I Put This Kitchen Gem in My Living Room, and I’m Never Going Back

I’m a big believer in buying old, heirloom-quality furniture with great bones over newer, cheaper pieces whenever possible. It’s not that you can’t find new items that are high-quality, of course — but the charm and patina of an antique piece is impossible to replicate. Plus, the fact that the piece is even still around is just a clear testament to its longevity and craftsmanship. So when I began my search for the perfect storage piece for my living room, I went straight for a secondhand item. 

I originally was looking for a traditional bookcase. Three simple requirements helped me narrow my search: I wanted a piece made from solid wood, that had concealed storage at the bottom for games and blankets, and that had glass doors to keep books and trinkets safe from dust. But instead of a bookcase, this search kept leading me to a kitchen hutch. The thought of a hutch in my living room slowly grew on me, and when I came across a gorgeous late-20th-century piece for around $200 (and with free delivery!) I knew I wanted to make this honey-hued beauty work. 

When it arrived, I tucked the hutch into a corner and gave it a thorough inspection. It has gorgeous wood shelves on the top (with little indentations meant for showcasing plates upright), and purple velvet-lined drawers for silverware and serving utensils. It also has two full cabinets underneath, with wood shelves for additional storage, and sturdy brass hardware that I cleaned up easily with a little Brasso.

I got busy right away filling it up. I placed decks of cards, dice, and small handheld games in the velvet-lined drawers. The lower cabinet houses bigger board games, as well as a few throw blankets rolled and tucked neatly onto the shelves. 

I styled the top shelves with a stack of extra books I had lying around, and I have slowly (but excitedly!) continued adding more little treasures ever since. The hutch now displays a carved wooden owl my husband’s late grandfather made, a ceramic hand-painted dove from Peru, and my husband’s wedding boutonniere affixed to a stone found on our honeymoon. I love that the glass doors keep these trinkets dust-free and safe from the elements — plus, it just adds another level of chicness. 

Not only is the transformed hutch a true showpiece in our home (it looks great from every angle!), but it’s also a legit workhorse that conceals clutter. The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to home decor and furniture. There are no real “rules” about how (or where) to use a piece; it only has to work for you!