Buffet Re-Do

**Updated to Add: If you are visiting from Life in Grace, welcome! If not, check out her beautiful painted kitchen makeover here. It's fabulous! She is hosting a linky party for painted wood projects, so head on over there for some painted inspiration!**

Back in the summer, I got a good deal on a buffet on Craigslist. It was in need of some TLC, but was the perfect size for the wall in front of our french doors, and much needed extra storage for some of my glassware and serving pieces. It is six feet long and I loved the shape and detailing. It just needed to be refinished, get new hardware, and have the hinges and some drawer slides replaced. I know we all love a good before & after!

Here is the Before photo:

And the After:

I wanted to give the buffet an aged character, so I base coated it in black and used crackle medium in strategic places of natural wear and tear before adding the topcoats of cream. After I painted it, I also distressed it. I am really happy with how it turned out!

This is 5th piece of furniture that I've refinished and I think it was the most challenging. I have used crackle medium before, but it was more difficult to use it only in spots versus covering an entire surface. I consulted with Jen for some advice mid-project and she was a fabulous help! (She does a beautiful job of furniture refinishing and painting! Visit her blog to see her unique work.) Thanks Jen! I love my wonderful blog friends.

Here are a couple of close-ups of the detailing:

This project took quite a bit of time and effort, but I think it was worth it. I absolutely love giving an old piece new life and a new look! The buffet filled a large empty spot in our main living area. I am already putting the extra storage to good use and am in the process of adding decorative displays on top. I will share more photos when it's all finished!