Don’t you just love a happy ending? I am beyond excited to share a story with you today that I know will leave you inspired. You see, this vintage buffet makeover you’re about to see is the sort of “icing on the cake” for an answer to many prayers. Let’s get this DIY part started!
If you’ve been hanging out with me over the last few years, I’ve mentioned a friend of mine, Mandy. She is not only a source to my junkin’ needs, but a great friend too. I want to give you a background on her story before I get this makeover started.
A few years ago, Mandy, saw a need in the community for obvious things that people require on a daily basis. However, she also knows (as most of us do) how wasteful a society we’ve become in many ways. While there are some who will take the time to donate to a thrift store, she wanted to become a middle-woman who would not only accept these unwanted items for free, but also find the recipient who needed it most…for free. No exchange of money, just time invested.
Mandy, her husband, Brandon, and their 8 children go out of their way to reach out to the community through their ministry Paid In Full. They receive no pay in a monetary sense, but totally devote hours upon hours of time to serving others. They also provide classes, like canning or couponing, etc. to offer a hand up, not a hand out.
THE NEXT STEPS
Just over a year ago Mandy found an old building that would suit their needs to minister better, instead of out of her home. You can imagine the crazy with 8 children and people constantly dropping unwanted clothing, furniture, home decor off at her home. In addition, she had hoped to make the church their home, and use the other portion as a base for her ministry.
To be honest, this building had sat empty for ages, was a hot mess, and the owner wanted a prime price for it. Mandy tried to seek out aid from different banks and kept coming up just short. The church would be on the market for a few months, then off again. In all that time, Mandy kept feeling that this church is something God had told her would be theirs. She just needed to wait.
The third time the church came up available for sale, she thought she had everything lined up and offered a sum of money only to find that a local buyer paid cash for it…and only $1K less than her offer. ugh. Talk about feeling defeat!
Well, a few months went by and Mandy got a phone call from the owner of said church. He offered her the use of the building rent free in exchange they would provide the elbow grease DIY work that building needed. {{jaw drop}} A huge answer to prayer! She wouldn’t have to sell her home to fund the costs and have use of it all for the ministry. I get goosebumps again just writing this. God is so good.
RENO TIME
Enter in this vintage buffet makeover. This ol’ gal was residing inside the church for quite some time. Mandy asked me what I thought the value of it is if they were selling it in its current condition. I then offered to restore it so they could actually use it in their ministry as part of my Finding Home program (read more HERE). Her board approved to project and here I am today.
The buffet is in in pretty good shape, but definitely needs some TLC. There’s the obvious surface wear to the top and the rest. Plus, it’s missing hardware.
However, there is some structural issues going on too. At first glance, I saw the foot coming apart. Then, I found more issues that are prevalent because both of the doors are stuck.
On pieces like this that span a great width, many builders didn’t account for sagging in the middle. I see it often in buffets or long dressers. You can see a similar one we helped my son rebuild HERE by adding a center foot. This lack of support caused the frame of the buffet to sag, which made the doors off square.
Oh, and you gotta love the paper-lined drawers.
That paper totally reminds me of a scratchy couch and love seat my parents had in our TV room. You know the kind of ugly furniture you get because you know kids will demolish it? Yup.
FIX ‘ER UP
First, I made necessary repairs to the missing veneer patches all over the bottom with wood filler. The doors and sides had pretty big gouges too.
Then, I used my sander to remove the flaking top finish. I do believe we are looking at a beautiful mahogany veneer peeking out. mmm…
While I couldn’t remove all the scratches without running through the veneer, I was at least able to get to a point of satisfactory. The goal in the vintage buffet makeover is to give it a mix of farmhouse, industrial, and steampunk styles. This piece will reside in the dining area and be used as a coffee bar.
Now that the top is ready, I used my favorite Early American Stain to give it a fresh coat. Once that cured, I give it several coats of a satin poly.
BRING ON THE PAINT
Next, I wiped everything down on on the cabinet with vinegar mixture to prep it for paint. My color choice to get the look they were after is black. Just a simple flat black that gives a sweet contrast to the stained top.
