Monday, February 11, 2013

Cottage Glass Cabinet--What a Difference a Little Paint Makes


Yesterday was a rainy, stormy, gloomy day. . . .I began looking for something to brighten the dreariness. . . .which led me to this cottage glass cabinet. . . .

It's been a dark addition to the living room for four or five years. . . .I intended to paint it, but you know how that goes. . . .


Since we're working on the living room redo--as time permits--I decided I should brighten that corner of the room. . . .A little white paint did the trick. . . .


It's actually a lovely piece. . . .a handmade Arts & Crafts cottage style display, ca. 1920. . . .
The panes are blown glass. . . .the interior is painted beadboard. . . .I left the original soft green inside--a beautiful backdrop for my collections.


I love it's simplicity.


Before, the cabinet looked big, bulky and in the way. . . .Now, it works with it's surroundings perfectly.



Originally a bookcase, the shelves hold Granny's demitasse cup collection, Mom's crystal glassware, my collection of pedestal cake plates, and numerous family heritage pieces. . . .

It's so charming. . . . came from western Tennessee--out of a 1920s bungalow. . . .A friend of ours spotted it and knew it was just what we needed for the farmhouse. . . .That's the same friend who found the bathroom tub for us--being used as a flower bed. . . .







Making my day even brighter, John arrived home yesterday afternoon with a surprise--this precious framed print. . . .Isn't he the romantic? He says it's a younger version of us. . . .Such a sweetie.
I immediately displayed it on top of the newly painted cottage cabinet, along with the ironstone and a paint splattered basket. . . .


With a ladder and a vintage quilt, the cozy little corner is complete. . . .



I have paint left--beginning to eye a few other pieces. . . .There's a vintage mirror standing in another corner that I bought junkin' this weekend. . . .Hmmmm. . . .
Where's that brush. . . .



. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .



65 comments:

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

The cabinet looks great painted white with the green backboard.
It's perfect with your white farmhouse style.

Simply Shelley said...

A big change indeed. I like it! Blessings

Junkchiccottage said...

Wow! This came out beautiful. Love it.
Kris

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh, how lovely, Dru! Isn't it amazing what a coat of fresh paint can do? You have given your cabinet new life and, yet, it still looks vintage. I love that it came from East Tennessee. I have a number of pieces from East Tennessee that we purchased when we lived there. My harvest table is from around the 1850s and came from a country church in Dandridge, Tenn.

I love the soft green interior and the darling way you accented your cabinet with your pretty dishes and keepsakes. It will be perfect for the Spring.

Thank you for your sweet visit and your kind words, my friend.
Blessings on this sunny day,
Carolynn xoxo

Unknown said...

Hi Dru,
WOW!
It turned out wonderfully.
It looks like a totally different piece.
Both beautiful but I admit I like the white best.
LOVE the inside green beadboard!
What a wonderful gift from John.
How sweet!
Perfectly displayed.

Now heading back to look at the photos one more time. :)

Have a great week!
Hugs,
Tam

Maureen Wyatt said...

When the cabinet was dark, I didn't seem to notice how very many panes of glass are in the doors. Now, they stand right out. Love it painted and styled with all your family heirlooms. Yep, it's romantic of him to say the picture is the two of you younger! sigh

Unknown said...

Stunningly beautiful....I love it! Thanks for sharing..:)))

Anonymous said...

Your cabinet looks wonderful. A little paint sure makes a difference! I love it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Pam said...

Your cabinet looks just beautiful! I love that you painted pale green inside! How sweet of your hubby to give you that darling photo!
Have a great day!
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

Egretta Wells blog said...

First off, let me say that your cabinet painted white is lovely! And I must comment on your romantic husband...how fantastic is that! You are a very lucky lady.

Debra@CommonGround said...

gor-geous!!! calling all magazines...!!

Unknown said...

I always find it amazing what a coat of paint can do . Your cupboard is adorable . I pined it into my Cool Cupboards pin board .

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

Your cabinet is just gorgeous painted white! I have been painting some of my dark wood and I can't believe the difference it makes! Hugs, Penny

Unknown said...

That is a great cabinet and it looks so lovely and fresh in white. I keep searching for affordable cupboards and cabinets and hope to find a beauty like that one of these days. That was a sweet gift from you guy. Wishing you a great week ahead!

GardenOfDaisies said...

I love how the white and green look together on the cupboard. Sooo pretty!

Down Blueberry Lane said...

This turned out great. I really like the green background. Your hubby is a real sweetheart getting you such a cute picture. That is special ♥ ~Susie~

Susan Freeman said...

I love your cabinet painted white and am happy that you did not change the green interior. It looks great!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Anne said...

Your cabinet looks beautiful painted white!LOVE that ladder and quilt too!So pretty!
xx
Anne

Diane said...

I love your vintage cabinet painted white with the green beadboard. Looks so pretty with your glass collections.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I have my Great Grandmother's blown glass hutch... I'd never paint it. It is a big brown monster; and a dark hole. I am thinking of putting paper on the inside back wall to maybe lighten mine.

I have other family pieces...I'm not opposed to painting. But...it's raining right now...and The Honey is adamant- no painting when it's raining. ;)
Your cabinet looks so lovely and it could go either way...cottage or farmhouse!

love it, Pat

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

What a beautiful cabinet! I love its simplicity and the interior color is perfect!

Tanya Rachelle said...

Wonderful how the paint brings this piece to life. Lovely work and just perfect.
~Tanya

chateau chic said...

Love the cabinet, Dru, and painting it white really brought it to life. It makes a wonderful focal point in your room, yet not overpowering in any way.
Mary Alice

Sam I Am...... said...

