Vintage Built in Buffet Turned Into Cool Rustic Farmhouse Island

by Kristin Castellano Zolkowski

Many many years back when I was just a little itty bitty little girl, I lived in a rental home in Milwaukee. There, in the basement, was this built in china cabinet.I could never imagine parting with it so I redesigned it with purpose.

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I started by cleaning the whole cabinet with soap and water. I then removed any hardware and sanded the whole thing down by hand .

Distressing was the key. Measured and with some help from a friend started cutting.

Next we added a piece of wainscoting as the backing

Began painting with the cheapest paint I could find. It was a Bogo sale.

Next added my clearanced out hardware from Hobby Lobby. I believe I paid $1.67 a piece for the pulls.

Painted it white and let dry over night

Then I distressed the entire thing with a hand sander.

Next I polyurethaned the to.

I added brackets and reclaimed wood to each end for added storage. I ended up adding baskets on the little shelves for small cookbooks.

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4 of 62 comments

SANDY HOLLY on Jan 31, 2015
OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS!!!!! GREAT JOB!!

1 Reply
- Kristin Castellano Zolkowski on Jan 31, 2015
  @SANDY HOLLY wow thank you @SANDY HOLLY going to refinish to a navy blue now to go into a new space :)
  
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Linda Weeks on Apr 07, 2015
really nice job! the hard part is seeing its potential in the first place!

1 Reply
- Kristin Castellano Zolkowski on Apr 08, 2015
  @Linda Weeks LOL yea you are right. I get jealous of all those creative minds out there who can create from the most obscure pieces. Thanks for your comment. Blessings to you
  
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