I hope you enjoyed seeing the window space at Troy Antiques yesterday! As I said, it was fun to put my things in, and see them as I drive by them on the quaint square.
The buffet pictured in the space is one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever done. I have NO idea where the before shot is…I know I took it! It was pretty dried out, and had multiple places of chipped trim. Because there was no way to replace the heart-shaped trim pieces, I removed them and painted right over it.
I was able to salvage the top and bottom trim pieces, and the trim on the side doors was perfect. I painted it in Annie Sloan’s Old White. I wanted the piece to be classic with a small twist. I distressed on the doors and edges a little bit, but mostly kept it subtle and elegant. After distressing (you can see videos here), I sealed it with a coat of Hannant’s Clear Wax.
I stripped the top…and let me tell you, stripping the flat was no big deal, but the back piece with the beveled edges to the wood…that was another ballgame. I guess I should do a post on that. I’ll get to it, I’m sure. 
Once it was dry, I stained it with Minwax Ebony Stain…I love using an ebony stain to give a smoky (with no red undertones) rich brown finish. I wipe it down into the grain as I go, and only use one coat…it’s a little more rustic and unexpected, but I love it. It’s what I used on my sideboard in the living room.
As I talked about in the videos, this piece had a leather-like texture to some of the doors, and it distressed in a really interesting way.
I really do love it. More than one person has asked me why I’m crazy enough to let it go, and I know I am. Honestly, though, I always thought I wanted a piece just like this…but now I’m looking for something a bit more rustic and relevant to the new dining room.
I have found the piece, too, and I hope to be bringing it home today!! I found it at the shop, and all but drooled over it for 6 weeks before I committed to buy it.
I’m continuing to repurpose and play with paint, filling the space with smaller items. I love this frame I painted with Annie Sloan’s provence and old white…such a beautiful color combo.
Speaking of smaller items, I made a run out of town to look at some craigslist chairs (which I loved and bought), and swung by TJ Maxx. Well, it was a good stop.
I walked out with 2 grain sack inspired (down) pillows, 2 rattan lamps w/ linen shades, a vintage inspired bottle caddy–with all the bottles!-, a little vintage inspired rice-filled sack, and I’m sure that’s not all.
I felt like the chick from Confessions of a Shopaholic.
Because right after that, I went to the flea market and scored a vintage oar, an old wooden level-which I think will make fitting wall art, a round basket thingy, and an old wooden bowl.
There’s a reason I’m not allowed out of the house that often.
It’s gorgeous! I love it! I just recently finished a peice like this. Yours is awesome!!
Thanks so much! These pieces are fun, aren’t they?? I’ll have to come check out yours!
shaunna
Oh I love this piece! It is so velumptuous….with its curvy-ness….beautiful job!
Thanks, Nikki!! It was a fun one.
shaunna
Oh Shaunna….this is truly lovely! Can I have it? LOL Love your blog and love your style….wish you lived closer to me!
Thanks, Rhonda!!
shaunna
The furniture is beautiful! You did a wonderful job!
Susan
Thank you, Susan!!
shaunna
Love this piece! Just started following your blog and you have HUGELY inspired me
I just wrote about your blog yesterday as Im learning about how fabulous this chalk paint is! Thanks for inspiring me and many others 
http://livingbeautifullydiy.blogspot.com/2011/06/chalk-paint.html
Thanks, Melissa! Left a comment for you this morning on your blog…your feature was so kind!
shaunna
That turned so beautiful!! What an amazing piece if furniture!!
Julie
Thanks, Julie!! I thought it turned out great, too, but it’s so nice to hear others like it!
shaunna
Absolutely beautiful.
Thanks, Holly!
shaunna
Hi Shaunna, Love that piece. I imagine your new one will be even better. Can’t wait to see the dining room once it’s complete. If you get the time, please take a peek and my new blog and say hi. I started in little while back, but really want to get it going now! Thanks! ~Catie
Thanks, Catie! I can’t wait to get it done!! I’ll check out your blog in a bit!
shaunna
Shaunna, Thank you soo much for looking at my blog! To me, you’re like blog royalty! I’m more than thrilled that you came by. ~Catie
It looks awesome, Shauna!
Thanks, Kim!!
shaunna
This buffet is one of my all time favorite…not only because it’s a beauty, but I have been wanting to sell my antique Seller’s cabinet and get one of these to put in it’s place. I have my eye on one…
Thanks, Terry!! Those are such beautiful pieces…some of my favorites, too!
shaunna
Beautiful Shaunna! I was considering using Annie Sloan’s Old White on my dining room chairs. You have convinced me to do it!
Do it, Libby!! I think you’ll love it!
shaunna
Still lovin the buffet!Great piece.
The sideboard is beautiful-as your work always is.
. What a fun shopping trip. I have been looking for a vintage oar to go over the bathtub in my master bath. I found a unique, old one but it was a bit too long-and $65. Oh well, that’s part of the fun. I did find a Pottery Barn replica in my favorite consignment shop. I can use it for now.
You are awesome…I love this piece and glad you showed it completely done…Did you do anything inside the doors? You said you were not done with it…though I thought it was ok…lol It would be adorable painted too…
If you get the chance stop in and look at a bed I painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint…and a sneak peek at one of my client’s homes! Xo, Meme
It’s funny how us women like to change our decorating styles often. I know I do! My husband wants to buy pieces that will last a lifetime. Me? Not so much…quality, yes….but never change your decor? A definite no. Somehow he puts up with my decorating mood swings and we find a happy compromise with the classic pieces.
Love the buffet….can’t wait to see what’s next!
Gail (new follower)
Found your great make over of the buffet at Miss Mustard Seed’s furniture friday linky party. Sure glad I did cuz your makeover make me SMILE!
Suzanne/WHYCUZICAN in NW Illinois, USA
Hi! I am just finding your blog, and am completly in love! You do such a wonderful job photographing, explaining, and inspiring! New follower alert!
I just bought a piece similar to the one above, and trying to get a grasp on how to refinish it… I’ve decided to go with the chalk paint and totally dig the dark wood top, but was wondering if it’s necessary to “strip” the top… can I just sand and stain?
Is the buffet sold? if not…where is the shop located? Thanks
Sorry, Sherri…it is sold. Hate that! It’s located in Troy, AL.
shaunna