Cream Cabinet Makeover

By Kate Riley February 2, 2010

I’ve been reflecting on my master bedroom, and its décor and I’ve concluded it’s pretty nice so far, but in need of some modern upgrades.  I’m really seeking to take the bedroom to the next level.  You know, add some elegant wainscoting, change up the art display, add some dramatic sconces, some upholstered seating, and perhaps a glitzy mirror above the bed.  Really glam it up a with a hint of that Old Hollywood style.

Our master gets morning light, but becomes really dark in the afternoon and evening.  For the longest time, I was looking for a mirrored buffet like this one from Z Gallerie to put under the front window to pull light into the space.  Plus, I have a storage issue in my bedroom.  I have several dozen half finished books that I’m committed to reading, so they simply cannot leave the room.  And a ton of magazines piling up again.  Yet all of those books and magazines were collecting dust and I really needed a storage solution for my bedtime reading material.

Enter this downtrodden substitute from the local thrift store.

sideboard before

A beautiful piece of cabinetry in my eyes, but sad too.  I can tell that someone wanted to fix her up, but gave up.  Perhaps because the top and side panels are veneer and not real wood.  Or perhaps because this piece had taken a lot of abuse.

sideboard scratched

I saw so much potential here, and also a storage solution!  So I paid $25 dollars at the local St. Vincent de Paul thrift and brought it home.  As you know from last week’s ode to Opulence Pearl paint, I got to thinking that I could refinish the piece in a cream color, then glaze it with my new found best friend.

With my newest fixation on metallic finishes, I must tell you that I came so very close to giving it an antique silver finish. I even considered silver leafing it.  But then I realized I had a bronze thing going on in the master bedroom space.

See?

lladro and mirror

As tempted as I was, I decided this cabinet refinished in silver in this space might be too Vegasy (is that a word?).  So I live to silver leaf another day.

I have absolutely no use for another wood tone in this room and the existing linens are cream.  Besides, I like to mix painted pieces with wood furniture.  So I opted to paint it in a cream color, and give it a  pearlescent glaze.  Here are the three tools I used to transform:  Zinsser primer, Rustoleum’s ‘Heirloom White’ latex in a can (can you believe it?) and Pratt & Lambert’s Opulence Pearl, all purchased from Orchard Supply & Hardware (OSH).

paint trifecta

Plus some new knobs from Anthropologie.

antique bronze crystal knobs

Love !

I sanded, then primed with Zinsser.

sand and prime

Then I gave it two coats of Heirloom White in latex.  The final third coat was a blend of one part Heirloom White to three parts Opulence Pearl, both latex paints.

Here she is After:

sideboard after

side panel after

anthro knobs

The existing linens in the room are a cream damask pattern.  Hmmm.  Then I really got to thinking.  Why not play off this pattern ?

existing linens in room

So I had a crazy clever idea.  I really like this etched look on these panels, like on these pieces that I featured yesterday.

comparison

I really love this carved detail.  It separates these pieces from the crowd and really makes them one of a kind.

On my piece, the inner panels of this cabinet separate from the door.  So I had this paintable patterned wallpaper that I plan on using in another top secret project to be revealed whenever I get around to it.

Available at Lowes:

Paintable Wallpaper 003

Excuse me, but whomever invented paintable textured wallpaper, let me kiss your ring.

I clipped off four sections, painted and glazed the wallpaper, then attached it to the removable inner panels to give it that etched panel look.

wallpaper panels sideboard

wallpaper panels from side

Cool, huh.  Reversible panels.  Two looks in one.

Seriously, they reverse with just a few tiny screws.  Takes five minutes.

I had the finished edge mirror custom made to fit the top of thsi cabinet for $60 dollars.  Pricey, but worth it since it pulls so much light into the room, and gives off a really beautiful reflection.

Whether it’s crystal and costume jewelry.

jewelry reflection

. . .or blooms and colored glass.

aubergine urn

Here’s a peek at the pearlescent sheen up close.  Keep in mind this is three parts Opulence Pearl to one part Heirloom White paint.  I know it’s called ‘Heirloom White’ but it’s really a cream color in my eyes.

I thought two coats of the Opulence Pearl on top of the Heirloom White was too shiny for this piece, so I mixed the paint with the glaze to arrive at the perfect subtle pearl sheen.

pearlescent sheen up close

Plain panels:

plain panels side view

‘Etched’ wallpaper panels:

sideboard with urn

So which look did I settle on?  I remain undecided.  In truth, I like them both.  One little voice says “Oh, the plain panels, they’re so elegant!” and the other voice hollers back “You wallpapered the inside panels ?  You go girl !”

