Welcome back to my little corner of the web, amazing friends!! Today, I’m bringing you one very dated hutch that is now worthy of any farmhouse, a farmhouse hutch! I’m also teaming up with my Furniture Fixer Upper girls, and they are all sharing furniture transformations today as well. You’ll find links to their posts at the bottom!
This piece is one that belonged to the grandparents of my sister’s husband:
It’s Ethan Allen and it was in pristine condition. However, this was one tall boy! SO tall. Like, super duper tall. You get the idea. It is literally taller than our garage.
I wrestled with the idea of ditching the hutch, but I already did that with its brother, the secretary desk, so I ended up keeping it.
If you remember that secretary desk, it is one I painted for my sister’s MIL, and in return, she gave me this hutch.
THe Prep
Before I could start on this hutch, I knew that I wanted to get rid of the dated spindles across the top piece. To do that, I used a maul hammer to whack them out.
They actually came out pretty easily, on about the third whack. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Then, I needed to fill the large holes that were left behind.
The best way to fill large holes like this is to purchase a dowel the size of the holes and cut pieces of it to fill in the holes.
I stuck the dowel in each hole and marked it prior to cutting:
Then, I used my miter saw to cut each piece:
Be sure to always wear eye protection…these little pieces flew everywhere!
Then I hammered each one in place and used my rotary sander and 220 grit sandpaper to smooth them out.
This worked perfectly to fill those large holes left by the spindles!
Because I planned to use Dixie Belle’s Silk paint on this hutch, I needed to sand the entire surface first.
Again, I used my rotary sander and 220 grit sandpaper.
Silk paint requires something to grip onto, so sanding is key! However, you can substitute the sanding by prepping with Slick Stick instead.
See more about how to use Slick Stick HERE.
It was at this point that I realized I should have filled the hardware holes.
I wanted to change out the pulls for prettier knobs, so to do that, I filled the previous holes with brown Dixie Mud:
I let it completely dry overnight. Then, I sanded the holes smooth.
Once all the sanding was complete, I used my shop vac to vacuum up all the dust and gave it a good wipe down with White Lightning. I then swapped out my water, and gave it another wipe down with clean water. Once it was dry, I was ready for paint!
Time to Paint
For this hutch, I chose the color Anchor, which is a true black.
Here it is after one coat:
By the way, I do not recommend painting in the sun, especially black! The temps had dropped here this past weekend, and I was enjoying being able to paint outside without melting, but I had to keep moving out of the sun.
I gave this piece two coats. No sanding is needed in between or after…it dries smooth as, well, Silk.
No Sealer Required
Although Silk Paint requires sanding to prep, the beauty of Silk is that it does not require a topcoat! Can I get an amen? It has the equivalent of one coat of Clear Coat in it. The finish is somewhere between flat and satin. You can add additional topcoats if you prefer a different sheen, or if you want more protection for a piece that will get heavily used.
The hutch I’m sharing today will probably be used more as a display piece, so this should be plenty of protection.
Be sure to use your newly painted Silk pieces with care for the first 30 days, until it cures and hardens completely.
THe Result
This piece went from dated and awkward to a true farmhouse Beauty!
It is still very tall, but I think it works, especially if you have high ceilings.
What do you think?
This beautiful black makes for the perfect backdrop for my white ironstone!
I left the bottom cabinet unpainted inside since it was in such nice condition:
And the drawers got this beautiful gold and black fabric:
I ordered this fabric online for a steal many years ago to use on my dining room chairs, but when I got it, I thought the pattern was way too bold. It’s hard to buy fabric online! It was perfect to go with this hutch though.
And it was fabulous with this dresser that I redid many years ago.
The new glass knobs I chose are so pretty against the black.
I found these at HomeGoods a few weeks ago. I bought them for another piece but ended up not using them. That worked out great because they were perfect here!
Don’t forget to check out my friends’ makeovers too!
I hope you enjoyed this transformation today! Nothin fancy. Just paint!
And that is a big one crossed off the list!!
Missed any?? See what I’ve transformed so far at at the links below!
