How to turn a beat up vintage French cabinet into a beauty!
Several months ago, I stumbled upon a fabulous French Provincial secrétaire at the Habitat ReStore in our area. We were there looking for replacement tile for our bathroom renovation and I briefly looked at the secrétaire as I walked past it. I made the comment to hubby that I couldn’t believe no one had bought it, but we were in a hurry, so we left without purchasing it.
I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so the next morning, over coffee, I told hubby that I couldn’t get that sweet French Provincial secrétaire out of my head. And, like the good husband he is, he offered to drive back the 40 miles to get it for me!
The French secrétaire had such pretty details, and fabulous curvy legs. I fell in love with it when I saw it, even though it had seen better days. Once I got it home and was able to inspect it more thoroughly, I realized it was in worse shape than I had originally thought.
It was dirty and dusty, and though it was solid wood and heavy, it had some water damage to one side, which had resulted in some warped wood. It looked as though it had been sitting in an outbuilding somewhere and had been exposed to the elements, so I decided to give it a makeover with my favorite paint Pure & Original Classico.
The first thing I did was remove the hardware, then wiped away all of the dirt, dust, and grime so I could begin painting.
I started by first painting with a base coat of the color Elephant Skin on the outside, and Steel Blue on the inside.
After my base coats dried, I began layering with the lighter colors, Polar Blue, and Bone on the exterior.
I left the interior in Steel Blue with no other colors added, because I wanted to create some major contrast between the outside and the inside. I painted the outside with a combination of techniques, dry brushing, and spraying with water to give a thin glazed look, achieving the layered finish that I love.
Once I had the layers looking the way I wanted, I used my homemade glaze and a small artist’s brush to add antiquing to the details, nooks, and crannies. Adding shadows with glaze or dark wax helps to “age” a piece and adds depth so that your piece of furniture doesn’t look flat and one dimensional.
After the glaze dried, I added the finishing touch….Pure & Original Italian Wax. I love using this wax for a beautiful finish. It’s so easy to use, and after buffing, the Italian wax leaves a silky, subtle sheen.
Here is our sweet French Provincial secrétaire after her makeover!
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I love the way this pretty French Secrétaire turned out!
It has such a light feel to it now, and the paint hides it’s imperfections resulting from sitting out in the weather.
Reusing the original hardware, I gave it new life by gilding it with Rub-N-Buff gilding paste in color Gold Leaf.
Using my homemade glaze in the recessed areas really helped to define all of the details. It gives it just the right amount of “aged patina”.
Luckily, the original key was taped to an inside drawer when we found the cabinet at the Restore.
I love dressing up a cabinet with a pretty tassel, so I tied the key to this fleur de lis tassel that I’ve had stored for a couple of years. I think it was originally used in our Christmas decor years ago, but it now makes the perfect decoration on the secrétaire.
Remember that I painted the inside a different color? A gorgeous blue, called Steel Blue?
It creates a bit of drama when the desk front is opened to reveal that stunning color.
I had so much fun decorating the inside with old French books, a vintage loving cup filled with a pretty blue dried hydrangea, a couple of old sacred hearts, a metal crown, and an antique French clock.
I collect antique French documents, so I added a few of those, as well as a small packet of love letters. Over the last thirty years, hubby has written me many love letters, all of which I’ve saved. I keep them tied with pretty velvet ribbons, and tucking a few of them into one of the secrétaire’s cubby holes makes me smile every time I see them.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing the transformation of this neglected French secrétaire!
It’s amazing what paint can do to breath new life into an old timeworn piece of furniture.
Cheers, Cindy
*The paint for this project was provided by Pure & Original, however all opinions are 100% my own.
Oh, I LOVE what you did. It’s just lovely. I’m actually in the process of doing a couple of little pieces that are very plain, but I love them so I’m looking forward to giving them a little style and even possibly some elegance and you’ve inspired me for my little secretary chest and little music stand, so thank you so much for sharing. I love your aesthetic and your pieces.
