Hello lovelies! I am so glad you stopped by today! Thank you for all the love on my laundry room makeover…I should share room makeovers more often!!
I thought it was time to meet with my Furniture Fixer Upper girls today, but I was a week ahead, so I’ll be solo today sharing this cabinet that my dad built:
Years ago, for about 15ish years, my parents and I did several craft markets a year together. This is one of the cabinets my dad had left from those days. My mom would paint them with beautiful designs on them. When my dad was cleaning out his storage room over the garage, he offered this to me, so lucky for me, this project piece was FREE! Thanks, dad!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
My inspiration
When I was looking through my transfer stash for the rest of the Rose Celebration transfer that I used on this dresser so that I could create a matching set with this drum table I shared last week, I also came across what was left of this transfer:
This one is called Somewhere in France, and you can find it in my Etsy shop HERE.
I used two of the three panels from it on my favorite furniture makeover of 2020:
So, with one panel left, I was inspired by that dresser to give this little cabinet a similar makeover. It was also a challenge to see if I could add the same sophistication!
Challenge accepted!
Painting the Cabinet
I started by sanding all over to smooth out the wood finish using 220 grit sandpaper.
Normally, I would have primed the raw wood, but I went straight to painting, giving this cabinet two coats of Caviar and it did just fine:
Then I sanded lightly all over again with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around and old foam sanding sponge. I made sure not to hit the corners too hard since I did not want a distressed look for this piece and did not want the raw wood to show through.
Adding the transfer
Then I cut apart pieces of my transfer to add them where I wanted them to go. Applying transfers is as easy as peeling off the backing, laying the top piece on your surface, and burnishing the transfer onto your surface using the included tool:
Once the image was transferred, I peeled the top layer off slowly. (If any of the transfer remains on the top, lay it back down and burnish some more. You do have to be careful where you place it, because once it touches down, it is pretty much stuck!)
Sealing the finish
Once I had all the pieces of transfer where I wanted them, I sealed the entire piece. For dark pieces, you will get a nicer finish if you add just a touch of paint to your sealer.
I dipped my stir stick into the paint and that is all I added to my Satin Clear Coat:
It makes for a lovely finish and prevents the “ghosting” you get when you run your finger across a dark painted piece. I used my blue sponge applicator to apply it.
The big reveal
And here is how this cabinet turned out:
It may not be as sophisticated as the inspiration piece, but it is certainly more so than it was before!
There are so many possibilities with a small cabinet like this!
The panels would have been perfect with something in them like fabric or decoupage paper, but I didn’t want all the attention to go there.
And how about this mirror?
Isn’t she gorgeous?? Would you believe I found her at the thrift store for only $9.98? Just look at the details!
I’ve had this for a couple of years. I definitely wanted to keep it, but I really don’t want to paint it, and I have yet to find a space for it, so I will continue to store in my storage room for now.
I kept the inside of this cabinet simple and just painted it Caviar also.
For the drawers, I took another cue from the inspiration piece and painted them with stripes in Caviar and Fluff:
I love FrogTape for delicate surfaces for this. You can see how I measure out perfect stripes without math HERE.
I really wanted to use glass pulls for this piece, but I didn’t have enough of one kind or two sets that worked well together, so I opted for these brass pulls that came off of another piece:
They were aged just perfectly to match this piece:
And for the bottom, I chose these to coordinate that also came off of another piece at one time:
Just right and both sets were FREE!
This cabinet didn’t cost me anything out of pocket, actually, since I used a left over transfer, the hardware came off other pieces, and my dad gave me the cabinet! Woot woot!
And another one done woohoo!
Revisit any of these makeovers at the links below:
Cabinet Door turned Shelf
Painting the Smalls, Holiday Edition (Five of these pieces are in this post!)
Kudzu Painted Side Table
REPURPOSED HEADBOARD AND FOOTBOARD
VINTAGE SECRETARY DESK MAKEOVER
$3 THRIFT STORE HEADBOARD REPURPOSED
WALL CABINET REPURPOSED
WINDSOR ROCKER MAKEOVER
DROPLEAF TABLE AND CHAIRS MAKEOVER
Before I go, I wanted to announce that Dixie Belle’s newest line of paint, Silk, should be delivered today!!
