One of the first projects my mom and I talked about when we saw the house on my birthday last month was how I needed something in front of the big picture windows. The windows are gorgeous and even though the backyard needs work, it's pretty and gets great light. I wanted something that didn't take away from the view at all, but still provided a bit more interest than a baseboard.
We decided on a low plant stand that spanned the width of the window. What it would look like and if I would make it or buy it was yet to be decided.
When she came down the next week, we found the unfinished furniture leg section at Lowe's. The mid-century looking peg legs were perfect and about $3 each. The best part was the legs were short - 5.5" tall - so they would get the plant stand off the ground without infringing on the window.
I bought a piece of wood at Lowe's that was 9.25" wide and had it trimmed down to 5.5 feet which was about the length of the window. This past weekend, my dad screwed the legs into the bottom and stained it with Rust-oleum Dark Walnut wood stain.
My plan would have been to stick the legs on the edges, but my dad pointed out that it would bow in the middle from the weight (this is why it's good to have help on DIYs sometimes) and so we stuck the legs towards the middle about 18 inches.
We let it dry for a few hours then brought it inside and I filled it up with plants. I tried a variety of pots and a variety of plants but the best look came from a set of various sized terracotta pots and a mix of succulents, a small fern and a small snake plant.
A few of these succulents I purchased because they were fun and different varieties, but two are just clippings from the backyard that may or may not root, we'll see. (And I will keep you posted on all my succulent re-rooting and propagating experiments.)
The plant stand to the right was a recent craigslist find and the diamond rug is from Target (and currently on sale!). The little wooden plant stand that is on the plant stand for extra height was found at a used furniture store last week. I want to go back and buy more of them! This window area is going to become the best little sitting space, but I have a long way to go to get it right. For the moment, I am cherishing view and the good feeling that comes with having one of my projects off the list.
please note : I know this plant stand and many areas of my house are NOT baby proof. I recognize that this means we'll be doing the re-arrange and re-decorate shuffle when the baby girl becomes mobile. I also know that right now, this plant stand is making me happy and that in nine months I'll be excited for a change and something new that all three of us can love and enjoy. No worries! We'll deal (happily) when we get there. :)