Meanwhile, I washed up my brush and then gave the interior side cupboards a fun pop of color. I’m using a soft, minty green. I love a peek-a-boo effect with drawers and cupboards like this. Those deep spaces can seem like a dungeon on an old piece. Am I right? Plus, it helps refresh it for odors too.
Last, I apply a protective coat of black wax. The wax really deepens the color and adds the softest glow after buffing it.
FINISHING UP
I want to share a few more details that I tackled so that you can learn the process too. First, if you remember the buffet was missing hardware. To remedy that I chose to move all the bail pulls to the drawers in the center. That way I can add knobs to the side drawers and cabinet doors. I want a steel looking effect and bought these knobs to fill those spaces.
The original hardware was a mix of steel and brass, so I gave them a refreshing coat of paint with this Weathered Steel spray paint.
After two coats and curing time, I used Ebony Rub ‘N’ Buff to deepen the color and draw out details. See the before in front and the finish I’m after in the back?
One last tip for you. If you ever have felt-lined drawers that are a hot mess (most are), don’t fret. In most instances you can remove it in a simple manner. I am greeted by this awful purple that’s got to GO.
First, flip that drawer over and using a putty knife or similar, gently break the bond of glue between those little triangular pieces and the bottom of the drawer. Slide out the drawer bottom. I realize not all drawers are built like this, so you’ll have to adapt to your own situation.
Then, remove the felt and replace with more felt, or paper, paint it…whatever you like.
THE REVEAL
It’s finally time to see this vintage buffet makeover reveal. {{happy dance of all happy dances}}
It’s complete and I’m so happy with the outcome. The top came out wonderfully and the cabinet finish is what I was after.
For added fun, I created a sign for the ministry using one of my remaining cupboard doors from my stash to end all stashes. The acrostic is of their choosing: “COFFEE – Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere”. I simply put it in a design that would hopefully fit their end goals.
Oh! Let’s not forget the party going on in the inside. tee hee.
I hope you are inspired, not just in creating your own story for your own space, but also to use your talents and gifts to help others. It’s fun and I guarantee you’ll feel awesome too.
I’ve set up a fund account to help raise funds for their cause. You know how I feel about helping others and this is an easy way anyone can help. My goal is $200 – we can do it! Click the image below for details.
Also, do pin and share this vintage buffet makeover to inspire others.
Up next, I’ll be getting my DIY game on for some autumn decor. Stop by OVER HERE to see what I created.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
In addition, more furniture projects like my vintage buffet makeover:
This buffet is extremely nice! Did you create a center leg for this one too?
Thank you. I didn’t need to because the alterations I made remedied the problem.
I have a full size antique bed waiting to be painted!
I hope you like my work and our fundraiser. 🙂
Beautiful piece!
I just bought a nice Hepplewhite dresser to redo like this.
Such an inspirational post.
Love it!
Thank you. Those are gorgeous pieces too. I’m so glad you liked today’s fun.
I am in the process of redoing a garage sale find of a old sewing table that I wanted to do in a deep black and have the top light. I was going to try using a stain but you have inspired me to try this instead!! I love the way it looks!! thank you
That’s awesome! I hope you have fun with your project. 😀
I enjoy seeing post of the projects you’re working on. It gives me inspiration! Yesterday I was inspecting my paint brushes. They need to be replaced. I’d love a chance at winning some new ones! Thanks for the opportunity.
That makes what I do worth it, Susan. Thank you! Zibra brushes are the best. 😀
I love refinishing furniture and have several projects going right now–china cabinet, crib, and dresser. I go through brushes pretty quickly. These would up my game and make the process easier. Thanks for supporting such a wonderful ministry. Love the story behind the new building. May God bless them and you.
Sounds like you’ll need the Zibra brushes as much as I do. Yay! Thank you for the encouraging words.
Love this!
Yay! Thank you, Jane!
It’s a great ministry. Mandy is a neat woman and I’ve enjoyed getting to know her these past couple of years. Thankful for her generous heart and big ideas.
Yes! Heart of gold for sure. 🙂
Bless you! Looks great!
Thank you, Arlene. 😀
Love. Love. Love the finished buffet. You absolutely nailed this look. Thank you for a heart that ministers to ministers.
