Hello friends! I’m eager to share with you my latest find and what I did with it. It isn’t often I turn down a chance to take a forlorn piece and transform it into something new. It does happen though! The challenge is fun, and always takes me on an adventure. Take for instance this piece…it’s broken, worn, and ready to become my repurposed curio cabinet. Are you ready for this?
Let’s assess this piece. First, the listing said “antique” cabinet. Umm…in no way is this piece even older than I am. It’s a made in (insert foreign country) with still having the assembly stickers on it. It doesn’t have a lick of solid wood. Second, the glass shelves are missing, and also the side doors are gone.
Last, I see potential. Do you?
DIY TIME
It’s time to get this repurposed curio cabinet party started! First, I took out the back panel and the mirror. Then, I taped off the front glass because I needed to break it out in order to remove it.
Next, with the snap of a finger, I have the pieces I need to assemble. Huge thank you to JC, my husband, for helping me out. My sore, tired body spent one week in demo of our living room, then the next week reworking all our landscaping. So tuckered, but happy to be able.
NEXT STEPS
Once I had all the pieces, it was just a matter of assembling it all together. My Kreg Jig comes out to play to make pocket hole joints. This tools makes my work so much easier.
After assembling the sides and adding the back panel, my cabinet is finally in the basic bones state.
Before I call it quits there though, I added a bit more texture to the back of the cabinet. I’m gluing strips of luan to the backing made of luan. It’s the same stuff I’ve been showing on social media in my hallway and living room remodel. Plus, it’s how we created our planked bedroom walls and faux beam ceiling.
In addition, I added a birch veneer to the front edge of my plywood shelves. This will dress it up and make it more durable. This stuff is awesome and so easy to apply with an iron. You can see how I’ve used it on this sewing machine cabinet turned desk and this upcycled desk turned console.
MORE FUN
It’s finally time to put the finishing touches on my repurposed curio cabinet. First, I began by applying an antique white stain to the shelving, as well as the back of the cabinet.
Then, out comes the paint. Isn’t this a beautiful blue? It’s called blueprint…just like the ones you see when building new. Perfect.
Last, I added a few touches to the braided trip and applique on top to draw it out.
THE REVEAL
Here’s my once curio cabinet now turned into a storage unit suited for most any room of your home.
I’m happy with the outcome. Not only is it functional, but also full of style. Yay!
Are you lovin’ the blue? I am. Blue is definitely one of my favorite colors to work with. Oh, and don’t forget the light that’s still there making it even more functional.
If you’d like to make this upcycled curio cabinet a part of your home story, you can find it available in my online shop. We deliver to you…anywhere!
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
In addition, pin and share to inspire others to look past the broken and see the potential that is there.
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Also, more furniture makeovers like this repurposed curio cabinet:
First; thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Daughter has a couple of small tables that she would like for me to paint so guess I will doing those for her………someday soon.
I guess painting my husbands bald spot on top of his head is out of the question? :}
bwahahaha!! It’s doable! 😀
You are most welcome. I wish I had a set to give to everyone.
Love what you did with the curio! The blue looks stunning on it! And I like what you did with the inside on the back, it almost looks like bead board which is my favorite. Great re-purpose Larissa!
Thanks so much, Debbie! 😀 I had envisioned those scrap pieces like that the minute I had them, so this was fun.
I love the color you used. I would use the same to paint a kitchen island.
I’m a sucker for blue most all the time. Thanks so much, MaryAnn.
I can’t believe how you turned this piece into something functional! The color is perfect! I would love to try the brushes out on a side table that I have been wanting to transform into a beautiful painted piece!
I’m doing a happy dance, Lisa. Thanks so much! You will love the Zibra brushes.
Thank you for the chance to win. I would use the brushes to paint a dresser that holds my kids dress up clothes.
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoyed my work I shared today. 🙂
Beautiful makeover Larissa! I too love the color blue in almost anything. I am so inspired and encouraged by how you are able to see beyond the imperfections to see potential for something beautiful and functional, just as we should (like Jesus!) see other people that way too. Thank you for your ministry of hope!
Thank you, Judy. You have blessed me so. hugs!
It seems like forlorn, unwanted furniture finds its way to you pretty often. Thank goodness because you breathe new life into every piece you touch! Great job with the curio! Keep doing what you’re doing dear Larissa, you inspire us all!
God bless!
Sending you huge hugs, Susan! 😀 Thank you.
This makeover is beautiful! I love the blue paint! I have a bathroom cabinet that needs a makeover. New brushes would be perfect for this project. Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway!
Sounds like you have the perfect project piece, Ginny. You are most welcome!
Very pretty and functional.
Thank you, Sherry.
Hi Larissa!
I love the way you repurposed the curio! So beautiful in that blue color! I would paint my console with those amazing Zibra brushes! I’ve been needing to repaint it and this would be perfect! Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Babette!