I recently finished a furniture makeover (a few days ago!!) and I have you to thank for the inspiration!! The best tip is using the homemade glaze! Even though I did not make my own, I used a product very similar to yours, and it completely brought out the other colors and everything blended so nicely. Now my piece looks perfectly timeworn, antiqued, and gilded! Thank you for your suggestions. It only took me 6 months from start to finish, but I needed that time to research colors and techniquesI am a little slow with motivation, but finally got it done!!
Such a lovely piece. Really love the finished color. Also love the schnauzer. We have a Sophie and she is a mini schnauzer as well. Love the breed.
I must say that reading and seeing the changes are spectacular. You have a real talent. I love all your post and so enjoy your work. Thank you for sharing. Jean
I love what you did with the French secretary desk. I have almost the identical desk except mine has a tall glass cabinet on top. Bought it 35 years ago at an antique shop in Yountville. I’ve always been afraid of painting an antique piece for fear of lowering its value, but your’s looks beautiful. Thank you for posting all the details of your DIY project.
Exquisite! I LOVE how you transform an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan…good job Cindy!
Thank you so much, Laura!
Wow!! You did a FABULOUS job on that piece. The tiny details make it look so rich and loved. Excellent!! I love it!
Thank you so much, Mary!
That turned out gorgeous! Did you mention how much you paid? Whatever it was it was a bargain.
Hi Karen! It was $125.00!
So pretty. She fits right in. And I love the way you styled the inside.
Thank you so much, Teddee!
Wow, Ms. Cindy , you know how to turn items to look like a million dollars !! I have always thought that if someone that didnt know how much labor y’all put into your home and furnishings , they would think that y’all must have eon the lottery Everything is just top notch and I love that you share in detail with us how to replicate the fruits of your labor with us !
Have a fabulous 4th of July
Thank you so much, Lorraine! Have a great 4th of July!!
Wow it looks SO good. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you, Robin!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Ellen!
It is gorgeous. It looks like it came out of Marie Antoinette s sitting room.
What a wonderful compliment, Marybeth! Thank you!!
Absolutely beautiful! I love this paint finish!
Thank you so much, Jann!
How do you learn to refinish/paint furniture like this? You aren’t just slapping a coat of paint on a piece, but using multiple colors and techniques. Are there any course/books/videos that teach these types of techniques? Beautiful work! My local Rehabitat store has nothing ad fabulous as this piece! Thanks!
Hi Fran! I’m self taught, literally experimenting with paint and layers. I’ve always had the thought that it’s only paint, if it doesn’t look good, just paint over it! I don’t have any videos or tutorials other than instructions in my posts, but there are plenty out there from other furniture painters.
You have such a gift of seeing something and knowing what it could be. It’s a beautiful piece. I have a large mirror painted black and really want to change if but not sure where to begin. Love watching what you do though. Cherry
That is incredible. The piece is beautiful. I keep wanting to try and paint furniture with different colors but don’t have the courage yet. We are schnauzer lovers so love looking at your dog as well. Have two of our own. Thanks for all your posts.
Thank you, Cherry!
That is just simply, gorgeous ! Looking forward to seeing your house reveal in Fairhope. I hope I haven’t missed it. I live about an hour away in Milton, Florida.
Thank you, Frances!
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! I was thrilled when found the exact same desk on FB Marketplace. I just loved what you did so much, I did almost the exact same thing, just using a different brand of chalk paint. I’d love to send you a pic!
That’s wonderful, Lori! I would love to see it! Send the pic to edithandevelyn@gmail.com
This is absolutely perfect!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Thank you for sharing this stunning transformation! I always love your before and after pics;-)
Absolutely Bella! Attention to detail draws the eye in. The time consuming details and finishes produces a one of a kind piece!
Love Your Blog lovingly named ” Edith & Evelyn”
Absolutely beautiful. I think you’ve inspired me to take up my paints down the road. 🙂
Quick question about steps Cindy. I am new to chalk paint and I’m wondering if in between each coat of paint did you apply wax or did you do each color THEN wax at the very end?
