Before & After: Claire’s Contrasting Credenza Makeover

Written by

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published Jan 11, 2014
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Post Image
(Image credit: Clare Fauke)

Claire found this credenza with tons of potential on Craigslist for only $30. But, though the lines were beautiful, the shape nice and the extra storage space it would provide a bonus, the finish was banged up and the color didn’t fit with her tastes.

(Image credit: Clare Fauke)

We love that Claire kept some wood color along with adding a fresh white paint to the piece. It brightens up the piece without completely obscuring the natural and beautiful wood.

From Claire:

It was very sturdy and had great lines, but the finish was extremely scratched and worn. I wasn’t too crazy about the honey-toned color of the wood, either, so I sanded and stained the main cabinet a dark walnut. Then I painted the doors and cabinets a bright white, keeping the drawer pulls and lines in the cabinet doors their original wood tone. Those lines really pop now.

Claire has a very detailed step-by-step walk-through (including materials used) on her blog, Projectophile.

Thank you Claire!

Re-edited from a post originally published 1.11.14-NT