You are such a fun gal and I know you’ll love the Zibra brushes like I do. 😀
Oh goodness I typed my email wrong in the first comment so I’m sending another one.
No worries! 😀
Turned out Great! When you said, I see potential, do you? I was like Ah, No! Just goes to show what a little creativity and some paint can do! I have so many projects in the wings. I have an old sewing machine cabinet I would like to turn into a summer drink station!
haha…it sure is fun, that’s for sure! 😀 Thank you so much. Sounds like a fun project to tackle.
I think this is one of your best transformations!!! I’ve been dealing with some very difficult family health issues and your posts do so much to lift my spirit!!!! I find myself looking forward to every post…….Thanks for being a bright spot!!!
I wish I could pop over to give you hugs and lift your spirits in person, Rebecca. I’m lifting you and your family members up in prayer. Thank you for making MY day.
I LOVE that blue! You stated it is called “Blueprint” but did not see the brand – would you provide the information please – I need to buy a quart! Can’t wait to see the inside of your house finished – you do such awesome work!
It made me think of a summer day. I have it mixed in the Glidden Premium Eggshell, but it is a Behr color. Thanks for the love!
I am always inspired by you! I have a smaller curio that I store my thread spools in. In its former life, it was a gold ball holder! It needs painting in a crisp white. Thanks!
How fun is that?! I love that you are using it to what suits you, Kathy.
this is so cute! and that color ‘blueprint’ is my NEW favorite color! it looks super Larissa!
Yay! It sure makes a smile come on my face. Thanks for the love, Gwen.
This is so beautiful! I want to find one and make one for myself lol
Go for it, girl! 😀 The brushes will make it fun too.
I love this transformation! Well done and I’m with you! I love the blues. Also thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Thanks! It just suited this piece perfectly. You’re welcome.
This is now so FUNctional and beautiful. Well done!
Woot! You are so fun, Doreen. Thank you!
Larissa,
It is Beautiful.
aww…thank you, Nancy. This was fun!
very nice! I do like that blue. thanks fo the giveaway as well!
Thank you, Micah. You’re welcome.
I love your creativity! So inspiring ❤️
Thank you for the smile, Jo. 😀
The combination of blue and interior wood slats is just lovely! It seems like a perfect piece for extra storage in a small bathroom. Blessings!
Thanks! I would love to keep it if I had a bathroom big enough just for that purpose. 😉
I love the new all-purpose cabinet! Blue is my favorite color to use and I love that blue! You always inspire me!
Happy dance! This was kinda like therapy to take that awful before and make it new. Here’s to BLUE! 😀
We have a china cabinet that needs some help. I’ve been eyeing it forever, it could use some new paint.
Thank you for the opportunity to possibly win the Zibra set of brushes. I love how you made a broken piece of furniture into something so beautiful. I agree that the blue you used is wonderful. I love your writing, I was able to completely follow what you had done.
I’m delighted to share, Becky. Thank you so much for the affirmation.
Larissa this is gorgeous. Loved your description of the “antique”. Beautiful shade of blue. Keep them coming.
tee hee! Yes, just a bit crazy how folks see something. I’m happy to have made it new again. Thank you, Catherine.
Love the color blue you picked and the beadboard backing. You can make just about anything look wonderful Larissa!
Thank you, Renata. You are so sweet! Just FYI, that isn’t beadboard, but strips of wood I glued in instead. 😉
I’d repaint an old bookcase that’s become a bit of an eye sore
I love, love, love that color! I entered the paintbrush giveaway because I love what they do and really want some of those. I don’t have a Pinterest or Instragram or YouTube account, but I’m still hopeful!
You are so sweet, Stephanie. I’m envious of you as I used to be the same without social media. haha. My job is that now. That’s the spirit!
This is amazing. I am going to be paying more attention to curios now. I love that it’s lighted!
Fun! I hope you find one and enjoy reworking it too. 😀
It’s so beautiful!! I would use the paint brushes on the vintage buffet we purchased for $75. It definitely needs an upgrade!
Oooh…that sounds like fun! Thank you, Amber.
What a great piece!! Love that blue!!
This was a fun new challenge for me. Thanks, Sheryl!
The cabinet turned out great. I’m really not sure what I would paint first. Too many projects and not enough tim e, lol. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks, Monica. You sound like me. tee hee!
I would paint my daughter’s dresser.
Sounds good. I hope you enjoyed my work I shared. 😉
I have several home decor projects and updates I want to tackle. These Zibra brushes would be fantastic for all those projects and your blog is a great inspiration for all my projects.
That sounds like a plan, Sara. Thank you.
That is a beautiful blue color, I love you made it so much more functional. I hate to see things tossed out when they can be reused. You are an inspiration to all of us. Those brushes would be so much fun to use for all kinds of projects. Thank You again .