How to Repurpose small lamps
How to Repurpose an Old Swivel Mirror
Coastal Dresser Makeover
$5 Bulletin Board Makeover
$3 Thrift Store Basket and Lid Repurposed
Summer Basket Wreath from a $3 Thrift Store Find
$7 Thrift Store Mirror Makeover
Vintage Cane Club Chairs Updated
$6 Thrift Store Shelf Makeover with Transfer
Pub Table Makeover
Becky’s Secretary Desk Makeover
Update a Thrift Store Box with Fabric
$5 Buffet Lamps Updated with Decoupage Paper
Mirror Harp Repurposed
I’ll be back on Tuesday with these baskets:
UPDATE: See how cute these baskets are now HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, just paint, but WOW! I typically love white, and most of my furniture is white, but I have to say this black on this piece is WOW!!! You are so good a giving each piece you save exactly what it needs to be WOW again!! Good job!! Those knobs are perfection with the black!!
Christy says
Aww thank you SO much, Mary! I love white, but every once in a while, I see black for a piece…this was one of those for sure! XOXO
Stacey says
You took the absolute exact words right our of my mouth. I just kept saying, “WOW!!!”….and then everything else you just said!!
Pamela C Walsh says
Beautiful job on the hutch !!! What a difference! Love it !
Christy says
Thank you so much, Pamela! XOXO
Pamela Febus says
That looks amazing , I am into the farmhouse look now that I have retired I am loving it.
Christy says
Thank you, Pamela! Farmhouse is so timeless! XOXO
ColleenB.~TX. says
I love the looks of your hutch; Absolutely Outstanding.
It’s very classy and rich looking. Your white ironstone sets the whole piece off.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Colleen! This is a great piece to display china! XOXO
Petra says
Love it. I didn’t used to like black painted furniture but because it’s on-trend right now, I’m really enjoying it.
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I don’t have it in my own home, but I do love it on the right pieces! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
So bold to go black! It seems to have worked well for your use though.
Christy says
I know, right? I am usually all white ha ha! XOXO
Janice Holt says
That is one more pretty hutch. It doesn’t look as tall painted in black and the black looks so smooth and silky. Another great job.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I agree the black really helped with the height issue! XOXO
Christina says
Oh Christy, this is stunning! Love how you filled in the holes from the spindles. Did the top part have shelves with it or did you have to make those? Love the glass knobs. 🙂 I wasn’t a huge fan of painting something black until today. 🙂
Will this fit in your booth? She’s a beauty!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina!! The shelves came with it, thank goodness! My sister is considering buying it, so it may not make it to my booth lol! XOXO
Donna Nance says
Wow, I think it is simply gorgeous! Well done!
Christy says
Thank you, Donna!! XOXO
Denise says
Classic and stunning and SO tall!…lol. Your farmhouse hutch turned out gorgeous and I love the drawer detail as well! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my dear friend! It is very tall lol! XOXO
Deb says
Wow, what a beautiful makeover! I’m always excited and curious when I get your email update in my inbox, wondering what you’re going to do with the latest piece. Have to say, as much as I adore your white and aqua makeovers, this came out simply gorgeous in black and your white dishes look stunning on it!
I’ve been following you for quite a while, Christy, and I want to tell you that I never fail to be amazed by your work! In fact, I’m finally getting my own power tools and begin attempting some makeovers of my own, thanks to you! Thanks for all the inspiration. Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Deb! I’m glad you enjoyed the black for something different than what I usually share! And I am so excited to hear that you are inspired to create!! That is the best compliment ever!! I hope it brings you so much joy! XOXO
Ashley says
“The best way to fill large holes like this is to purchase a dowel the size of the holes and cut pieces of it to fill in the holes.” Who knew?!? I certainly didn’t! Thanks for the tip, Christy!💕
Christy says
You are so welcome, my friend!! XOXO
Tammy says
I love this transformation!
Christy says
Thank you, Tammy! XOXO
Geri Harvey says
Absolutely Stunning!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! XOXO
Cecilia says
Wow, yes! That looks great – it’s very striking? Are you keeping it? Your white ironstone looks amazing against the black.
