We’ve given our china cabinet a refresh with chicken wire!
A few days ago, I decided that I wanted to make a change to the china cabinet in the family room.
I wanted to remove the glass inserts in the doors, and replace it with chicken wire to give it more of a French Country look.
This cabinet has had several looks over the years.
Originally, it held a collection of antique french religious statues for several years.
However, now I’m ready for a new look!
I decided to move a few special pieces to different areas, and then I edited the collection by selling some of the pieces in our online shop.
Things rarely stay the same for long.
I am constantly moving things around to get a new look.
For the new look, I wanted to make room for the purple transferware dishes that I started collecting a few months ago.
Purple transferware is hard to find in my area, so my collection was growing at a snail’s pace.
I really didn’t even have enough to make a nice grouping.
Thanks to two special friends, I finally have enough to have a lovely display while I grow the collection.
The china cabinet sits in the family room next to two large patio doors.
We get lots of light through those doors, which is wonderful, but it causes a lot of reflection in the glass, making it pretty difficult at times to see what’s displayed inside.
I really wanted to enjoy the beautiful patterns and colors in the purple transferware, so I asked hubby to remove the glass inserts in the doors and replace them with chicken wire.
This allowed the light to showcase what’s displayed in the cabinet.
Adding the chicken wire also gave the whole room a bit more of a french country look, which you know I love!
After adding all of my purple transferware into the cabinet, there’s still room for more.
I love searching for it when I’m out antiquing, and I always get so excited when I find a piece.
The hunt is always part of the fun in collecting anything.
A few months ago, a sweet blog friend, Amy of the gorgeous blog Maison Decor, sent me a message about a couple of pieces that she was admiring in my online store.
She asked me if I would be interested in bartering them for some purple transferware dishes!
I immediately said yes!!
Amy is the queen of collecting purple transferware, and her collection is swoon worthy, so I was more than thrilled with this swap!
She sent me a set of the prettiest purple transferware dishes which gave my small collection a huge boost!
A few days later, another sweet friend of mine, Debbie, came for a visit.
She had seen my post about starting the collection of purple transferware, and when she arrived at my door, she gifted me a gorgeous set of purple plates, making my collection finally large enough to display!
Thank you Amy and Debbie!!
I love the finished look of the cabinet with the chicken wire in the doors, and I love the way the purple transferware collection is showcased in it.
Hopefully I will be adding more to the collection soon.
I had hubby save the glass panel inserts so that I can put them back in the cabinet at some point if I decide I want to change it agaim.
And according to hubby, there’s no doubt in his mind that it will happen!
He knows me so well!
Cheers,
Cindy
Hi Cindy. I am the one who bought the dog picture that arrived with the damaged frame. I just resurfaced a piece of furniture. After reading about your initial redo of the china cabinet I realize my piece would benefit from a clear coat of wax. My question, is there a specific brand of wax you could suggest I use? All your efforts of your projects give magnificent results!!!
Hi Martha! I always use Pure & Original Italian Wax or Annie Sloan clear wax. I hope that helps!
Love your collection. I recently started collecting purple transferware. My collection consists of 6 8 inch plates so I too am on the hunt.
Too funny1 Your husband sounds like mine! 😉 I LOVE your collection, btw! I have a weakness for ceramics-dishware, pottery, glassware, etc. etc! Does Miss Ruby Lou approve?? 🙂
Absolutely!
I updated my china cabinet by removing the glass and replacing it with 1/4 plywood. I added latex embellishments to the side panels and door fronts before painting it with white chalk paint and adding a clear/black wax mixture. Now its an “antique armoire” I love the look but I did keep the glass just in case!
Oh my goodness, Nancy! I love that idea! I may have to try that one day!
I can’t say i’ve ever notice purple transferware, but it’s really pretty. I love the purple cow pitcher.
Hi Eileen! Purple Transferware is a little bit harder to find than the other colors. It’s not as common, especially in the area that I live in! Thanks for commenting!
