Retro Sliding Cabinet Overhaul

I bumped into this mid century book case, littered with gardening and hardware tools, at a thrift shop. I didn't immediately notice it in its messy condition but I quickly determined that it was retro and needed to become mine.

I picked out Valspar shades Silver Fox blue and metallic gold spray paints. I started by dismantling the unit and cleaning each piece with a bucket of warm water, wet 320 grit sandpaper and a rag to prepare for paint. This shade of blue is almost perfectly fitting for the era and I accented the hardware with gold just to break up the color. 

This piece is originally a room divider from the 60's style mod. The sliding cabinet is sized to house old 45 records. I love this piece. It holds history! 

Before

Gone Light Fixture Crazy

Light fixtures are becoming my new thing lately, as I picked up two today just out and about antiquing. I have an idea for another one but is still in the works!

This pretty little light would be perfect for an entranceway or foyer. I went out and purchased a crystal halogen bulb for it and I just love the quaintness of it.

I also picked up this aged metal chandelier with a nice patina and a cut out design. It has sort of a rustic country feel to it that I just love. The plan is to install new wiring and screw in a couple of Edison bulbs and it will be chic and for sale shortly :) 

Check back for updates and take a peek inside my store at Etsy.com.

Vintage Drafting Stool Rehab

This was an old utility stool that I found in a thrift store for $5 bucks. Rusted to the core, it's only redeeming quality was that it still raised up and down, and had a sticker on it that read State University of New York Harpur college. It's about 40 years old and by the look of it, needed to be rough sanded at least a couple of times. Some people might agree that refinishing this old university stool would be decreasing its value, but for the practical purpose that I plan on using it for, and the amount of work that needed to be done to it; I think its better off NOT sitting at the back of a thrift mart. Lucky me!
The refinishing process

I used a rough 180 grit sand paper and metal sponge to wipe the entire surface, removing loose rust and debris. A bucket of water helped keep the sponge clean after the initial sanding once-over. I moved on to a spray metal primer and covered the dings and imperfections that would surely show through the coat of enamel. Next I used a clean bucket of water and wet 600 grit sandpaper to fine sand the surface. And lastly, I gave the stool one last preparation of wiping it with a clean wet rag and let it dry, removing dust. I spray painted metal enamel in Rustoleum's Almond.

Momma's Vintage Desk Makeover

Before

After

This desk was found in a Goodwill looking pretty scary. I made a few changes and was able to create a completely usable and original writing desk for my mom to use. I loved the original patina as it was but it just needed a little tweaking. I got ahold of some spray paint flat clear sealer and covered the entire lower surface of the desk. After washing out any critters that may have been living in the drawers, I sprayed the hose and let the sun dry everything out. I relined them with a leafy green pattern drawer paper. 
The remaining linoleum desktop was peeling and completely deteriorating. I replaced it with a wood veneer specially cut from Lowes, and stained it chestnut to match this really awesome chair my mom already had.
This style desk is at least 50 years old, maybe older, and it's age shows. I wasn't going for 'perfect' but more like 'charming' because that's what give it character!

Refinishing an Antique Table

Just what I love to see

I stumbled upon this lovely dining table street-side behind a warehouse in my hometown. After rescuing it, I noticed a hole drilled right through it, scratches and dings on the table top --nothing I couldn't fix. This was a huge score for anyone who appreciates a fine piece of furniture and knows a thing or two about handy work. To begin, I filled in the holes with wood filler and rough sanded the table top. This helped to remove what was left of the sealant and even out scratches. In the beginning I wanted to stain the table but due to imperfections in the grain of the wood I decided my best bet was to paint it. I experimented with a dark grey shade of Valspar paint called almost charcoal, and applied with a foam brush. After, I used wet sandpaper to even out the brush strokes and applied a coat of clear lacquer on top of that. I repeated this process two or three times to ensure a good cover and smooth finish. I left the underside of the table cherry wood because for one, it was completely undamaged but also to leave originality and give a sense of what the table once was.
The legs were painted as well, and the end caps were refinished metallic gold. This is a Duncan Phyfe style reproduction probably made in the 30's or 40's, now updated and ready for a whole new era.

