Time for round two! Are you ready? If you missed the first installment of our Battle of the Buffets, be sure to see the first makeover of an antique in this post. However, you’ll want to take a peek so you can vote at the end of today’s fun and enter to win this week’s giveaway (I love to share!). Today, the entrant is this vintage Art Deco buffet that has seen better days.
Let me tell you why. First, it has damage to the top with chemical/burn stains, it is sagging badly in the middle, veneer missing, and the doors won’t stay shut. Nothing we can’t fix, right?!
For some reason, in Art Deco and Mid-Century pieces they made them have a great expanse but did not provide enough support to them. Then, after several years they begin to sag trying to manage the weight. See below.
I have encountered this time and time again, and it can make the drawers not function and, in this case, the doors hang open.
RUH-ROH
This is when we flip it over and take a look at how to rebuild the bottom to hold all that weight. See the feet that JC, adds to support the center?
Then Mr. I , our oldest son and lone competition, and JC made the necessary adjustments to close that half-inch sagging gap, and we’re good to go.
Next up is to begin the refinish. Mr. I is the one who is taking over this makeover and give it a good sanding with
my sander. He is not new to this game. You can see his past projects HERE.
To start, he uses Early American to give the drawers a rich color. This particular color of stain has long since been one of my favorites used in my home and on many items seen in these posts.
Once the stain is cured, he applies a matte poly topcoat for a durable finish using my brush.
PAINT TIME
Then, while the topcoat is curing, he decided to use the soft metallic paint >Pure Gold for the knobs. I can never say enough good about RustOleum paints. They go on wonderfully and provide great durability.
Time to switch back to getting the cabinet of his Art Deco buffet done. When deciding on a color, he wanted it to stay true to the era, but bring it a modern vibe. He decided to go with a color called Very Navy by Behr in a Glidden Eggshell.
It’s lookin’ good! The last thing is to give it a second coat and let everything cure.
Finally, meet the new and revived vintage Art Deco buffet…
Not only is it from boring and dated to sleek and modern, but also hass a fun new look that keeps to the era but brings it back to life.
Mr I. and JC made new shelves to give those cabinets purpose and extra storage space. You can never have enough storage, right?
My favorite is the vintage Waverly wallpaper lining used to keep with the geometric feel and add that extra fun touch. Also, you can see how I’ve used it in other applications HERE.
Mr. I rocked this makeover from top to bottom…literally. I’m proud of him and all his work.
ALL DONE
Although we love every piece we work on , we can’t keep them all. You can find this buffet now available in my online store, along with other furniture, vintage finds, and handmade goods.
Now…{{drumroll please}} The winner is both of us. haha!! The widget I used to take votes stopped working and when it did we were a couple of votes apart, so because of that Mr. I and I called it a draw. What’s for dessert?
Additionally, we hope you had fun because we sure did. Likewise, pin and share this Art Deco buffet makeover to inspire others to give DIY a try. It’s fun!
Up next, our backyard makeover continues as we give this hot mess of an area a facelift. You don’t want to miss the after HERE. Before you go, be sure to stay tuned and sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
While you’re t it, here are more projects like this Art Deco buffet:
He not only looks like you but he is as talented as you. I say it is a tie!
How fun is that?! Thank you, Debra.
Couldn’t vote,survey monkey logo covered voting area
hmm…Did you scroll the box down?
I did but just in case Mr I rocked it, sorry Larissa but then again he is the student of the master. Congrats to both ?
Thanks! He took my lead well and ran with it. Fun!
Absolutely loved your sons makeover. He wins.
Awesome!
I had the same problem… I kind of chuckled to myself and thought that’s one way to ensure a win. LOL
hahaha…funny! Not sure whey some can vote and other can’t. Hmmm…
Love them both! My vote will have to go to Mr. I., I find it incredible that a teenager takes an interest in a project of this size.
Thanks! He has new car on the brain and will make any teenager work hard. hahaha…
Mr. I did a beautiful job! It was hard to vote, because I love both pieces for their own beauty. His buffet warmed my heart, because I had just recently done an old waterfall men’s dresser and a similar nightstand in the same style – navy with stained wood, for my son. It’s a great combination.
Thanks! He appreciates the love. Sweet to hear great minds think alike. 🙂
The antique buffet is more my style, but your son’s makeover got my vote for being so original.
Sweet to hear. He did so good and took my design tips and rocked it.
Love them both but my husband and I both were excited over your son’s. Sorry – he got the vote! Great job and I know you both had fun!
No worries! He did a great job.
Not sure if this is where I vote or not loved them both but have to go with Jon…. seriously love his….
Fun to hear!
This was really a tough call Larissa. You know how much I swoon over the one you did with that soft color and the white glaze. But I am also really, really partial to MCM. Being that Mr. I. is so young and he did such a fantastic job, I have to vote for him. You have done well to teach him such a valuable skill and I’m also learning about those slouchy middles.
I could have a house with all styles because I adore them so. I get what you mean, Mary. He did good!
Wow! You two are so talented. Both buffets are beautiful but Mr. I’s is more my style and his makeover is just stunning! He really has an eye for taking something from blah to beautiful. But you do get to enjoy the proud mama bragging rights so you’re both winners!
I agree…thanks!!
