Love, empathy, tolerance--also puppies, flowers, and laundry

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Heirloom Wardrobe Makeover

Painted in a vintage ivory-cream color, she looks like she just came out of a California ranch house. My uncle (a former Seabee) built it for my aunt (the love of his life) so she'd have a place for her pretties.  I think my aunt and my uncle would both approve of her fresh new look.
 
He went to college in Chico on the GI Bill and they lived in one of those older homes with bedroom closets the size of a shower stall. Or littler. I've never understood why anyone would design a home with a miniscule closet space. Hello! Even babies and toddlers need closet space.  Much less a new bride!

We rescued the family wardrobe from my cousin's storage locker last summer and it's been cluttering up the Queen Mother's garage for the past year.  I almost couldn't wait for my priority projects to be done so I could tackle her makeover!  My young neighbor aptly calls this color "Burnt" and it did nothing for the wardrobe.  Neither did years of dirt and a very splinter-y attitude.
 
It didn't help that someone had made these random cuts for electronics cords sometime. 
 
But a little hocus-pocus involving a luan skin appropriated from a rickety bookcase and some wood putty combined with a surprise apple-green interior have dolled her up considerably. 
 
She may have been "Burnt" before, but she's a bonny lass now with a story to tell and ready to be useful once again.  Can't you just imagine her in a craft room filled with glue and glitter and piles of lovely quilt fabrics?  Maybe with a couple of storage baskets on some added shelves?  Or in a child's room with sweet little dresses hung up and small shoes below?  Or in a farmhouse-inspired kitchen holding pantry items?

I enjoy what happens when elbow grease meets vision and creates something worth keeping!  Even more when it's quick and easy!

Swiftly,

Party time! Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday (say that fast five times!)




and the ever-wonderful Show and Tell at My Romantic Home!


Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch



13 comments:

  1. C'est magnifique! You've done it again!

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  2. Thanks, Pooh, it feels so nice see her shine!

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  3. What a great piece! Love the colors!

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  4. Grazie, Angie! Apple green is fast becoming a signature color for me ;)

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  5. I actually have the twin to this cupboard, I mean it! I bought it in an antique shop over 20 years ago and it is now sitting up in my barn.You have given me IDEAS, I really like the shades of greenand ... what is that color, PUCE? Perhaps mine can be revived from an old maid into a "Bonnie lass" again.

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  6. You did such a beautiful job on it. Quite the transformation. So much more brighter and fresh.I knew you would do a beautiful job though. I love the history of it and that alone makes it a treasure.

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  7. Just love what you did to this armoire!! Graet job,,,Julie

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  8. I just LOVE it! And it's especially chic to have such a provenance! What a lovely story!
    Luv Jacqui

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  9. Fantastic makeover! It looks great.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  10. It looks Great! and I love the color. I can envision bundles of fabric for quilting for sure. How special to have your Uncle's hand made wardrobe that he lovingly made for your Aunt. You did a wonderful job!
    I have enjoyed my visit with you. Visiting today from MMM.
    I have become your newest follower.
    Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

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  11. What a gorgeous job and such a great vision for colors. My color range is white and white!

    Carol

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  12. looks great! love the green on the inside!!

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  13. Oh those colors are just PERFECT! I love the finished project and the green is so lovely.

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