In all of my furniture adventures, I have yet had the opportunity to work on a china cabinet. Ya know, those big brown beasts from days of old? Seriously, they can be pretty cool when done right and I wanted a chance at this one I found on Craigslist.
What a beast to move though! You can imagine the look I got from my husband. ahem. Anyhoo, it came into my possession and quickly got dismantled. Aren’t the details fantastic?
DIY TIME
Before you give the “no, don’t paint it” thought. This isn’t entirely solid wood, but rather that 1960’s style with the speckled finish onto a veneer much like this dresser I recently did. This china cabinet was looking tired with its damaged backing and superficial wear, which could all be relieved with an update. The carvings, trim and doors are solid though, which makes this a wonderful piece.
Notice my kitchen tore apart to the left. You can read more about in our first post, but let me tell ya…there ain’t no room up in here!!
The doors were up in my living room, which is now my dining room, ready for a paint job.
PAINTING
Last, I chose to use one of the paints I received from DecoArt as my prize for the chest of drawers. It’s called Relic (a smoky gray) and is a chalky finish paint much like the Carbon color that my daughter used on her dresser. We love the ease of use it offers.
Only one coat was needed to get the look I was after because this stuff coats so well. For a topcoat, I used a satin poly which deepens the color and gives it a rich look.
Now for the back. I took the panels off and decided to make use of my kitchen floor mess to do my work. See my little helper? What a cutie.
I wanted this piece to really showcase the details in the wood, so I picked this gorgeous heavy-duty wallpaper, called Silver Royal Damask. It has a charcoal pattern with a silver inlay…beautiful!
Not only was this paper a dream to use, but it also is made from materials good for the environment. No chemicals releasing over time, and easy to remove when you decide to change it up. Just add some wallpaper adhesive and hang.
NEXT STEPS
Last, but not least is the hardware. Since the china cabinet was now a gray, I didn’t want the brassy colored pulls and hinges. An easy fix is to clean them up with some alcohol and then spray paint using one of my favorites I used in our bathroom remodel. It’s a flat metallic paint called Antique Nickel by Rustoleum.
THE REVEAL
Ready to see this brown beast tamed?
A definite improvement and now it can really be a statement piece showcasing your wares, like my milk glass, with those glass shelves and plate racks to boot.
Before adding my topcoat, I did a little bit of distressing to make those lovely curves pop.
BOTTOM
The bottom offers ample storage space for linens and even has the peek of wallpaper too. I love it! Do you?
I wish you could see this wallpaper backing close up because it really is gorgeous with the metallic accents.
I even lined the drawer too for some peek-a-boo fun.
How cool is it that I have gotten my furniture repertoire complete by finally working on a china cabinet. woot! If you love this piece and would like to have it as your own, you can find it in my shop. (SOLD)
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, I’d love it if you would pin and share to help others see how a brown beast can really be brought to life. ♥
What’s next on my bucket list? hmmm…you’ll have to wait and see. But don’t forget, next Tuesday continues our month-long Best of the Archives for our Trash to Treasure Transformations.
Also, more furniture makeovers like this china cabinet:
The china cabinet turned out just lovely.
Thank you so much, Debra!
Oh Larissa, that is gorgeous!! The hardware is amazing. I love every detail.
That hardware was what sold me on it. So huge and makes a statement. Thank you for the love, Kimm!
Good grief, that is nothing short of stunning!! I think this is my fav piece of yours Larissa!
God Bless, Nanette
That’s awesome, Nanette! Thank you so much and happy to have you stop by.
You absolutely tamed that wild beas! It looks tres chic now!!Love that wallpaper you used, it perfectly compliments the hardware.
Hee hee hee…thanks! It was a fun project to try and I love the ending. Thank you, Mary!
Nice! I didn’t even notice the handles in the before picture – they really shine now! The wallpaper is gorgeous. Love how this piece turned out.
They just needed some lovin’, right? 😀 Thank you for the compliment!
You really have good taste and vision for a piece. Is it hard to give it up and sell it? You’d probably have a “busting at the seam” house if you got attached to each piece you do. Help someone with NO vision and little skills. A+
It’s funny. I actually get tired of them being here, even the ones I hate to sell. When they’re taking up prized space, I’m ready for them to go at times. hahaha…
Wow, Larissa! You did an amazing job on this beast. And that’s what they really are LOL… China cabinets are a lot of work. It looks like it paid off for you… Love the wallpaper! XO
Oh yes…a lot of work, but well-worth it. I know you totally understand! Thanks, girl!
The after is absolutely beautiful, Larissa! I love the wallpaper inside and also the color you used to paint this piece.
Thank you, Paula. That brown just needed some toning down. All I kept seeing was gray. 🙂
You nailed it once again, Larissa!
Thank you for saying so, Sarah!
Oh wowsa, what a beautiful transformation! The remarkable change is really evident in the side-by-side photo. Pinning this to share. I have a feeling this will not last in your shop.
It was fun to see the after and love when my kids say, “WOW”. Thanks so much, Marie!
Your china cabinet is gorgeous! Good job, Larissa!!!
Thank you so much, Catherine!
Amazing! The original finish was so dull and heavy looking. Love the color you chose and especially the wallpaper.
Thank you! It was so fun to revive it.
The hardware, O the hardware!!!! I love how you turned that beast into beauty! Those colors are smashing!! Great job!
Those are some massive pulls, aren’t they? Thank you for the love!
Absolutely stunning, I’m loving grey shades at the moment and this is inspirational, beautiful wallpaper really well chosen. Great work 🙂
Me too! I have been using gray in our bathroom and here and there around the house. Love the cooling effect. Thanks!
Just beautiful Larissa… I love it!
Great job as always! I caaaan’t wait to see the kitchen! God hless you!
Thank you so much!
HI Larissa
Beautiful job. Can you post a picture of the topcoat that was used on this piece? It is truly amazing
Thanks
Thank you! It was a topcoat called Master Clear by Modern Masters
Thank you Larissa! I will give it a try! When I click on the link, it gives me a green can, but says it’s for metallics.. Is that the correct one?
Thanks
That is the one I have since I use their metallics too. It works for any kind, but does well with that type. Any of their products would be fine. 😉
You know some of us spend our entire life searching for what we were meant to do, guess what? You found yours. Your passion, and you are super good. I love everything you did here from the color to the wallpaper, ( can you please tell me where did you get it from, and how much did it cost?). You nailed this!
You are so sweet, Ivory. Thank you! Yes, the wallpaper is from Walls Republic and I have the link in the post. You can search for your style and get 5 free samples shipped to you. Have fun!
Gorgeous! So you don’t sand down that veneer before painting? And does that paint require a wax like the Annie Sloane chalk paint? It was not included in the step by step
Sometimes I do, it just depends. I don’t use Annie Sloan as I find regular flat latex works just as well for half the cost. The topcoat depends on what you’re after, especially in sheen.
Speechless
I hope that’s a good thing. 😉
Wow!
Thanks, girl!
I’m refinishing a similar piece and I was wondering how did you get the wood pieces out that hold the shelves. This is my first makeover and I’m redoing my hutch.
Does your hutch have the table that make them removeable? My shelves were built in.
Ok mine…stunning???
Hi Larissa!
This is absolutely stunning! Did you use a primer first?
Hi! Thanks so much. I didn’t need to, just scuff it a bit then paint.