So as you can see, I am torn.

What say you?

Linking:

Visit thecsiproject.com

275 comments

  1. The textured panels rock! I put that in my dining room and painted it white. I LOVE LOVE it…It adds just a little something to your cabinet doors. Just ENOUGH something!

  2. I LOVE IT! So pretty. I was thinking yesterday that I want to get some of that paint!!! And not I am looking at my dresser… hmmm. Great job. I love the wallpaper pattern better than the plain! Thanks for sharing!

  3. LOVE the “etched” panels! It looks so crisp and clean! What a great and inexspensive way to jazz up a room! Great job!

  4. So lovely! I would keep the patterned panels, because they really bring something special. The paint, mirror, and pattern add just enough glitz and glamour – but not too much. I think this is one of my favorites of your many awesome re-dos!

  5. Shut the front door, this is AMAZING! Seriously, can you get any more talented. I think not. I love the wallpapered panels.

    Bravo!

  6. Ooo, so pretty! I love the textured panels too. And I took your advice and picked up the Valspar version of the pearly finish and so far I have painted a tray, a pitcher and a birdie with it, over cream paint. My daughter thinks that I will soon paint the whole house in it, as I love it so. You rescued a worthy piece of furniture and made it beautiful!

  7. I loooove it! my weekend disasters in projects had me swearing off projects but you just inspired me to keep at it! thanks!! where did you find the paintable patterned wallpaper I have never seen this! it looks great, and I would leave the patterned panels, adds that extra omph :)

  8. I strongly prefer the textured panels. The plain ones are just a tad too sterile for my taste. Before you showed the mirrored top, I was thinking the panels would look great mirrored. Is the paper permanently affixed or is it something you can swap out on a whim? Y’know, with animal print? :-)

  9. I am in awe of your talent! You make doing something like this so easy and yet if I tried it I would probably fail miserably :) I definitely like the etched panels better. Gives it that much more custom look. Amazing job either way though!!

  10. I really like that! I may need to copy part of it…at least the paint color choice. Way to go!!

  11. I love it! What a transformation. I also like the textured panels and would go with that, but since we can’t really see it in context I’m sure you know best. I am pretty new to your blog and just wanted to let you know how much I love it. You are so inspiring!

  12. This is wonderful, Most Amazing Little One!! I love it! You are so creative and talented! You’re good too!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

  13. This is absolutely beautiful. I would never had guessed that this very sad looking wood buffet could be so gorgeous. You have vision girl! I opt for the textured panels…love texture!! ~judi ;)

  14. The cabinet is AMAZING!!! I’ve been trying to find a dresser to fix up for my room and this post is completely inspirational :D I love it!!

  15. I’m gonna have to say the plain panels. The etched still looks like wallpaper to me. But the piece turned out gorgeous. What a great find. And I love the glass on top, so worth it. Can’t wait to see your super secret project.

  16. Exquisite! Why pick which side of the panels you want facing out when they are so easy to change?!?! Leave it plain for a month or so and then change it to the textured side. I think either way this piece is amazing and you are fantastically creative. I can’t wait to see what you do next!

  17. Its one of my favourites! Well done you! Can I ask what Latex paint is and why its better for painting? Did you brush or spray? I brushed, it looked bad, then I sprayed and the can ran out really quickly.

    Also, another question! How do you “finish” it? can you get pearlescent varnish or something? I dont want all my matt projects looking shiny!! thanks so much

  18. Wow. How do you do it? That is a fantastic piece. I like it both ways honestly, but the wallpaper kicks it up a notch. It’s interesting that you say HW is more creamy….I have dark woodtones in my Master and am looking for a creamy color. I might need to send you an image and get your opinion!

  19. my jaw hit the floor on BOTH of these. I love this piece so much. I’ve now been inspired to drive a UHaul from my father’s house in MD to my home in AL all over again. I have some great night stands and a large dresser that have a similar feel to them (doors etc). I would love to have them here with me to do this to.

  20. I love the wallpapered side!! And good choice to mix the pearl finish with the paint…just right! Wonder what it would look like if you dry-brushed some bronze paint on the wallpaper to antique it a bit? (you did say bronze in the room right?)