This new line is mineral-based instead of chalk-based. It is a whole new kind of paint with a built-in topcoat that will be perfect for pieces that you do not want a distressed look for! I am SO excited to try it out, and actually, it would have been perfect for today’s project!
I usually get my deliveries around 11:00 am, so I am hoping to have it unpacked, photographed, and listed in my online shop by this afternoon! It comes in just the 16oz size and will retail for $24.95.
Here is the Hamptons-inspired color palette:
Lovely! I’ll be testing it out on this little cutie this weekend:
I hope you have an amazing weekend!!
UPDATE: This sweet chair is done! See it HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
WOWZA!! I love how that turned out. Your dads furniture that he built is amazing. Your transformation takes it over the top!! I think that piece turned out so cute, and anyone could find a place in there home for that one. Your dad will be proud of what you did to this piece, it is a work of art. I would come to buy it if I didn’t live in Michigan!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! It’s such a great size too and could fit in just about any space! Stay warm, my friend! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! What a cute cabinet. I love that transfer and I really love that mirror. Wow, have you tried the satin paint? I hear you are not supposed to use any water. There are a. Couple of colors I would like to try but I dont know if I would like it. Let me k no ow what you think.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I have not tried the paint yet and cannot wait to get my hands on it! My shipment was supposed to arrive yesterday, but got pushed back to today so hoping today is the day! No, you’re not supposed to add water, but it is thinner and silkier, so that shouldn’t be necessary anyway. I’ll definitely report back! XOXO
Christina says
Beautiful transformation Christy! Your dad has some serious skills. Clearly you learned much from him. 🙂 The cabinet looks positively marvelous in its new color and transfers. The hardware/jewelery is perfect.
Can’t wait to hear more about the Silk product line.
Have a wonderful weekend!! (I’m betting you’ll be quick about putting the Silk in your booth.)
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! It was fun adding a totally different look to this piece than what my parents once did. And yes, I am so grateful that both of my parents are creative! You know I’ll be running to my booth ASAP with my Silk ha ha! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Sharon says
Good morning! It’s Thursday and I checked my email for your make over first thing! I love it! The transformation is amazing and I love the details you incorporate , the knobs and inside of the drawers are sweet. Good job!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sharon! I had fun with this one! XOXO
Mrg says
As always your posts are the first I look for. You never disappoint and always inspire. Love this adorable cabinet. What I want to share with you on this one is how cute you staged this. I think you could do a whole post on staging your pieces. By adding the boots you show scale, adding the mirror you show how it can be in a vignette of elegance. I could go on and on. And your graphic in the pic of what it is with your website is brilliant.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Meg! I really appreciate that. Staging the photos is one of my favorite things! XOXO
Shirley Lange says
The Chest and the mirror were made for each other; both are gorgeous. If you re selling these two they won’t be around long. The transfer was the sophisticated touch you were looking for. You never cease to amaze me, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shirley! The dresser sold a while back, but maybe the buyer will stop in and see this? That would be awesome! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
This piece is going to fly out the door Christie!
Gorgeous!
Very curious about this new mineral paint too!!
Woohoo!
Have a great weekend!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Toby! And yes, I am curious too!! My Fed Ex guy drove right by, so I stopped him on the way back past and he said my paint is on another truck boo hoo…I’m so impatient ha ha! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
I would have done the same thing!! Lol!!
Christy says
Ha ha! I did finally get it around 3:00 woot woot! XOXO
Cecilia says
Beautiful! I actually love the brass knobs with this piece; they pair perfectly with the transfer. It looks great! Have a great weekend!
