A Mysterious Vintage Find Becomes a Charming Statement Piece
A Beautiful Makeover for an Antique Piece
Every now and then, a piece of furniture shows up that leaves you wondering what it used to be—but excited about what it could become. That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon this quirky old piece. I couldn’t name it, but I knew instantly that it had potential.
The shape was intriguing, the way it opened was unlike anything I’d seen before, and I already had the perfect idea brewing: a pop of vintage wallpaper inside to highlight its charm.
Cleaning & Prepping the Piece
Before any creativity could happen, it needed a serious scrub. Years of dirt and grime came off with a deep clean using TSP Alternative, revealing the beautiful details hidden beneath.
Once it was fully prepped, I started with the interior. I lined the inside with a gorgeous floral vintage wallpaper—soft, romantic, and full of character. Seeing the paper in place helped me choose the perfect paint colors for the exterior.
Choosing the Colors
For the bottom section, I went with Lichen, a soft, earthy green that pairs beautifully with vintage florals. I flipped the piece upside down to paint the legs and the carved underside, making sure every detail was covered.
Once the base was complete, I turned my attention to the top. Raw Silk felt like the perfect choice—a warm, delicate white that added contrast without overpowering the wallpaper.
Adding Character With Distressing
Because this piece already had so much age and personality, I decided to lean into that charm. A light sanding in select areas created a naturally distressed look, giving it that well‑loved, timeworn feel.
Finishing Touches
To complete the transformation, I added an ornate handle that tied everything together. It was the perfect finishing detail—elegant, vintage, and full of charm.
And the best part? It didn’t stay in the shop for long. A customer walked in, fell instantly in love, and took it home. Pieces like this remind me why I adore furniture makeovers: every transformation tells a story, and sometimes, the right person walks in at exactly the right moment.