Do you ever feel like quitting? I know I’m not alone when I say there are times I just want to grab a ticket and hop on a plane with my family and go hide out for a few months. Can I get an amen? I have reached that point a few times over the last few months, understandably so with all that we have going on. When a friend pointed out a vintage buffet to me for FREE, I hesitated. Can you see why?
You might say, “Meh, it’s not that bad.” True enough, but when I got it home and found the doors broken, the missing veneer, and then all this…
Keep in mind I had nowhere to put this for storage, my house is tore up, and many frustrating things were happening. I wasn’t the least bit interested in working on it and was about to give it away, but regressed. Since my oldest son, Mr. I helped bring it home, I let him have it. His eyes lit up and I knew he could do an awesome job. You can see his past projects HERE.
DIY TIME
He did jump at the opportunity and followed my guidance on how to give it a spankin’ new look. He took off the veneer that needed removed and the broken doors. The doors got new life in this post. (you’ll love it!)
This is where I start to have envy that I didn’t do it, but I had enough on my plate as it was. Check it out…he’s rockin’ it! I will say that wood filler and my sander were his best friend, especially with all those graffiti marks. tee hee.
THE REVEAL
Once he got it to the not so ugly stage, he painted the cabinet a smoky gray and then gave it a darker gray wash. This created gorgeous texture, while giving it an aged appeal. Here it is…
The side cabinets needed new shelves. He left the center drawers in their faceless state because the grain was just to cool to cover up. He used the same Sunbleached stain I’ve used in several remodels and projects to give the drawers a washed/aged feel.
You seriously wouldn’t know this is the same piece we dragged home all marred and needing love.
You can imagine his joy to see it all come together. He even painted the pulls and glazed them for an added touch. And you can bet I am one proud mama. He worked hard and it shows. I am so blessed to have my children join me in my work and that they’re willing to learn. You can see what he did with the doors off this piece in this post.
My son’s goal is to have a savings so that he can be debt free when as he grows. That alone is more value than gold to me. Also, if you’re in love with this vintage buffet, he is offering it for sale in my online shop.
SHARE
We hope this project inspired you to give old, beat-up furniture a try because they honesty don’t make them like they used to. Likewise, like I told my son…”Just think of how awesome your home will be someday because YOU can make things happen.” In addition, pin and share to inspire others too!
Up next, I have a project I’m excited to show you that involves this thrifted art. It is one to see! Come on over HERE.
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Also, more of my vintage buffet makeovers:
Your son did a beautiful job. I am sure it won’t last long in the shop.
I’m so glad he gave it a try. Thanks so much, Debra.
It is so nice to see a young one that has the initiative not only to do good hands-on work but to also to have such worthy goals. He is to be commended as are you and your husband for setting a good example. The buffet looks great, I have one very similar I’m going to chalkpaint soon.
He is a hard worker and we are proud. Thank you! Have fun with your piece too!
The finished piece is beautiful. Your son is very talented too be sure.
I think what is absolutely the coolest part to all of this is the (interest) he has developed from you in painting furniture.
It pleases me so much that he can see the end result when I give him the vision. He hasn’t quite mastered that yet, but one day he will. So fun! Thank you.
What an amazing job! Looks beautiful!! Great job!!!
He is so excited to share. Thank you for encouraging him, Jamie.
Boy, oh boy – what a fantastic makeover. He should be commended for his efforts as well as for his creative vision. No doubt he inherited that ability from his hard-working, creative parents. Way to go !
Woot! I love that he saved it and added his own touches. He took my advice and rocked it. Thanks, Susan!
Beautiful job! I was just wondering how you like to remove veneer. I have tried the wet towel method and didn’t have much luck. I usually end up using a chisel and hammer but always end up with gouges in the remaining wood. Thanks, Kerri
Thanks, Kerri. Yes, the towel-soak method, or an old iron. This veneer came right off because it was so parched, so he was fortunate. It doesn’t often go this easy!
A great save and wonderful colour combination. Wonderful to see the next generation being so creative.
We love our grays around here for sure. 😉 Thanks so much, Carolyn, he is excited!
Beautiful job. What a treasure your son is.
In more ways than one, Sharon. Thank you!
Wow! I am seriously in love with that buffet now! Your son did such an awesome job on it!
You and me both, Elaine. He worked hard to make it just right. Thank you!
way to go mr. i! now, what to do with those broken doors! will be curious to see if they show up in months to come!