Hi Jen! I don’t wax in between each coat of paint. I only wax as the last step, once all the painting is completed.
Hi Cindy,
I love the colours that you used on this gorgeous desk. Does Pure & Original paint require a primer? I’d love to replicate this look on a french roll top desk I recently purchased. Thanks for the inspiration!
Best,
Maria
Hi Maria! No, Pure & Original doesn’t require primer!
Wow Cindy, just stunning what you did to an old piece of furniture. I love the contrast you created, so pretty. What was old is new again!! Beautiful job!
I love how this turned out. Did you paint the Trumeau mirror behind it, as well?
Thank you, Lizzy! I didn’t paint the Trumeau mirror….we found it an estate sale!
Cindy, how do you spray water on your projects? Do you blot it, let it run or wipe it? I cant figure out exactly how to do it. Thank you, I love love love all your projects.
Gloria, I do a little bit of both. I use the spray gun while the paint is still wet. Many times I will let it run, but I’ve also blotted it when I feel like it’s a little bit too wet. The best thing to do is just experiment and see what works best for you!
Beautiful
Love this makeover! I have inherited a few pieces of furniture that have seen better days and this inspires me to go ahead and paint them! It will give them a whole new life in my home.
Hello,
The desk is amazing. I have my grand aunt’s desk and would love to paint it. I would like to know how you painted the inside as my desk is similar. Did you spray paint? Brush? How did you manage to paint the cubbyholes?
Thank you so much
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Kathleen, I painted the inside with a small 1″ artist’s brush which was easier to control than a larger paint brush. I hope that helps!
The secretary is beautiful. Love the inside and the decorations you used.
Love the secretary…turned out beautiful.’
I have an old China cabinet that needs some love. I came to your blog to get some inspiration and your expertise. Thanks!
I love your painting technique, it looks amazing! I have a secretary desk that I want to redo.
I love your painting technique! I would paint an old desk that came from my grandmother’s home — so many memories.
Your work is beautiful. I accidentally found your blog this morning, and have had a great time looking through your projects. I will enter the giveaway, as I, too, love to work on old (preferably French style) furniture. I am not familiar with this brand of paint and would love to try it.
HI Cindy,
What a find! I love what you did with this secretary, the paint is beautiful! I need to paint a French dresser and mirror that I got for FREE a couple of years ago and still haven’t decided on color/ paint technic and my Pinterest board has hundreds ( lots are yours!). This would look gorge!! Thank you for sharing all your wonderful work.
I have a large red painted glass front display cabinet in my living room that I’d love to freshen up. I’ve had it about 28 years and its time for a change, especially as the inside and outside are the same color. Things on display are often lost and not seen because of the red color.
Love the look of your secretary. And it’s my
f avorite color! Did you add the other colors in a certain way?
I would love to refurbish a grand old rocking chair that I used to rock my son in when he was a baby
So many pieces in my home could use this! Thanks so much for the inspiration, I love those colors! Carmen
Hi Cindy. Such beautiful colors. I would use these colors on a small hutch that I have. Thank you so much.
Beautiful makeover, love how you layered and used different techniques with the colors to reach this beautiful finish. I would use this pain to transform a French French Provincial China cabinet.
I love the contrast of the inside darker and dramatic. It also ties in the teal color in your living room. I have a old buffet that needs a makeover. I always try to figure out the layout of your rooms to each other from glimpses into the opening door ways. Beautiful choices you make in every way, Cindy.
Cindy,
You are the Queen of painting furniture!!! I love the colors you chose and it only adds to my indecisions on refinishing my project dresser!!! It would be great to play with new colors and I look forward to the day you might do a painting video!
Love your blog!!! I need to paint/transform a french dining table…..
I do love a great furniture makeover and yours was terrific! Did Miss Ruby Lou help you during the process?!? 🙂
She is always supervising, Constance!
