apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Tell us the tools and resources you used for the project:
I was really looking for an eye-catching piece for this part of my house. I had shopped all the major stores and was disappointed with the options and the price points. My goal with this project was to have a finished product that could easily pass for Pottery Barn or C&B, but without spending that kind of money. I didn't like the dark stain -- it didn't fit with my idea. So I picked up some sandpaper, a sanding sponge, some black and antique red latex paint, brushes, and a satin polyurethane finish from the hardware store, and set to work. I also did some web-based research on distressing to achieve the look I was after.

Share step by step instructions for how you completed the project:

After laying out some newspaper on my dining room floor, I removed the door from it's hinges, and sanded down every inch of surface. I paid particular attention to the beveled edges. Once the outer layer of
> stain was removed, there was a slightly lighter surface left, and the natural knots, nicks, and holes were more clear. Most of the "distressing" was already there, but just for added effect, I bounced a Philips head screwdriver along the flat surfaces to create more grooves. I then applied two layers of matte black paint to the entire piece, including the inside of the rack. I then applied two more coats of antique red to all the outside surfaces. I decided to use extra coats of paint so I could control the amount that came off during sanding.

Once the surfaces were dry, using fine sandpaper, I gently began to sand away layers. Around the edges and the "used" areas, I allowed more black and even some wood to show through. I used the sanding sponge to help define and smooth out certain areas. I then applied an even coat of satin-finish polyurethane to add protection and a bit of shine. It is mounted using 50lb screws with anchors. The wine rack now holds six bottles at a time, with the decorative bottles on top. I also installed a small tap light to the inside bottom, which illuminates the bottles at night.

Of course, everyone asks "Where did you get that!?" And I casually tell them I made it, which invokes awe and respect. It is a favorite item in my house.