How to Modernize a Bulky Outdated China Hutch for Storage

Jenni Ingram
by Jenni Ingram
9 Materials
$75
4 Hours
Easy

The hard part about settling in after moving is figuring out where all the things GO. I have WAY LESS cabinet space in the new kitchen. So I bought a used china hutch to add additional storage in our eat-in kitchen area, right off the kitchen.


Hutches are big projects. But well worth the work - they make such a difference when they are painted. Let me show you how I modernized this outdated hutch.


I knew I wanted the top to mostly be for decoration, and to display and should my ironstone collection. The glass doors seemed to really close it off and not allow me to see what was inside, so those were the first to go. I removed the doors, and the support bars (turns out it was just a couple of screws). I filled the holes with wood filler.

I primed this piece first with primer because I didn't want to risk any bleed-through. So I applied 2 coats of primer, then 2 coats of my snow white paint with my favorite high-quality brush that reduces brush strokes. My full blog post has details on these paint products and when to use a top-coat and prevent your "white" from turning pink or yellow. Be sure to read those white paint tips!!!

I chose to paint the inside of the hutch in a dark gray. I love the contrast of the bright white and the dark charcoal gray, and this will allow a surface for my white dishes to pop! It almost looks like chalkboard paint too, so it's adding a layer of texture to the room! 

I distressed this piece with my paint scraper so I could show off the details of this piece. It's also going to be a work horse for our family, and used often - so starting off with a few scratches on purpose, will help keep this momma sane when they happen naturally :)

I used the same hardware as we used on our kitchen cabinets. The glass knobs are big, shiny and so pretty for a bit of sparkle. The pulls are satin nickel, sleek but with curves that make them classic.  

Here it is all styled and looking pretty! See, aren't the milk glass bottles and ironstone pitchers so fun on that dark gray background?! It's amazing what a little paint can do to modernize old furniture and bring it into this decade!


If you love seeing old furniture get new life, you will love seeing more of my projects and makeovers- just subscribe to my blog here. You can also find me on Facebook where I often give painting tips and paint LIVE. Find me @rootsandwingsfurniture


You can also click on the blog link below to get my tips for painting with whites, my full product list and see another furniture makeover I did with this same paint color combo!


Thanks for stopping by!


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Jenni Ingram
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  2 questions
  • Dianab Dianab on Jan 16, 2018

    Are you doing anything with the doors you removed, they have a lovely style to them

  • Arlene Arlene on Feb 09, 2019

    May I ask where you acquired the hutch? I think I may have been the original owner of the piece about 30 years ago. I had the piece originally custom made from an artist colony in Northern New York. Was so excited when I saw how well it has lasted over the years.

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  • Tonya Starkey Tonya Starkey on May 13, 2019

    I have an old very out dated hutch in my barn n have been wanting to do something with it. Now I know what I'm gonna do with it, TY!!

  • Kim Kim on May 13, 2019

    I have similar type of one that I want to turn into my "coffee nook"! It's gorgeous!

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