I can’t explain why, but I’m completely drawn to anything with an exotic print or pattern.  Perhaps it’s because of my plain Jenna, American apple pie background – you know, the whole you want what’s different and mysterious thing?  Whatever the reason, it’s part of why I L.O.V.E. Pier One and Pottery Barn‘s eclectic accessories.  So it was no surprise that I audibly gasped when I saw these in a Pottery Barn catalog a few seasons ago.  And then quickly went into sticker shock when I saw the set of three ran $130!  Um.. I don’t think so.  No even if I had a gift card.  I just have a mental block about over-priced items.

So I did what I always do.  I pinned them for inspiration and kept an eye out for something similar at a more reasonable price.  Then one day I found some wooden trivets at a yard sale in Kodiak.  They looked pretty old and dried out, but the carving pattern was pretty similar.  Plus the lady had three – small, medium and large!  I tried not to act too interested when I asked how much she wanted.  She glanced over and mumbled, “How about $5?”  I don’t think a $5 bill ever flew out of my pocket so fast!

Unfortunately I wasn’t blogging back then and don’t have a before picture to share, but here’s a sneak peek at what they look like now.  Of course when my hubby saw them he raised an eyebrow and asked just what I intended to do with them.  I showed him my inspiration picture and explained I wanted him to paint them white for me.  I don’t do well with painting since I’m usually in a rush and try to do thick coats instead of thin ones and usually create a pretty wide berth of over spray so we decided long ago that when it comes to painting he saves himself a headache and just does it for me.  Yes, I’m spoiled, but he is too, so it’s an even trade! 🙂

It took a few coats because the wood was so porous and dry, but they turned out beautifully.  Unfortunately we were living in military housing at the time which meant ALL of our walls were WHITE.  Have I ever mentioned how much I HATE white walls?  If not, just accept that I do.  They make me feel like I’m in a cold hospital or crappy hotel room.  That left me stumped on what to do with these newly painted pretties.  So they sat in my project pile.  Waiting for something to happen.  And then it did.  We moved!

90% of the walls in our rental are painted and I decided to do a Modern Exotic theme in our bedroom since we opted to do a road trip honeymoon rather than jet off to some foreign locale.  The pattern fit right in with the other elements in the room and the white looks great against the colored wall.  I hung them above the TV on a small wall that needed a little something to make it look finished and I’m very happy with the final look.  Especially when my version comes in at just under $10!