The studio is coming together | Raleigh Newborn Photographer

So, the Paper Sky studio is fully functional, but if you know me, you will already know that I won't be able to rest until I get it sufficiently decorated and fully organized.

I've already ordered a canvas and some larger pieces for the walls. Gorgeous babies all around.

I decided on grey for the walls. Not for any real reason (though I joked that white balancing would be a snap!), it's just that I have these really deep cherry wood floors, and there is already a ton of light, so I thought that the grey would balance the warm cast I was getting from the floor. It seems to be working, and the studio has such a cozy feel. Perfect for photographing newborns, in my humble opinion. ;)

I went with Martha Stewart Living's Cement Grey. Sounds, well ... grey, right? Ha.

I have been working at an adequate desk, but I wanted something a little more substantial to fill in the space and to be able to spread out a bit. You know, some elbow room!

I knew it would be a table. Not a desk with drawers. Budget told me I would need to wait a bit.
I hate that guy...

But then, while out for a drive on Saturday, I saw her. She is R.O.U.G.H., but she has nice lines.

Simple. Classic.
And she was extra affordable. Perfect.

And, well, it's fall. I always seem to take on a refinishing project in the fall, so why not?

Yikes. Can you say "holy exterior latex paint, Batman"?

No. The paint isn't black (what a discerning eye you have), it's a dark brown. Yeah. Not great.

And here it is once I took the sander to the corner...
For twenty minutes. Not kidding.

I counted at least five layers of paint. The brown, two different greens, a weird not-quite-grey color and a cream. Underneath she is solid oak (I believe). This is one heavy table.

The sander alone isn't going to cut it this time. Need to use stripper, which I ordinarily try to avoid.

And this is what I think she will look like once I get her finished.

Wish me luck!

~m