I wasn’t going to share another piece of furniture in this series until next week. BUT, the linen closet here at the cottage is done. And I couldn’t wait to share it with you. So, I figured, why not? You need to know the history behind this piece. I already shared the story behind our medicine cabinet and our antique wardrobe, so check them out if you missed those posts.
Since this cottage will be Deb’s workshop in the future, we wanted to do the least amount of work to it converting it to a workshop when that time comes. So we didn’t add any extra closets, etc, because we really love to use large cabinets for storage. We have a gorgeous bathroom vanity which I will be sharing soon, but we needed more storage for things like extra sheets, towels, etc.
Large pieces of furniture always work well for this type of thing. Now it was a matter of choosing which one would work.
I would say it was last year at this time. We received a message over on Instagram asking if we would be interested in this antique wardrobe. The lady owned storage units and one of the units had this antique wardrobe left in it. She knew we loved these type of pieces so she said we could have it. Because it needed a lot of work. The wood on the door was broken in several pieces and it was missing the two bottom drawers.
It was freezing cold and raining when we got there. We weren’t quite sure what in the heck we would do with it and where we would put it. So, we ended up using it in the office at the rental to store our paint clothes etc. Once we decided we needed a linen cabinet here at the cottage, I just knew this would be a perfect piece.
First things first. Deb needed to repair the broken door. And, figure out what to do about the missing drawers. I didn’t want baskets like a lot of people do and I also didn’t want Deb to have to put too much work into this piece because we have plenty of more pressing things going on. ???? She decided to cut out fake drawer fronts and added a knob and then attached them directly to the piece. She added three shelves for storage.
The next question is if we should refinish this piece of paint it……. I made the decision to paint it white. Because the repair work Deb did on the doors wasn’t going to stain the same color as the rest. And, same goes with the wood she added as the fake drawer fronts. They needed painted because it would be very hard to match the stain on old wood vs new wood. We’ve tried it many times.
We added two new knobs on the doors and I used rub and buff on the little metal key hole to spice those up.
I absolutely LOVE how this piece turned out and it works so perfect for what we needed it for…. our linen cabinet.
What do you think?
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I love the way this turned out! I wish we had more room for cabinets of this kind in our house but our old house has more windows than it does wall space. lol I’m really enjoying learning the history of these pieces, too. The way one comes to find a piece adds so much more history to it.
Love it!
I love this! It’s fascinating to watch you guys convert pieces like this and adapt them to suit your needs. So creative.
Danelle,
The reason I have so enjoyed following you and Deb is that 1. You are true DIYers 2. You see projects in old pieces that have been discarded, 3. You happily share how a project is accomplished and the price and 4. The average person can afford the projects that you do. Not everyone who is into home decor is a millionaire and it has been so refreshing to see projects and actually be able to duplicate them. We are all blessed to have both of you to follow. You laugh, you get frustrated, you work hard, but you don’t advocate running out and buying thousands of dollars in furniture and home decor. You truly enjoy the HUNT for things you find (even on the side of the road) and then repurpose them. DON’T CHANGE!!!!!! I love yours and Deb’s spirit and that you are both loving and genuine.
WOW!!!???? you two never cease to impress me, this looks utterly AMAZING, just love it????????????????????
This is so special! I just love your vision for things. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body so you guys fascinate me with your magic every day! I love the history behind the pieces. Thank you for sharing your talents with us♥️♥️♥️
Looks awesome! Another great job girls!
What color paint did you use and what sheen please ? I look forward everyday to getting on here and watching you two. You are so inspirational ❤️
You two! The Linen closet looks amazing! The place is looking fantastic. I love all the detail you have put into the place. So fun following you girls.
Love it so much, great job.
I have some older pieces and I just can’t get rid of that musty smell in some of them. I’ve washed them, put baking soda inside of them. Any suggestions? Your pieces are beautiful and I love the way you’ve included them as functional pieces, I try to do the same, just need to get rid of the musty smell! Thanks!
Looks great! Y’all are amazing!!! You can transform anything into something beautiful!
What did the closet look like before you painted it? I have two units that look like it and I just love what it looks like painted. What did you have to do to paint them (after repairs)? What paint did you use? I just came across your account about 1 month ago and I ❤️❤️❤️❤️ everything you ladies to the cottage? Also your both hilarious ????
I love it! I like using pieces of furniture for storage too. That way you can move them or change things up
Looks great!
Great piece. I have one similar and use it as a pantry. I’m now getting ready for a larger pantry so the piece will now become my fabric storage cabinet …can always find use for these great cabinets!
Such a great idea to make the fake drawers. One would never know by looking at them. I also love that this is on castor wheels. Your place looks amazing!
Is this a knockdown wardrobe where pieces are tongue and groove, especially the back panels that fit into slots?? If so, how did secure them or make the wardrobe more stable? I have one, which I love, but it needs more stability. Just wondered if you had same problem and what.you did to.correct. Thank you.
No… this one isn’t like that. We have the bottom of one of those that we use as a bench.
How did Deb end up getting the door on it to close? I have an old armoire and it’s doing the same thing yours was doing before Deb did her final touches on it. The slider that moves when you turn the key to lock mine falls just short of where it needs to go to keep it closed. Does Deb have any tips for getting it to stay closed? I’d appreciate any helpful tips. I love your new cottage!
I loveeee this cabinet. Perfect shade of white and so functional besides being so pretty to look at. I love The basket and flowers on top. I tried to copy the look of the basket and flowers on top of my white cabinet but cannot find flowers like yours. Do you have any info on the flowers or have you had them forever? I love Ivy Cottage. Deb is going to have an awesome workshop. ????
I love how it turned out what a great piece you girls amaze me
It’s beautiful!!!????✨