Almost all of us have that big, outdated and sadly outdated or no longer desirable solid wood armoire that was the “it” in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Actually, many of them can be found in your home. local second hand furniture store. While its original purpose was as an entertainment unit, it’s time to recreate and reinvigorate these relics, and what could be more useful than a wonderfully organized, stand-alone home office. .
While we need to reinterpret the interior of the cabinet and reconfigure it for a computer monitor, pull-out keyboard, fax machine, shelves, and drawer; the exterior also needs a complete renovation. Most of these units are boxy in design with an old-fashioned wood finish in pine or oak. A quick trip to your local hardware store will provide you with a plethora of carved details that can be easily glued on the exterior, such as a carved appliqué over the doors, carved wood rope trim around the inset on the doors, a chunky crown molding for finishing off the top and of course beautiful new thick dark hardware. Then it’s time to give the exterior a dramatic distressed finish, perfect for both traditional and modern decors. The painting technique is actually very easy (believe it or not). First paint the exterior with a deep amber latex paint, once completely dry coat the exterior with a heavy crackle medium and then top with a lighter tan or deep cream shade (latex paint). The finished exterior has the effect of a family heirloom perfect for any decor and all of these materials are available at your local paint store.
While the exterior is classic and elegant, the interior should have a very modern, inspiring and, of course, sexy finish! Paint the interior a spectacular gloss black, sky blue or china red. Then transform it so it can double as a home office with a counter and pull-out tray (available at local hardware stores). Add a dry erase board to the back and frame it with simple wood trim. Then add chrome storage shelves and chrome mesh trays on the inside of the doors. Let your imagination run wild inside. Make the interior as inspiring, sexy, glamorous and wonderful as you are, don’t forget that the goal of this project is to motivate and inspire you to work, write and create. As you begin the interior, be sure to cut the appropriate holes in the bottom of the cabinet for your computer, fax, and other electronic equipment, and if your budget allows, opt for a new flat-panel monitor. Your newly transformed “old” closet will become the perfect home for your computer, fax, and all business materials to keep your work organized and your home clutter-free.
Distressing Tools and Materials
o Satin acrylic base paint
o Satin finish, acrylic paint
or Medium Crunch
o Satin, inner transparent protector (optional)
o Fine-grit sandpaper
o 2″ nylon/poly brushes
or cotton cloths
STEPS
1. Apply basecoat color to surface with a 2″ brush.
2. Allow base coat to dry a minimum of four hours.
3. Using a wide brush, apply Crackle Medium. The thicker you apply, the more dramatic the finish will appear.
4. Apply finishing color to the entire piece of furniture.
5. Allow top coat to dry a minimum of 24 hours.
6. Using fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand with the grain of the wood, removing topcoat in some areas and further revealing basecoat on raised edges.
7. For a realistic weathered look, sand areas like knobs, handles, and tabletops harder.
8. Clean surface and use as is. For better protection of the finish, apply a transparent satin interior protector.