Love that Classico paint and your glaze to give this piece an antique look with real age. I have an old secretary that is has scratches and needs this TLC treatment. I will look up your glaze recipe. I don’t think my husband would do a return trip on the very next day, yours must have trusted you to tackle this project.
Hallelujah! I have just purchased a 1975 Airstream. This is exactly the painted look I want to use and do to give this little jewel a French Vibe. As you know it’s very limiting what you can do but anything I do will make a huge impact. I will be painting at least a corner cabinet in this same look. Please do a tutorial on the water use and the way you layered the colors. Thank you.
Hi Cindy, I like/love everything you do‼️ I have an armoire I would like to repaint. It’s not an antique but it has such sentimental value for me. It’s one of the first pieces furniture, my husband and I bought when we were young. It’s pine and has had one major repair. When my daughter was 7, she kicked the door and broke it but I repaired it. Now even that old repair mark has sentimental value to me. I would love to have a chance to repaint it.
I would love to try these products! I have been working on a small dollhouse and had bought a piece for it to stand on. It is in need of a redo!
It is absolutely gorgeous Cindy!!!
I am following you on instagram as @cacraftymom. Thank you!
Oooooh! I would love to makeover my bedroom dresser and side tables! Thank you for the amazing giveaway!
That turned out so well! Love the colors. Would definitely like to try the paint.
Thanks!
Cindy I just want to sit and watch you paint!
Once again you achieved a beautiful finish. I have been wanting to re paint a dresser they was my mothers. It’s very old,believe she bought at goodwill 20+years ago. It’s a petite dresser and I will never part with it. But it needs a new paint job with better paint I tried a competitive paint and it is not to my standards. The piece lives at my front entry.
I have been following you on Instagram for years.
Very charming; good bones, and paint! What a transformation. I’m curious about the paint; I’ve tried AS, & would like to try this.
I love how you transformed your secretary. The paint looks amazing. I have a small secretary that was my grandmother’s. I would love to try these paints. H
Someday I want to paint my vintage bedroom vanity/desk. Someday!
Thank you for sharing the transformation of your secretaire. It is truly lovely. If I am the lucky winner, I will use the paint to transform an old dresser which belonged to my mother-in-law.
I have a dresser and a chair that need a makeover.
OOOOOh my gooooosh….You did it again. Your are my favorite!!! I love this piece!!! I have a wheatback bed that has yellowed over the past many years that I would love to do…I just cant get started…..I wish I had your gifts….thank you for allowing me to enter…
Love your blog and the different pieces that you paint. I would love to try to paint a dresser that I want to give away to our church for an upcoming sale they are having.
I enjoy reading all of your painting projects, and have thought about layering paint colors like you. My usual go to is white chalk paint . I have a tall dresser that I’d like to paint blue.
I’m always amazed at your ability to combine the colors so beautifully and effectively. We inherited an antique mahogany bedroom set from my mother-in-law. The dressing table is to be our computer desk and needs to be painted. I have been intimidated by the chalk paints but too intrigued not to take the leap. If it turns out half as sweet as yours I will be a happy gal!
I love your furniture transformation! I would like to do something similar to my dining room table.
Cindy, what a beautiful piece of furniture that you have masterfully transformed! I love the Habitat Restore. I have found some treasures there myself. I have an antique hope chest that I inherited, and I feel inspired to paint it in a harlequin pattern with muted tones. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful piece! Love the color and wonderful details. That paint sounds amazing! I’d love to paint my glass front china cabinet:)
Love, love the colors you used on this treasure! My favorites, blue-gray shades are so classic and it’s perfect among the other beautiful furnishings! A vintage dresser resides in the bay window of my kitchen and she would be so happy dressed up in these colors!
Hey Cindy! What a beautiful transformation. I am waiting with baited breath for the give away. So many pieces that I would love to paint!!!