  21. I like the detail of the textured wallpaper, but I get tired and bored easily and my aesthetic always needs something new to fuel my creative side. I like change so when you get tired of one side, change to the other. It will be like putting a new piece of jewelry on your furniture. I love the glass top. That makes it look very crisp and modern.
    I think I remember that you are going to Blissdom. Have fun and enjoy. Wish I could go too – to meet you.
    My best-Diane

  22. that piece screamed “make me over” – what a find!! I love what you did with it, esp. the wall paper panels.
    Hmm, I wonder how it would look if those inside panels were mirrors….. ya know, for sometime in the future when you get bored and feel like playing around :)

  23. OK, you knocked this one WAY OUTTA THE PARK! Its so gorg! I like the panels with the wallpaper, myself. But both ways are delicious. Its looks like a million bucks. Keep ’em coming, you go girl!

  24. (lovemychampagnetaste) as usual… FABULOUS! Your room resembles mine.. I wanted to make it my mission to have a romantic old hollywood feel in my bedroom! still a work in progress but its so much fun!

  25. Oh WOW I love them both – You inspired me to go look for the Pearl paint option that Lowes had but couldn’t find it – is this a glaze or an actual paint?

    Love you blog and your creativity,
    Sylvia

  26. Absolutely STUNNING!!!! I like the doors without the textured wallpaper. So much more elegant! GORGEOUS!

  27. AMAZING! You inspire me again. You definitely have to use the wallpapered side of the panels.

  28. This cabinet is amazing — I suddenly really want to go paint something! And, I love the wallpaper side — the texture is simply amazing.

  29. This looks awesome! It shows how much you can do with really fugly stuff with great bones. Beautiful! I like the idea of being able to switch sides when you feel like it. Change it up – they both look great!

  30. The wallpapered panels – hands down. They add a certain je ne sais quoi to the piece and totally update it.

  31. Wow-you have outdone yourself here. This piece turned out beautifully. As for the with or without question…tough call. I tend to be a less is more person, but in this case…I really like the texture the wallpaper adds. You can’t go wrong either way.

    Sue

  32. WOW! How amazing this turned out!!!! I love, love, love the wallpapered fronts…GORGEOUS!

  33. Beautiful! I have 3 pieces that are laminate/veneer that I would love to paint, and I think that this technique might be perfect. The textured panels are fabulous!

  34. I thought it looked great, then you added the wallpaper.
    Now I think it looks brilliant!

  35. Love the new piece! The wallpapered side is outstanding. But I’m wondering where you got the shiny pillow pictured with your existing linens! Lovely!

  36. Oh thanks so much everyone, looks like you all pretty much vote for the paper ! Sorry I forgot to add the link about the wallpaper earlier, but anyway, the pic is now in the post. It’s available at Lowes for about $20 a roll.

    Kate

  37. Definitely the wall paper version. Q? Where did you find the glass for the top? Sorry if I missed this information in the post but I was so smitten by the cabinet makeover I only had eyes for the pictures. :)

  38. I love them both. It’s a hard call. But the plain panels make the knobs ‘pop’ a little more, so I’m voting for the plain ones!!!! :)
    Beautiful!

  39. *picking jaw up from floor* okay…both looks are fab, but try the wallpaper look for a while and if you aren’t feeling it, you have the option to go back to all white! After all, you are the finisher! Excellent job!

  40. L.O.V.E.

    I used a paintable wallpaper as a wainscoting in my girls’ Parisian bath remodel. Pics will be on my website soon. I just painted over it with the “metallic pearl” from Lowes. I think it’s “signature metals” or something like that. Not helpful, sorry, but it’s just a slight pearly sheen. I’m thinking very similar to the one you bought. Anyways…so so so pretty. Great job!

  41. You know, I liked it plain. i was thinking “okay, good job. I can do that.” But THEN you pulled out the wallpaper. And it blew me away. I would never have thought to do that!! I think it takes it up several notches. It instantly added a couple hundred dollars to the final look. (Actually more if you don’t look closely – cause it looks like carving!) Beautifully done.

  42. To be honest, you need a full shot to make a true call on the piece as a whole. But if I had to vote on the comparison images alone…wallpapered. (And that was a toughie) Censational job!!!

  43. OH MY GOD. That is FABULOUS!!!!!!!! It just keeps getting better as I scroll down the page… how beautiful!! And lucky for the rest of us there are plenty of those hanging around thrift stores..

  44. Swoon, I’, dying here, it’s too beautiful for words. I am going thrifting tomorrow and copying your look-so beautiful. I love the textured look, but why not switch it up-one look for each season? What was the final tally?

  45. I LOVE the wallpaper panels!!! I love some pieces white and some I don’t. This piece is TDF with those wallpaper panels there. Leave them. They add a bit of pizzazz.

  46. Hi, I had a question for you…I have a vintage inspired claw foot desk I got for real cheap on craigslist unfortunately I don’t think its all real wood…first off how can you tell? Second should latex paints always be the tool of choice when dealing with wood that’s not all real? And do you sand it down with regular sand paper prior to priming it? Thanks so much!