Thank you for the encouraging words, Kim. It’s a blessing to have the ability.
What a beautiful and great job you done on the buffet. Very classy & rich looking
Thank you! It was exciting to see the vision come to life. yay!
I love it! I have a piece I intend to make a coffee bar. I am going to paint it the same.
That’s awesome! They are so handy to have.
Black sure does give this beauty commanding presence Larissa. You came up with another winner.
It’s like that little black dress we all need. Thanks, Mary!
One word comes to mind: striking! That is a very pretty piece now! It was lovely of you to give this effort and time to a worthy ministry. ?? May many a happy cup of coffee be served up on this.
Ooh…one of my favorite words. Tee hee! Thank you! I’m praying it does too.
It’s beautiful! I love the black and wood combo.
Thank you so much, Micah.
What a beautiful buffet! I love that pop of color on the inside too!
They just don’t make them like this anymore. Fun to work on.
Thanks for your work and inspiration.
You are sweet to say so, Dianne. Thank you.
I have a nightstand that just needs to be painted to finish…would love to try out these brushes on the nightstand. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like a great project. I know you’ll love the Zibra brushes as I do.
This buffet turned out lovely! Best of luck to Mandy and her crew! I know they’ll love the brushes!
Thanks! I’m excited to see God work in it all.
My new Zibra brushes would be used on an old chest of drawers. I’d love to paint it black with a wood finish just like this piece! Your sign is so perfect for your friend and what a blessing she is to so many others! Heading to GoFundMe now!
How fun! I’d love to see it when you’re done, Kathy. Woot! I had fun creating and am eager to see how God uses it all. Thank you for the donation too!
The older I get, I meet and hear of people who have hearts of gold and it’s contagious…what a glorious thing!
It truly is! And it feels so good.
This piece is beautiful! It is perfect for the coffee station, lots of storage, and yet it looks like a piece with versatile uses. Thank you for the opportunity to help get the church ready for ministry. Love being part of the body of Christ!!
awww…thank you, Patty. I am so excited to see this grow and grow. You are a blessing!
i have this antique telephone and i would paint it
Beautiful, inspiring story and I’m happy to help. I’m sure the ministry is going to be thrilled with the gorgeous makeover you gave their buffet, and the sign. Such a wonderful gathering spot you created with this coffee bar.
I can’t say enough how excited I am to take part. Thank you for the support, Marie! Hugs!
Another beautiful makeover!!
You are sweet to say so, Sharri. Thank you!
Such a great story so I donated.
Awesome! Blessings abound. Thank you, Shellie!
Beautiful piece! God bless you for all you do to help others <3
Thank you so much, Fran. Helping feels so good! 😀
The “sideboard-dresser” is beautiful. Black and wood tones go so well together. It looks like the Zibra brushes work well with your techniques. I have never used Zibra brushes but would love to try them. An avid reader in Palm Springs.
Thank you. I’m excited they have the buffet for full use now. 🙂 Yay!
The buffet is gorgeous! I’m glad the top was left natural – so pretty1
Thank you!
Very pretty. Love that you kept the top wood.
I would us the brushes on a buffet in my dining room.
Thank you. Sounds like fun!
Absolutely beautiful! God bless you for your ministry. Love the story of how God is working in Mandy’s Paid In Full ministry as well. I’m sure this piece will serve the “best” coffee in town. Love the sign too! I am currently working on several pieces for my niece and love your inspirations.
You are such a blessing to us too! Thank you, Gail for such love and kindness. I hope you have fun in your own DIY adventures!
Larissa! You put us all to shame!
aww…you make me blush, Connie! Thank you.
I’d paint my kids’ old toy chest!
That sounds perfect. 🙂
Beautiful! I can’t wait to paint my buffet!
That’s the spirit, Deb!
This is beautiful and for a great cause! I have this same buffet and now I know what color I want to paint it. I just need those awesome Zibra brushes.
I’m tickled to hear you think so , Melissa. Thank you!
I have a dresser I would like to paint. I love this makeover!
Beautiful job in transforming the buffet. It turned out great. If I win a set of the Zibra brushes I am going to paint anything and every thing. Thanks for having the give away!!