How fun for me to hear, Joann. Thank you! You will love this set for sure.
I love learning from your projects. You really help me see possibilities in the pieces I have and the ones I’m thinking of purchasing. Thank you.
That means so much to me, Tara. Thank you!
Always amazed at your creativity and vision. I love everything about this makeove! It’s pretty and practical. My next project is an old hoosier cabinet.
Happy Summertime!
Doing a happy dance here! 😀 Thank you!
Very clever transformation. You always have great vision and see beyond whatever the condition of your find. I will soon be painting the doors to our kitchen pantry and the utility closet. Great brushes will be a real help. Keep up the good work and stay well.
It makes what I do fun. Thank you so much!
Thanks for reminding me about the birch veneer. I picked up a bookcase off of the curb the other day and one of the strips of veener is missing. I was thinking about taking the others off, but it’s pretty ugly underneath. I’ll have to go get myself some of that instead and try it out!
Yay! That sounds good. Have fun!
Love the cabinet makeover! I’m helping my daughter repair a vanity and bench. It’s slow going for novices like us but once the repair is done, those brushes would be awesome!
Sounds like a fun mother-daughter project. I hope you have a blast!
Love you ingenuity and imagination with these pieces that need a little TLC. Thank you for the opportunity for one of us to win your paintbrush giveaway.
Rebuilding them is a learning lesson each time. This one would have fallen over with push of a pinky finger. haha. Thanks!
Gorgeous makeover Larissa. I am on a blue streak. I would have it in every room in my house if I could. I have a carved chest that I need to paint. It’s going to be a toy box in the “grandkids room”. Zibra brushes would be amazing to use on it. I have had the corner brush (I don’t know the actual names of them) and the square one but sure could use new ones. I think I’ve told you before but I’ll say it again…I wish I had even a tiny fraction of your vision and creativity. I hope you are well now. Still praying for your health!
How fun!! You are an awesome grandma for gifting your grands such fun. You are so sweet!
I love the way this project turned and that is just a perfect country blue. I have a chair I need to makeover that the brushes would definitely help complete.
It kept reminding me of a summer sky, and that inspired my color choice. Thanks so much, Melissa.
Wow, you made it so beautiful now!! I have a tv console table I need to paint and I think winning these set of brushes will be perfect timing for getting it done. Thank you for such great inspiration and for having the contest for me to win the brushes!!
Thanks you, Mary. I definitely make use of my brushes all the time and you will love these as I do.
Love the piece, inspired to redo an old cabinet. Would love the brushes, have a huge (6′ x 6′) teak china closet want to paint
Wow! That is huge. Thanks so much, Charlotte. You will love the Zibra brushes!
Larissa,
I see you sew a lot like me and my machine is now done. What do you recommend to do clothing, pillow covers, crafts, etc.
Thank you.
Hi Donna! 😀 I have a Singer Futura that also is an embroidery machine that works wonders on all materials. I believe mine is a 250. You can find them reasonable refurbished or in a resale shop too.
Hello Larissa, sending you birthday blessings and a heart full of Joy. I love what you did with this cabinet, the color, the addition of wood shelves and that backboard looks sooo good.
Thank you, Kaycee. I’m smitten with the outcome.
This piece is beautiful. I love the blue, what is the name of the color and brand. Thanks for sharing. I sure could use some new paint brushes.
Thanks.
I’m tickled you like it Lori. I mentioned it’s called Blueprint. I have it mixed into Glidden Premium in Eggshell, but it’s a Behr color.
Beauty in blue!
Thanks for the chance to win! I personally have not had the pleasure of using these.
You are most welcome, Deb! 😀
Wow! You sure have the magic touch. Everything you touch is given a new life. Your transformations are amazing. ( I still am speechless over the gun cabinet makeover.)
Absolutely love the blue!
tee hee hee! I’m delighted you enjoy my work so. I do thoroughly enjoy sharing! 😀
Larissa, I don’t know how I missed seeing this when you originally posted it, as I so look forward to your posts! ?but better late than never to compliment someone on a job SUPER well done!
This is for sure in my top 3 favorites of the projects you’ve done. I tend to cringe when folks paint wood, but I can’t imagine how you could have done this better. I just LOVE it.
Thanks for continuing to share your talent and inspiration!
No worries! 😀 I have so many posts, right? haha. Thank you for the love on my work – it truly means so much. Good thing this wasn’t wood then, huh? 😀 Hugs!
How did the original cabinet open? if you had to bust the glass out, it must not have opened from the front? I do like what you did with the cabinet. It turned out beautiful.
It had doors on the side, originally, that were held with magnetic closures. Thank you.
This is a great idea for using an old curio cabinet to create storage!
Thanks! I love working with versatile pieces like this. 😀