the darkest hour is just before celadon
Our dining room is our go-to place for entertaining. and eating. and drinking. Not that we have been drinking alot lately. Not with the breastfeeding and all. Excuse me while I drown my tears with a bottle of Jolt. Just joking, you boob police. Needless to say our little ’bar’ area isn’t getting a whole lotta action. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t benefit from a little makeover.
Here is our little bar nook before (as in one-heckova-long-time-ago (like before we installed the paneling in our dining room)):
The after is much more appealing. For one, painting below the chair rail really helped lighten things up. Then you might notice a little cabinet makeover. More on that in a bit.
Here it is from another angle. The previous paint was oppressive. And completely the wrong undertones…which drives me batty. It might not show it because the white balance was off in this photo but believe me…it was like poop walls.
But now I feel like this little area is perfect for anytime we want to entertain. All we do is snatch a few wine glasses and a bottle of sparkling cider and we are ready for cheese balls. And I ain’t talking about our guests 
As for our little cabinet makeover, it was really simple. First we emptied the entire cabinet and screwed out the handles and hinges.
Once it was outside and completely disassembled, I gave it a good sanding with medium sandpaper (just enough to get the finish off) and then wiped it clean with a clean papertowel. Using a tack rag to get all those miniscule dust particles off is my favorite way to ensure no grit under the primer. So I did that after my papertowel wipeage.
Then I used a waterbased primer to give the piece a first coat. Generally, I use an oilbased paint to prime furniture (Zinnser is my favorite) but since I knew that I might want to make this a chippy-antique looking piece one day, I decided that a water-based primer would easily sand/chip/peel off for that worn look.
Then I used a 1 inch knife to fill the holes. All you do is shmear the filler into the holes and wait till it’s dry. Then you sand till smooth. I applied a second coat of primer over the top just to ensure a perfect finish. Then I just went to town with the spraypaint till it had more layers than a onion.
I haven’t chosen any knobs for it yet. I don’t know exactly why. I just haven’t. But I have been eyein these.
I have put a few little things on the top sortof like a mini-bar. I love the little tray (which was originally blue) and it’s curved little edge. It reminds me of the wine racks above it…so it works. Then you might notice I put a little birds cage beside it with one of my little Goodwill birds. You may remember the bird cage from an old post from around Christmas time. It was originally gold but with a quick coat of white spraypaint, it takes on a completely different life. I didn’t give it a complete flawless coat because I liked the older looking finish.
For those of you wondering what’s inside…here’s a peek. We stash all sorts of random decor items and ‘dining room accessories’ inside.
Like the mini-makeover of our bar area? Do you like the celadon color I chose for the cabinet? I think I might change it to red. I am somewhat obsessed with red these days. I don’t know why. It may or may not have something to do with those dang vampire movies all over the place.
Have you tackled any small furniture makeovers or space changes lately? Anyone incorporate this unique celadon color in your home? Wanna vote I change this thing to red? Or perhaps you store your napkin rings in your bar area too?
I recently painted a jute rug to give it a new look: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/weekend-painting-chevron-rug/
I vote NO to painting it red. I think the celadon works better with the rest of the colors of your house
It looks good now, but I actually like the idea of painting it red. Adds a little drama — and red just happens to be one of my favorite colors. I wish I had the time/patience to find some old furniture to upcycle — maybe one of these days.
I am obsessed with decorative knobs! Be sure to check a Hobby Lobby first – I have found a lot of Anthropologie knock-offs there at half the price! And I agree; I prefer the celadon.
I love the update to your bar area, I definitely can see the different understones in the pictures. We have run into that several times while painting. Those sneaky undertones! I too have been OBSESSED with red, I have been chalking it up to fall and fall colors starting to take over. I love the celadon color but am wondering what red would look like as well. Good luck!
gorgeous! i love it!!
can i come over for a drink?
Bee-u-tiful! I love the colors! I really think that the little crystal like antique knobs from Hobby Lobby would be nice, and they’re much cheaper, especially when they’re half off!
Love it! I love the celadon, so calm and relaxing!
