Paint or not to paint

This is a Mid Century Modern China hutch which as a rule sell real well in Orlando. I can't seem to sell this ( $295 ) and since I can't get it sold should I Shabby Chic?
  16 answers
  • The Shabby Chic Man The Shabby Chic Man on Jan 21, 2015
    I added a picture
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Jan 21, 2015
    Yes,I think it needs updated.Im thinking a neutral beige or grey color.I would paint the insets a different contrasting color like a muted aqua.your price seems a bit high.Or maybe modge podge some maps or a stencil on the insets.I think I might also update the hardware to contemporary black or stainless steel.Drop us a picture and good luck! If you decide to use maps,on the insets,I would also put maps or aqua on the back walls of the hutch area too,or some mirrors!
  • MBLori MBLori on Jan 21, 2015
    You could also ditch the glass front, it looks old fashioned. And update the hardware!
  • Karin From B'ham Karin From B'ham on Jan 22, 2015
    Great opportunity for an upcycle here. Yes, paint it. Black, soft white or grey are popular. Using fabric insets in the door and drawer detail (chevron is so big right now...) would make those look fresh. Lose the glass if possible. Could highlight the back with an accent color from the fabric. Finally, the display looks cluttered and detracts. Use baskets or decorative boxes on the shelves to minimize fussiness and I think you'll find more interest. OR--start all over and think about how to remove glass and repurpose it as an entryway or mudroom organizer, which might involve removing the legs. Good luck!
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Jan 22, 2015
    In the barn where I have a shop, there is a couple selling all mid-century pieces that they have redone. Some of the prettiest remodels I have seen-beautiful soft colors, or even black and white! With mid-century, you want a more shiny, polished look than what chalk paint provides.Take a look here-simply beautiful stuff: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Lamb-Furnishings/118738658178109 And BTW, I love the glass doors when paired with the correct finish. Makes the piece shine!
    • Elise Miller Elise Miller on Jan 22, 2015
      @Sue@CountryDesignHome beautiful furniture on that fb site! very inspiring, thanks for sharing.
  • Barbara Null Barbara Null on Jan 22, 2015
    definitely paint... whatever colors you have in your room or go off the wall.. This poiece looks like fun. Can't wait to go to my favorite junk store.. ol
  • Jean Thompson Jean Thompson on Jan 22, 2015
    Maybe A Crackle Finish in the Soft White.....and get rid of the Glass. interior in a different color like a moss Green,or or pastels like a soft Blueish Green or Salmon or Coral...
  • Tracy Tracy on Jan 22, 2015
    I agree with Sue about the Gloss paint. It does not look like a country chic piece. I always try minimal things first and if that doesn't tickle me then do the whole piece. But I think putting a pattern on the back or or a brighter color with either fabric or wall paper would really change the piece. Paint the legs and the trim under the cabinet a color to compliment the pattern in the back. I really like the look of paint with wood mixed on a piece. Have fun!
  • Teri Hansen Teri Hansen on Jan 22, 2015
    I would like to add more to the suggestions but after reading everyone's suggestions I like them all and I feel has covered it well. So I concur, YES paint it, eliminate the glass and I love the idea of doing the interior a different color. [maybe just the sides and back and leave the shelves same color as rest of piece for interest] Please show us pics once it's done. Looks like a fun project.
  • Elise Miller Elise Miller on Jan 22, 2015
    i vote paint. here's my recent hutch makeover. not mid-century modern. more like 70s speckled oak. but if it has good lines and proportions, reignite it. midcentury is probably not going to translate well to shabby chic however. cruise pinterest and see what makes your heart skip a beat. and best of luck!
  • Clare Clare on Jan 22, 2015
    Hey! Greetings from the UK! I would vote paint it!! It would look lovely shabby chic....I would buy it if it were painted and distressed xxxx
  • Judy Capone Mantell Judy Capone Mantell on Jan 22, 2015
    http://www.pinterest.com/sidenise/decoupage-furniture/ Take a look at this site for some interesting ideas!
  • Z Z on Jan 22, 2015
    Though this appears to be from that era, it's not one of the more popular styles that sell like hotcakes. Instead of taking the time, and money, to paint it, I'd mark it down If you think about that makes more sense since you'll more than likely not recoup the extra effort and cost of paint. Mark it down and move it out to make room for something that will bring you a better return for your dollar.
  • MBLori MBLori on Jan 23, 2015
    Another thought is to do the back wall a different color than the rest.
  • Verilea poole Verilea poole on Jan 23, 2015
    I would go with a grey and maybe white inside
  • PattyV PattyV on Jan 24, 2015
    Black would look good with silver hardware.