before (and someday...after): shelf

I've been seaching for inspiration to finally finish a project that's been hanging over me like a dark cloud for years. I got a large shelf back in 1996 when I was living SoCal. After moving it back to Chicago with me, I attempted to strip it in 2001 only to find that beneath all that black oil-based paint was a shelf in not so great shape. Lots of deep drink rings and some parts of it were veneer. Ugh, what a thorn in my side this shelf has become. But 2010 is the year. The makeover it so deserves is going to happen!


It's going to be painted. I have a few colors in mind. Feel free to suggest a color or color combo for this beast!