Shabby Chic China Cabinet-or updated for Linens!

Another pretty lady. This cabinet could be used for dishes, linens or towels.  I use mine as a display case and the drawer hides my yarn!

 

 

 

This is what she looked like when we brought her home.  I usually knock out the side panels and make two doors for easier access.  This cabinet's door is unusual as it is 20 1/4 inches wide; no need to alter.

 

 

 

 

 

The door inlay is a simple geometric design. I removed part of it as it was cracked and heavily damaged. I love the simplicity.

 

 



 

Softly distressed drawer detailing

 

 

 

I sanded the top back to the original walnut finish and stained.

 

The cabinet is 61 inches tall, 15 1/2 inches deep and 36 inches wide.  The drawer is 6 inches deep.

 

$250.

Updated Secretary Desk

This is another example of "poor man's oak" finish.  This delicate secretary desk is made from a variety of woods but was finished with a painted oak finish for a uniform look.

The hardware had to be replaced as it wasn't giving any support when the front was lowered to use as a desk.

Sanding, sanding and more sanding!

I painted the details of the secretary in a dark blue knowing that the darker colour would "show through" with a light sanding.

The hardware has been replaced including the side hinge, lock and key. I purchased the lock and key from a vintage hardware supplier.  It really is an exact duplicate of the original lock and key. It  does look original to the desk.

I softly distressed the overlay

The front of drawer was just too bland, so we added a wooden overlay. 

It really pops with the dark blue undercoat.

The desk is 52 1/2 inches tall with a width of 30 1/4 inches .  It is 10 1/2 inches wide from back to front. I did paint the letterbox white but have not reinstalled. 

$250.  

Dresser Commission

Man I get angry at myself.  I am always neglecting to get a good "before" photo. This dresser was dropped off with a request that it be painted off white in a shabby chic style. The dresser was in very poor condition; someone had used a belt sander; naughty, naughty.  I like to restore the top to the natural wood, but the client wanted an all white finish. All for the better, as the natural wood top would have accented the uneven sanding.

Belt sanding can do so much damage unless you are REALLY experienced and the grit is very fine (400) and the wood is very hard.  

The dresser had been through a lot; I could and did pull the dresser apart, easily and with my bare hands.  LOL

Nothing that some glue and clamping won't fix.

Both sides and the back had to be clamped and glued

 

The drawers had to be glued together and existing hardware holes filled.  Dan made a new drawer slide for the bottom along with drawer guides.  This poor dresser had really seen better days.  I was very nervous about how she would work out.

Oh she is so pretty.

I went with hardware close to the colour of the dresser. The flat grey hardward provided looked a bit harsh against the warm white. There is no other dark colour on the piece to use as a contrast.

I am very happy with how well this poor dresser turned out...

Knechtel Three Drawer Dresser

I was lucky enough to happen upon this Knechtel dresser.  When you see anything made by Knechtel you are pretty sure of the quality and workmanship.

The veneer was so damaged on the drawer fronts that it had to be removed.  I sanded the fronts to a smooth finish...I think that the wood under the veneer is cherry

At sometime in the life of this dresser, it had a cat as a room mate.

I always sand prior to painting and sand between coats.  I final coat all my furniture with satin varathane for a smooth finish and that added protection.

The dresser is 40 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 73 inches at the tallest point.

The mirror has etched detailing at the top.  It has a few "age spots" but they only add to the character of this vintage piece.

$200.

Repurposed China Cabinet

Originally this was a china cabinet.  I took off the door and opened it up thinking the piece would be good in a child's room or kitchen.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, asked if the shelves could be removed.  A lot of interest but no buyers.

So.....

We had a beautiful walnut table top in the shop that we repurposed.  Isn't she pretty?  

The Cabinet is 41 inches tall, 17 1/2 inches deep and 33 inches tall.  The single drawer is 9 inches deep for lots of storage.

Dainty Vanity

I have a weakness for vanities.  

This vanity was in pretty good order.  It is a rare day when you purchase an older piece of furniture that is in perfect shape.  There are always nails missing, drawer guides lost, chipped veneers.

A little bit of fabric to tidy up the hanky drawer

The vanity is painted a soft white and lightly distressed.

The hardware is original and in perfect condition.  

The hanky drawer handles remind me of 

butter scotch candies.

The bevelled mirror is in excellent condition.

$325.

My Kitchen Chairs

I have taken a bit of a break from sanding, painting, sanding, etc.  I have recently rediscovered knitting.  Everyone loves hand knit socks!

I decided to actually paint some furniture for myself.

These are very sold oak chairs.  When I first purchased them, they reminded me of an old sturdy woman, solid with thick legs. lol

The white paint softens the look of the chair.

I sand, paint, sand, paint, sand and then finish with 2 coats of satin finish varathane.  These chairs will be used everyday and the varathane will help to protect the finish.

Not so clunky looking any more!

Aren't they pretty?