Winterwood Buffet

I feel like it’s been a good long while since I made a post, but it’s not for a lack things to report. In fact, so many things have happened since the last post that I really haven’t found the time to post. We’ve had a few furniture projects and other craft projects we’ve worked on but have just not found an hour to myself to post. But it’s Saturday and things are done for the most part, and I’ll take advantage of my son’s afternoon nap to write about one of my favorite projects, the “Winterwood” Buffet.

I found this Chippendale buffet on Craigslist. The owner’s had it listed for a great price, the only caveat was fitting it into my Durango. It’s a huge buffet despite how short and stocky it looks sitting in my garage. With the seats down, car seat out, I made it with just a one inch clearance. Biggest piece to ever fit in my vehicle. Ever.

A little back story on this piece. It wasn’t until we were doing our routing scrubbing as part of prep when I came across this tucked into the back of one of the drawers. How cool is that? This piece was definitely imported, and I think it’s awesome that this shop is still open (I googled it). So I taped the sticker back on and left it as part of the piece.

The wood on this piece was beautiful, but the wood was just hiding all those beautiful accents and it just needed something to give it a little more elegance.

I decided to go with my favorite white. I chose General Finishes “Antique White,” with very little distressing on the accents.  I also sealed it in Satin HPTC.

I also used “Antique Walnut” gel stain by General Finishes to show that beautiful wood grain. This color isn’t as dark as Java, but it still gives a warm feel to pair with a contrasted white on the base.

If you look at the original photo, you’ll notice that it came with a back splash. Unfortunately, after a couple of months sitting in the Texas heat and humidity, it warped leaving a big, ugly gap where it normally would sit flush. I’m sad about it, but we kept it because eventually, it will be repurposed into a picture frame.

As I was painting this, I noticed that some of the wood grain on the doors, would just not accept the paint. And after debating on whether or not to fill them, i decided to leave them. This was the buffet showing it’s character, so I listened and let them speak. They are beautiful grooves that remind me of wood in the winter time, which is why I named this piece the “Winterwood” buffet.

We added magnetic catch and close to held with the opening and closing of the doors which did not come with handles. They were opened through lock and key (keys are not original).

Hope you all enjoyed this transformation. This piece found a great home to a couple who also purchased a custom ladder to match their buffet. Ill try and manage my time a little better. So many more changes happening!