Reclaimed Bedside Tables

I found two of these gorgeous nightstands made of solid wood, for sale at a thrift store. Slight flaws and dings are to be expected from used furniture, but the quality makes it an incredible find. I LOVE these tables. I couldn't bear to paint them. So I left the wood exposed and just sanded the outer surface and followed with a flat clear spray sealer. I actually like the slight imperfections peeking through. It's how you know it's served its purpose and sort of gives it a warm, vintage feel.

A Weekend of Headboard Updates!

 

 Painting a headboard is an easy way to update any room. It's also cheap and fun! My sister just moved into her house and was minus a headboard for her Cali King bed and a Queen in the guest bedroom. We ventured over to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore and picked out two from their hefty selection and paid $40 for both. To prep, we moderately sanded the surfaces and wiped the dust with a wet rag. Valspar has an awesome collection of primer + paint sprays that are just fantastic to work with. We used Hotel Vanilla and Silver Fox.

Restoring an Old Jewelry Box

Before

I picked up this baby from a thrift shop for around $12 bucks and then replaced the lining and gave it a fresh coat of paint. It's mostly wood but it's nothing too fancy or antique. I had to strip the existing pink velvet lining because, frankly, it was dirty and smelled. I shopped for new fabric and installed it using measurements to cut posterboard and wrap it with fabric using spray glue. To ensure a good fit, I cut the corner piece in a diagonal fashion to create a miter. I chose to use a sky blue cotton fabric and ivory paint to give it a fresh farmhouse-chic look.

Recycling a Record Cabinet

Before

I bought this cabinet from a Goodwill -God, I love that place- and turned it into my new nightstand. It was originally used to hold classic records in the '60s but since then these mod cabinets are frequently found cheap at bargain stores. I think they are just awesome and the perfect storage unit for books!
 After taking it completely apart, I sanded it to rough up the surface and prepare for paint. I used Valspar's Thorny Brush spray paint. The brass caps on the legs were cleaned with brillow --And the matching brass flower knobs I just happened to have left over from another project. All for only around $10. Love!

The Tanker Desk

Refinishing this baby was a huge undertaking and my biggest project yet. This type of vintage steelcase desk was used in the 1950's up until the 1980's as a staple in offices and corporations around America. It's made purely of steel and takes a cue as it seems to weigh as much as an Army tank. Today these guys are no longer used widespread thus, they are being recycled as scrap or junked. But if you watch any office scene on Madmen, you will see the tanker in all it's glory.

My sister of course, had to have this desk for her office being that she is an antique lover and a journalist-- hello? Tanker just goes with the territory.

As you can see, this monstrosity is no longer green, but Rustoleum's shade of Almond. It's much softer-looking and shinier too. I began by removing all handles and sanding every green part with a coarse 150-grit sandpaper. This removed any loose rust and prepared the surface for primer. After wiping clean and spraying a sandable, metal primer into the dings and let it dry, I continued sanding with a less-coarse 400 grit sand paper. Using blue painter's tape, I protected the top from overspray and began spray painting every knook and cranny with the enamel. The top is made from a type of linoleum, which lucky for me, was not gouged. I light sanded this as well with a 400 grit paper. The metal trim around the top, handles. and legs were cleaned with brillo pad and water. And for kicks, I used polishing compound to smooth out the top layer. Bada bing, an authentic steelcase tanker desk! All it's missing now is a fabulous chair.

A Dresser in Shambles

Transforming an ordinary, mission-style dresser into a beautiful (and now functional) piece of furniture was fun! It was in pieces and littered with watermarks and uneven stain patterns throughout so I decided to paint it-- I used Valspar's shade of Hotel Vanilla. The square knobs came from Target.

Sanding, priming and painting the drawers was a process that took about two days. I used a 120 grit sand paper on all the drawers to remove the sheen, and then used a stain blocking primer to seal the grain and cover up any unevenness. I then spray painted the front while protecting from overspray using a piece of cardboard. 







