I used chalk paint, clear wax and dark wax on the body with distressed highlighting. They intended to use this as a bar area so for extra protection on the top, I layered chalk paint and polyurethane. There are about seven layers of poly and a final sheen of dark wax on the top. We all know gatherings can be host to a calamity of spills.
I replaced five missing or ugly knobs with cut glass ones and the other gorgeous original pulls I painted a soft satin nickel. This buffet is absolutely stunning. It makes a huge statement while maintaining a cozy quietness in the room. Must be those soothing beach hues and delicate details which really sparkle now that they aren't buried under brown. This buffet was one of my most favorite finds to date, and I was very reluctant to offer it as a choice because I secretly wanted to keep it. But I had a feeling this would be the right one. And I will say, I couldn't be happier about the family with whom it found a loving home. I know they treasure it just as I did. Here is the buffet in my before and then in my workshoppe:
They wanted a stained wood top and painted body, so I sanded this mahogany beast forever and stripped and stripped. Those antique varnishes are tough stuff. Then I shellacked the body to ensure the dreaded bleed through wouldn't occur. Which it did. So I reshellacked. Then I repainted. About five times over several areas. Then I surrendered the battle. I applied clear wax and dark wax and lightly distressed it. The shell part was painted white for a nice accent. After all my fretting about the bleed through, when the couple saw it in person they thought it was awesome with slight glimmers of it peeking through a few spots. Let me tell you how relieved I was. My arms shifted up a little. I wanted to bring it in for a group hug. But I want them to come back so I hugged them on the inside.
I think I am too paranoid and need to remind myself of what I express to others-that these are antique/vintage pre-owned pieces which are imperfectly perfect and that is what I love so much about them. I painted the body in watery and the original pulls in oil rubbed bronze.
Here is the dresser before then in my workshoppe:
The buffet again:
And here is the dresser sitting all queeny and pretty in its new bedroom. I love how the floors are brought to attention with the lighter furnishings and decor. I think the top and hardware reflect the wood floor tones and blend it all together while the gentle contrast keeps things airy:
Here they are before, and can you believe I didn't get an after in my workshoppe? But even better, I have a couple of them tucked in bedside. Speaking of bedside, check out their headboard. Very refreshing and gorgeous with an updated yet vintage vibe:
A few days ago I received the fall preview catalog from Pottery Barn and stuck it in the stack waiting to be glanced over then pitched. Just after they picked up their last piece, I was clearing my counter and came across it. I roamed quickly through anxious to clean off some counter clutter. The edge of one page fluttered by and grabbed my eye. I smiled slyly as I scrolled down the palette of new colors for the season. Pretty funny and totally on target to the selections for these pieces I had redone weeks prior. Right down to the 'denim' peeking up from the bottom of the page which looks nearly identical to the one I made up. So guys, your pieces are quite en vogue. Enjoy!