It started when we mounted our TV on the wall. Then I knew we needed to get rid of the low TV console and find a different solution for the cable box and DVDs. I started by doing some looking online when I remembered that out in my "treasure shed" was an old hutch that was doomed for the junk pile. Covered in dirt, grime, rust and falling apart it was the perfect size for the corner in our living room. And so that meant it was time to clean it up and move it into our house.
{step one} Clean up the hutch. Using a shop vac I sucked up most of the dust and dirt. Then I removed the shelves and had my husband remove what remained of the doors. I tried to save the door frames from the top but they just continued to fall apart. We ended up removing them at the end.
{step two} Kill any mold. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't bringing in any mold so I sprayed down the cabinet with a bleach solution. The mix for the bleach solution is put in a spray bottle and then used to spray down sections and wipe off. Please make sure you wear old clothes for this step!
{step three} Prime. I primed my wood with a layer of Kilz primer. If you plan on using a milk paint like I mention in the next step you should lightly sand after the primer has dried.
{step four} Paint the hutch. I used milk paint in the color linen. The shelves were painted with the color trophy. Milk paint gives the furniture a different look, more shabby. If you prefer a completely clean look use regular latex paint.
{step five} Sand & Wax. You can achieve a more shabby look by lightly rubbing the wood with sandpaper. Focus on the edges and corners to keep it looking more natural. If you are using a milk paint you may want to apply a wax coat to the top of the paint. I used a clear wax.
{step six} Replace casters. I picked these beautiful casters off of Amazon and could not be happier with the color and size of the wheels! Love them!
{step seven} Apply wallpaper. We took the hutch up a notch by applying this peel and stick wallpaper to the back of the hutch. It makes the whole thing feel finished off and like it has been in this beautiful shape for a long time.
And so with that final step it was time to move in the hutch. It fits in the corner of our living room perfectly and my favorite part is that it is both functional and beautiful!
What are your thoughts on the final product? Something you would bring into your home? Or is it something you would have left in the junk pile?
Amanda Thorne says
Slightly disappointing about the pretty doors, but still beautiful. I’d bring it in to my home if you were there to help with the inspiration. I wish my home was full of pieces like this!
Becky says
I was so bummed about the doors! I repaired them twice but they continued to fall apart. The wood on the frames were just too rotten. :/
Donna says
Cute Hutch. I’m a caster addict, and I love the ones you picked!
Becky says
I seriously just browse casters online sometimes! 🙂 I was happy for the chance to use these!
Shelby @ Sweetness in Starlight says
I love it! I really need to keep an eye out for pieces like this that are on their last leg. This one turned out beautifully. 🙂 Also, I think I want to give milk paint a try soon. I like chalk paint, but I think I would also really like the look of milk paint too. Guess I’ll have to go on a hunt for a falling apart hutch soon.
Becky says
Loved working with milk paint. I tood a Miss Mustard Seed milk paint class yesterday. It was awesome! Highly recommend. Now I want to paint everything. 🙂
donnahup says
This looks so good! I’m restoring an old desk right now for my craft room.
Becky says
Awesome Donna! Can’t wait to see what it looks like!
Kammy's Korner says
I’ll be featuring this on next week’s Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday party! 🙂 Good job, Becky!!!
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
I love it! I never would have chosen that wallpaper, but it’s perfect!!!
Deanne says
I loved the end result it’s made me think about my own “treasures” waiting to be lovingly restored and given new life
Becky says
I would love to hear about your own treasures that you give new life to!
Margaret says
I don’t think I would have been able to envision such a result given the state of the original piece. It is really a great rescue. Love the wallpaper idea for the back, it just gives the finishing touch. Well done!
Becky says
thanks! I love the look the wallpaper gives it too!
Charlotte says
What is the difference between chalk paint and milk paint?
Becky says
great question! They are two different brands and milk paint is something you mix while chalk paint is premixed. You can read more on the differences here: http://www.missmustardseedsmilkpaint.com/faqs/#f3