  47. Go with the wallpapered side..it adds that extra special ‘something’. Congratz on another awesome project!
    Smiles, DianeM :)

  48. Beautiful work! The glory of this is you only have to choose one for a while, then when you get tired of it, change it to the other side! I say use the smooth panel for fall and winter, and the etched panel for spring and summer. ;-)

  49. Oh, Kate- that’s gorgeous! It looks lovely either way, but I think I’m on team “you go, girl!” Loving the texture of the wallpaper!

  50. I am not torn! I think you are a girl genius with the paintable wallpaper inserts! I have looked at the glitzy metallic post at least five times since Monday and the carved fronts are my favorites.

  51. This is AMAZING!!!!! I think putting the textured wallpaper on was pure genius and I’m voting for that look – but it’s simply to-die-for that you have two options you can change whenever the mood strikes! BRAVO!

  52. I am so inspired! I’m madly looking around the room right now for something to paint and wallpaper!!! What a fabulous “after”!

  53. Truly amazing! My jaw was to the ground on this one. It is just fabulous!!!! So jealous…

  54. Love it!! You did a great job as always. My vote is for the wallpaper as well. It just gives it that extra something. Either way, it’s simply beautiful!

  55. This weekend I found 6 rolls of textured wallpaper at Goodwill for $1 a roll, all still in their original packaging. I didn’t know what I was going to do with them, but now I do! Thanks for sharing another fabulous project!

  56. I sighed audibly at your initial reveal with the plain panels…beautiful transformation! But when I got to the wallpaper panels, I let out an audible gasp…stunning! You do great work girl and continue to inspire me!

  57. This is just too, too beautiful. Love the etched panels – so understated yet adds texture to all the cream. Really love the knobs. I am in awe of this transformation!!

  58. This turned out great. Do you put a protective coat of something on after you are done painting to keep it from chipping?

  59. Nice job, Kate! I love the way the color turned out and the mirror on top ~ genius, instead of just using plain glass. I like the panels both ways. Maybe you could alternate every six months ~ plain for Spring/Summer and textured for Fall/Winter.

  60. I LOVE the wallpaper. I’ve been swooning over paintable wallpaper for the last week. I can’t wait to put it to good use!

  61. wow! I’m so inspired! I have a cabinet from my grandmother that looks so similar…with reversable inserts….hmmm….do i dare paint it….walpaper it…?! The finish is so old and needs a makeover soooo bad. Ooooo….Thanks for Sharing! I’m so excited!!

  62. i would definitely go for the wallpaper panels!! you can always change them later.. and they add so much originality.. looks like you paid top dollar for that piece!! good job!!!!

  63. The addition of the textured wallpaper on the door panels was INSPIRED. Wow! This makes me want to throw everything else I need to do today out the window and get to work on the buffet I got at Goodwill right after New Year’s. Too bad it doesn’t have any removable panels I could put textured wallpaper on!

  64. What a gorgeous makeover, I love it! I didn’t know they made paintable wallpaper, what a great idea!
    Thanks for sharing :)

  65. AHH! I love this!!!!! I have a similar dresser that is on my list to redo and I love the wallpapered panels! Keep those for sure! This is fantastic! I love the iridescent look and the metallic look, I am incorporating that into my bedroom thanks to your suggestion months ago! I am posting about it this week!:)

  66. oh, I’m totally in love with this! You always come up with the right solutions…
    My fav would be the wallpapered panels, it adds a great texture to it all.

  67. This is such a beautiful makeover! I am curious to see what you did with the insides of the buffet, do you have any photos?

  68. they’re both gorgeous, if you ask me. personally if i could keep only one side showing i might go with the plain side. with all the other things you have going on in the room, you won’t miss the etched paper…but in the end, you did such an amazing job with this piece. i’d buy it in a heartbeat! lurve it!

  69. I am in love with this project and not ashamed to say I am doing this to my bedroom furniture! Love the wallpaper!
    Thank you!!!

  70. Kate this is awesome!!! The mirror on top is my favorite part. Oh, and those knobs……WOW. It’s so beautiful. Great job, as always.

  71. WOW! This is absolutely stunning!! I really love the wallpapered panels. You did a wonderful job! Thanks so much for sharing.

  72. Seriously amazing!!! I’ve been wanting to paint my ugle bedroom furniture white but I’ve had such bad luck. I did a dresser for my daughter’s room and the top already pretty much ruined. I sanded and primed, but it’s like it never quite set or something. We had a fan on it last summer and where the feet sat it pulled the paint off. Any tips?

