...before you say, TOSS it...please read on....
For quite some time now, I have been contemplating finding an old hutch to put out on the covered patio. One that would be functional for displaying cute vintage finds as well as for storage of things like gardening tools, gloves, fertilizer, etc. A few weeks back, I saw this piece at one of the antique stores that I sell at. The price was good, however it is quite a homely gal. Perhaps someone’s garage piece? I don’t know. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to buy it, but the price was decent. Though primitive pieces with distressed wood and worn patinas are great, this – for some reason – beckons for a sprucing up. Maybe just a good soap and water cleaning and a good waxing would do.
So, I ask, do you think a fresh coat of paint would make this old girl sparkle? The glass doors need a good cleaning – or even replacing.
The open shelving would be a great place to put out plates, napkins and utensils for those outdoor BBQ’s. I have a collection of bird nests that would be adorable displayed behind the glass doors.
On each end, there are old bins drawers – like flour bins on a Hoosier cabinet. I removed one of them because a piece on the front corner was splintering off. Nothing that some wood glue couldn’t fix. I was thinking the bin drawers would be ideal to hold bags of potting soil. Good, huh?
The chunky round wood knobs are cool, but I’m imagining finding newer ones that would look better. Perhaps glass?
Broken corner in the glass…darn it. Nice old hardware though.
So here’s my dilemma….
What color should I paint it? The wall of the house that it will be against is beige. A white color may be nice to keep it monochromatic. HOWEVER, I do love Miss Mustard Seed’s Luckett’s Green. I have used AS Chalk Paint before and love the ease of it with application and sanding.
I would love to hear from anyone who has used MMS milk paint and to also get some blogger feedback as to what color you think I should paint it. I do love neutrals, but my heart tugs at green! HOWEVER…. the angel on my other shoulder is whispering, “AS Old White…..”
My collection of white enamelware pitchers will find a home inside the hutch, too. Other items to be added are galvanized buckets, the bird nests (as mentioned) and metal watering cans. Maybe these tidbits of information will help make the decision a bit easier.
Thank you for the kind words left for me and my family on my last post. Big hugs and much appreciation to all.
I have not worked with Miss Mustard Seed Paint. I do love ASCP though. One on my favorite colors is Versailles. You can see it here where I painted a clock:
ReplyDeletehttp://thecomfortsofhome.blogspot.com/2014/01/country-french-swedish-mora-clock-reveal.html
and here where I painted a foyer table:
http://thecomfortsofhome.blogspot.com/2014/01/changes-in-foyer.html
I did use clear and then dark wax on it as well.
Hugs,
Penny
awesome find love it
ReplyDeleteme?
i see a seaglass blueish green or spring green....take off glass and replace with chicken wire....keep the cool nobs and screw them under a wooden tray for feet......get white porcelain knobs.
: - )
ps
ReplyDeletei would use AS or CC Caldwell paint versus milk paint for added durability, that piece will be thirsty and also need to be durable for its outdoor use. That's just my opinion of course.
ps
ReplyDeletei would use AS or CC Caldwell paint versus milk paint for added durability, that piece will be thirsty and also need to be durable for its outdoor use. That's just my opinion of course.
Toss it! No way. Love it. Can't wait to see what color you pick
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
I have no doubt you'll do something to make that old piece of furniture shine. No advice from me though, I hate to do that kind of stuff.
ReplyDeleteI definitely would do it in color. I have not used Miss Mustard Seed Paint and/or ASCP but have used some called Plaster Paint. I loved it because of the ease of using it. I didn't use the wax but a poly on it for a finishing coat because I was worried if I ever wanted to re-paint it, would the wax be a problem.
ReplyDeleteI think it is perfect for the patio. So much space!
So good to see you blogging again.
Judy
It makes my heart go pitter-pat just as it is!! I have an obsession with old cupboards and I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated just to them. I'll never tire of the green you've got on the base of your table and your chair, so I can definitely see it painted in that color. Old White? Yes, too! I'm of no help whatsoever, but I think you made a very wise purchase, Becky. I can't wait to see what you do with it!
ReplyDeleteI had to chuckle at your xxoo under your photo at the bottom of your blog. Our girls used to correct me all the time when I signed notes and cards with xxoo. THEY say it's supposed to be xoxo, but I'm not about to change my ways. ;)
Here catching up. SO, very sorry for your loss of dear pupper. I know how hard this is.
