made all the difference.

  8. Maria
    October 3, 2013 / 7:31 PM

    You want boring Will? Try our Aussie flag. Most other nationalities can’t tell the difference between ours and New Zealand’s. Oh, and then in International sports they raise the AUSTRIAN flag…..sheesh, I’d be happy with a plain green one!
    I don’t like the UK flag trend at the moment, but when it is done right, it looks great!

  9. Amanda Dux
    October 3, 2013 / 10:13 PM

    Thanks for the lovely comments 🙂 Being from the UK it was an easy choice! Although my husband (Canadian) said “you’ve got the wrong flag on there?” 🙂

  10. Debbie Gabura
    October 4, 2013 / 12:20 PM

    I love the look of the Union Jack on upcycled furniture. I did one on an old coffee table for my youngest son’s first place. Here’s the link to my blog detailing it.
    http://flyngeorgiabelle-tutumuch.blogspot.ca/2012/10/upcycled-coffee-table.html

  11. Miss Charming
    October 4, 2013 / 7:58 PM

    Wow! Can you imagine if the design for Sicily caught on? (I think it would be quite snazzy on my kitchen table.)

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