  73. What a beautiful transformation! I really like the idea of the paintable wall paper and I think both are really beautiful but I think I like the one with the wallpaper because it makes it unique. I also love the idea of the mirror on top. Great project… I am going to try this with a cabinet in my dinning room. Probably won’t go with the mirror for mine because my interior is less formal. Will use glass instead but the rest of it…absolutely!

  74. Love, love, love it!!! The etched panels! And I like how you decided to use mirror for the top.

  75. Absolutely beautiful! I like the etched panels myself, even though I lean toward clean modern style most of the time.

  76. I like the plain panels because of the knobs. I don’t think the knobs are quite right for the textured option.

  77. This is INCREDIBLE! I’d love to see a pic zoomed out, so we can see how the new piece looks in the room!

    Also, I vote for the wallpapered panels. It just adds so much texture and interest, and it makes the piece one-of-a-kind. You’re incredibly talented, and if you started a design consulting business, I’d totally hire you!

  78. I suspect the popular vote is coming out in favor of the wallpapered side! We like them because they’re creative and unusual :)

  79. This cabinet looks fantastic. I love the panels both ways.

    I made your chicken tortilla soup and it is my new favorite soup of all time! My husband loved it too (and he is not a “soup person”). Thanks again for sharing. I am so glad to have your recipe.

  80. What a find! It looks beautiful. I’ve been searching for that perfect piece from craigslist and local thrift stores to re-do too. But this looks great.

  81. So you painted over veneer? Have you done this before? How does it stand up to wear and tear? I have all kinds of things that are veneer that I want to paint over, but I’m oh-so-frightened!

  82. What a fabulous job! And how fun that you can change it out at will….. the best part is how much book and magazine storage you get along with the beauty… Sure beats the plastic and cardboard under my bed! Your whole house is so gorgeous and chock full of wonders! The master bath is too beautiful… thanks for all you share…. Inspired!

  83. I love it! Can I ask where you got the glass top? I refinished a desk a couple months ago and have been wanting to find a glass top for it. Any advice? Thanks!

  84. I’m headed out first thing in the morning to buy this paint, wait a minute, better head to my local Thrift store first and find something to paint!
    Love it,
    Heather

  85. That is GUH-OR-GEOUS!!!! Love both “looks” but the textured side wins, it looks like a million bucks! Great job. I gotta get me some of that textured wallpaper.
    Thanks for posting this!
    Patti

  86. Who hasn’t seen this exact type of cabinet at a thrift store (or their mama’s back room) and thought it a hopelessly out of date piece — but alas, you have done it again, made it beautiful and timeless and elegant. I prefer the panels with the texture – it would fit right into my own bedroom thank you very much! Well done, just lovely!

  87. Loved the etch look.
    This cabinet is divine!
    Gosh, you are so talented.

    I am using your blog for inspiration to redo my bedroom while dh is out of town for awhile.
    Hee hee.

  88. It looks beautiful!! Fantastic job!! I like it both ways but my fav is without the wallpaper.

  89. Oh my! I saw a very similar hutch at a local thrift store that I am beating myself up for not buying. I love it both ways. I tend to like a clean line/simpler furniture so I am leaning toward the plan panels but really like the wallpapered ones too. That wall paper would look fab behind a bookcase! Ooo…got to go get some!

  90. Nicely done!!!! The wall paper panels are just the thing to give it, well the more refined look. The mirrored top was a Centsational idea. I’ve seen dozens of those cabinets and I think they belong at the dumps. However, your transformation is just amazing!!! Yet again, you’re simply amazing!!!!!

  91. Totally love it! Beautiful!

    I used paper like that in my dining room, just the bottom of the wall, love it!

    You do such good work! I wish I had a piece to do like that! We have old 80’s oak b/room furniture. Can’t for the life of me figure out how to redo it!. Has rounded edges and is solid as a rock.

    Toodles,

    L

  92. Oh my that looks so lovely! I am redoing my little girl’s room and the theme is Marie Antoinette (inspiration is the movie with Kirsten Dunst) and you just convinced me to paint her bed this color. It is gorgeous!
    One question – did you use rollers or a paint brush to paint your piece? It looks awesome with no streak marks from a brush. I want to have a very smooth finish for her bed. What did you use/recommend?

    thanks,
    sarah

  93. What an inspiration! i’d love to paint something, anything and see if it turns out half as good as yours.. but i am still not brave enough! can i just ask, do you have to paint the insides of the drawers/shelves too? and do drawers slide out easily thereafter, if they are painted??