Oh, Dru, I love it! And the green bead board in the back really does show everything off with the white in front. It's gone from dreary to dynamite! I hate to paint antiques but I have several that I've been putting off doing the same thing. Too much dark furniture! I love how yours turned out so maybe I'll get courageous! LOL! I've still got those seeds for you and I will get them off to you this week! For shame on me...that was last Fall and here it is almost Springtime! TTYS!

Unknown said...

What a lovely way to brighten your day!!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Dru. Love the cabinet painted white. You have such pretty things and they really stand out against the green. Good job..Happy Monday..Judy

Old Time Cindy said...

The white does brighten it up. Glad you left that green. And that is the cutest picture. Tell John he did good!
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

Dawn said...

What a perfect transformation. I love the vintage cabinet in white and the green breadboard is just charming. I so want the piece!

Audrey said...

Lovely .... such a hard decision to paint antique pieces, but some just look better brightened up. I am working on one right now and think I will paint the inside green and outside white. I like the way yours turned out.
Blessings,
Audrey Z.
Timeless Treasures

JP said...

What a lovely transformation with it's new paint!

Unknown said...

Love this piece and it looks totally better white...good choice leaving the green on the interior though...just the perfect bit of color. Lovely!

Kelly

cynthia lee designs said...

Love the cabinet painted white...and so glad that you left the inside green. Love the picture that your hubby gave to you...he did good! It is so cute!!
hugs,
Cindy

Jeanette@Creating a Life Studio said...

What a charming update! I love the white with the green interior.

Jeanette

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

This is such a beautiful piece and the white paint really brings it to life! Great job! Hugs, Leena

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

Looks lovely!! I love the old ladder with quilt next to it too...perfect :)

Art and Sand said...

What do I love about your sweet cabinet - the softer white color, the beautiful green inside, the little dog figure...all of it. And, you have a ladder. I so much want a ladder like it, but I have no place for one.

Enjoy!

Ruby and Arthur said...

It turned out so lovely and the green is so wonderful, glad you left it! If you have paint left over, I have a few projects!! Jean

Unknown said...

How lovely!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

I stopped by from Brenda's Love your redo. You have wonderful collections inside too. Love your style!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, I am so glad I found your blog at Cozy Little House. Congrats for being featured!I love your farmhouse style & look forward to exploring your site more as a new follower. Patti@OldThingsNew

Dewena said...

I too am glad to have found you through Cozy Little House. I love your farmhouse look! The white paint makes the old green paint in the back of the cupboard show up so much better now. I looked at some of your other posts and saw that I needed to follow you and not lose you!

Dewena

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Love it! There is something so fresh and crisp about painted furniture. Your cabinet is such a treasure, as is all your heirlooms!

Susie said...

The cabinet looks so much nicer. I love the print your sweet husband gave you. xoxo,Susie

Elizabeth and Gary said...

I just found your blog through WOW Us Wednesday and I am so happy I stopped by for a visit...I absolutely love your blog its delightful and lovely to read. I have become your newest follower and I look forward to visiting you again.
Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Fabulous white and green cabinet and all the beautiful treasures that it's sheltering! Lovely. Thank you for your sweet and kind visit! Happy Valentine's!
FABBY

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Your cupboard looks wonderful and I love the picture your hubby gave you, so sweet. Love your little puppy on the hutch...adorable!
Blessings,
Cindy

Dawn said...

You know how much I adore this project, thanks for bringing it to the Pary!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful piece of furniture - it's such a pleasure to come by and see what you've been up to!
And that print?
I WANT IT!!!
XXX

Cristina Garay said...

I love how it looks now with the white paint! The print is really cute!

MONICA LIVAS said...

This cabinet looks beautiful! LOVE it!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

I have a very similar cabinet painted the same way! All the worth is in it's glass. Love it for it's timeless look. Lots of oohs and aahhhs over that adorable print!

Debbie said...

Love it painted white! The background is perfect to show off the contents.
The cupboard looks wonderful!!
Enjoy!

Florida Farm Girl said...

Oh, my, what a beautiful piece of furniture! And I agree that it looks much better with the new color.

Amy Kinser said...

Amazing what white paint and a little time can get you. Your cabinet is gorgeous!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Dru, the white paint really made the cabinet pop. I love it! The green inside is the same color of the old door I bought to go on the farmhouse kitchen pantry. Love, love that color. What a wonderful collection of goodies and the picture is so sweet. I always teach my grandies how to Eskimo kiss when they are old enough to learn. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Lovely cabinet! I think it looks much better painted white. I don't think the "before" color was doing much for it. Plus, I think your displays inside stand out better.

Unknown said...

This is gorgeous! So glad I have found your blog I am now a follower!
hugs Aly x

Pam Kessler said...

Awesome cabinet. And I love that cute little china dog too (I sort of have a thing for them).

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

What a difference a coat of white paint makes--this is so pretty, and I love the shade of green on the inside! It makes all your pretty glass pieces really sparkle.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Dru, Another wonderful project. I love how a little white paint changes the look. You're an artist! Thanks so much for sharing at Simple & Sweet Fridays.

Jody

The Joyful Thrifter said...

That redo did the trick! It made it so modern and fresh looking!

Smiles,
The Joyful Thrifter

Anonymous said...

gorgeous! love the two tone and the light colored exterior made such a difference. Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

The Charm of Home said...

Lovely makeover! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

I LOVE it!! Sharing at the party tonight~ thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!

Unknown said...

Stunningly glowing hand-work,Looking so much fancy & impressive work.
Sienna Rope Cabinets

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