I love the way this piece turned out! You bring such elegance to your design:) I would use this package to give new life to an antique buffet I have.
l have a vintage library table that could use some love, and l believe this paint could provide that! Now, lf I only had your mad skills at painting, Cindy!
Absolutely stunning piece! You did a wonderful job!! I have a vintage secretary desk that I’ve been contemplating on whether I should paint it…after seeing this, I’m thinking I shall!!! I would love to try this paint on that piece!
~Cindy~
Hope you have a wonderful Easter!
Ohh how pretty your desk turned out!!! I have a hope chest from the 70s that I would love to redo , in the blues !!
Kind regards,
Paula
IN
I love the secretary!!!! I have an old desk that I’ve been wanting to paint. It’s already been redone once back in the early 70s so it really needs a new life now!!!!
Cindy, what a beautiful piece of furniture. I would love to do my mother’s desk that she left me. I use to play with it as a child. I pretended I had very important work to do. That’s how much of an impression it had on me. It now needs lots of tlc after years of neglect. My mom lived to be be one hundred and would be so happy if I put some love into it. Thank you for this inspiration.
I love the piece you renewed. Looks fabulous. I would paint my grandmother’s secretaty to give it a new life few. Have thought about doing it for years, but your ouece inspired me!
I have a secretary myself that is awaiting a redo!
I love the piece! Beautiful job. I have been trying to find the pink table I spotted on one of your posts. I have a small chest I’d love to do in the colors and this paint. Can you please point me to it? I’d be very grateful. 🙂
Carol, here is the link to that post: https://wp.me/p5Xug9-XM
I have been waiting for this post Cindy! The piece turned out beautifully. I would love to paint my mothers childhood nightstand from the 1920’s. It could use new life!
You have such a talent transforming the French pieces you find. Simply wonderful 🙂 Most of my furniture is painted but for almost 20 years now I’ve had a tall mahogany secretary that is tempting me to paint it!
Everything you create is soooo beautiful and inspiring. I have a pretty side table I’d love to paint. So many of your creations are amazing and you make it look so easy!!
You give such wonderful details. Thank you for sharing.
Cindy, this secretary turned out just beautiful as do all the pieces that you paint.
I have a small French desk that I painted and antiqued forty plus years ago. It’s still in great condition, but it is time for an update. Would love to try this paint to give it
a new color and new life! Thank you so much!
Absolutely beautiful. I have been wanting to paint our small spinett piano and I think these colors would be perfect. Now to muster up the courage.
Cindy, You did it again! I have a dining room piece that is screaming to be redone! This paint would be perfect for it. I have used your homemade glaze recipe and love it!! Thanks for sharing! Hope I win!
I would love to use this paint on my china cabinet!! It’s a perfect piece to play with.
Also, any chance we could talk you into producing a video on your paint techniques? Everything you do looks so perfect but I have to admit I’m a little intimidated!!!
I love to see old forgotten and neglected pieces given a beautiful new life. Your desk is lovely. I just bought a dusty rickety little rocking chair with a pressed back for my sweet little great granddaughter that needs just such a wonderful makeover.
I’ve never heard of the paint so I am anxious to try it.
I have a set of old chairs that are in desperate need of a make over.
The desk is simply stunning! I love it!! I would love to paint my grandmothers small French side table! I haven’t heard of that paint and would love to try it!! Thank you for the giveaway!!
Stunning! The blues are beautiful. Would love to try the paint on a small French provincial dresser I have in a spare bedroom!
I would love to paint a old china cabinet that I have in my dining room . Your work is beautiful .
I have a wonderful vintage French chest and I absolutely love this inspired piece. Would use these colors if I won. As usual, loving all that you do❤️
Oh my gosh Cindy! This is delightful! I love when you share your projects. You have such a great eye for color. Well done!
Fabulous find! I love the Restore! Good luck with your paint give away…..:)
Cindy – What an amazing job…the desk is beautiful! I have a small china cabinet in my garage that is just waiting for a transformation. Thanks for sharing all the great details….can’t wait to get started.
