It’s been several weeks since I shared my foyer credenza makeover and I thought you might enjoy an update on the space.
I finally found a few simple pieces to add to the furniture top which makes my newly-painted project look even better.
First, allow me to give you a little background on this part of my house.
For years, this was the wall in my foyer.
The empty space just begged for something more substantial and decorative.
I found this wonderful old credenza in a thrift store at a real bargain basement price and thought it would be wonderful to eat up that blank wall.
I was eager to change the old, dark burgundy color and I wanted the new color to match my tan walls.
You can see the step by step makeover of this piece in an earlier post HERE.
I’ve never worked much with dark wax before but I’m kinda hooked on it now.
It’s the wax that gives this cabinet the aged, vintage look it now has.
I must have an old soul or something because I’ve always been more drawn to this vintage, rustic look.
My twin sister, Paula looked at the before and after and she definitely favored the original, darker wood.
I won’t even say what she thought of the makeover. Suffice to say, despite being twins, we’ve always had divergent tastes.
This was actually the first large-scale furniture makeover project I’ve ever completed.
I’ve browsed and swooned over many beautiful furniture makeover projects over the years and I was pleasantly surprised at how well this project turned out.
It was even a bit of a confident booster because lately I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for other pieces that could use a face-lift.
I think the wax must continue to soak into the furniture over time because it doesn’t have the same “slick” feeling it had when I first applied the wax.
The top has a very smooth finish that is decidedly un-sticky. I like that.
It’s been a few months since I finished this piece but I still find myself finding a reason to walk past it, just to admire it.
Meanwhile, let me get back to adding a little more character to the credenza.
I’ve had these wood candlesticks for years and decided to give them a little boost too.
I applied the same dark wax that I used on the cabinet.
When applying this kind of wax, be sure to get it into the grooves and details for maximum, vintage impact.
A little bit of dark wax goes a long way.
After applying the wax, I used a soft cloth to rub much of it off.
The deeper grooves and details retain the wax for that perfect aged look.
This large wrought iron medallion was another piece that I already had in my house.
It was just collecting dust in my basement storage area and I’m so glad I never tossed it out.
It needed another coat of paint but that was easy enough.
Don’t you love when you’re able to give new life and usefulness to something that’s just been sitting around your house?
I decided earlier this year to make a concerted effort to buy less and try to use what I already have more.
Hopefully, my renewed effort at re-purposing will also help cut down on some of the clutter throughout the house.
We’re also in the midst of my daughter’s college application process and as soon as we’re done with that all-consuming task, there’s going to be a lot of purging going on around here.
The iron medallion I painted is quite similar to the drawer pulls.
That’s one of the things that prompted me to consider using the medallion in the first place.
I thought it might be a little too busy looking at first, but right now I think they go pretty well together.
I’ll have to live with this decor for a bit to decide if I really like my selections.
This jug-like pot used to be orange terra cotta. It was easy enough to change that with a little spray paint to match the drawer pulls.
Throw in a trio of stacked books and some artificial fruit and another vignette is created.
By the way, you can see my devotion to books and books as decor in an earlier post HERE.
Here’s a look at the different paint colors I used throughout this project.
Walls=Lenox Tan (HC-44) by Benjamin Moore.
Cabinet=Valley Forge Brown (under coat-HC-47), Lenox Tan (outer coat HC-44)
Oversize vase and iron medallion=Oil Rubbed Bronze by Rust-Oleum.
The new cabinet faces one of my favorite rooms in my house.
Directly across the hallway is our music room which features the same hues, color tones along with assorted handmade throw pillows.
The matte green on the walls in this room is called Hancock Gray (HC-97 ) also by Benjamin Moore.
This color is in the same Historic Color Paint Collection as the paint on the walls in the foyer which is no-doubt, why the work so well together.
I’ll give you a closer look at this music room soon, in an upcoming post.
Thanks for stopping by.
See you back here next time. ♥
I really like how it’s all come together! We have a really small foyer and I’ve been wanting to have a small credenza against the wall. I suppose it won’t come tapping me on the shoulder and I have to actually go out and look 🙁 You did a great job. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks, Marisa.
I’d love to see what you do with your small credenza.
I know how hard it is to get to small jobs sometimes.
Good luck with your project.
I think you did a great job pulling this all together. I like how you placed the three matching objects on the wall that most would/may have forgotten about. My huge project that I’ve just started is to sort/place hundreds of pictures in albums and frames. Any suggestions to make this easier? Thank you!
That sounds like a huge job, Patti.
Are you going to put any of the frames on a wall?
I used to do lots of scrapbooking years ago too. My biggest suggestion is not to try to include every photo ever. Try to focus on installing “moments” in the albums.
I also sort my photos by age of subjects. Hope that helps.
Feel free to email me separately if you like if you want any tips on scrapbooking (or anything else).
Good luck pulling it all together.
Absolute perfection! The cabinet, medallion and vignette compliment one another and the space. You are an inspiration.
Kathleen, I’m so happy to know you’re inspired by my creative efforts.