😊 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! It is the perfect display piece for pretty dishes! I won’t be keeping this one, but my sister might! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Nothing fancy, but what a change, Christy! The dark paint camouflages the dated aspects and makes the smaller top look less awkward. Then the drawer lining adds a fabulous surprise 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! Yes, a simple paint job did wonders! XOXO
Sherry says
The finished hutch is stunning! The white dishes really stand out against the dark background!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sherry! They really do! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
What a lovely makeover. I really like the black and yes, your white stone ware is really set off by the black. Getting rid of the spindles really brings this piece to the 21st century! The final touches are the pretty glass knobs and the black and gold fabric in the drawer. Nicely done! You are right; it is really tall, this piece would be perfect in a room with tall ceilings and large windows! Thanks for sharing. Have a splendid weekend!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! It’s amazing what small changes can do to update a piece! Enjoy your weekend too!! XOXO
Joanne D. says
All I can say is….WOW!! So, so perfect with your White Ironstone pieces.
Don’t sell it.
Christy says
Thank you, Joanne! I wish I had the space for it…my sister is considering it though! XOXO
Debbie says
It’s fabulous!
Christy says
Thank you Debbie! XOXO
Jackie C says
Beautiful! The white dishes look wonderful against the black. Black really shows dust, so generally I avoid it. Sure is pretty though.
Just a side note… I want you to know how much I appreciate that you respond to every comment and interact with us on your other accounts (I don’t do facebook, but do follow on IG).
I don’t know how you do it! Other bloggers don’t acknowledge comments OR questions. YOU on the other hand are so detailed with your posts, and include links that I rarely have questions. Thank you for taking the time. Just another reason you’re the only blogger I subscribe to.
❤️🤗😘
Christy says
Aww thank you SO much, Jackie! You are the sweetest! I love being able to interact with my blog family! I appreciate you, my friend!! XOXO
Linda C Johnston says
Fantastic result! Simply beautiful. Question: What is your opinion on brush strokes caused by this paint. I want to try it but I have been so disappointed and spent so much money on paint that looks horrible. Would you mind giving me your opinion please?
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! It is not unusual to see paint strokes on a hand painted piece, but the key is to paint in a way that all of your brush strokes are even and going in the same direction leaving you with a beautifully finished result. A good quality brush is a must also! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
Stunning!!! This totally inspired me!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Toby!! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
Wow! It’s gorgeous! (And very, very tall.)
Christy says
Thank you, Betty! It is super tall ha ha! XOXO
CToth says
Absolutely gorgeous! I get so many ideas from you. Thank you for showing your process and telling the details about the products you use. I have been following you for years and always look forward to your posts. I soo appreciate your honest, genuine and optimistic spirit.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, thank you!! XOXO
Mercedesñ says
Hola Christy, hace mucho que me subscribí a tu blog pero es la primera vez que te escribo. Te sigo desde España y lo hago fielmente de principio a fin, lo leo todo, lo disfruto todo. Me encanta todo lo que haces y este mueble te ha quedado genial, menudo cambio !! El marido de tu hermana no lo habrá conocido después de tu magia. Felicidades por tu trabajo. Hasta muy pronto.
Christy says
Hola! Muchas gracias! ¡Estoy tan feliz de que te hayas tomado un minuto para saludar desde España! ¡Aprecio que me sigas! Y sí, no creo que el marido de mi hermana reconozca esta pieza! XOXO
Roberta says
Love Love Love! The knobs are perfect!
Christy says
Thank you, Roberta!! I’m so glad those pretty knobs worked out so well for this piece! XOXO
p says
Amazing ! Removing the spindles, changing the nobs – And that black !!
I’m in love with the black / gold fabric. 🙂
That really is a tall one. It will be Stunning for someone with the right place to show it off.
Great vision. I can’t believe the total transformation.
Thanks for sharing !!
p
Christy says
Thank you so much, P! It’s amazing what a few small changes can do for a piece! XOXO
Katherine Iannuzzi says
Wow I love the finish. I painted my bedroom set with a black chalk paint by annie sloan and over the years it’s taken a bit of a beating. I’ve been wanting to redo it and now I think this is the way I want to go. With the silk paint!
Christy says
Thank you, Katherine! This is a great black because it is dark unlike the Annie Sloan which is a bit more of a dark gray. If you sealed your Annie Sloan paint with their wax, because it is oil based, you will need to remove that before painting with the silk. You can do that with odorless mineral spirits! XOXO
Katherine M Iannuzzi says
Thank you so much for the tip because I did use their wax.
