How Can I Update This Corner Cabinet?

Question

Everyone gave us so many amazing choices for the water pump/cistern, I thought I would ask about your experience and advice on updating this cabinet. It has held my antique camera collection for years. We broke the glass several years ago. We are willing to do anything just so it is unique and different. All suggestions welcome!

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

This is a gorgeous piece!  Not knowing anything of its history (I think about doing antiques differently), I would cut the inserts out with a jigsaw (since the glass is gone anyways). It looks like those shelves could use a new piece of wood. Then, I'd be very tempted to paint it either a color you already have in your house, or with some chalk paint. Annie Sloan has beautiful colors. Old White would be beautiful. I included a picture of a piece she did. It's in her book, 'quick and easy paint transformations'. Good luck. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

This is a gorgeous piece!  Not knowing anything of its history (I think about doing antiques differently), I would cut the inserts out with a jigsaw (since the glass is gone anyways). It looks like those shelves could use a new piece of wood. Then, I'd be very tempted to paint it either a color you already have in your house, or with some chalk paint. Annie Sloan has beautiful colors. Old White would be beautiful. I included a picture of a piece she did. It's in her book, 'quick and easy paint transformations'. Good luck. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

@I'llJustPaintIt.com Thanks! We were thinking of painting it. The history is that it was my aunt's. My mom had it in her house and my daughter in her's as well. It's been in mine sometime now and it is just very dark and big - I want it to lighten up so pain is a very good choice - I was wondering if anyone here has ever cut one in half using the top part as a hanging shelf and the bottom (without the doors) as a shelf on the floor? It's not a really heavy piece and while I like it as it is - we already have several antiques in our home that mean much more to me than this.

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

Oh, good!  I'm glad you can transform it with no regrets.

It funny your thought about cutting it in half. I have been looking for projects in which I can do just that!  I didn't think of that initially for yours, but I think it'd look great!  Maybe even just turn the top into a picture frame for a beautiful family portrait. Or, just use the top as a corner shelving unit. I like the idea of taking one door off the bottom and just having one side be a shelf.

Sorry my first comment posted twice. I'm going to try to upload that pic again, because I don't see where it is.

KathrynElizabeth Etier · Answer

This is not the answer you're looking for, but I love the piece, and see the top half filled with a mix of curios highlighted with cat figures and the bottom half as a kitty hideout/bed. After painting, of course. I'd love to see it in cream with bright lime highlights, and possible line the top section with a paw or cat print paper.

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

Pic

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

@kathrynElizabeth I love the idea! Except that I might want to keep it and I'm terribly allergic to cats, Darn - I really like that one! @I'llJustPaintIt.com I can't see the picture from here - I will look as soon as I get home!

Kim C · Answer

I would paint it the AS chalk paint and consider wallpaper or stencil on the inside back, perhaps turn it into a bar, I love the hardware so much I would have a hard time removing the doors.

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

@Kim C Now There's an idea! A bar - paint with the chalk paint - maybe some chalk board paint in back of inside? That way I could still use the bottom part and have the door as a frame or something.

Kimberly C · Answer

I think a contrasting paint in the inside to give it some added personality.

KathrynElizabeth Etier · Answer

Okay, no cats. How about a wine bar with a collection of pretty, unmatched glasses in the top and bottle storage in the bottom? There are some nice wine glass prints available for lining the top, although I think I'd still go with the cream outside, and a narrow, vertical stripe on the interior--maybe shades of green and white.

Bernice H · Answer

A super piece! I love the whole thing, in half or whole except for the top molding./ crown..what do you call it? Excited to see the finished project..get to work!! ♥

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

This is in Annie Sloan Old White with dark wax.

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

Wow! @I'llJustPaintIt.com That is a pretty spectacular piece! I love it.

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

I'm sorry about all the trouble getting it to you! I had been trying on my phone with (clearly) no luck! I'm trying to get you the before picture too. I think it's pretty stunning and just knew you had to see it!!!

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

This one isn't a great picture, but I have a two year old and she was trying to help!

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

What a beautiful job and paint color!

Rachel @I'llJustPaintIt.com · Answer

Annie Sloan is very, very talented!

Karin Moone · Answer

Remove scroll work from top of cabinet and the glass and wood trim from the top door.  Replace glass with chicken wire.  Paint cabinet and replace drawer pulls with cute ceramic knobs.

Leslie D · Answer

Not sure if you have a child in your house, but thought this piece was neat

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

I love the idea of the chicken wire! I hadn't even thought of that. The scroll work on top is just sitting up there. When we brought it into the house about 5 years ago I put it in the bottom because I've never really care for it. Thanks @Karin Moone

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

@Leslie D how lovely! No, no children. I grandchild visits regularly but he's more Spider Man than Hello Kitty - however, this give me a starting point! I love those little curtain things. Thank you for the visual - it really helps.

Z · Answer

Kelli are you going to sell it or keep it?

Kitchen Kelli · Answer

@Z We will probably sell it - trying to downsize!

Z · Answer

My idea would be rather expensive and time consuming for resale, but I'd silver leaf it and paint the interior satin black and antique over the silver leaf with a black glaze. Though you can use faux silver leaf to save money it's still very time consuming.

Dans Handyman Services · Answer

My opinion I would replace the glass and refinish it using original finishes probably shellac

Starr · Answer

I can see this painted in color that goes with your Interiors. Wallpapered back upper and used in a bathroom for rolled up towels, apothecary jars, books with no covers, candles etc. I would never remove bottom doors because it gives you hidden storage

Z · Answer

@Dan. That was my first thought too which is why it took me hours after it was posted to reply and only did so after I learned she was most likely going to sell it. Sadly this style isn't popular unless painted. Granted they usually paint them as others suggested with chalk paint and distress {{{shudder!}}} them, which is why I came up with a different idea to update it but not go with the trend.

Debbie M · Answer

I have one similar to this, and it came to me in rough shape. It did have the glass, so I kept it, but you could leave the scrollwork on the door and put chicken wire on the back of the door. I painted mine a satin Benjamin Moore Aura in an antique white. The interior, shelves included, are a flat turquoise. I use it to display my ironstone collection.

Martha H · Answer

I would leave it as is--it is a classic and I think in the future you would be sorry if you painted it.

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