  94. Gorgeous! I love the glass knobs!
    I like both looks, but like how the textured pannels add unexpected detail. Great job!

  95. Love the wallpapered panels…it gives it a personal touch. Unexpected. I have a piece that I’m getting soon from a friend. I’m thinking of doing the same to the front panels of it.

    Love the idea of using that type of wallpaper for the back of bookshelves!

    So many projects…so little time….I have to get to work!!

  96. I prefer the smooth side. Although I do like the textured side, the finer details, like the shape of the cabinet moldings, the door cut out shape, and the pulls, makes it a little overbearing for me.

    As someone else asked, did you add conditioner to the latex to get such a smooth finish? A high quality brush?

    I am totally into the pearls shades too. That’s how my master is, but with chocolates, steel blues, and a splash of cream.

  97. Oh my that’s lovely :) And I heart textured wallpaper – looks fabulous – and that sequined/beaded pillow on your bed? Calling my name. I can still hear it.

  98. Elegant and gorgeous! Love it! My vote is for the papered panels. I would have said the plain ones, but after seeing the bedding…the two go perfectly! ….speaking of the bedding, I must know where your duvet cover came from! I’ve been looking for a plain white(ish) for our room, but everything is really *too plain*! Yours is perfect!

  99. W.O.W. This piece looks amazing!!! I am sitting here wondering how many times I have walked past a similar piece at the thrift store and thought, ug, ug, ugly. If only I had the vision you do…In any event, LOVE the textured side, it is VERY glam.

  100. Both versions are centsational :), but the plain one is more up-to-date, modern look, because of its minimalism; the textured version adds a more elegant, retro feeling, because it’s more baroque.

  101. Oh I love the texture panels. I could also see just them painted a fun color with the pearl paint over it.

  102. When I saw the pic of the plain panel I said, “oh, she’s usually right on and this is missing something.” and then you brought on the texture. A definite yes in my opinion.

  103. Love what you did, what a transformation. I love the piece of glass on top, looks very classy. I just did a post on “leaving on a Jet Plane”, because my sister just went back to California. How funny, great minds think alike.

    Super fan of your blog!

    Megan

  104. I can’t take it! So amazing. I’m going to Goodwill right this minute. The snow is coming this weekend and they describe it as “plowable” YIKES but I don’t ca re cause now I have something to do ha! Thanks for all you do and now “I’m outta here too! ” <3

  105. Hello there – I just found your blog via Design Sponge. I must say, I am so impressed by your talent & I find myself meticulously studying your photos for tips on how to update my own home. I love the look of the patterned doors!

  106. I was just about to recommend maybe mirrored panels in the doors if you can find a way tio do this, and reattach the knobs. I think it would be AMAZING.

    Between plain and wallpaper, the wallpaper no doubt. It’s fabulous!

  107. I like the textured panels. It adds an unexpected pop. Nice knobs. My husband calls Anthropologie “the knob store.” It’s one of the few stores I can get him to go in with me.

  108. I just wanted to say that “vegasy” is totally a word. I wouldn’t go looking it up or anything, but it’s real. For sure.

  109. OMG! I love love love this! I love the color, the knobs, and I love the wallpaper. I say keep them up. I love textured wallpaper:)

  110. Well, the choice seems clear – wallpapered ones on the outside, plain for the two middle ones…

  111. Super!! I know someone who did something very close to this in her “kitchen”. She had no cabinets so used this technique. She also added a high boy with glass doors to the room for storage. It looks like something out of a decorating magazine.

  112. Wow!!!!! Just saw your site and I absolutely love it!! I love doing similar, painting furnture, knocking out panels on cupboards and putting in fabric etc etc. Love the wallpaper panels – definitely better than plain. How do you get the time to photograph everything and put it on line? I just wish I had time to do more stuff. I’m into cushions at the moment – want to make some really fab, funky, gorgeous ones.

    Keep creating!

  113. Fantastic!!! I absolutely love it. Definitely with the panels. How much sanding did you have to do?

  114. Love the transformation and the paintable wallpaper. It is a beautiful piece! I once used the paintable wallpaper that I painted and glazed as a temporary backsplash in my kitchen until I remodeled. It looked just like cool tiles.

  115. Well cruddy, duddy. I didn’t know Lowe’s carried paintable wallpaper. A couple of months ago I wallpapered above our fireplace mantel & ordered that stuff online from England. It’s expensive! We have received so many comments re. the wallpaper. It would be fun to do one wall as a focal point in a dining room or living room. Woo-hoo, wallpaper is back!

    Also, I have found what I think to be the same knobs Anthropologie carries at Hobby Lobby. I’ve always bought them when they were on sale. They are a few bucks each when on sale.

