Old Pirates trunk for the Beach House

I'm wondering what I should do.

 I have this great old trunk that I really love. it's kind of like an old Pirate's trunk.

It's neat isn't it?

.

It has a very slight curve to the top but is still straight enough to use as a coffee table.

I was thrilled to find this piece because it is perfect for my needs.

I absolutely enjoy using it, whenever I am at the shore.

I like to drink my coffee in this room, and gaze out at the Ocean.

Currently, it is empty inside, because it really needs to be freshened up.

 But I love the details on the exterior!

My plan is to re- do the inside with a nice covering of fresh fabric.

Then it will be a great  storage place for all the extra blankets we need to have around for guests.

Our Beach Cottage is small, so whenever possible,  furniture needs to do double duty.

This is how it looks in the sun room.

A storm was rolling in so the pics are a bit dark, but even on a grey day,

 it is gorgeous to watch the clouds roll  across the water.

I was wondering if I should leave it as I found it, or if I should consider the thought of painting it white.

I am kind of liking the dark contrast to all my other light or white stuff though. 

Whatya'll thinkin'? 

Should I leave it unpainted, and just re do the inside, or should I paint it white?

And which fabric gets your vote for the interior?

 Navy nautical stripe

or

seaside aqua stripe

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My Backyard Escape

I never liked those plastic tables that are available for outside so I came up with an idea to make a table from a large slab of slate we had laying around. I have used slate for lots of stuff, including making a set of steps down from one area of my pool to a garden.
 I actually did this a few years ago with an old clay pot with this slate as the table top and this year I changed it up with a new pot I purchased at Home Goods. I liked the Mexican style of the pot and wanted to use that instead of the old clay that was looking a little too rustic.

 I added a little statue purchased many years ago in San Diego as a momento of a trip to see my Dad. Then I went on a search of my garage for old home decor items from way back when my kitchen had a southwestern flair. I founds lots of stuff to use.
I also made a coffee table from another big slab of flagstone and two upside down white flowerpots.

This little project became the "siesta spot" for relaxing and reading a good book, or having a cup of joe.

Can't you just see me with my feet up?

My plants, who persevered all winter in the house with us, were thrilled to move to this new locale!

It's a joy to water them now.

And all the family members liked my new design.

Little did I know, the new theme gave my kids something to consider when shopping for momma's birthday.

 My son bought me a great fountain piece for the wall.  :)

My daughter, the little sun that sits on the coffee table :)

I love my Backyard Escape and I've entered it in a contest.

 I'd love it if my peeps would vote for me!

I've named it Siesta Time and entered it into Backyard X-Scapes

Backyard of the month.

You can vote for me here. 

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