I would love to vote for Mr. I but can’t see a place to vote. I love what he did with that buffet! Very talented.
Thanks! There is a survey in a box with the option to vote. Hope that helps!
Both really fantastic! I couldn’t get the survey to link so I’m voting here… I vote for Larissas project. I prefer that style furniture, however both were really great and both winners imo. ☺️
Thanks for the vote! There’s a box within the post that has two options. Pick one and then scroll to click/tap done. Hope that helps!
I did vote but found it really hard, your buffet got my vote Larissa simply because I love the glaze on it, but the other was just so good…great work….hugs from the UK…x
You are so sweet, Janette. Back at ya! 😀
The survey isn’t showing any options…just the big box so I’m voting here. Tough call both are beautiful. While your son rocked his makeover, yours is more my style. So I’m voting for yours. What a fun thing to do. You’ve taught him well!
Thank you. I appreciate the love!
BOTH Beautiful pieces and not wanting to get in the middle of mother and son; I see it as a tie, as you are Both winners in my book.
Congratulations to you both on your beautiful pieces of work
Sweet to say – thank you. We are having fun and although one makes the dessert, we all get to enjoy it, so Win-Win! 😀
I couldn’t access the survey, on the SurveyMonkey. I am very impressed by both projects!!! Your buffet is more my style, so my vote goes to you! This bonding and memory making time with your son on these projects will never be forgotten! You both deserve a Gold medal!! Keep the good time memories going!!
Thanks, Linda! Not sure why some can vote and others can’t. We had a blast nonetheless.
I, too am unable to vote in the survey box, as it will not allow a ‘scroll down”.
My vote is for Mr. I – I am such a sucker for blue- I guess you could say “It blue me away !although they are both gorgeous!
So you can select an entry and can’t scroll to see “Done?” Just curious…thanks!
Mr L did a good job! I like his choices on where to add paint and stain. I have a hope chest from the late 30’s-early 40’s that might be a good candidate for his ideas. That said, I voted for the vintage piece because it’s more my style!
Thanks, Nancy! I kinda did the color choosing and he did the work. He is still building up his confidence on color choices and wanted my opinion. He does wonderful work!
Love yours the most Larissa!
You know how much I love your work, Larissa and I loved your white washed buffet but Mr. I got my vote. I’m so impressed by his talents but also his willingness, as a teenage boy, to learn and work alongside his Mama. Why enjoy just one dessert when you can each make each other’s favorite and have a dessert party around your brand new firepit. Just say’n!
hahaha…more like wants a new car (he’s motivated!!) Thanks for lovin’ on him and me Marie!
You are both winners because each of the buffets are exquisitely done! It was such a hard decision…such pressure! After careful consideration, I voted for yours. Mostly because it is more my style and I’m still swooning over that inside color. However, Mr. I made me like that art deco buffet, so I almost went with that. But the deciding factor was that I want to see what dessert he makes. Because he probably inherited/learned that talent from you as well, so it will be “sweet” to see what he comes up with! Cheers to both mother and son!
He is a good cook! ahahaha…a young man of many talents for sure. Thanks so much for you unending support. 🙂
I love your buffet style, but I love Mr I’s colors. I recently did a Thomasville dresser in a similar color, not sure what the name is because it was a oops can at Home depot for $9, and I just love it. He definitely learned from the best tho. I love all of your past projects and look forward to many more. Mr J deserves kodos also for his awesome repairs ❤
I did one too almost exactly a year ago. Ha! Great minds love blue alike. You can see it here: http://prodigalpieces.com/2016/07/factory-finish-paint-sprayer/
I agree with Paula.. both are winners! I did however pick Mr. I’s simply because I’m not an MCM fan – buuuut this piece made me smile from ear to ear. Fabulous job Mr. I …. but what did I expect, you have an AMAZING teacher. Can I come and share that dessert? hehe 😉
That’s so fun to hear. Thanks from the both of us. And yes…we’ll send you some!
My my ,what a duel! I have to vote for Mr.I! Love the blue, very good job. Loved it!
awesome!
Your survey monkey is not working.
It’s been wonky all day, especially for iPhones. It seems to be working on laptop, desktop, other phones, and tablets. Ah well.
I prefer your sons buffet! Looks great!
Thanks!
Mr I wins hands down. Love his work. ?
Thank you!
Your buffet style is right up my alley and I’m going to try that technique on a piece I have. Mr. I’s is an incredible makeover though! Lots of work and a great vision for that piece. 2 desserts coming up!
Yes, you are so right. We both win. Thank you!
I must admit, when I saw the first photo with the blue paint, I thought’ oh no’ , but it is gorgeous!! Never would have been so brave, but I really like it. Both pieces are lovely, can’t pick a favorite, but the blue wins on originality. I have a buffet sitting right behind me that needs some of your talent! Good job guys!
haha…sweet to hear! Thank you, Shirley.
Wow, this is really well done! Nice work Mr. I! I have to confess though… I voted for the first choice. : ) I’m a glazing fan. : )
P.S. I like seeing which brushes you choose for different tasks. I wondered where the square would be used.
High five to you, Becky. 😀
He absolutely blew this project out of the water!!!!! LOVE IT! He learned his lessons well.
Thanks for the love for him. 😀