We have a plan, Gwen! It may not get done till the winter, but something will become of them. Thanks!
That is one beautiful piece! I love the colors he decided to go with. I can’t imagine it looking any other way! What a blessing that your kids take interest in your passion. You are so very lucky!
It is a true blessing to share my passion with them and to watch their story unfold. Thank you, Renee!
I wish I was closer to your shop. This is stunning and I love the wood on the drawers. Please give him a high 5 for me.
Done! He says, “Thank you”. Maybe one day he will have is own shop. 🙂
Your son did a great job but is this the same boy who we’ve seen before sanding, because he certainly got his growth going. Nice job
You ain’t kiddin! He is now as tall as me, so I know he’s not done yet. I’m the shortest sibling in my family with four, so you know he’s got growth potential. 😉
Wow, Larissa. That is amazing. I find you so inspiring. I couldn’t figure out how you do what you do with six children. Now I know your secret. Your children are just as talented as you are. Great job !!
They are the best crew a gal could ask for! Thanks for the love, Peggy.
This is a great makeover and your son is going to be an amazing man.
Gofd Bless..
He’s already well on his way, Vangie. Thank you! 😀
Mr. I, you are so incredibly talented (like your Mama)! Wow, A++ on this one. I am impressed by the goal you have set for yourself – you sound like a smart guy! Pinning your gorgeous buffet makeover to share and have no doubt you will sell this piece quickly and for your asking price. Good Luck!
You are the best, Marie! He’s grinning from ear to ear with all this love. Thank you.
Your son did a beautiful job on that buffet. I think it’s wonderful that he’s so industrious and has a goal to stay debt free. I’m so sorry that your husband has poison ivy and some of the children too. I will be praying for them to have a speedy recovery.
It is a goal we would love to see happen with all of our children. Debt free is a gift that keeps on giving. Yes, husband is better, but a few of the kids had to get medical attention today, so no fun indeed. Thank you!
Your son’s goal to be debt free n have savings is PURE GOLD! He needs to write a book to inspire other youth! I have a neighbor farm boy helping me who is so inpiring too. As farm kid you can drive on your private land n kids usually r driving by 10 yrs old with supervision of course. He works so hard n gets odd jobs helping farmers, works at auction mart, mows grass etc. He just sold in part n traded in ONE of his old trucks in on a 2016 snowmobile. I am proud to know such a young entrepreneur! He turned 14 five mths ago n starts his learners driver training at School this winter! Junior achievement candidates both of them! Love the dresser n kudos to mom for the ethics n values u r teaching ur kids!
That is AWESOME! I love those kinds of stories and I can only hope and help them achieve their goals. Good for you all. Mine is of similar age, so it won’t be long before he’ll be off and running. What fun, right? Thanks so much, Kari.
What a fantastic job, very creative too ???
Thank you, Debby!
Tell him he did a wonderful job!! Love the new look so much better!
I did, Cheryl. He says, “Thank you!” 🙂
Definitely a proud mama moment here! Actually, it is beyond that Larissa. He did an outstanding job, not just painting it but giving it a whole brand new identity and it looks super cool! Hope the hubs and kids are feeling better.
That’s what I told him too, Mary. I love that he didn’t turn up his nose at it, but jumped at the opportunity even though it was a whole lotta work. Thank you!
Your son did a beautiful job on the buffet. It just so happens that I have the exact buffet but mine was in very good condition, except it needed a good polish. I bought it to make into a vanity for the new bathroom we were putting in upstairs. I had it in my living room for two days before I got up the nerve to tell my husband I just couldn’t put a hole in it for the sink. It is now in front of our picture window and I absolutely love it. Whoever buys this piece will be very happy.
You sound like me, Patty! I had a very hard time watching my husband cut up the dresser we found for our bathroom vanity. I’m happy to hear you are loving on it. 🙂
You should be one proud momma! He did an awesome job. The buffet is stylish and very beautiful!
I certainly am, Bobbi. Thank you so much for the encouraging words for him.
Oh wow! That turned out beautifully! Good job, Mr. 1!
Wonderful to hear! Thank you, Cecilia.
What color of grey did he use? And what is a wash for the darker color?thanks! I love it 🙂
Hi Sara. He used a color by Country Chic in Rocky Mountain and a dark smoky gray I got as a seconds paint. He brushed it on and then wiped it off leaving some remain. Hope that helps. 🙂
Beautiful job!….did he use chalk paint?
