| Journal | Rich and Earthy Painted Corner Cabinet
Merlot & Oakstone— Corner Cabinet in Our Second Verse
After moving into the next place we call home, I’m taking time to make it ours—just the two of us—pouring in the creativity I’ve gathered and the quiet gratitude that’s come from all the living that’s led us here. I’ll be back to creating for others soon, and this corner cabinet felt like the perfect way to bridge both—once redesigned, now reimagined in Merlot and Oakstone, two custom blends that will carry their warmth through the heart of our home’s living and dining space.
Rich and Earthy Painted Corner Cabinet
This corner cabinet and I go way back. It was one of the first pieces I ever redesigned—back in 2017, when I was just getting started and figuring things out as I went. I gave it a second look a few years later, and now, here we are again. Third time around, and it feels different. Maybe because I am too. There’s something grounding about returning to a piece that’s followed me through so many seasons—its solid frame, simple lines, and worn edges have always had a quiet kind of charm. This time, I wanted something deeper. Rich. Lived-in. A blend that felt like now.
I’ve been quiet for a few months—life shifted, and I’ve been following its lead. I’m finding my way back in a different rhythm for now, and this corner cabinet felt like the right place to begin again. It’s the third time I’ve brought new life to it—first in 2017, when I had just picked up a paintbrush and started exploring how furniture could be reimagined. In this new season and our next home—just the two of us—I wanted it to reflect where we are now. I custom blended Merlot and Oakstone, pulling warmth from a traditional rug I fell in love with and grounding it all against the two colours I chose for our walls and doors—tones that carry through our living and dining space. We’re slowly and gratefully making this home our own—a place that once belonged to family, and now continues with us. There’s so much more to come here, including a full kitchen cupboard transformation this winter and an antique harp mirror upcycle I’m excited to share with you next weekend. I’d love for you to follow along as it all unfolds.
All products mentioned in this post—and every post I share—are ones I regularly reach for. They’ve earned a spot in my toolbox because they’re reliable and deliver results. Simply what I use, trust, and recommend, shared honestly with you. No affiliate links, no commissions—just straight talk from my whole heart.
Country Chic Paint
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.
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.
- Custom blended a 3:2 ratio of Country Chic Paint in Cranberry Sauce and Dark Roast—with a strong desire for a bold, wine-toned warmth, which I personally named Merlot *
- Custom blended a 3:3:3:3:1 ratio of Country Chic Paint in Neverland, Cobblestone, Rocky Mountain, Road Trip, and Sunday Tea—with a strong desire for an earthy, grounded neutral, which I personally named Oakstone *
- Removed hardware and chicken wire
- Lightly sanded down entire piece — In preparation for paint application; 80, 120 grit
- Applied and blended 2 coats of Country Chic Paint in the colours Dark Roast and Oakstone to the exterior — Using wet-brush, dry-brush, and misting techniques; lightly sanded with 220 grit between coats
- Applied 2 coats of Country Chic Paint to the interior in the colour Merlot; brush application
- Applied 1 coat of Country Chic Paint Natural Wax to the exterior/interior — For a butterliciously soft protection and finishing seal; brush/lint-free rag application
- Applied 1 coat of Country Chic Paint Antiquing Wax to the intricate details and crevices— For added depth and dimension; brush application, lint-free rag buff
- Reinstalled hardware
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 was my third time working on this piece, and by now, it felt familiar. The cabinet already had presence—it just needed a finish that fit where we are now. After a light sanding and a little prep, I blended up Merlot and Oakstone, two custom colours I’ll be using throughout our living and dining space. Layer by layer, I worked them in with a mix of dry-brushing, wet-blending, and misting. It came together slowly, but easily—each step landing just where it needed to.
I’ve learned not to force the process. I step back. I reassess. I keep going when it feels right. This time, there was no guesswork—just instinct and rhythm. A few soft layers, a little wax, and it settled into exactly what it was meant to be.
Pieces like this don’t need a dramatic overhaul—they just need intention. The shape, the structure, the purpose—it was already there. I simply let the colours do their work. The exterior blend of Oakstone and Dark Roast gave it depth and contrast, while Merlot on the inside added a warmth that feels rooted and rich.
It didn’t need to compete—just complement. The finish now works quietly with the rug that inspired it all, pulling out its warmth and softening the space around it. Not loud. Not overly styled. Just the kind of presence that belongs right where it landed.
Faye Caroline
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