Picture wire is a great temporary solution. However, you can get non reflective glass from picture framers. It is more expensive than regular glass, but you can see the objects more clearly, and it saves all that dusting.
I was hoping for a tutorial on how to install the chicken wire in the cabinet doors.
I absolutely adore the addition of the chicken wire Cindy! It changes not only the piece, but the feel of the whole room!
Happy Friday to you:)
Sheila
xo
Thank you, Sheila!
Cindy, I am so in love with your blog, such wonderful taste you have. Would you mind sharing where you purchased the pretty lavender pillows on your one couch?
Hi Patti! The pillows actually came from a local boutique.
Unique, orginal, and beautiful! Loved the idea, very creative, went really well with the whole place too!
Hello Cindy, I am new to your blog. Stumbled on it quite recently and love it. I love your style. Your home is amazing and yet very comfortable at the same time. I love the history of your blog such a tremendously sweet story. I love how you have honored these strong ladies that were in your life in such a sweet way. I am impressed with the home you and your husband created. From the foyer on it is beautiful I am very sorry to here about your sis I know this must leave an imprint on your heart. The older me and my husband get ( in our early 60’s ) the more friends and family we loose and in some ways it begins to feel remote and lonely almost. I’m sorry for your loss. I am going to continue reading this blog now. I truely love your taste. I hope today is a Better day for you.
Aw, thank you so much, Carole! I appreciate your sweet words so much! Thank you for following along.
I really like your cabinet with the wire in the doors. Seems to give it a little more character.
Thank you! I think so too!
Cindy I am so sorry to hear about your Sister. I lost my dear sister in law 1 1/2 years ago at age 65; she was like a sister, we miss her everyday … but it gets easier and we laugh about all the crazy things we did with her. She was my Antiquing buddy…LOVE your blog, and love your style and the name of your blog. Years ago I thought of starting a retail shop and was going to name it Myra and Marie (Mother and MIL names). We lost them years ago and miss there distinct personalities. They were friends in their later years. Thinking of you as you go thru this journey and take time off and mourn.
Thank you so much, Barbara. My sis was my antiquing buddy as well. There’s certain places that I go now that I feel her presence with me. It’s sweet and painful at the same time. Like yours, my mother and MIL were total opposites, but were great friends. They were a hoot to be around! We miss them so much, but I honor them with this blog. I think they would both get a kick out of it. Thanks so much for your sweet comments!
~Cindy~
Big Hugs to you !! Days, weeks, months, then a year goes by without our love ones, seems so unreal on days still to me ,missing my sister Lois. But it is certain life goes on, and like you said We Do look at each day a little differently , and wanting to spend more time with love ones, that is want we have others to yet love, and what a blessing that is !! I feel after Lois passed away, it made me more aware and so much more thankful of this beautiful life our Lord has blessed us with and we are to find Joy in each and every day !! He is with us always.
Hugs,
Paula
IN
p.s. the
Well said, Paula. True words. Bless you!
Dear Cindy, I am following your blog for quite a while now and have to say that you have an incredible taste. I really enjoy you style!
The display of your purple transferware collection in the china cabinet looks very beautiful and I think it was such a smart idea to change out the glass panels with the chickenwire to get rid of the glare from the sunlight so that you can actually see and enjoy your collection easily. Simply great!
I have one question: I like your slip covered sofa and loveseat very much. May I ask where you have bought it?
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort and strength to keep going in these difficult times.
Warm regards,
Christina Schwarz
Thank you so much, Christina! The sofa and loveseat are the Ektorp sofas from IKEA! We love them!
Thank you so much for letting me know where you got the sofa and the loveseat. Who would have suspected that out of all possible place they are from Ikea. They look really nice!
Christina
Dear Cindy,
My deepest condolences on the lost of your sister. Prayers Up!
I love your renovated China cabinet. The simplicity of the chicken wire is truly French Country. I am again inspired…
Blessings!
Thank you so much, Carrie!