😊 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I’m so glad I was able to use up those knobs too! XOXO
Janice Holt says
What a cute little cabinet and the Caviar is my favorite color of paint. The dresser is one of my top picks also. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I love Caviar too! Enjoy your weekend also, my friend! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
What a wonderful makeover! I love the caviar black. The transfer really sets the cabinet off and I think I like the gold pulls rather than the glass ones you were thinking about using. As always, I love to see inside drawers, cabinets, etc. A nice touch with the stripes. I agree with another comment above. You obviously got your talent for building and rebuilding from your dad. I also remember your saying your mother does some painting as well. What a lucky gal to have two talented parents, especially when they gift something they created to you to refresh! This would be a nice piece in any home, whether it is farmhouse or traditional style. A win-win. Thanks as usual for sharing. Can’t wait till Tuesday for another beautiful creation! Have a wonderful weekend.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! I’m glad I went with the brass pulls also. And yes, I am very blessed to have two creative parents! Have an amazing weekend! XOXO
Dorothy Loose says
That looks so rich and sophisticated done in that colour and the transfer just works so well. Christy is Caviar a chalk paint or mineral paint? This turned out so well, you
Just have such great taste and talent. Well done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dorothy! Caviar is chalk based…it is one of my favorites! I did just get in a lovely black mineral paint from Dixie Belle’s new SILK line yesterday called Anchor, which I am excited to try! XOXO
Liz says
Gorgeous like everything you do!!! I finally got to the piece that I consulted with you about (manatee gray & the silver). I’m pleased with how it turned it. Going to try to send you the pics I think I have your email somewhere !! Happy New Year!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Liz! Your dresser turning out absolutely stunning!! Thank you so much for sharing it with me! XOXO
Wendy Keliher says
Beautiful Christy – you inspire me to keep being creative!! I can’t wait to hear about the Silk line. Do you think they would work better for cabinets?? Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks – Wendy
Christy says
Aww thank you, Wendy! I unpacked the Silk yesterday…I’m going to play with it this weekend, so I’ll share my thoughts on Tuesday! XOXO
Teresa Farrell says
Another awesome transformation. Love it. So excited that you are getting the silk paints🤗. Please let me know what you think of them. Excited to try, but want a first hand review from you first.😁Have fun unpacking and displaying….Look forward to ordering. Have a great day
Christy says
Thank you, Teresa! I unpacked them all yesterday. I am going to play with them this weekend (so excited!) and report back on Tuesday!! Have a fantastic weekend! XOXO
Deborah Mealus says
I can see that your talent is genetic! The transformation is lovely and I can’t wait to hear your feedback on the new silk mineral paint from Dixie Belle.
Christy says
Thank you, Deborah! I’m going to try it out this weekend, and I’ll share my thoughts on Tuesday! XOXO
Mariele Storm says
I love this!! It’s so elegant now. And I think it looks better with brass pulls, actually–really plays up that gold lettering. You have such an eye for these makeovers. Can’t wait to see what you do with the new paint, too.
P.S. I can’t be the only one that reads “Leroy” without thinking of “LEEROY… JEEENKINS!” I ended up giggling through the rest of the post, lol!
Christy says
Thank you, Mariele! And I had to look that reference up lol…does that mean I’m old? Ha ha! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Turned out so cute; love the caviar! And words to live by: “You do have to be careful where you place it, because once it touches down, it is pretty much stuck!)”, as that sounds like a tape malfunction I had today when mailing out an etsy order, LOL!! Happy Thursday!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! And yes! That happens to me often when adding the shipping labels to my paint orders also ha ha! XOXO
Bev says
Love the whole piece. I think the knobs are perfect for this cabinet. I may have painted the inside a aqua or fuchsia color. (Just me)
Your work is all gorgeous.
Christy says
Thank you, Bev! I really wanted to add a different color to the insides, but I just couldn’t decide on what would go with the scheme I had and in the end, just decided to keep it simple! XOXO
dodie says
wow! that’s one beaute!
Christy says
Thank you, Dodie! XOXO
Addie says
I am a sucker for anything with the black paint…..LOVE it!!!! Those are my favorite pieces. The black totally changed the vibe of what the cabinet first started as…Good Job…as always!!!
Have a good weekend…we are expecting snow…YAY!!!! A Hulu weekend for me…without the guilt!!!! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Addie! I really love it too! Enjoy your snow day ha ha! XOXO
Phyllis says
I really like the transformation. When you apply colour to a finish, doesn’t it distort the transfer? I have never used a transfer yet.
