If you’re reading this post first thing in the morning, I’ll be en route to SLC for Alt Design Summit. I’m super excited to learn how to be a better blogger and to meet some of my very favorite blogging friends! Will you be there? My panel is in the opening time slot. Please drop by and say hi!
Okay, back to business. I was hoping to have a fun project from my house to share with you today, but the week got away from me. So, instead I have a little sneak peek!
Remember this post where I mentioned I wanted to find a big armoire to use for storage? Well, I found TWO!!
I bought the pair at Everything Goes, a really fun vintage furniture shop in Staten Island. These actually were part of a three-piece unit, but the center piece was an ugly shelving/entertainment center, so I asked the owner to sell me just the two end pieces. She gave me a great deal and even organized the delivery (yikes, these things weighed a TON).
The cabinets are filled with china sets and decorating accessories not currently in rotation. We’re definitely using these are storage units, not for display. We have them flanking our tv stand (which is actually just an old bookshelf that I’m going to skirt). I thought about replacing the glass with new mirror to hide all the storage and to brighten the room, but I couldn’t get on board with the idea of seeing a perfect reflection of myself vegging on the couch and watching trash reality shows. I thought about using that acid wash solution to antique the new mirrors, but that was a little cost-prohibitive. To save cash, I went ahead and silver leafed the backs of the original glass panes using the left overs from this project.
I’m debating between creamy white and sky blue for the paint color. It sort of depends on which rug I decide on. The silver leaf on the inside of the glass looks really great though. So far so good!
Domino
Windsor Smith
Windsor Smith
Alright, I’m signing off for the week. See you back here on Monday! (or see you at Alt?)
xx
jenny
I'm dying to do a similar project – those cabinets are Uh-MA-Zing!
I truly feel as though I will have to check into rehab this week with all my fav bloggers at ALT. What's a design wannabe girl to do?
LOVE the cabinets. What a find.
Those pieces have such great lines. I cannot wait to see what you will do with them.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
ooh, can't wait to see the final product!
What an awesome idea!!! I am going to silver leaf the inside of our tv cabinet now—you are always so inspiring!!!
Can't wait to see the finished project!!!
Have fun at alt! Your cabinets are beautiful- love the little fretwork details in the corners of the glass. I've been considering a similar paint/mirror treatment for a cabinet I have in my living room (I've been in love with that windsor smith image for a while now) but I can't bring myself to paint over the burled wood inlay. I can't wait to see the silver leafed mirror- as I was reading, I was going to ask if you've ever tried krylon's "Looking Glass Mirror-Like" spray paint? Supposedly you can spray it on the back side of a piece of glass to turn it into mirror, but I think it takes like 5 thin coats and it's a bit pricey for spray paint and comes in a smaller can. I'm in possesion of a can but haven't tried it yet…
The silver leaf is gorgeous! Even more interesting and beautiful than a mirror. I can't wait to see how they turn out in your home!
What an awesome project! I've been looking for an old secretary's desk to do just this with!
Those are GORGEOUS!!! And what a great idea to silver leaf the glass – genius! Have fun at the design summit. :)
What a great idea! I can't wait to see the finished product.
I love the armoires! The woodwork detailing on the front is so gorgeous. I checked out that place where you bought cabinets and it has a lot of great stuff. Definitely a great find for some cool furniture finds. Good luck with your project!
planning to attend your panel at alt! see you there!
Tell us what you learn on your trip! Have fun!
GREAT find! i can't wait to see the final pics. i know they'll be fab – like everything you do!
oooooh, i can't wait to see! i've been dying to gold leaf the back of my secretary…i need you to walk me through it first! :)
can't wait! can't wait!
good luck!
Oh my gosh, this cabinet is going to be gorgeous!
P.S. Have so much fun at the Alt Design Summit this week!
I can't wait to see what they look like. I'm sure they will be gorgeous!
Oh my that is one incredible find…you are sooooooooo lucky!!! I have been searching forever for something similar for my partents! Can't wait to see what you do with them!
canNOT wait to see the finished cabinet!
wow, i cannot wait to see! good luck at Alt!
Those cabinets are very lovely!
WOW. Those pieces will be so incredible when they're done!
My husband and I love everything goes! Can't wait to see them when you're done.
please don't paint those!
These will be so fab. Can't wait to see the end result after alt.
OMG! I am SO JEALOUS of you!!!!! WHAT A FIND, to be sure!!! Love, love, love them! Can't wait to see the end result!
cant wait to see what you do with these!! You have inspired me to try some silver leaf! Check out my blog. http://www.mysewsouthernlife.blogspot.com
i cant wait to see the finished product! knowing you it will be absolutely fabulous! what an amazing find = oh and I love the new dining table and chairs too *melt*
http://www.glitterandgoldblog.blogspot.com
wow! wish i could go too!
happy day!
Rosa
I'm still just sitting here slack-jawed and amazed at the gorgeous cabinets…composing myself…
Have a great time at ALT!
http://loveallthingsbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com
you have the best luck finding just what you want!!
I cant WAIT to see the finished project!
holy awesome. those are STUNNING! they're going to be incredible when done, no question. congrats on the score!
Hi Jenny,
Great to meet you at ALT today. I am glad Alma had told me about your blog, I actually dig this kinda thing even though I know it's nit normal for guys, I just ignore really feline stuff and latch on to the gender neutral stuff.
Anyway now when I see you in my blog feed it will mean more.
Take care!
Feline stuff?..ugh, sorry Feminine… DARN iPhone spell correct,
You get the idea!
They're amazing! I'm going to have to check out that store in Staten Island now! I can't wait to see the before and afters!
The white cabinet really fits with room looks like it harmonizes with the interior. Good luck with your project.
Jenny: You are the best. I loved hanging out with you at Alt. Thanks for the continual inspiration. :)
I love these cabinets and can't wait to see the finished product! I've never tried silver leaf but I might have to change that…
Exciting. I cant wait for the result. Good luck.
Seattle Real Estate
I CAN NOT WAIT to see this finish project. your before and afters make it look so easy, but every time i try to paint something it's covered in hair and dust.
i know it'll be gorg. keep us posted.
I just bought a mahogany cabinet with similar detailing on the front, so I look forward to seeing your finished project. I was planning on painting mine maybe a light gray and replacing the glass with mirror, but I'm having "wood-painting" guilt. Does it bother you to paint over a nice mahogany or other wood? The examples you showed look gorgeous, so I know it will look good in the end, but I just keep having these twinges when I see the nice dark wood(although I'm more of an MCM gal myself).Any words of wisdom to overcome my guilt?
I have been scouring ebay and craig's list for pieves exactly like these for my dining room. do you have any idea who made them? It may be located on the back of the cabinet
thanks
Lisa
Lisa – the set was made in the 60s by NY furniture maker Huffman-Koos. Hope that helps!
xx