I appreciate that and let me know if you ever get stuck on any of my tutorials.
Have a lovely day.
Just stunning! You really take painting furniture to an art form and it is perfect for your foyer.
I appreciate that, Eilis.
Now that I’ve accomplished this massive piece of furniture, I feel like I can take on the world-lol
What a beautiful transformation. The cabinet and your accessories really make a statement in your foyer.
Thanks so much, Shelly.
I’m really happy with how it all turned out too.
Have a great week.
I really like it! What I love most it you used what you had around the house. That is where the true creativity lies, in looking at something with fresh, new eyes. You did it! That is such a satisfaction, isn’t it? Can’t wait to see what you have next to show us. Thanks for sharing, Lisa!
You are oh-so right, Marie.
I love when I’m able to use something I already have.
That’s definitely my new decorating goal.
Happy day to you.
What a beauty now! Love the finishing touches. Your display is elegant, yet warm and inviting..the perfect touch for the foyer. It certainly let’s your personality shine for your guests as well as your family. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Sherry, I’m so glad to finally have it finished.
It sat in my foyer for a couple of years just begging to get painted-lol.
Great job! It’s PERFECT for that spot! Love the finish, and the scale!
Oh, thanks so much, Rebecca.
I really appreciate that.
Lovely Lisa – we have 2 dressers that are ready for paint makeovers…will heed some of your advice and thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
Hi Jeanne, I think once you start playing around with that wax, you’ll be looking for even more dressers (and other things) to paint.
Good luck with the two pieces you have in mind.
I’d love to hear how they turn out after you tackle them.
Absolutely wonderful. I usually prefer natural wood, but I am swooning over how perfectly the remade chest fits the spot and your decor, and the accessories are the icing on the cake. Beautiful makeover!
I appreciate that, Jae.
I love natural wood too so, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like the painted makeover.
Have a wonderful week.
Love the chest. I think it turned out gorgeous and looks like it was made for that wall. And love the big black pot of blooms. I need to see what I can change with some spray paint. Thank you for the beautiful inspiration!
Thanks so much, Peggy.
I’m glad you like the makeover.
And yes, oh the wonders of spray paint-lol.
Happy day to you.
I am so impressed with your refinishing job! You took that piece from drab to wow!
Thanks so much, Sheila.
I really appreciate that.
It’s funny, now that this turned out better than I thought it would, I’m inspired to keep at it. I’ve been scouring my house for new pieces to paint-lol.
Have a lovely weekend.
Lisa,
I like the new look on the credenza and how you have accessorized the piece and wall. But, my eyes keep going back to all your wonderful woodwork in your house. The molding (moulding–sp ???) over the large doorway opening gives your house so much character/presence.
Judith
Thanks, Judith.
At first, I was a little nervous about possibly covering up so much of the shadow boxes and chair railing with such a large piece of furniture.
You know all that kind of moulding can be added to a home after the fact?
I added moulding in a few other rooms several years ago and I agree it helps add more character to the space.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Your refinished piece is beautiful and seems to fit perfectly in your home. I have been enjoying your blog and projects for years! Checking out Celebrating Creativity is always a joy!!!
Thanks so much, Judy.
Wonderful to know you’ve been following my creative efforts for so long.
I hope you’ve been inspired to try a few new recipes and/or projects over the years too.
Have a great week.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this gorgeous piece of furniture that you painted…I so remember the tutorials on this and it looks amazing in your foyer!…Love how you so beautifully styled it. And, love the peek of your music room…..Hearting those pillows!..Looking forward to seeing the room! Have a great week!
Shirley, thanks so much.
That means a lot (especially coming from such a home decor maven like you-smile).
I’ll be sharing the music room soon.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
I am in love with that foyer cabinet. Do you sell these items?
If so please call me at(409)988-4690
Kelley Miller
This makeover is beautiful, and I love how you styled it with done-over pieces that you already have. Isn’t that fun? Your home is lovely, BTW.
Yes, Connie… I’m definitely trying to use more of what I already have instead of buying more “stuff” to fit into this house-lol.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by with a sweet comment about my credenza.
I just love your foyer!! What size is the jug like pot that you used and what type of artificial flowers? Thanks
Thanks so much, Marce!
I picked up the artificial flowers from Pottery Barn a few years ago. They generally keep a beautiful variety of long-stemmed florals in stock.
The jug is actually a Home Depot find and measures about 14″ in height and about 15″ wide.
It was originally that terra cotta, clay color and I spray painted it to match the hardware in chandelier.
Good luck with your home decor project and thanks for popping by.
I was also going to ask about the floral stems. I suspected PB…they are a bit pricey but the most beautiful. I love their spring blossoms!
Beautiful foyer and music room!
Thanks, Gina.
Yes, the stems are from Pottery Barn.
I too, thought they were pricey and I watched them for weeks until the end of the season.
There were still some left and put on clearance and all the stems I purchased were 40% off.
Great deal for me. Sometimes it’s worth waiting-lol.
I was lucky this time that there were still stems left but I caught them the very day they went on sale.