Dining Room Buffet Makeover

I had originally planned on posting several DIY gift ideas before Christmas but my computer decided it wanted the time off and wouldn't cooperate, so on to the new year and new post ideas. Last year I posted about a New Year's Resolution to finish decorating my house, one room per month. Needless to say, it didn't happen. I posted one completed room, my family room. 

I actually have completed or nearly completed several rooms but felt like I couldn't post them because they aren't "perfect". There are still projects to be done, things to be finished, items waiting to be purchased and then I realized, if I wait until they are perfect- you will never see them. They will never be perfect and that's just fine...this is my home and how I live- with 2 toddlers and ever changing design ideas and needs for our family. So, instead of waiting for perfection, I would like to start showing you some of the spaces that are in progress and projects that have been completed. A recent room I took on was the dining room.

The room went from boxes still piled from a move over a year ago to entertainment ready in a little over a week. As usual, this room still has a little way to go, but compared to what I started with, it is much better. The part of the room I would like to show today is the buffet makeover. All of the furniture in this room (except the mirror) has been thrifted. I started with a $50.00 mahogany dresser/buffet from a second hand store. Unfortunately, I took no true before photos. But here is a photo mid makeover with the drawers out and everything sanded.

The piece was a little dinged up but I wanted the character for the final piece so I was okay with its condition. It was also missing one piece of hardware. I knew what I wanted it to become and I found my inspiration from a video tutorial found on The Yellow Cape Cod for the Potterybarn Black Finish.  Her blog is amazing and has so many wonderful ideas...I can spend hours there! I followed everything in the tutorial, including paint colors/finishes, with the exception of the stain pen. I couldn't find the same color but went with a stain close to it. I also didn't do a ton of distressing, but stuck mainly to the edges and places that would naturally wear.

And that pesky hardware...I searched high and low for a match and couldn't find one. I then stumbled upon D Lawless Hardware in my search for hardware for my kitchen cabinets (pics coming soon). Their prices and selection are amazing and I thought I would give one last shot at looking for something I could use for the buffet. While I couldn't find the exact hardware, I did find a pull with the right center to center measurement and antique brass color.

I was so pleased when they arrived. While it may not be the absolute same color, it is pretty close and just what I was looking for. After searching everywhere, I was so happy D Lawless Hardware came to my rescue and sent these for me to use. 

I look forward to sharing the rest of the room and details with you soon, as well as those kitchen cabinets I keep mentioning! 

I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start- Shannon