Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

Customizing Built-in Cabinets

By 20 Comments

We sold this house in 2013, and moved into our current one then. I loved the transformation of these cabinets using paint, and still do. Read on….

When our city house was built in 1978, they added this built-in buffet in the breakfast room.

We bought the house in 1990, and back then, glass doors in the kitchen were a luxury item few kitchens had.   This was one of the main things that sold me on this house.  Of course at the time, these cabinets were stained (not painted), but I knew they had potential.
Back then they were mostly empty, and now they are crammed full of dishes.  The bottom part of the cabinet is also full of dishes.  As I have said before it’s not a dish addiction, it’s a dish APPRECIATION.   I think you can see there’s a difference, n’est-ce-pas?  “Yes, of course there is,” she said trying to convince herself.  It’s not like I hide new dishes, or eat on them alone, or am drawn to them when I am stressed… Really where was I going here?  I can stop ANY time.
I don’t really want to talk about dishes right now, I’m here to talk about paint, yes… paint.
I used my homemade chalky paint for this project. If you want to see the recipe, click here.
I have been dreading this painting for so long, and now I am so glad it is over.  I want to show you the new paint job in the kitchen too, but I am debating on whether or now to repaint the cabinets first.  Also, one of the legs on my kitchen island just broke, so I might be in the market for a new kitchen cart soon.  Another change in the kitchen is the new Keurig coffee maker I got Mr. CH for his birthday.  He loves it, though I am not crazy about having another kitchen appliance sitting out. (Do you see how I put my family ahead of my own decorating needs???)
Here are some close-ups of my built-in buffet that show the antiquing. I used sand paper, and some antiquing wax.
Okay, are you ready to see the BEFORE when it was painted a Laura Ashley yellow?  I took this photo right before I started to paint the cabinets white, so the hardware has been removed in this photo.
For those of you wondering what’s behind the curtain, I use it for snack food storage.

To see the post on the curtain, click here.  Some of these photos show the curtain after I finished sewing it, and some of the photos show the the feed sack towels attached with clothes pins.  I had a long wait for my sewing machine, so I took some of the photos before I made the curtain.

To see the rest of the breakfast room paint job, click here.

What’s next?

I hope to slipcover all of this furniture in white linen.  Of course then the yellow walls (and probably the rug) will probably bug me, and I’ll be faced with another painting project (silent scream).  I blacked out for a little while, but I’m back now.

And I also hope to make drop cloth curtains for my back porch.

Project update: I’ve finished the slipcover for the sofa and the ottoman, and on to the settees.  I am so excited about this make-over, and I am so looking forward to sharing it with you.

 

Comments

  4. Bliss says

    I have an “appreciation” of many things myself….. and also I appreciate that when you put brush to wood you always do a wonderful transformation.

    ~Bliss~

    Reply

  5. Shelia says

    Hi Anita! Oh, I love your builtins and they are so huge!!! I know you’re a busy bee and must be taking some great vitamins!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply

  6. Anne says

    Anita,
    Your cabinet looks beautiful.I actually liked it with the yellow color.But the white is so nice,bright and fresh.I can’t wait to see your other project.Isn’t it fun updating and changing things.And it does not have to cost a fortune either.
    xx
    Anne

    Reply

  9. THE FARMHOUSE PORCH says

    Can’t wait to see it Anita! I know it will be a feast for the eyes. Love the built ins painted white! BTW, you could leave the walls yellow and add some yellow and white throw pillows to your newly slipcovered furniture. Give the room a cottage look? Just an idea, from what I can tell, I sorta like the yellow. 😀

    ♥Linsey

    Reply

  11. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    Anita, your built in cabinet is lovely! I really love the color change! The skirt hiding storage is a great idea and adds another layer of charm! You’re a wonderful seamstress! I should have listened to my mother and let her teach me how to sew! Dang! Mothers are always right!:-)

    Reply

  12. On Crooked Creek says

    Anita,
    Lovely transformation on your kitchen cabinets, dear friend! I love the new curtain hiding the snacks!!! You are amazing…making slipcovers for all the furniture and then drop cloth curtains!!! Yes…I’ll be back to revel in your accomplishments!!! You sew, girl!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply

  15. Sarah says

    Anita, I’m going to use the phrase ” dish appreciation”. I like that! Wow, would I love to have all that storage. What a wonderful piece. Can’t wait to see the update of your new look for the living room.

    Reply

  18. Tracey@Breathing English Air says

    I love the new look, and it is a treat being able to see all your lovely dishes, well the ones you aren’t hiding!!
    I’m looking forward to hearing about the slipcovers because I might pick up some tips. We are desperately needing some here.

    Reply

  19. Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes says

    Anita, your built in buffet and cabinet is gorgeous and would be no matter what color it was painted. How fortunate you are to have such a large piece for storing your dish appreciation. I am getting an appreciation for dishes that I didn’t have before my blogging started. I just might need a larger storage piece soon. ——- Shannon

    Reply

  20. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    You are a whirlwind of energy, ideas and projects! I really love that cupboard! It would have gone a long way to convincing me to buy a house too! Love the paint!!!
    I am so impressed you have slipcovered a sofa AND an ottoman!
    I hope I see a very detailed Tutorial in your future! I would love if you would share all these great projects on TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!
    You always inspire!!! LOVE today’s bible verse!!!

    Reply

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