A Reclaimed Retro Coffee Table

I picked up a solid black coffee table from my local goodwill; it was peeling and chipped but I could tell it had good bones. So I paid the lady $14 bucks for it and fit it into my car. After stripping all the paint from it I discovered it's teak, a common wood used to make furniture in the 60's --score! The top however, was made from a laminate/formica type of material, which needed to be fine-sanded and painted. I chose black to give it a sharp look that also ties in with the tinge of black still in the pores of the wood after stripping. It yields a vintagey look on this classic living room table from the '60s era. After doing a little research, I discovered it's a name-brand piece that sells for as much as $350 on other vintage websites.

A New Look on an Old Wrought Iron Bed

I completely changed the look of my antique wrought iron headboard by adding a coat of paint. These beds are a classic fixture from the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of which are still around today, as mine was rescued from a thrift store. It was missing a spindle so I chose to remove the other leaving just the center and then added some faux wildflowers that tie in with the flower motifs. Originally white, it's now a light metallic gold.
When refinishing, I used a piece of sandpaper to scrape off imperfections to create a smooth surface. A little acetone goes a long way when removing remaining layers of paint. Spray paint outdoors on a dry day or in a well-venitalted area. Apply thin coats in back and forth motions to prevent drips. Instant gratification :)

A Cool Find

As I continue my search for unique pieces to add to my sister's house, I found and fell in love with this oak cabinet with lead-glass panels. All of twenty-five bucks from a thrift shop, it's quite a find for a piece of old-world glamour that belongs off every kitchen --to have drinks placed upon or to store plates, pictures or any of your favorite things.

Guessing by its' original patina, this piece was made quite a few years ago. And like most furniture of a bygone era, was crafted with quality. I didn't have to do much but give it a good wipe of a rag and Murphy's wood soap. Its original wood charm shines through. I reinforced the antique glass with a little glue, just to be safe. And voilà... a new life and purpose to a beautiful piece of vintage furniture.

My First Rehab Project

I just finished restoring my first piece of antique furniture and it was the most rewarding thing I've done in years. Who knew this abandoned old wooden dresser on wheels I picked up from a hole-in-the-wall antique store would clean up so nicely? It's safe to say I've just fallen in love with the art of rehabbing. This all started a few days ago, after my older sister hired me to do her furniture shopping while she and her husband get ready to buy a house down here in Florida. I mean, it's the least I could do while she freezes AND works her ass off for the Post (NY) while I'm down here living one day at a time soaking up the sunny sun. I'm in school for interior design, so how could I say no? I live for this stuff.
I plan to do more restorations in the future, so in order to keep track of them all I've started this blog. I'm no expert, but I grew up learning from my Dad who's pretty handy and is a stickler for doing things the right way the first time.
Here's what I did:
1. Find a quality piece of wooden furniture. The thing is, furniture was made to last in the 30s 40s and 50s. It wasn't until recently that it was barely-made and only falls apart to be bought again. That's why I love antiques. They hold so much history and beauty and a lot of them are still in good condition today, and could last for years to come with just a little TLC.
2. Clean it up. Grab a warm rag with dish soap and wipe away any old lady or storage locker-like smells. In cases like mine, there's some lovely drawer wallpaper that's more than likely falling apart but tricky to get up. The easiest way to remove it is this enzyme wallpaper stripper goo called DIF. Paint it on with a brush, let sit for 5-10 minutes, and it practically scrapes off for you.

 

3. Sand, sand, sand! The most work you're going to do is prepwork, but after that it's all down hill. Start with the coarsest sandpaper (150grit) and work your way in the direction of the grain and finish off with a super fine grit. Do this and it will be smooth like glass. Clean loose grit with a warm rag and dry off.
4. Prime. Use a tackcloth (found it in Sherwin) to remove any dust and leftover grit. Then add pre-stain.
5. Go balls out! Pick a stain and lather it on towards the grain. I chose ebony and added some fun knobs from Pier1. I think it turned out pretty amazing... you be the judge!