When I was out antiquing a few weeks ago, I stumbled across a vintage cabinet. It was in rough shape and partially hacked apart. But it was the exact dimensions that I needed for my kitchen corner, and I saw the potential that this old girl had, even in the rough state she was in. I love incorporating vintage and antique pieces into my home because it adds character and soul, and is also a more sustainable option rather than always buying & building brand new. It’s often more affordable too. I knew this cabinet had potential and just needed a second chance!

The first step to making over this cabinet is to modify it so that it will fit the creative vision I have for it:

• I used a jigsaw to cut away parts of the cabinet to allow for additional pieces I am adding. My goal when I’m finished is for the cabinet to look like a built-in that was always meant to be in that corner.
• I used a hammer and chisel to even out the back section where someone else had hacked away at it previously.
• I then used a circular saw to cut off part of the top off for the shelf I’m adding.

Preparing for paint

• I sanded the outside with 150 grit paper to start, and then followed up with 220 grit for a smoother finish.
• I used liquid sandpaper on the inside.
• I removed the door and hardware to make it easier to work on this project, and to ensure the glass doors wouldn’t break.
• Using paper and painters tape, I covered both sides of the glass insets on the doors.

Creating a “Built In” Look

• I stacked two wood pieces around the bottom edges of the piece to create a built-in look since this cabinet is going to be in that small cozy corner nook of the kitchen. I cut them at a 45 degree angle to create a seamless look.
• I also cut a piece for the top of the cabinet. Doing this created an additional cubby that I plan to use for books and provides additional surface area on the top of the cabinet that didn’t exist before.
• I attached the additional pieces using a brad nailer and 1 1/4″ nails and wood glue.
• Then I patched the nail holes with wood filler and sanded it smooth using 220 sand paper.
• Finally I wiped the cabinet with Tack Cloth to remove dust and debris so that it was ready for paint!

Ready For Paint

I decided to paint the cabinet Creamy Mushroom by Behr in the flat Scuff Defense formula. I used my paint sprayer and applied 2 layers of paint for a smooth finish. I sanded in between coats for a extra smooth finish, and would highly encourage anyone redoing furniture to give a light sand in between coats of paint.

By painting the cabinet, it creates the illusion that this cabinet was always one cohesive piece, rather than a hodgepodge of newly added pieces. You can see in the photo below where those newly added trim pieces at the bottom look like they were always meant to be there!

The End Result:

I added a mix of thrifted books, antique treasures, and newer dishes so that this cabinet is not only beautiful but also functional. Since we have limited cabinet space and no pantry, I’m always looking for creative ways to stretch the space we have.

My favorite part of this project is taking something that was old and overlooked, and creating something beautiful and useful from it. I’m so happy with how this turned out! Another secondhand piece rescued and given a new life.

Links to all the things:

• Porch Stencil
• Sander
• Jigsaw
• Boots
• Simply Sustainable Book
• Sconce