Hi Cindy,love the cabinet and the purple dishes, I have two sisters that are seriously ill, you know what heartbreak I’m going through. I think of you often and keep you in my prayers.
Oh, Sue, I am so sorry. I do indeed know what you are going through. I will definitely say some prayers for you as you walk this journey, dear friend.
Hi Cindy. So great to see your new post in my email box this morning. Your makeover looks so different and I love the FC feel. Had you thought of painting the inside of the china closet? I think a pale green would be lovely and the purple would really pop against it. Just a thought. On a personal note, don’t feel like you have to return to normal too quickly. Take the time it takes. We never forget loved ones we’ve lost so they’re not really lost. Love and hugs, Pat
Thank you, Pat! Yes, a pale green has been rolling around in the back of my mind. It would be lovely and may be a project for later on!
Hello Cindy! I am new to your blog and also so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you. I love the breakfront change! All my life my grandmother always said make sure your breakfront doors are tight to close and this keeps the dust away, mostly . I don’t think I’d mind dusting more with these beautiful dishes. Blessings to you! Melva
Thank you for commenting, Melva! Your grandmother is so right, there will be more dust, but I think it will be worth the little bit of extra dusting if I can see those beautiful purple transferware dishes! Thanks for following along!
My condolences on your loss.
I am new to your blog and was wondering where you purchased the darling lamb?
Thank you, Dee! The lamb is antique, from an old church nativity. We get them into our online shop periodically, but currently we don’t have any. And at the moment, we have a waiting list for the next one we find. Thanks for your sweet comments, and thank you for following along!
So sorry for your loss, will be praying for you…
Thank you so much, Emma.
I love the chicken wire and the new purple dishes are beautiful! I can’t wait to see your new study. I’m sure it will be gorgeous, just like the rest of your home! Meanwhile, sending healing prayers to your family during this difficult time. Best, Dell
Thank you for your sweet words, Dell!
Hi Cindy,
It didn’t take you long to accumulate the purple transferware you where craving! What a great trade. It captures the rest of the lavender in the room, and I see that cute little puppy girl sitting there admiring your work. She is so so sweet. The deep wedgewood background paint sure makes it pop. Strong but elegantly subtle.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, your hubby is a genius. You two make great progress on your home. It’s really beautiful.
You are brave and I admire how you have pushed yourself to carry on. Losing family, especially a sister, isn’t easy. It does change you and it makes you much more aware of living and loving, making us wise to things we never thought of before. I can see you live brightly. Carry on my dear, carry on.
With much love,
Suzanne
Suzanne, your kind, sweet words have lifted me this morning. Thank you.
Cindy,
I lost a dear friend of 25 years in December. She was a sister to me in my heart. I am having the same problem…finding the new norm. So much to do….so little motivation. Thank you for sharing your home, your struggles and that adorable puppy!!!
Aw, hugs to you, Margie. It is indeed hard to get back into some kind of normalcy. I go through the day, doing what needs to be done, but my heart isn’t quite in it. I know it will get better with time, but I also don’t want to forget the lesson this has taught me….that nothing is as important as those we love….spending time with them, laughing, cherishing each moment, telling them we love them. Time is precious, I don’t want to ever lose sight of that. Blessings to you, dear friend.
I just want to encourage you this morning. I follow quite a few bloggers, especially French Country style, but your posts are usually my favorites. I was not aware of the passing of your sister, which makes it totally understandable that your posts would be infrequent at this time. I’m sorry for your deep loss and pray the Lord redeems your pain and heals your heart. Sisters are pretty special people in our lives…. I love your “remodeled” buffet but also wonder if you considered using both the chicken wire with the glass (but I know this would not eliminate the glare)? I’m designing a new buffet which my husband will build for me and I’m thinking of using both chicken wire and glass. I need the glass to keep dust out – I live in horse country – lots of dust everywhere! Do you mind sharing your thoughts? Thank you…. and God bless you today.
