Friday, May 9, 2008

Everything Old Is New Again

One of the first pieces of furniture we purchased as a newly married couple was this armoire. That was almost fifteen years ago, and at the time "Country" style decorating was very in. I could never give myself over totally to that look though. I think I always preferred "Cottage" style furnishings even though that term wasn't common then. Several years ago when we moved to our current home, I had grown very tired of this piece and even tried to sell it. It was not shabby chic white to begin with, but rather the yellow tone pine you see in the second photograph.
It was during this same time that I was an avid visitor to a website called Two Shabby Chicks, whose owner, Sanya, was always posting fabulous Project of the Month tutorials. She showcased wonderful decorating projects and provided a wealth of information and inspiration. It was through one such tutorial that I worked up enough nerve to revamp this tired armoire into a piece that fit better with my newly evolving sense of style. I had to do some restructuring of the inside to create the shelves I wanted, and I took the doors to a frame shop to have the glass installed. After priming the piece with Kilns, I then rolled on a matte finish in basic white. I found some wonderful glass knobs online and switched out the existing wooden ones. Now, I probably won't be giving you a very close look at the shelves I built because it was my first go at constructing something like that, unless we count all the chest of drawers I used to make out of cardboard boxes as a child! Overall, I am thrilled with the result and am so glad I had no takers when I was trying so hard to kick this baby to the curb.

Next time I will give you a close up of some of the treasures I have on display inside my little cabinet of curiosities. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful day!

3 comments:

Lu Lu's Fluffy Ruffles said...

You did an awesome Job!!
It still amazes me how a little white paint can transform and bring new life.
smiles,
Sandy

Sarah said...

Your armoire has new life! If I've learned one thing over my young 32 years is that I wish I had held onto some of the furniture pieces (antiques) that I purchased at 20 years old. They can always be brought back to life!
Sarah
http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Anonymous said...

Wow, quite an undertaking!! Good for you!! D.