    I just looked to see if there is a Hobby Lobby near you & I cannot believe they are not in CA (or NV, WA, & OR). Boo. Next time you are in a city that has one, check it out.

    Finally, this piece is amazing – I love it! Great work!

  116. Wow! You did a fabulous job! I just found your blog and am loving all of the inspiration that I am seeing! I am looking forward to checking out more of your blog!

  117. Love it! I like the plain panels no wallpaper, I am a sucker for simple, clean lines. The wall paper is too much on the eyes.

  118. I say you are a bit of a do-it-yourself savant. I haven’t had time to look through all of your past projects, but I am really, really impressed by the few that I have seen. There are a lot of do-it-yourself posts with pictures on the Internet that look pretty good, but the majority of them fall slightly short in fully pulling off the illusion that the piece was purchased from a store. Your projects have a very finished, high-end store quality to them.

  119. Simply Stunning and elegant! I love Damask prints and I love furniture rehabs! It’s great to recycle too! I have a sideboard in my living room/dining room area that is in great shape but needs an update. I’ve been wanting to paint it black or espresso and change out the hardware. Hubby is worried it will get ruined. However, it is a 50 year old piece of furniture, it’s had it’s time as an old, brown, boring sideboard. It needs new life! :)

  120. OMgoodness ~ you are so talented! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cabinet you painted white with the glass knobs! Just beautiful!

  121. Wow – you are not only centsational but extremely talented! I’ve done my share of furniture painting but your results are so professional. I love the wallpaper inserts.

  122. I found someone like me! I used textured paintable wallpaper on a few pieces of our bedroom furniture a few years ago, my husband thought I was crazy until I was finished. It’s a great product.
    Your rooms are amazing! Love, love, love the grasscloth!
    I don’t know if you have used it but try Rust-Oleum’s Hammered Paint, the black is great.
    I am off to buy some pearl paint! You are an inspiration. Nothing’s better then finding a bargain and giving it a new look!

  123. Hi! Just stumbled across the site via your guest post at A Soft Place to Land…I love what you are doing! I, too, prefer the wallpapered look. It’s not too busy at all because the piece is all one color. I think the plain doors just don’t have quite as much character!

    Keep up the amazing projects!

  124. If you’re still undecided about the panels I say leave the 2 middle ones etched & the ones on the end plain. Then you can have the best of both worlds lol Cabinet looks great btw!

  125. Love love the textured look you gave cabinet!
    You just gave me a great idea for my headboard :) thanks!

  126. hi there. i love this dresser. where would one go for a custom cut mirror top? i love that idea and want to use it for one of my pieces.

    thanks, dana

  127. Hi! What a beautiful finished product. Did you use a paint brush, roller or a foam brush to apply the paint? Did you sand in between each coat? Your finish is so smooth. I’m painting some furniture and am struggling a bit with the process. I’m using a brush and having trouble with the paint drying too quickly and leaving some gunky brush marks. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. I love your blog!

  128. I’m in love with this! I am sitting her yelling to my husband at how amazing this looks! Makes me wanna run to the local thrift store right now, buy the ugliest thing I can find, and beautify it with paint and textured wallpaper (along with everything else I already own)! Thanks for this wonderful idea!

  129. omiword. I am in awe. I have *so* many pieces to refinish in my home and am an absolute novice. I am petriified to even begin so am reading e.v.e.r.y. word on your site. :-)

  130. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your ideas and creativity!! I am so inspired!! I love the wall paper look.. subtle enough yet adds some interest. I will be doing a painting project in the near future and had a question for you.. do you use a clear coat at all on your projects? I would hate to spend all the time and effort using the primer/paint/pearlessence for it to get scratched up?!!

    Thanks! I look forward to seeing what is yet to come!!

  131. I’ve got that textured wallpaper in my bathroom & on it’s ceiling too. I love it for covering major wall problems!

  132. Wow, I’m new to your blog and you really are amazing. What an eye you have! Beautiful work!

  133. Definitely the etched wall paper panel ! It’s beautiful, elegant, unique, ohhhhhh……….I love it…!! Especially with the glass top…….what a brilliant idea…..!!! You are such an inspiration……..keep posting your beautiful creative make over…..!!! I am glad I found you !

    E

  134. Love the cabinet!! It just looks so nice and fresh – what a difference! Hey I was curious – did you like the rustoleum brushable latex paint you bought? I bought some yesterday (kono brown) to use on the top of our buffet and after the first coat it looks purple. Did you find you had to do more coats with this type of paint? There is a picture of our buffet with the first coat at my blog http://viewfromourfrontporch.blogspot.com/2011/03/purple-top.html. Any suggestion you have would be greatly appreciated!!

