If it seems like every post is a client file these days, you’re sort of right. I’ve had a lot of commission pieces over the last couple of months and this family heirloom is the last in a long line of furniture that I am lucky enough to have gotten my hands on here lately.
An antique sideboard, or buffet if you prefer. You would not believe the gorgeous glass house where it lives. I have negotiated terms for moving in with them. I have convinced myself they were serious when the said I could have the guest room and even an occasional dip in their master bath garden tub….that actually makes you feel like you’re taking a bath in a garden!! What I wouldn’t give to be in that house during a drowsy rainstorm. But this post isn’t about the house…
This post is about her. About how she’s been around for a really long time.
About how she’s always been gorgeous and about how she always will be.
About how I never get tired of sanding down old quarter sewn veneer and seeing that trademark tiger stripe pattern.
By the way, we had a really fun discussion about quarter sewn or tiger stripe veneer on my Facebook page the other day. If you’re interested in more details, you should check it out, here.
Like most older pieces she required some repair.
In addition to her water damaged top, her bottom brace also needed repair.
But many of those blemishes are so easily overlooked when you look like this.
Original brass knobs still intact and an ornate design right at the center bottom. It’s as if the designer said, ‘Let’s give her all these clean cut lines on the top and then let’s make her curvy on the bottom’. That’s how I know “she’s” a girl.
And this is how I know, if she were a real girl, she’d look amazing in a blue dress!
My client chose a lighter top, a blue bottom and to keep the original hardware. A knock out combination!
There’s that quarter sewn (tiger stripe) white oak veneer. Here’s it’s lightened up in Driftwood by Minwax.
Ah! And those curvy legs!
The decision to keep those original knobs make her a true stunner. Just soaking lightly in a degreaser takes away years of dirt and grime but none of the beauty.
From this angle they remind me of a double breasted blazer, tailored to perfection.
Her gorgeous details are all still there and played up by the Flow Blue Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint that she’s now wearing on bottom.
Damages seamlessly repaired.
She’s no worse for the wear.
And now she’s one gorgeous gal all dolled up to take center stage in her glass castle.
I would absolutely invite her to live in my castle, how about you?
Want More Buffet / Sideboard Makeovers?
1970s Dresser Gets A Buffet Makeover
Buffet Gets An Update With A Pop of Color
Vintage Sideboard Gets A Makeover
it’s gorgeous. love that blue.
Fiona x
It’s a good blue, isn’t it! Thank you!
Hi,
You’re work is just amazing! Quick question: The blue paint has an antique look to it, not a thick coat of paint. Was there a technique to get this antique look or was it simply a very light coat of paint? I’m starting my first dresser redo and I want it to look JUST like yours. THANKS!
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you! It’s actually Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. I use this paint when I want to change the color but not completely cover up/remove the wood grain. The antiquing was done in the finishing/sealing process with furniture and antiquing waxes. Also from the same company.
That is stunning! I love the colour and the top, Minwax Driftwood eh, I may have to go find that! Pinning!
Hey Laurie,
I have used the Driftwood on other things and not been as pleased but with something that has a great grain like this, it’s amazing. Thank you!
I truly appreciate how you can take a beautiful vintage or antique piece and make it “new old” again. The way you describe the pieces you work with with gender and curves, makes the pieces more personable. I bought the “teal twins” a couple of years ago and I love them. I get compliments on them whenever we have guests over & I always always always tell people about your website, your store front, and how easy you make it look to re-fresh and liven up “stodgy old ladies and gents”. I’m still looking for a vintage find that I can re-create with the paint & wax I purchased from your store…wishful thinking on my part, I think! Keep up your good work! ⭐️
I just really love what I do and comments like yours are a big part of the reason! It always makes my day when the Teal Twins’ Momma leaves a comment! 😉 Thanks so much!
Can’t wait to see your project once you find the right one. And you will. Careful though, it’s addictive! 😉
Hi Jamie – I’m very like you – a bit of a sucker for a sideboard. And drinks cabinets. The’yre the best. And right now I’ve got one drinks cab/sideboard. Its massive , a bit Stalin like, dark dingey old stain and I want to make it over. I’ve got this idea that staining with a metallic finish would look good. What do you think ? I’m into this metallic sheen at the moment. So I’m needing some advice from another sideboard afficionado. Thanks for your help !
Oooh I love the idea of metallic! I recently saw someone use a copper paint that come with a solution that you could paint over to make it patina in certain areas. I personally can’t wait to try that! I want to see once you’re done!
I have an out dated hutch that I want to redo. I removed the top hutch portion which left a nice looking buffet or sideboard. I have decided to use just the bottom part but the problem being that after having removed the top the buffet now needs a top. It is a dark wood which I like very much and intend to freshen up but I am wondering what to do about a top. Any suggestions?
What about a butcher block top or even marble? Both would require maintenance and marble can stain but it makes a great work surface for pastries! Otherwise you could just do a planked top. That would be cheaper and look great, too.
I just found this post because I was looking for instructions on redoing an old oak sideboard – I love the blue milk paint & would like to do something similar on mine. But, there are no specific instructions here. Do you have a website that gives specific instructions and is this something a total novice can do?
Hi Bonnie! I do not have a tutorial on this particular piece, I’m sorry. You can take a peek at the Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint website for tons of how-to videos. Milk paint has a bit of a learning curve but I believe anyone can do it.