Agree that this piece is very traditional and stylized. I don't think a refinish would help you achieve a more streamlined feel since the carvings and overall applied molding would still earmark it as forever Tuscan. I'd sell this on and refocus on something that works best for your next chapter.

The Marie Kondo thought - thank it for the role it's played so far and send it on to someone else who will treasure it for exactly what it is.

Thanks! What would you sell it for? My mom paid $4500 (Cdn) for it.

This is hard to hear, I know, but what your Mother paid for it is not relevant. it's a lovely piece but unless an auction house wanted it, $350 is probably your best case. It's not "on trend" so might take a long time to generate interest. Have you thought of using it in a different room? Or donating for a tax credit? Best of luck.

Bye Bye. Craigs list or Ebay. You get what you get. Don't mess with it, no chalk paint projects. And don't feel guilty either :)

Someone searching for a European country feel will love it as is.

You should ask yourself how much you are willing to sell it for ..then , if you don't get it ...you can always paint it black ! It will look more modern ...carving and all ! Try a local auction house ..or e bay ...but...if black could work in your house ..it could be a good option ..with a mirror on top ...this way you have the storage you like ..the same size , you like and it will look more modern ..for sure !

if you would like to keep this piece paint it Black. you will not get anything close to what it was originally worth.

I’m not a pro. My style is transitional/traditional. This piece is a beautiful piece of art. The paint design and mounding around the center cabinet door is what dates it. If you once paid 4,500 dollars for it and it has good storage, you must still like the design. I wouldn’t toss it just because it’s not on trend. I would take the center cabinet door to a carpenter to see if they can remove the bow mounding. The night even be able to replace the ornate legs. Then I’d paint it a sagish color that has gray undertones. It reminds me of something that would be sold at Ballard’s. If you still don’t like it, I think you’d have an easier time selling it in Craigslist or eBay. Good luck and keep us posted!

Repurpose it in another room. Perhaps in a bedroom or turn it into a bathroom vanity.

I agree with Judy Franklin - it would be a striking bathroom vanity. If not in your house, in someone else’s. I’d advertise it as such and let another person love it as it is. Painting it black would be sad to me. Yes, it might take time to sell, but someone out there will want and love it.

If you get it refinished in a deep matte blue it would bring it slightly more modern and deaccentuate the fussy trim. But it is pretty and unique so hopefully you can find another use for it as is. You probably won't get much selling it.

Do a google image search for painted country sideboard. There are some examples of ornate wood trim painted over. These pics will tell you if paint is enough to tone this piece down to suit your current tastes. I do think someone on eBay would love to buy this as is.

Do you like it better with a finish like one of these?

I would paint it white. It would be gorgeous in any space.

The art and clutter you’ve got on the chest are so close to the dresser colours that they make it look much larger than it is. It could be an interesting highlight piece in a hall or bedroom.

We all have to face this decision with family items! This piece was your Mom's taste and you feel an obligation to it, because of your love for your Mom! It is wood, paint and a memory! Take a deep breath and donate it to a charity resale, take the tax write off and know it lives on making new memories to whomever buys it! You would be heart broken to see few actually have a place and would pay little for it! Take photo of it and move on to make new memories with a piece you love . . . your Mom would certainly want that for you!

Thanks to everyone who weighed in and suzyq53 i appreciate you posting those photos. It does look better painted. I think it would look more on trend in a deep blue but I’m going to try to sell it first!

Keep us posted. It will be interesting to see if it sells quickly.

Will do RedRyder!

I liked many pro comments on this forum, but I just could not agree to the ones I read on this thread, no offense. I myself like more modern stuff, but this piece is just too beautiful to be repainted to get a more modern look. It is full of cultural heritage with lots of unique details. I would decorate around it and make it a story telling piece in your house.