  135. i have done this type of “crazy”on furniture, too! I would consider-as a compromise-faux finishing the center panels to play off the multicolored throw pillow…and add some metallic in the layers. WOW. Distinct but still subtle. I’ve tried that type of wallpaper and found it tends to be too…obvious. Depends on your decor!

  136. I love it, I have the same wallpaper and used it on the ceiling in a hallway. Now it know what to do with the leftover pieces! thanks,

  137. I absolutely love this! I have an old cabinet of my grandmothers that I would love to paint. Its original color is the dark cherry wood. Something keeps me from painting an antique. What are your thoughts.

  138. I love the look with the wallpaper.. I am actually considering doing the same for the cabinets in our laundry room, white as well… With decorative, vintage knobs from Anthropology. I am curious though how you were able to cut the wallpaper proportionally to the cabinet door. How did you do that? I would love to know!

  139. Absolutely amazing!
    I love the wallpapered panels too! So different. Just beautiful!

    Love the mirrored top and all the reflections of pretty things! Nice!!

  140. This is so awesome and what a great touch the wallpaper added to this revision. Thumbs up!

  141. I love the anaglypta! My sister is doing the lower part of her dining room walls with it right now. I can’t wait to see what color she uses to paint it!

  142. Wow, I must say you are a HUGE inspiration to me. Every one of your projects amaze me! :)

  143. You are so good and you have really inspired me to try and focus on my craft projects. My family demands always seem to take me away from my projects.

  144. Is this piece made out of wood or laminate?? I absolutely love this look and hope to find something similar so that I can re-create this for my own home!

  145. My best friend, husband, and I built an entertainment center and used your textured wallpaper idea for the cabinets. I was wondering if you could help me. It has only been in the house a few days and already has mustard splattered on the wallpaper! (how did this happen? Couldn’t have anything to do with my 2 year old….) When I went to wipe it off not only will it not come off but some of the paint started to come with it! We put layers of polyurethane on it but it’s obviously not enough to protect it. Is there any type of finish that will protect it better and allow me to wipe it clean if it is ever attacked with mustard again?

  146. Oh my Rebekkah, why does this always happen with our 2 year olds??? So sorry all of your hard work is tarnished! As long as the wallpaper isn’t damaged, I’d simply touch up the paint and use several layers of a water based polycrylic on top. Gloss versions tend to be more stain resistant and easier to wipe down, at least that’s been my experience with furniture!
    Kate

  147. Wow… I have to say, I’m torn too. My initial response was, “GASP! WHAT???? Wallpaper? Over that gorgeous panel?” But I have to say, it’s really growing on me, quickly. Besides, who needs to decide? Like you said, it only takes a few minutes to switch them… You can do as your mood dictates. I think I’m going to have to find an unsuspecting piece of furniture to try this on! hehehe

  148. What adhesive did you use to attach that wall paper?
    Would it work on laminate?

    • Hi Yesenia, you could use wallpaper paste, but you’d have to prime your laminate first. A little watered down Elmer’s craft glue might work too! And there’s always Mod Podge.
      Kate

  149. Hmmm Mod Lodge might be easiest since I have it already. Thanks !

    By the way.. followed your tutorial for the wood applique dresser and it looks awesome! Just the thing to wake up my 10 year old boring Ikea dresser! Painted a glossy white with antique finish knobs. Can’t thank you enough for the easy to follow instructions an inspiration!!

  150. Hi Kate!
    I came across this post while searching for Pratt & Lambert locations online and I am so excited to use this finish on my dining room built-ins! I have stripped the paint from them with a heat gun and chemical stripper to reveal mahogany tops. After I restain the mahogany I plan to do the opalescent effect on the bottom half of the cabinets and drawers. Thank you for the inspiration!

  151. Love your dresser! Would it be necessary to use primer if painting my dresser dark brown with turquoise? I’m planning to also add the distressed look. The dresser does have veneer top and side panels. Thank you so much!

    Diana

    • Hi Diana, I’d receommend Annie Sloan Chalk paint for the distressed look, no primer required!

  152. You are incredibly inspirational! How do you feel about Anthropologie’s knobs and pulls? I absolutely love so many of them, but I’ve read on a couple of sites that they’re poorly made. Have yours held up?

    • Yes those in particular have held up Katie, I haven’t had a problem with any of them.

Leave a comment!

Keep the conversation going! Your email address will not be published.*

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lately on Instagram (@centsationalstyle)