I’d paint my desk! I bought it at an Estate Sale and while it’s in good shape thestained finish on the front edge is quite worn.
Just breathtaking Cindy! I would paint my Victorian oak Secretary! The date of the drawing is on my birthday! What a nice gift this would be for myself!
My husband and I are DIY-ers currently renovating a fixer upper 1947 colonial house here in New England. I’ve been so inspired by Edith&Evelyn Vintage that I have decided to decorate the house in French Country vintage design. Since budget is limited, I’ve been collecting used pre-loved furniture (from FB Marketplace, Habitat Restore among other places), that I refinish with paint! There are several furniture that I wanted to do but my next project is a French Provincial bedroom set – headboard, dresser, vanity and chair. It has seen better days, were already painted and some paints are peeling off so there’s more work to do than just paint over it. Thank you for such wonderful projects and I’m looking forward to seeing more design inspirations from this site!
Such a gorgeous finish! I have a sad old secretary desk that would look stunning in this style, so I would love to try out your paints!
You are an artist with all your transformations!
Linda, You constantly amaze me. Every thing you touch turns to magic! The secretaire is beautiful. I love finding you in my emails because I know I will be treated to your wonderful world.
This makeover is amazing. Love the colors and how you layered them. I have several shelves, chairs that need paint. Thanks for this amazing offer
I would love to transform a small chest that a TV stands on in bedroom. I love the technique you use spraying water on the piece, I think it gives a little something extra. Great makeover
Your desk looks so natural! The colors you chose fit the piece perfectly. I don’t have any pieces to paint but wanted to comment!
I would love to use the paint for a diaper changing table that has drawers. For my great grandchild. We don’t know the gender yet.
Your French Secretary is beautiful.
Thanks, Linda
What a truly beautiful piece! I would love to paint either a buffet or china cabinet. They are both old and longing for a makeover!
This is beautiful! I have a small French style dresser that holds table linens in the dining room. I want to paint it in shades of teal blue.
I have a ladies writing desk ….among MANY projects that I would like to try this paint on.
I haven’t been much of a painted furniture person until I saw this secretary painted. I have a small corner bookcase that needs some love in my french inspired bathroom that I just renovated. This would be a perfect time for me to try it!
Stunning piece…..you are a true artisan with paint!
What a beautiful piece. I would love to repaint an old dresser. Thanks for the post
Beautiful…..love the colors. I would love to try this on an old cabinet I have been wanting to paint for years.
Just beautiful! What a lucky find!
I am inspired! I have an old secretary that belonged to my mother-in-law. It could use a little TLC.
I would like to paint a secretary I’ve had for many years! Thanks for the giveaway! Love your secretary and your blog!
Beautiful job giving that gorgeous desk a new lease on life!
Cindy it’s beautiful!! You have such a wonderful way of painting furniture!! I have a small secretary I’m wanting to paint!
Hi Cindy. You have given me so many lovely ideas to redo my husbands childhood tall boy dresser. This product would be a perfect medium to use. Thank you for the chance. 🙂
I am wondering if and how you repaired the ‘warped’ area on the side of your lovely desk? I too have a vintage desk with some warping and am anxious to perform a ‘redo’ on it as well. Your transformation is outstanding!!
Stunning piece. Have an old French armoire that needs this paint.
I love it! I am planning to paint a China cabinet for my dining room. I would love to try this paint. You are my favorite blogger and I just love everything you do.
It’s gorgeous, Cindy! You have such a gift in painting pieces to look very Old World. There’s nothing you’ve ever painted that I dislike. It’s like what I would choose if it was my own. I’ve got two things I need to paint…a french provincial writing desk AND kitchen cabinets. It’s the most difficult thing to decide on colors, but I’ve lingered long enough with them, and need to commit and push forward! Thanks for sharing…always look forward to what you’ve transformed!
Beautiful desk. I have a french provincial dresser and nightstand that I would like to try using the your paint on. It sounds very easy plus all your transformation look great. Hope I am lucky!