Thanks! No, a latex works just as well.
Love Love Love the finished product! Your son did an AMAZING JOB!
Thanks so much, Jodie. Proud mama here. 😀
Oh my goodness he did a fantastic job. It makes me rethink some of the furniture I see.
I am so proud of him, Debbie. Thanks so much!
How nice your son has a interest in this. He did a beautiful job!
It is fun for us both. We have a new project coming this week! Yay!
Absolutely beautiful!!! May I ask what is the best way to remove veneer? Thanks
Thanks so much, Kriste. I use my towel-soak method as seen in these posts. It works wonders!
Your son did an amazing job.This is one of my favorite pieces.He has a good eye.You guys set such a great example
Thanks so much, Cheryl.
Beautiful! Your son has inherited some good genes. Fantastic job on a piece that most would have put out to the curb. I know it was a lot of work, but the end result was worth it. Great job!!
Yes, much work, but he loved the challenge (and the profit 😉 ) Thanks so much for the encouraging words.
Your son is talented, just like his momma! He did an amazing job.
He sure does try hard. I’m so proud of him and all my kids.
What a wonderful job on the buffet! I’ll soon be sending you a picture of my latest little project, a ballerina table/nightlight for my niece, painted using my new ZIBRA brush…THANK YOU!! Would you please share the font you have used for the VINTAGE BUFFET? I am looking for a brush handwriting font and this looks like a possibility. Make it a great day!
Awesome!! I think it’s the Bromello font. 😉
Wow! That turned out beautiful! Good job, Mr. I!!!
Thanks so much for sending him love. He worked hard and it shows. 😀
OMG this is the most breathtaking piece I have ever seen! I am totally serious! Mr. i …a job very well done! I am just so over the moon with this. I was in shock when I saw the finished product. Your son certainly has a knack for this type of thing. Mr. I, Yes it’s a lot of hard work but in the end isn’t it the most satisfying thing you’ve ever done?
WELL DONE,
aww…you just made his day! Thank you for saying so, Shirley. How fun!
Larissa…I’m still a little consfused. He did the outsides of the piece in Smokey grey and then did a grey wash. Did the drawers in the middle just get the grey wash? I have this exact piece that I just purchased. Mine is in excellent condition, however, I am now considering removing the veneer from the drawers. I know that they will have a blend of colors but I want to put a wash over them as well. Or will I need to? I’m doing mine in milk paint from Miss Mustard Seed in Artissimo, which is a dark blue and highlighting with black wax. Have you ever tried black wax on raw wood? I’m so confused…lol! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been painting for years…just need a kick in the behind right now…lol!
The drawers in the middle got stain only with the color mentioned above. Your piece will look fabulous! I have done paint wash with black wax on raw wood on this dresser here: https://prodigalpieces.com/updated-furniture-easy-way/ I hear ya on the kick! hahaha!
I somehow missed this last comment. The black wash is awesome! I haven’t done mine yet. I have been working on the living room for a long time now due to more pain than I want to admit to. But it’s coming along. Hubby and I just refinanced the house and with the cash out I told him to do our driveway. Long story but our kitchen faucet broke around the same time and he now wants me to do the kitchen Instead of the driveway. I certainly can’t refuse that offer…lol. I am working on the details now. Just deciding what to do as there’s not quite enough funds for what I really want so I have to compromise. At least parts of it will be done and I know I will be much happier!
I’m still so in love with this buffet your son did so I know I am doing the right thing when the time comes.
Larissa . you must be one proud momma … I love that buffet … such a nice job … he did awesome !!!
You bet! He took my design advice and ran with it. Love to see my kids go. Thanks so much, Marcia.
Hi! I found you site because I have an amazing old pice I want to revive. I have always seen the withe ish look but I absolute love this.
The one your son did. I would like to know the type of smoke grey and the darker, are they both chalk paint? And or brand? Thank you this is beautiful
Hi Kelli! So glad you found me (and my son’s work). I typically use Glidden Premium Interior paints in whatever finish the piece calls for. I do use chalk and milk paints too. Feel free to email me with questions.
Your young lad did a fine job, very impressive!!!!
Thank you so much for showing him love, Jann. He worked hard and it shows. 🙂
Wow, he did a fantastic job. Well, of course he did, he learned from the best, his Mama!❤️
Yay! It took some talkin’ to him to get and keep him going, but he worked so hard and I’m proud of Mr. I. Thanks so much, Sheryl.