a new look- my cabinet makeover and blog

Hello!
 I am so excited to reveal my new blog header.  Since I started this blog almost a year ago, I have had several transformations of my header.  I hope to do a "walk down memory lane" for my blogaversary, but for now, let's just enjoy!

Red Pearl Designs once again came up with my lovely new look.  I love you Megan!  Thanks a ton!

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{ My other new look }

Yesterday I completed my new cabinet!

I am over the moon in love with this piece.  My goal was to make it look like I pulled it, just as it is, from some great old barn. 

Here was what I started with:

I picked this up from one of my favorite thrift shops.  I saw it right away, but kept looking around before I felt it calling to me.  I went back, thinking I would just measure it and think it over.  I just couldn't walk away from it though!  The more I looked at it and inspected it, it needed to come home with me that day.

I was 50% sure I'd be selling it.  It's an awesome piece.  By the time I got it home, I was less sure I'd be selling it, and fairly sure I'd be keeping it.  :)

The wood had a really dark stain, and it was hiding the hardware.

I pictured this in our bedroom.  White and distressed.  It will be replacing our dresser.  Since there is one drawer on top, it will help with some of our items, and then I plan to get a few more seagrass baskets for the shelves.

The wood grain on this piece is spectacular!  I love how distressing it really brought it out.

The glass knobs you see here were the ones that came with it. No clue how old this piece is, but the knobs don't look very new.

Part of the charm of this piece, for me, was the old hardware.  I loved the hinges and locks:

The hand hewn shelves instantly had me. 
The cabinet has so much character going on, and I just wanted to enhance it and bring it to life.

I sanded the outside just a bit, to get the sheen off,  then primed it with two coats of primer, and two coats of paint.  I probably could have gotten away with one, but I wanted it to have a worn down appearance. One coat maybe would have been too wimpy?  My palm sander with a heavy grit paper did the rest.

Chalk paint is all the rage right now, and I am anxious to try it, but there's only one dealer in our area and it would have to be shipped.  ($$$$) ...someday!  Here's what it looked like with the paint on- pre sanding and before the hardware was reinstalled.

I have been trying out Home Depot's Ultra paint and primer, and I really love it.  It goes on great, and this color is quickly becoming a favorite!  It is called Spice Delight.  Not a harsh bright white- slightly creamy but bright.

I need to start finding some more pieces like this to sell- but it's part of the fun for me to feather our nest and pick and choose what I keep and what gets to go! :)

Here's a final look at the before and after, side by side.

Have a great Tuesday! 
Don't forget to join me tomorrow to show me your transformations and treasures!

Sharing this project with:
Tuesday's Treasures
Furniture Feature Friday
Power of Paint

Feathered Nest Friday
Before and After Party 
Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Designs 
Good Life Wednesday 
Piece of Work Wednesday 
Talent Tuesday at Vintage Wanna Bee
Saturday Nite Special
Show and Tell Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Restore Interiors Restored It Wednesday
Hookin Up with HOH
Today's Thrifty Treasures