Cindy, the secretaire looks fabulous!! I would love to redo a petite china cabinet I have. It belonged to my late mother in law, and is a lovely piece.
A French Provincial chest of drawers is stored in my garage waiting to be transformed. I love your painting style, combining dry brush technique, color washes and glaze to give depth to a flat surface. Your secretaire was a beautiful transformation!
I actually have a small secretary that I inherited and would love to paint it! I’m heading over to Instagram now
GORGEOUS finish! I want to run my fingers over the surface. I have a curved glass china cabinet I’ve been thinking of transforming — and I love that steel blue color for the inside!
Hi Cindy, I have an antique buffet that needs transforming with this paint! Thanks for the inspiration and the pictures! Your piece is beautiful!
All I can say is WOW!!!! You make everything look so easy! I have a beautiful table with a decorative base I would like to try it on.
How Lovely Cindy!! Thank you for not only walking us through the transformation, but too, the process of how you achieved such a beautiful outcome! I have so many pieces I dream of transforming, it’s hard to know where to begin Lol. If I had to choose one, it would be the petite french writing desk I have squirreled away in my basement waiting patiently for its transformation to become a bedside table!
I am always amazed with your “redoes”! How you are able to layer all those colors to produce the beautiful results is a true gift and encouragement to me. Thank you, thank you! We inherited abeautiful antique mahogany bedroom set from my husband’s Mom and I really need to tackle painting the dressing table which is being converted into our computer desk. For some reason chalk paint is intimidating to me but I need to jump off that cliff, right??!!!
Cindy, it came out beautiful!! I love P&O as well and I just love how you used it for this piece!! Stunning! Love the styling too… 🙂
Beautiful as always Cindy. I am trying to decide whether or not to paint my dining room table and chairs. I think your post was very timely in pushing me in the paint direction. Thank you as always for the extra details.
Pat
What a gorgeous piece!! I have a large jewelry armoire that would look amazing with these colors!
After seeing this post I would love to paint a desk I inherited from my grandparents. It is similar to yours. I love the pop of blue on the inside!
I have a large cabinet that could use some new life. Of course it would be hard to stop once I started with that piece.. 🙂
I have a pretty French entry table waiting to be transformed!
Wow! What a beautiful makeover! I have an antique Hepplewhite buffet that I would love to paint for our new home. I’m so inspired by your style!
Just lovely! You have really done a beautiful job on this piece. Fifty some years ago when I painted pieces that were not in the best conditioned, I was condemned by the purist who would not paint an antique . So glad that over the years it has become the fashion. It is just what some pieces need.
Such a beautiful piece. You have a wonderful touch and I so love your home and decor! I would love to transform a small cabinet I want to place in my dining room to hold cookbooks!
Your secretaire is beautiful. I have an old French dresser that I would love to make over. . Maybe you will pick me.
Cindy, your secretaire is so beautiful. I love how the layers of paint give it that aged look. I have been on the hunt for an antique French cabinet for my entry hall. I would love to try the Pure and Original paint on it. Would you please share your recipe for the homemade glaze with your readers please.
Cindy,
How fortunate you were to find such a diamond in the rough. The combination of colors are a favorite to me. French pieces are my choice as well. The curvy legs get me everytime.
I was able to find a pair of small entry tables that I need to update to have in our living room. I could add beauty to them with the paint entry.
Best regards, Christine
Your secretary turned out beautiful, such beautiful lines.. I have an old secretary that I stripped and refinished many years ago. It has been in many rooms over the years and many uses. . For the past few years it has been in our bedroom. I actually use it as my desk, but I am so tied of the brown finish. I have been seriously thinking it is time for a change!! I recently finished a French style chair and ottoman. I used milk paint, antiquing to highlight all the curves and then put a satin finish to protect it. So this old secretary is over due for a change.
I was given a secretary and would love to paint it ! You inspire us to try new things, and you make it look soooooo easy!
