Sentimental Chalk Paint Journey

Once upon a time there was a china closet that was the centerpiece in my parents living room. For 20 years it took center stage in all of its white wash oak glory. Mom had it filled with her Dutch Delft collection, Italian Capodimonte flowers and crystal and more crystal. Each collectible had a story and Mom would love to share the history of each and every piece. The cabinet itself had beautiful leaded beveled glass doors and was quite stunning even with the white wash. Over time the finish began to actually take on a pinkish tone and was really not so stunning anymore. When Mom passed away the piece was handed down to me. And there it sat in my garage for months (actually a few years). I really had a sentimental attachment to the piece (my Mom adored it) and as I also inherited many of Mom’s crystal and china I did need some extra cabinet storage, but was not ready to integrate a “Southwesternish” white wash/pink piece into my home. Trying to figure what or how to refinish this piece was how I began using Annie Sloan chalk paint and literally fell in love with this product. No stripping or sanding, fantastic coverage and with a wax (not varnish) finish the end result is really stunning. I studied every YouTube video on how to use the product and just jumped in. I chose to use the color Graphite with a dark wax finish. I also integrated some distressing and now the cabinet has found a home on my upstairs landing. As I was learning how to use the paint I was told that I would become addicted to transforming other furniture in my house…which is totally true! After the cabinet I immediately refinished my dated bedroom dressers and am starting to eye my Ethan Allen dining room table. Although my husband is having issues with painting Ethan Allen furniture, when the stars align and I find just the right “inspiration” I think that table will become chalk paint project #3. Here is a before picture of the china cabinet with the glass removed