Cozy & Coastal— Chippy Cabinet
Farmhouse cabinet transformation that’s absolutely swoonlicious! My very own curated word for this piece because the technique I stumbled upon while working on this farmhouse cabinet required a word all its own. This furniture flip most certainly challenged and inspired my creativity. I’m so glad I didn’t give up! Come take a very close look!
Farmhouse Cabinet
A big thank you to one of my ever-so-kind followers that shared this piece with me! She had seen it on Marketplace, and thought it might catch my fancy! Well it most certainly did, however comes with a bit of a funny story— the thing is, it looked soooo much bigger than it actually was in the Marketplace ad; so big in fact that we took the truck for the trip— which we avoid when possible to save $ on fuel! We most certainly didn’t need the truck, as it would have easily fit into my cross-over like a glove! WHICH I think might be a positive for many, as not everyone has space for large pieces, nor does everyone have a truck to haul. This one is a quaint and moderate piece indeed, and I’d happily deliver it to a fellow Manitoban in my crossover!
You’re gonna wanna get up-close-and-personal with this piece folks! I have most certainly become VERY acquainted with this vintage hutch over the past few weeks— a piece that has challenged and inspired my creativity like no other to-date! If you adore coastal, cozy, chippy and casual as much as I do, I invite you to take a very close look at this one! A swoonlicious colour pairing in a deep sea green and cozy mid-tone brown that swoons delicious coastal-cottage! Linen Press | Step Back Cupboard | Ensuite Hutch | Entryway/Foyer Cabinet | YOU DECIDE! Be sure to zoom in— the chippy, crackled, texture I achieved when haphazardly applying chalk-paint over milk-paint is a dream!
Country Chic Paint / Fusion Mineral Paint / Homestead House Paint Co. / ReDesign with Prima
Featuring
These are the products that brought this transformation to life—ones I trust, recommend, and share honestly with you. Select any to explore other projects for inspiration and see where to buy.
Take a Closer Look
My Step-by-Step Transformation
These are the steps that brought this transformation to life—shared to guide and inspire your own project. Learn better by talking it through? Let’s connect for a consultation to bring your vision to life.
- Removed hardware — With full intentions of replacing with a far more pleasing set
- Lightly sanded down — To prepare for paint application; 80, 120 grit
- Thoroughly vacuumed and washed — Necessary preparation for any and all furniture restorations
- Went through all kinds of steps with milk paint, mineral paint, and chalk paint; and just wasn’t achieving the WOW factor that I strive for with all my pieces — So I perservered
- Applied 2 coats of Homestead House (milk paint) to the exterior— Used whatever I had on hand in light colours, mixed in a thicker 2:1 (paint:water) ratio, and dried with hair-dryer immediately after application to enforce crackle; brush application
- Applied 1 coat of Country Chic Paint (chalk paint) to the exterior in the colour Wanderess — A captivating, deep sea green colour; brush application
- Applied 2 coats of Fusion Mineral Paint (mineral paint) to the interior and drawer in the colour Wood Wick — A cozy mid-tone brown; brush/roller application
- Lightly sanded down exterior giving extra attention to edges— For a farmhouse distressed finish; 80, 120 grit
- Discovered MAGIC when sanding chalk paint over milk paint— Results in the most chippy, crackled, textured outcome; an exquisite surprise
- Decoupaged drawer-sides with Re-Design with Prima’s WASHED DAMASK ~ a lovely pattern that I felt paired so nicely with this transformation
- Applied 2 coats of Fusion Beeswax Finish to the exterior ~ for a soft satin finish that works wonderfully on both milk and chalk paint; sponge application/buff
- Selected and installed alternate replacement hardware — Left over from our very own Farmhouse Laundry Room makeover
One-Hour / One-on-One / $80
Looking to achieve a similar look? Getting started with furniture transformations can feel overwhelming, but with hands-on experience since 2017, I’ve learned so much along the way. I’d love to share what I know and help guide you through the process.
Let’s work together! Whether it’s over the phone, via a screen-share session, or even over a coffee (or wine!), we’ll make a plan to bring your vision to life.
With all my heart and hands
This farmhouse cabinet reminded me why I adore furniture refinishing: the thrill of experimentation, the challenge of coaxing out hidden beauty, and the sheer joy of transforming an overlooked piece into something extraordinary. Working with layers of chalk paint and milk paint to achieve that chippy, crackled texture tested my patience and creativity, but the end result was worth every moment.
If you’re feeling intimidated by a piece that’s seen better days, remember—imperfections are part of the charm. Embrace the process, take chances, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Every brushstroke can bring a new layer of character to your project.
I’m so proud of how this cabinet turned out—it’s cozy, coastal, and bursting with charm. Whether it finds a home as a linen press, foyer cabinet, or ensuite hutch, it’s ready for its next story. What’s on your refinishing list? I’d love to hear about your creative adventures. Until next time, keep finding beauty in the journey and joy in the details that make a house a home.
Faye Caroline
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