Whenever I look at our pieces, I think a lot about the story of finding them, what they looked like before, how much we paid, etc. I have been sharing our antiques in a new series called The Story behind our Pieces. I have shared an antique wardrobe, our bathroom medicine cabinet, our linen cabinet, and so much more. You can catch every single post here if you missed any.
We just brought our white china cabinet to the cottage this weekend and I figured now is a great time to share the story on it.
I would say I was probably in my mid-20s. A friend of mine from high school had just bought an old farmhouse. She and her husband were updating the looks of it by tearing out all of the old character. Which included the wide trim around the door ways and built in china cabinets. I know it’s hard to believe these days, but that’s what people did back then. My dad loved old homes and the character that they had. He wanted to see the house. I took him over to give him a tour and on the burn pile were drawers and doors from the built in wall china cabinet.
They obviously hadn’t started the fire yet, but he decided he wanted to take those home and recreate a china cabinet from the old pieces. He used solid oak wood to make this cabinet because that’s what the original doors and drawers were made from. My dad ended up staining the cabinet an oak color. For years, that cabinet set in his garage displaying his Mobile Oil collection.
My dad decided that he wanted that space in his garage for something else so he asked me if I wanted the white china cabinet. Of course, I did. It was a little too orangey oak for me so I painted it with some leftover chalk paint that I had. We used it when we lived in our tiny house as our kitchen pantry on the bottom and the top held our every day dishes.
As soon as I started looking at all of the furniture in the rental that we still have to move, I knew where I wanted this piece. I envisioned it right here in the entryway as a focal point when you walk in the front door. The size is perfect an it’s not too deep.
It currently holds all of our brown crock bowls that Deb and I have collected for years. I like the way the creamy white looks with the brown bowls. It’s very calming to me.
And there you have it… the story behind our white china cabinet.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
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Do you know any history or age of the big brown bowl in the last photo? I have one! My dad used to make sourdough pancakes in it. He’s gone now and I’ve wondered where he could have gotten it or how old it was. When he was alive I didn’t think to ask about it. I’m sad I’ll never know now.
This story touched my heart with all the feels. A lil piece of an old friend and a big piece of your dad. And to have these memories in writing for your kids is priceless. I’ve loved following you & Deb as you built the cottage and can’t wait for lumber prices to become reasonable????So you can start building your home!!
You dad did such a great job at reviving pieces of wood into a beautiful piece of furniture. It looks perfect in your new space. Thank you for sharing "the rest of the story" ????
Your Dad did a great job! My Dad also had that talent. Looks great in that spot, with your collection!
Such a wonderful story. Is your Dad still with you?
Love how you styled this in your entryway. :)
What a heirloom you have❤️ That’s ammmmazing! He did a good job!
The story behind this gorgeous piece is so cool! You could not have picked a better spot for it and the brown crock bowls just make it that much more grand! I live everything you girls do and look forward everyday to see the progress you are making on turning this barn into your home! Great job, ladies!
I love your stories on all these pieces. This one touches my heart cause you found it with your father, he rebuilt it, used it a d then gave it to you. I bet he is extremely happy that you are finding a place for this piece!! ❤️
I love the stories behind all your pieces. This one especially. It's a beautiful piece. And I love seeing all your crock bowls. I collect them also. My collection is not near as amazing as yours though.
I love hearing the history behind your pieces. It brings some history alive. You two definitely follow the wise advice of only using what you love when you decorate. Thanks for sharing.