Christy says
Oh you are so welcome! I learned that the hard way! Good luck! 🙂
Deborah Mealus says
Another magnificent transformation! Absolutely delightful to see how you take something well made but outdated to something that is “over the top” perfection! I eagerly anticipate every Thursday to see what magic you have created!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Deborah! Thank you! I am constantly amazed myself at what paint can do! XOXO
Kathy says
Who and how did the other shelves get into the hutch?
Christy says
Hi Kathy! I just didn’t have them installed for the before photo, but they did come with them! XO
Debra Hubbs says
Wow this came out beautiful! Perfect. I need to try the Silk paint. Love the finish it gives from the pictures I’ve seen.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! Having to sand to prep stinks a bit, but it does leave a beautiful finish that doesn’t require sealing! XOXO
Denise says
Stunning! Absolutely stunning!! I recently purchased a black coffee table with black end tables and love them. I think black definitely makes a piece of furniture look so sophisticated. As always, thank you for sharing your work.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! I totally agree! Black always adds a touch of sophistication! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
I love the height and think every house needs a tall piece or two. When all the pieces are shorter, it tends to make a room look squatty, even if the ceilings are high. Your ironstone looks great in it, so I thought maybe you kept it. I did learn a new trick today: plugging the holes with dowel slices. Thanks for that!
Christy says
Thank you, Ellen! What you said makes sense about the height. It really does show off my ironstone so well that I do wish I had a spot for it! And I’m glad I could share something new! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Oh Christy!! You chose the perfect color. This is absolutely stunning my friend.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! XOXO
Barbara J Orlemanski says
Hi Christy, I have been following you blog for a long time and love everything you do. My question is, Can I use White Lightening on my dining room chairs to get all the buildup of grim over the years from my men folk? And will it remove the original stain or change it in any way?
Christy says
Hi Barbara! I appreciate you following along with me! White lightning is also a deglosser, so it is more for paint prep than just for good cleaning. But have you tried a Mr. clean sponge? I have used those to remove the build up off of the backs of chairs before painting them in the past and they work amazingly well. Test it in an inconspicuous area as I don’t recall if it did anything to the finish. XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Soooo much better without the spindles, right? And with some new knobs and a gorgeous black finish, this baby looks very up to date. Love the height, too! Great work.
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! The spindles really dated this piece for sure. I’m glad they were so easy to remove! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
What a beast! You transformed into a beauty! The black silk paint looks like it is easier to use since it doesn’t require a sealer. When I seal DB Caviar chalk paint I get a haze effect. Glad to see this works so beautifully. Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! The silk does have a lovely finish, but it’s kind of a trade off since you do have to sand first. Have you tried adding a small amount of paint to your sealer? That should help with that haze effect. Have a great weekend! XOXO
Marian says
Oh, Christy, this is one of the prettiest pieces you have done. It is stately and beautiful. This is going to fly out of your booth.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marian! I was so excited to see the black paint really bring this piece to life! XOXO
Addie says
Ahhhhhh…..new life into an old piece. There are always so many of these pieces still around . LOVE those knobs. Did you ever think the cutting the hutch part down?…it does seem tall…..but great for tall ceilings!!!
Christy says
Hi Addie! I sure did lol, but in the end I decided to paint it and see how it looked first. It really will be great for a space with tall ceilings! And those knobs were just perfect yay! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO
Heather Taylor says
Hi Christy,
Another gorgeous makeover from you. Love the black as well! I am surprised you did not cut the top down a bit to make it a more standard height. Is there a reason you wouldnt do that?
Cheers
Heather
Christy says
Thank you so much, Heather! I did consider that for sure, but I decided to paint it first and see how it looked. I feel like the black tamed the height a bit! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s so pretty. I love the black!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lizzy! XOXO
Tamra says
I absolutely love what you did with this piece!
