What’s new, everybody? We’re in a brand-new month and I’m here to introduce you to a brand-new group… er… sort of. Normally, the second Tuesday of the month means it’s Trash to Treasure time. However, things are changing up slightly with a new look and new name. We’re still going to be talkin’ #trashure to you though! You’ll see what my three blogger friends have for you in a bit but check out this vintage Kroehler buffet I welcomed home the other day.
Don’t shoot me, but can you believe I only paid $15 for this? eep!
It’s a Kroehler buffet (server, sideboard, credenza… whatever you want to call it) and it’s in pretty good shape. It’s solid, but missing veneer, one of the doors is off hinges, and there is staining on the inside as well. In all honesty, all of that is nothing I can’t handle.
What to do? Well, you can see my other past buffet makeovers HERE to get an idea. Above all, my goal is to bring it new life while keeping to the breakfront style and era.
REPAIRS
First, I use a large amount of wood filler to patch up those gaps on the cabinet and drawers. Then, once sanded, I bring it inside and begin to remove all the hardware and just take inventory of what else needs done. Initially, I find that one the interior shelves are missing the rests. Thankfully, this stash mama saves bits like this for just such a time.
In addition, one of the hinges was stripped out, so I sunk in longer screws to remedy that. If that hadn’t worked, I could have filled the holes with dowel and then drilled into those.
For the drawers, two of them are silverware/flatware drawers that have seen heavy use on the velour.
To my delight, I’m able to pull out the velour with ease. whew! I sanded out the remnant that left the scene looking like I just trimmed a floofy dog.
Then, because I want to make this more functional, I remove the slats that would have held section place holders to open up the use of the drawers.
YES, PAINT
Do I always paint furniture? Nope. However, when the piece is damaged to the point where the cost of veneer is far more expensive than the item itself, then I paint to hide flaws so it can have many more years of life in beauty. However, I also believe I can paint whatever I want. haha.
Before I paint, though, I want to add texture to the cabinet doors. I’ve used my embossing technique on many items like this jewelry armoire and this farmhouse pediment.
This time around I’m using a seconds color blue that reminds me of Wedgewood China. Do you know what I’m talking about? It’s such a beautiful blue.
Next, while the blue cures, I set to make a faux wood finish to compliment the blue below. The color is nutmeg, and I apply it using a foam roller for a smooth finish.
Oh, and Ivan gives his approval for great spots to sneak in and take a nap.
FINISHING
Once the top cures, I use reactive stain to make grain streaks to replicate wood. You can see a similar technique I did to my garage door.
Likewise, I begin to add texture to the panels and other raised trims using the frottage technique I outline HERE.
BLUE BEAUTY
Finally, here is this vintage Kroehler buffet in a new “old” look.
Also, how about that top?
It came out as I hoped and honestly looks even better in person. Likewise, on the base cabinet, the embossing looks like a relief and adds just the right touch.
Last, this ol’ gal and I are happy to say it’s ready for many more years of service in a new home. In addition, if you’d like to add this to your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.
SHARE
As you can imagine, I love creating pieces to inspire you. It’s your turn to leave some comment love below and I also invite you to pin and share to inspire others too.
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Now it’s time for our Trashy Treasures gals to inspire you!
While you’re at it, here are more furniture makeovers like this vintage Kroehler buffet:
Love it! It’s so pretty.
Thank you for making my day, Susan. I am happy to have the chance to work on it.
I love what you did to this piece. I agree that using paint to prolong the life of a piece of good furniture is sometimes necessary. I also agree that I will paint whatever I want even if it doesn’t strictly need it to be saved. Sometimes I just see a piece of furniture that would look better painted. I have a vision and I want to see it come to life. I would never paint an heirloom quality piece of furniture-not that I can afford heirloom quality furniture. Haha. So, all this to say I’m glad you take broken down furniture and give it new life in any way you can. I’ll definitely be using your tips for making the top look like wood too. I often want to save or replace the veneer on the top of furniture, but now I know a new way to fake it to get the look. Thanks! And thanks for all of the inspiration you provide weekly. I don’t comment enough, but know I appreciate you.
And I you, Jennifer, for taking the time to comment. It truly means so much to me (and other bloggers) as we work hard to create content to inspire others. You are a kindred spirit! 🙂
It’s gorgeous, Larissa! I know that was a ton of work, but what a beauty! XOXO
You surely do know what it’s like with all your wonderful creations. Thank you, Christy!
Positively STUNNING!! I know this will get snapped up quickly. I think this is my new favorite!😍 Well done Maestro!! 🎼🎶🎵
I too will save an original finish, but sometimes it’s just not feasible. I love the blue on this cabinet. You did an outstanding job finishing the top with the wood grain look. I’d like to try that. I would love to see your embossing technique covering multi drawers. Is that possible? On this piece a large embossed area on the 3 drawers would look great…in my humble opinion. Love this piece!
Good on ya. Thank you, Sherry. Feel free to try it on a piece of your own. Problem is finding that large of a stencil.
That turned out so pretty, Larissa!! Love the blue color too. xo
You mean, Denise? haha. {{head smack}} Thank you so much. You and I love our blues. 😀
This turned out stunning and you did an amazing job… it’s gorgeous Larissa! I’m sure it will get nabbed up super fast! Pinned! XOXO
Blue for the win for the both of us, eh? 😉 Thank you so much.
I know these are a lot of work, but these furniture makeovers are very inspiring!! I I find myself looking around my furniture and thinking what could I improve?
They sure are! I’m so glad to hear you’re inspired, Stephanie. I love hearing from you and others. Also, I’d love to see what you do?
Very lovely. Really like the shade of blue. Stunning as always.
Thank you, Sue! Blue has always been a favorite color of mine. It just seemed to suit this piece and the refresh I was after.
Wowza! That sure turned out to be a looker. I really like that blue and the top looks so elegant. I have something similar I need to paint, I just need to find the time and I’m thinking dark, like black or a dark navy. Great Job Larissa!
Oooh… I like that. I debated on black or navy, but I did one like this dark before too. The lack of sunshine around here helped me decide to go lighter. I hope you have fun with yours. 😀
Larissa,
Just beautiful, as are all the works of the Trashy Treasures crew! What was the product you used on the top – was it paint first (nutmeg) and what was the “reactive” stain. Thanknyou.
Thank you, Janice. The paint was a Rustoleum one coat product, followed by their reactive stain I mention HERE and then two poly topcoats in a matte finish.
I love this buffet! My mom loved decorating in greens and blues, so your project gave me a pleasant reminder of her. I look forward to using your faux wood grain technique. We live in a log home and my husband thinks all furniture needs to be natural wood. I’m TRYING to introduce painted pieces, but it’s a slow process. Thanks for sharing this beauty!
Awesome! And funny… only because my parents built a log home (5K sq ft) and my dad is a wood purist. haha. I hope you get to make your house your home too someday. 🙂
Wowzwers Larissa! That is a stunning transformation! Another one knocked out of the park!
It’s been a while for me, so I’m happy to have it come out as I’d hoped. Thank you for the love, Kim.
Unbelievable! Maybe my favourite piece yet. Seriously love what you’ve done! Thank you for saving this grand old timer and for sharing the transformation. Just fabulous!
You have made my day. Even better is the couple that just got a new place and came to purchase it. It was a happy event!