I love how these pieces call out to you and you are able to give them a new elegant life with your loving handy work! This one is gorgeous.
Beautiful transformation and what a great find. I never find goodies like that at habitat.
I have a pretty French style chest that’s begging for just such a dress up.
Of course, I follow you on Instagram. You’re always one to follow wherever you go. Always inspiring us to more beauty. Hope to see you guys soon.
Cindy, I love your transformation of this beautiful piece! I have a small table with a little shelf that has been sitting there waiting for her makeover for quite some time. This paint would certainly make it happen!
Such an outstanding result! Of course, your experience and talent in painting this piece is what makes such a beautiful finish. I’ve followed some of your previous pieces and would love to try this paint on my dresser and chest of drawers in my master bedroom. I want a color to complement our metal bed frame which is a greenish gray with very subtle antique gold highlights. I would love your advice on color choice!
My plan is to work on either the bedside chest or the mirror first before tackling the larger pieces.
Again, the desk is lovely and your husband a real peach for going back the next day.
The French Secretaire turned out simply gorgeous! It is amazing to watch you turn a piece of furniture that had been tossed aside into a work of art, magnificent!
I would love to try Pure and Original Classico Paint on a Secretary that I have.
Would love for you to do a video on how to do the painting make-over of a piece of furniture. Just love this one its gorgeous!
What a lovely make over on this piece. I have a table I bought for $30 (no top) that I would like to redo—that paint would give me the opportunity to give it new life! Thank you for your gifting to someone!
Gorgeous job! I would use this paint on a big bookcase/cupboard I found on the side of the road.
Absolutely beautiful! I am getting ready to start a French dresser. I’ve used this paint and their wax. It’s amazing!
So beautiful! I have an old bedroom dresser that is calling out to be reborn! Love the desk you redid. It is amazing. Thank you for this giveaway
Cindy….once again you’ve done a wonderful job in transforming an ugly duckling into a piece of art!!!! I have a hutch which is 2 pieces…the top being glass doors with shelves and the bottom closed storage. It’s been looking at me every time I get into my car in the garage and asking me “when are you going to get around to getting me ready to be placed inside the house to find a permanent home. I would love to try the paints you use for this piece of furniture.
Gorgeous transformation! I love the authenticity of the aging techniques you applied. The colors are simply beautiful!
This is GLORIOUS! You’ve given me inspiration to paint a dull desk that I have! Thank you!
Gorgeous just like all of your work. When you spray the paint do you won’t back? I would love to try this paint on an old cabinet passed to be from my dad and to him from his mother. It has been sitting out in the garage for years I’ve moved it everywhere with me as I dont have the heart to discard it but the dated and nocked and stained wood just doesnt work in my French country decor. I think with the help of Pure AMD original paint, I could actually use it in my home AMD cherish it more
Cindy, I have loved every makeover that I have ever seen you do! I have a similar desk that I have been trying to decide how to paint. I have never used the brand that you used, but I love the colors that you chose and would loved to give it a try.
I have a Secretary that was my Mother’s. Very dark wood and while still beautiful, I would love to lighten it up for my current decor.
I have an antique secretary desk with hutch that is sitting in my garage waiting for a makeover. The inside will look great painted in steel blue! I would love to try this paint line for my project.
I am so in love with the french piece! I would so like to try the Classico paint on a couple of pieces I already have. Thanks for the pics.
I have 2 cabinets that need to be painted in my sun room. I also have a small table that holds an antique chest! After recently moving, everything needs an update 🙂
Wow! Amazing transformation. I LOVE painted French furniture. This unspires me to tackle painting my desk.
This transformation is lovely. The techniques you use to achieve the final look are amazing. I want to try this on a beautiful old vanity. Thanks for sharing
Another beautiful piece! Love the color choices. I have two pieces I recently bought at an estate sale. A large mirror and a small side table that I would love to use this paint.
Outstanding. You are so clever and having fun with your projects.
Thank you, Janet!