Christy says
Thank you, Tamra! XOXO
Lisa says
Hi Christy,
Love the hutch make-over, it’s simply gorgeous!! I painted my son’s dresser with DB Caviar chalk paint last summer and sealed it with DB clear sealer in satin. As it’s prone to “ghosting”, I think I’d like to paint over it using a black paint from the silk line. Would you recommend a light sanding before using the silk paint? Thanks again for all your painting inspiration! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lisa! If you add just a touch of paint to your sealer, it should minimize that ghosting effect. If you do decide to go with the Silk, just lightly sand your surfaces so the silk has something to grab onto. Good luck! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!!!! What a transformation. That is remarkable. And heck yes, your white ironstone looks GREAT with that! I love black pieces – this is just awesome.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! I’m so glad you like it! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
This hutch turned out so sleek – love the black! xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, my beautiful friend! XOXO
Sue Duffy says
Love the silky finish and new hardware. Perfect!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! XOXO
Bev says
Stunning! I have 20′ ceilings amd white pfaltzgraf dishes
Oh so pretty!! Admire your choices so much
Christy says
Ooh this would be perfect in your home, Bev!! And thank you…I really appreciate that! XOXO
Shirley says
This is just gorgeous! That color of black is absolutely stunning. I’ve been trying to find just the right black for my hutch and think this might work perfectly. I’ve seen one other piece as tall as this in my lifetime and I have never seen another until yours. I’m so glad you have the room for it. It’s a beautiful piece and you are lucky to have it! Nicely done as usual!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shirley! This is a beautiful black! And yes, this is a tall one LOL, but a fantastic place to show off pretty dinnerware! XOXO
Robin says
Besides your 12/17/20 black piece (stunning) this is the best transformation you’ve done (without use of stencils or embellishments). Of course, I may be partial to black as I’ve mostly black/cream/woodtones throughout our home LOL. Dust gathers on everything, no big deal. I echo the sentiments from Jackie C. about being responsive. (Nancy & Kathy are, too). You have a great eye for good lines and shapes of furniture which can be reworked into contemporary settings. If your sister has the high ceilings she should definitely keep this showstopper (focal point) piece.
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! They say every home needs a touch of black… It really is so elegant! It was fun watching the transformation of this one for sure. I hope my sister does take it! And you know I love the interaction with ya’ll! Have an amazing weekend, my friend! XOXO
Cara says
Another stunning make over! I love the new look!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cara! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Kathy Owen says
Gorgeous! I love the fabric drawer liner too.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Rebecca STANEVICH says
Gorgeous!!! I especially appreciate the professionalism of taking the time to finish the inside of the drawers so beautifully! I always look forward to seeing what you will do next!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rebecca! I love to be able to add unexpected details like the drawers! XOXO
Leanne Smook says
Another masterpiece. All that hard work really paid off. I also have a black hutch. My grandfather was a self-taugh (but excellent) carpenter who also used to fix up old houses to sell. When fixing up a cottage in Hout Bay in Cape Town he removed a couple of art nouveau stained glass windows from the house, but keep them and used them as doors on the hutch he made the year I was born. He stained the whole hutch ebony and it looks stunning. I inherited it after my grandparents died and it’s one of my favourite pieces of furniture – because it’s beautiful and because it has huge sentimental value. Your hutch reminds me of it so much. It’s a real stunner. Well done!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Leanne! I love that you have such a beautiful family heirloom…I bet it is incredible!! XOXO
Chris K says
I love all your projects! I inherited my mother’s dresser from when she was young and want to refinish it. What is the difference between chalk paint and silk, is one easier to use (for beginners like me!), etc.!!
Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Chris! I break down the differences in detail here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-use-silk-all-in-one-mineral-paint-whats-the-difference/ I hope it’s helpful! XOXO
Liliane says
Hello Christy,
What an amazing and beautiful transformation. The black was such a perfect choice with your collection of ironstone. Love all your transformations.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Liliane! Paint really did wonders for this piece! XOXO
Matuga says
You accomplished a great makeover but I do not see the stage where you worked to put in the upper shelves which are what really changed this ungainly, tall thing, into a work of beauty. That was a lot of waste space up there but now that space is useful and in proportion to the overall size.
Christy says
Thank you, Matuga! The shelves came with it and were just lying flat in the bottom in the before photo. They are held in place by shelf pegs like most shelving. 🙂 XOXO
Jennifer says
This is just lovely! Thanks for the tips on the dowels. That will really help with those early American pieces – they loved those spindles! Also, that fabric is stunning! How did you adhere it? It looks a bit heavy, so thinking something firmer than Mod Podge. Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Jennifer! You’re welcome! They sure did love their spindles ha ha! The fabric is a bit on the thick side, but Mod Podge still worked perfectly to adhere it! XOXO