Christy says
Thank you, Phyllis! It might if your transfer was a very light color, but it didn’t change this one at all. XOXO
Rosie says
Turned out great! I really like that colour, rich looking!
Christy says
Thank you, Rosie! XOXO
Petra says
This piece looks fabulous – and it absolutely should be sold with that mirror – it’s the perfect little combo! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! They are lovely together for sure! XOXO
Vicki Lombardi says
Christy- Love this! Your top favorites from 2020 post on January 5 inspired me to order The Somewhere in France transfer which came YESTERDAY! I love this new little chest with the transfer you did and am truly inspired to do a similar project! I am also excited about the new Silk Mineral paint. I look forward to your posts every Tuesday and Thursday! Can’t wait to see what you do next! Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Oh yay!! I love that transfer, and I love that you can use it all together as is or cut it up like I did for this project! I got my Silk yesterday and I’ll be playing with it this weekend, so I’ll report back with my thoughts on Tuesday! Happy weekend to you too, and have fun with your new transfer!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Well, this will surely be on the top favorites of 2021! I love how you added the gold knobs and stripes with the black hinges! Well done, my friend! I have a jar of caviar but for some reason I am hesitant to use it. I guess I am afraid it will streak when I seal it. I put a tad of color (navy) when I sealed with Gator Hide and it still had some issues. I worked until I got the streaks out and will try sealing with Clear Coat next time. It is definitely a learning process and you are a great source of information.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cecilia! I use the Clear Coat and apply it with the sponge, but what really helps is adding a tiny amount of paint to your sealer first. I have found that this makes for a much nicer finish on dark pieces. You can see another way to to get a flawless outcome with Gator Hide using 0000 steel wool in this video by Aj’s Vintage Designs: https://fb.watch/3azNVHddyx/ Have a great weekend! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!! That turned out absolutely amazing. I love the choices you made for it. Well done, Christy! What did your father think?
And I love that mirror just as it is. I’d never get rid of that gold – it’s gorgeous.
Grats on the new kind of paint. It sounds awesome and the colors are wow.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! He stopped by yesterday and I totally forgot to ask him lol. He would tell me it was nice either way though. And yes, I agree that the mirror is perfect as is! Looking forward to playing with my new paint this weekend! XOXO
Sharon GD says
I am loving this! I have a jewelry box and I want to do a french motif for my granddaughter. I like the transfers on this. Thanks for posting!AND, the stripes in the drawers really give it Va Va Voom!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! The transfers really make it easy to update so many things…have fun with your jewelry box! XOXO
Sharon H says
Oh my goodness! This is the result of a creative VISION, LOL! Seriously, I was excited to see how this piece would turn out and as usual, you did not disappoint. Although…..I can’t imagine letting it go because your Dad made it….but I also know you can’t keep “everything”. Question: I’m a little confused on the actual color of Caviar, so is it more black or is it more of a dark gray? I’m not into gray, but I love black finished pieces, and I’m also totally smitten with coffee bean! Have a great weekend and I’m looking forward to next week’s blog!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sharon! I’m so glad you like how it turned out! This is a true, perfect black and one of my favorites! It just makes everything so sleek. I like Coffee Bean too! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Olga says
Now i do believe in love from the first sight – she is a beauty!
Christy – you are such a talent, i’m happy to be a follower!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Olga! I am thrilled to have you following along with me! XOXO
Astrid says
I love how the black paint looks so smooth! I sometimes have trouble with streaks when I use black paint (might be the brands that I have tried?). Gorgeous makeover!
Christy says
Thank you, Astrid! I add just a tiny bit of paint to my sealer and that helps to give a lovely finish! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Your pieces have such a smooth finish. I tried putting some navy in Gator Hide and it was ok but not great. I will try the clear coat if I paint another dark piece. I can’t decide which silk color I like best so I’ll just take one of each….not really! Have a great week!
Christy says
Do you sand your chalk painted pieces after painting? That gives a really nice smooth finish. I’m not sure I’ve tried using the gator hide with a little bit of paint in it, but the clearcoat does work great. And ha ha…I’ll pack up one of everything! The good thing about the silk is, you don’t even have to worry about a sealer! XOXO