ReplyDeleteI love the new piece for outdoors. Such a great find!
xo Kris
I think a green would be lovely, especially since you plan to put white pitchers inside. They will show up better against some color.
ReplyDeleteLuckett's Green is gorgeous. Simply cleaning/lightly sanding the hutch up and a clear matte wax would look very primitive. The whitewash would look very good as well. Decisions decisions, lol. Actually, I refinished an antique sideboard many years ago in a nice maple with the clear wax top coat. The natural nicks/imperfections only reveal its age, which is a plus. Then, instead of paint, had a special color of varnish mixed at Lowe's for the top. With varnish the natural wood grain is still visible. Before and After photos of the sideboard are on my Homespun Hannah's Blog, if you want to look :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with MMS paint but I thought of her milk paint as soon as I saw this cabinet. I like the idea of green, it would set off your white enamelware so nicely!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting piece. It looks to me like someone may have made the base later (or at least the drawer fronts) and that the top is older with those 1910-20's butterfly hinges. The reason I think this is because the bottom is fir and the top board couldn't be original - they used better wood then because we had not run out of it yet. I think creamy white with a green interior would be fabulous. But, I differ on the paint I'd use from the other friends. I'd use an oil paint (They make flat oil paint now.) for the exterior. I only want to paint things once and I'm afraid neither MMS or AS paint would hold up outside. It could be used on the inside maybe. Just on a side note, I use Fine Paints of Europe exterior paint. I painted my sign and the decorative steel door frame with Fine Paints of Europe. That was 12 years ago and they both still look like I just did it. It never fails to amaze me. There is another paint that will last outside for a long time. That is barn paint. I used to buy a gallon of white and then tint it any color I needed. The stuff wears like iron and after 15 years it will wear off rather than chip or peel off. It is actually more of a stain. Now that I think of it. Barn paint would be perfect for this piece. Barn paint is not expensive.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous! I love this! I need to move somewhere with more fun, affordable finds like this.
ReplyDeleteThe cabinet with bins has a history, so I would not make it look new. I would paint a base color of white, then do a weathered green on top of that, showing more of the weathered look around areas that would have been touched more often, such as around the knobs.
I would leave the upper inside of the cabinet, behind he doors, a solid white wash, the shelves could be painted a solid white or a light green for ease of cleaning, since food items will be stored there. I love the chip in the glass, it shows a well-loved age.
I would use white porcelain knobs with little flowers painted on the front of each knob.
For the counter top, I would paint some sort of pattern, maybe a green and white plaid look with faux fringe around the edge.
I would use this piece as the focus point, showcasing my treasures.
I told you I loved this piece!
As for the xxoo or xoxo, my fiancé, who passed, was horrified to see XO at the end of a card I gave him. He thought it meant X Old Lady, and thought we had broken up! OMG! The look on his face still makes me laugh!
Please keep us updated on this project! Blessings from Port Huron Michigan.
:):) I suspect you know pretty much exactly what you will do with this sweet piece! I love a new color I saw recently call Geranium Green. The one that is the photo is very similar. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mona
Well....I have no experience with paiting furniture period! Even though I love it, but I just know with some "spit and polish" you will come up with the best idea...I do like that green paint you mentioned...the white enamelware will look awesome! Does it have feet? If not perhaps some great feet too....cannot wait to see it done!
ReplyDeleteGreen for sure! That'll look lovely near the garden!
ReplyDeleteI would paint it a robins egg blue. You do love Americana stuff!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about refinishing furniture, but I do think that piece has great bones, and I think it will look great no matter the color!
ReplyDeleteOh my! I love it. I would definitely paint it with Annie Sloan chalk paint. So many great colors to choose from! I just painted an old bed with milk paint (it wasn't Miss Mustard Seed, but I can't remember what brand.) It was ok, but I wound up painting over it with AS Old White.
ReplyDeleteI would also take out the glass and replace it with chicken wire. Can't wait to see pics of the finished piece!
Oh my goodness! I love it! Cant wait to see it done! xox
ReplyDeleteWhat about using both? I think the contrast would really highlight this piece's details nicely. It's so much easier when a cabinet "speaks" to you, isn't it!
ReplyDeleteGreen inside with white pitchers, and white outside
ReplyDeleteI agree with the old white on outside with your favorite green inside area where you will feature the white enamelware. Green glass knobs. If you decide to use chicken wire, I would leave the glass and put wire on inside to keep inside clean longer. Fasten in a manner that would allow you to remove for cleaning.
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