You are most welcome, Mary.
You are an angel. That’s all there is to it. What a servant’s heart you have.
Love this story!
I don’t know about that, but I have fun trying! hee hee. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Jeanette.
Well Larisa you did it again! You brought out the swan in the ugly duckling! I’m so glad that so many people will enjoy the beautiful buffet at your friends ministry. God bless you!
Susan, that’s so sweet of you to say. Thank you for that virtual hug. I’m excited to see Paid in Full grow and grow.
Hi Larissa, wonderful story, thanks for sharing. The buffet turned out so well! It looks sophisticated and will be very practical for those folks, job well done.
My pleasure, Mary. I love that word…sophisticated. yay! Thank you for the compliment.
Love the contrast in colors on this buffet. Thank you for sharing the backstory on your friend Mandy.
It is my pleasure to share, Tammy. It’s hard not to get excited when you see God moving. 😉
I love reading about your furniture transformations. And the colour contrast is amazing. Thank you for sharing the story.
It truly is such a joy for me to share. Thank you, Tracey. 🙂
You really outdid yourself on this buffet! This piece is so elegant yet could fit in with most any decor. ?
Thanks, Dale! It was a doozey with all the issues, but I’m glad it will have long life in the ministry they’re offering. Yay!
Larissa, this story gave me goose bumps because God is So Good! It is in His way and His timing. I am so happy for Mandy and her family and ministry. God has truly blessed them. Every time i hear just how he works makes my cry. Not because I am sad but because i’m happy. What you do is also a service to Him. You are such a wonderful woman who loves the Lord and that, my friend, is why i follow you.
I know exactly what you mean, Cheryl. He is an amazing creator, redeemer, and friend. What a blessing it is to help others in any way we can. Sending you hugs!
Amazing job! I love your COFFEE sign. Mandy sounds like an incredible person.
Thank you! I was excited to put their catchy slogan into a reality. I truly hope many are blessed.
Absolutely love your talent, everything is so beautiful.
Amy, you are very sweet to say so. Thank you!
I have a similar buffet that I got from family a long time ago that definitely needs this project! Two quick questions, since I don’t have your level of expertise (but I am learning from your posts!). When you say “vinegar mixture,” what is in that mixture besides vinegar and how does that prepare it for paint? Second, you mention “black wax” but no brand. I have never used colored wax before and it’s so critical to the look, I would love to know what to buy! We all need a Mandy in our lives! Thank you!
Thank you, Lisa. Yes, we sure need more Mandy & Family’s. 🙂 I use a 1:1 vinegar/water ratio to clean the grime off the wood so that the paint will have more tooth. I use this black wax most often, but there are others too.
What a beautiful piece, and a beautiful story!
Thank you so much, Diana!
I love this effort to give back to your community and helping others to do so too.
Thank you!
It is so exciting to be a part of something making a difference. Thanks, Evelyn!
The table in the room.
Your friend sounds amazing. I’ve been mulling over an idea somewhat like that myself lately.
That’s wonderful, Chris! I’m sure it would be a blessing.
I would have to go on the hunt for that perfect piece at yard sales and local thrift stores. Need to find just the right piece for a dresser.
Sounds like fun! 😀
Have you ever used the refinishing product that’s designed to refinish Mahogany? I’ve been refinishing furniture for over 40 years and Mahogany was always a failure to just get the original look back. Then about 6 years ago I bought some refinisher designed for Mahogany only. It was like a miracle. It worked so great and was so easy. I bought some to refinish a 4′ shelving unit for my mom. I kept thinking “Well it looks good now, but when it dries and cures it will turn to looking like a dried up mess”. But it never did. I know your into painted finishes and so am I, but I saw you were sanding the top of this buffet to get the original look back, so I thought I’d ask. I believe the product I used was Foresby. Sorry is that spelling is not correct.
I typically use a basic hemp, linseed, or tung oil for original mahogany restoration. In this instance I was using what I wanted to create the look they were after. I have had Foresby before but haven’t used it in years. It’s a tried and true method for sure.
Oh, I forgot to mention that the buffet looks great!
Thanks!