Thank you, Robin, for your sweet words. They mean so much to me. I did consider using the chicken wire with the glass, but I really wanted to eliminate the reflection that the large windows cause in this room. I actually have another cabinet in the dining room that I am considering adding the chicken wire to the back of each glass panel, leaving the glass intact. That cabinet doesn’t get any glare on the glass, so there’s really no need to remove the glass panels. I think it’s a great way to get the frenchy look! Hope this helps! Thank you so much for following along!
Wow, gorgeous! I’ve been debating on whether or not to do this with our dining room cabinet. Renovations starting soon so I’ll have to decide! I love the color of your walls in these photos. Would you mind sharing what color/type of paint/mfg. it is? I’ve currently got three swatches of gray paint on my living room walls but can not decide! Yours looks perfect! Thanks so much!
xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Thank you, Kathleen! The color that we’ve used on all of our walls is Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. I love this color and I’ve used it throughout our home. Good luck with your renovations!
I’m on my way to pick up a sample now! Thank you so much!
Welcome!
Wow!!! And I say again, wow!! I have been toying with replacing my glass or at least adding chicken wore to my hutch. Hmmm, thinking you just cemented that want. I luv it!!! Some years ago, my mother in law after hearing my story about m beloved grandmother’s blue and white transfer ware that we sued as everyday dishes when I was a child, gifted me with a set of brown and whites as it was painful for me to see the blue . Unbeknownst to me, that was the start of it all.
I have quite a collection going. The hunt….
Luv yours!!
Hugs. I can relate. The loss of my daddy left me spinning. It took a while for me to find my ‘normal’ again. But once I came to terms with my grief, I began a journey of living each moment … savouring it all and my luved ones. Life is fragile! Live! Laugh! Luv!
Thank you, Gee! The obsession with collecting transferware is real! Yes, I’m still trying to find my new “normal” after the loss of my sister. I see things through new eyes now, and I’m trying to live in each moment, cherishing the time with my loved ones. Nothing else is as important. Go get that chicken wire! {{Hugs}}
I LOVE the purple transferware in the cabinet and I love the chicken wire too!!! I would have thought it would make it too casual but not at all!!! It is beautiful! The whole room is gorgeous. I am so sorry you have been having such a hard time. Everyone grieves in their own way, so take as much time as you need. We will all be here. I love every project you do!
Thank you so much, sweet Pinky!
Glad you are doing well Cindy!
The China cabinet looks gorgeous with your collection of purple transferware. I loved the collection of religious statues as well but what fun it is to be able to change things up from time to time!
Lookiing forward to the big reveal of the study!
Cheerfully,
Nancy J. Texas
Thank you, Nancy! I’m trying to get the study finished…it’s almost there.
The chicken wire really ups the French factor! And loving the addition of lavender to your room. Sorry to read you recently lost your father. Hope you are feeling better.
I was so excited to see a blog post! Take your time and we will still be here to enjoy your renovation journey.
Hi Cindy,
Again, you never cease to amaze. Your collection is so beautifully displayed, and I love that hubby knows to keep the glass doors…just in case! It will take time to get over your sister’s passing, but you know you will always remember her and all the good memories you shared. We all have to take the time needed to grieve.
Love your home and now your cabinet with the chicken wire to more easily see your beautiful transferware collection. All so beautiful!
And…I too very much understand how difficult it is to get back into the swing of things after a death in the family. At 6 months now since my father’s death, I’m still struggling some days.
Thank you, Connie. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. Losing a loved one puts everything into perspective. It makes you realize what’s really important and what’s not. Blessings and hugs to you!
I love the chicken wire, and you’re right, no glare from it like there is with glass. It looks great too! How fortunate you are to have several people give you the purple transferware!
Thank you, Florence!
Drop dead gorgeous.
Thank you, Alice!
Hi Cindy, Your cabinet doors with the chicken wire is beautiful and I love your collection of purple transfareware! Yes we have missed you, but everyone understands your greiving period…When I lost my Mom and son it was so hard to get back into the groove of things. As you know, it just takes time. Have a great week!
Thank you so much, Courtney. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom and son. Blessings to you!