First, figure out what size table you need/want for a certain space in your home.    Pay attention to the height as well as the length and width - do you want a higher table to keep people from putting their feet on it or a lower one which is very comfortable for people to put their feet on.  Then go to work to find the one you need to fit that space.   This will also work for a dining room table so if that is what you need more, start there.  Since we are talking about working over a table here, you can start with a new or used table.  If you have more time than money then start with a used one and customize it to fit your decor preference.  Check out your local craigslist, thrift stores - and yes especially Goodwill - and garage/yard sales if it is the right time of year for them. 

When you are choosing furniture to work over, the less lacquer finish on the piece the easier it is for you to change the color and overall appearance.  Keep this in mind while searching for a piece that you want to make a certain color.  If you find a piece that is about the color and/or finish you are interested in and it maybe just needs a few clavos or some darker stain then the lacquer won't matter as much.  We always try to avoid having to sand for hours on a piece - we would rather spend that time finding a more appropriate piece to begin with. 

Browse your favorite southwest magazine for that table you cannot live without - make a copy of that picture and get started.  If distressing is something you want, just put several one inch or so sized rocks, a few heavy screws and a couple heavy bolts in a white gym sock and proceed to beat up the table with it.  Look at pictures of distressed tables for some ideas on placement of the "whacks" you will deliver - but you will see anything goes.  Distress the sides, top and legs of your piece until you feel it looks sufficiently distressed to your taste.  

If the table you are trying to emulate has clavos, then find clavos at your local hardware store or at an online store and attach them in the pattern you like.  Wild West Hardware, Clavos Connections and Perfect Products online has a ton of them for you to look at.  Fabric stores carry upholstery tacks which may work for some purposes.  If you are adding leather to a table you can attach it with clavos or upholstery tacks.  Same with attaching metal strips such as copper of pewter.  Copper flashing used for roofing comes in rolls at Home Depot and we have used it for copper strips on a headboard.

As you can see, the options are limitless and you are only constrained by your imagination and energy.

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