So pretty!! Would your grandmothers lamp fit in there? Even not turned on its such a colorful piece.

Looks great Margaret :)

Ginny, The lamp is on top of the cabinet, it does not fit inside. I have ordered a new lampshade for it, but it won't be here for a few weeks.

Look what I just picked up! It's just the top. Didn't come with a base. Have to come up with something.

Forgot the picture

Just gorgeous. I have to admit that I'm not much into painting because I've always been too intimidated to give it a try. Can you tell me the difference between chalk paint and milk paint? Thanks.

Wow, that is fabulous WPG, can you find a small dresser to use as a base?

Thank you Margaret! I do have some pieces scattered around the house. I might ask for help on deciding which base would be best.

I would love to see the options WPG!!

This is what I have come up with. The other pieces are all too small.

Margaret, lamp looks cute up there. I like that little shade! Have you thought of painting it blue with the same chalk paint? I've never tried it but I was told it does a great job.

WPG, I think that will work well. Are you planning on painting the same as the lounge furniture? Would be wonderful!
Ginny, I never thought about paining the shade, but certainly worth I try.

Definitely paint! BUT have to decide which way to go. Think I need a pop of colour.
Painting the shade of your Grandma's lamp is definitely possible with chalk paint.

WPG can you pop the color inside the cabinet? Both pieces are so lovely, beautiful lines, I am so jealous.

Margaret this a close up of the paint colour on the chairs and the fabric that was my starting point.

Why not do the cabinet in that same paint and use the dark color, looks to be black on the inside or something totally wild like a persimmon or burnt orange? Would make a nice back drop for light colored pieces inside the cabinet.

Paint still drying. Painted lampshade...

Love it.....see that's the difference between us. I would wonder if it would work....you just go for it!

It's very dark purple. I don't mind going with the colour of the chairs and black. That would give me more scope decorating with colored nic nacs

Ginny have another lampshade on order so it was an easy decision!

Margaret that looks fab! Finish with wax once dry.

Love your piece & your home! Since it's by the window, mirrors at the back or silver pieces inside will really shine.

I would polish it and enjoy the beauty of the piece.

Looks soooooo nice with STUFF inside of it! Now you need people to come back to your house today to see it all. Just wondering about both stacks of books being on the same side......what would it look like if one of them switched to the other side? I am never very good when books get stacked and figuring out which side to place them.

Abbyjean I think you are right I moved the bottom stack, is that better? Hard to get a good picture, sorry.

That was easy.....I usually make things tougher than this! For some reason, it seems more balanced this way.

OK, now.......would you have one little sumpin that is yellow or orange to put in one of the dishes in the middle row? Something to bring the color from the books there?

I really like it, thank you for suggesting the update. These are just some of my everyday dishes in the cabinet. I am sure overtime I may add little treasures, but for now I like it simple.

Hmmmm, let me see, I think the only orange I have is a pumpkin!

And look how easy they are to grab right there if you need to use them! VERY NICE!

Ok, I am going to be kicked off of Houzz for being so boring Abbyjean, but here are my two options for color.

Oh! I love the second one! Now I know part of it will be hidden with the doors right there, but it FITS with this piece! Can you spare it from where you stole it? NO BORING in your house!

The rooster was actually hidden in a cupboard. It is still visible with the doors closed.

HIdden in a cupboard? Then I am extra happy to see that rooster here.

The rooster was part of a failed attempt years ago at French Country! LOL.

I love your piece, Margaret! Beautiful transformation. I always gravitate to furniture that has some history behind it because it allows me to connect with the past, all the while giving thanks for how much easier our domestic lives have become.

I love it Margaret.

Final pic, still a little glare.

Cannot believe how perfectly in every way that it FITS THIS SPACE! You knew what you were doing when you chose those colors, too.

Love it. Cannot wait for you to help me with mine.

Love color combination!! Great Job!!

I love this Margaret! What a great look.

It all came together nicely, looks lovely.

Looks great Margaret B! Have you thought about angling the piece in the corner so you can see it when your working from the kitchen? It's so pretty and catty cornering (or is it kitty corner?) it would make it more visible.

Such an old post, I know. But what prep and what paint was used?

I used Bin primer and Valspar latex paint. The latex paint is not holding up, plan on repainting. I was never happy with the black paint, need some color!

Margaret, I painted a mahogany buffet using Zin primer and latex paint that was supposed to be black but dried a dark grey. Was not satisfied with the finish and chips at the drop of a hat. Finish was not smooth, me and bumpy from the primer! One drawer, was not prepped at all. Hub just gave it a quick paint job and it looks the best. I am doing a painting class this week. We will see what I learn!

Ordinarily, I cringe at painting over good wood; I'll make the exception on the garage sale find(especially if the wind knocked it over and it was in questionable repair to begin). Pop it with paint!

I would say polish it with a good quality antique furniture polish, enjoy the history of the item, if you paint it do something in the paint color similar to what helenjoh posted..it would go with anything.

Hi Margaret *waving*... 2013 brought out some creative ideas;) Having a 2013 reunion Margaret...