So I have a question about the sanding – about how long did it take you to sand the finish off? I am just trying to get a good idea of how sanded it needs to be – just roughed up? or does the finish need to be just about completely off?
Thanks Katie!
I love the new look and the color of the bar. What color are your walls above the chair rail. It looks really pretty. Thanks.
Where did you find those lovely wine racks?
Love the update! I could definitely support your decision to paint the cabinet red though. Red is my favorite color so I’m always obsessed with it! I’ve recently been working on refinishing a dresser to use as a buffet. You can read about the first part here: http://k-boofly.blogspot.com/2010/08/dresser-re-do-part-1.html
Hopefully part two will be posted towards the end of the week. Again, great job Katie!
I love the color! I think it works much better than red would….but there’s not much you can do about an obsession! I am amazed at how well spray paint covered it! We have a (BIG) piece of furniture that I want to repaint and I’ve heard spray painting is the way to go. After seeing this I definitely want to give it a try! Thanks!
Love the makeover and the celadon, but not sure about the red, but I do understand color obsessions!!
Nice pick on the celadon, but I understand the red obsession. However, we have similar colored living room walls, and we use a few red accents – those colors work beautifully together! So fresh and fun.
But I do have a question: Do you find that after two coats of primer and several layers of spray paint that the doors have a harder time closing? Or does the paint scratch when you open and close the doors?
Hi Kim,
I do notice that problem. That is why I try to only do one coat of primer and one coat of spray paint on the parts that the doors or drawers meet. Also, I do a superlight sanding between coats to remove grit that could bulk up the door.
Anybody else have a suggestion?
Happy Painting,
KBow
LOVE it! Reminds me a little of our window seat I just got finished painting. Probably the molding/whatever on it.
I think I saw some knobs similar to those at World Market recently, but maybe I imagined that. I have been looking for knobs a lot recently for the window seat.
LOVE it! And I vote a big fat NO on the red. Because those knobs from Anthropologie are just too delicious to pass up – and they’re perfect for your bar!
I am new to your blog and I just love it! You have inspired me to paint my dining room furniture instead of buying something new so my wallet loves you too! I am sure you have mentioned this before but I can’t find it. Where did you get your wine bottle shelves? I just love the shelves. Also, I vote no on the red!
Hi Becky,
The wine racks are from Pottery Barn outlet and we added the glass racks to the bottom (from Ikea). They are discontinued so maybe you can score some on ebay?
XO – Katie
Thanks Darlin’…. I am on the hunt.
I like it! But the lines of this piece kind of reminded me of those really cool glamorous looking mirrored sideboards that are all the rage right now. What if you had mirrors cut to fit in the wood squares on the cabinet doors and a mirror cut for the top, and sprayed all the wood a rustic silver?
Kind of like these:
http://mirroredfurnituregallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/HorchowMirroredChestA.jpg
http://www.horchow.com/products/mt/HCH4XTK_mt.jpg
http://www.newsletterarchive.org/cache/0/0/0/2/a/3/8/6/1386749.jpg
Don’t get me wrong, I love the celadon! But when I saw this piece the idea for this mirrored look just struck me! Not sure if it’s your style (new to the blog!) but I love adding touches of glamor to dining rooms!
This looks amazing!! I absolutley love the color of the cabinet!!
I LOVE the colour it is now… it says, “sit down, drink with me”.
I love the color!
Question: How much spray paint did that take? I want to spray paint some chairs, but I don’t want to spend a fortune on paint. How much can you get out of one can?
Love your blog!
Hi Jacqi,
It took two spraypaint cans. I have found that cheap no-name brands tend to contain less actual paint in the can so I stick to name brands. They are more pricey but worth it in the end.
XO – Katie
Red. Red. Red. Love the idea for Red.
Where did you get your wine racks. Love them. I have a corner bar myself, and I like the use of the wall space instead cluttering on the cart top I have… Thanks Katie!
Hi Rosalyn,
The wine racks are from Pottery Barn outlet. They were an old style…so maybe you can find em on ebay.
XO – KB
Love the update—especially the color! One question—you mentioned that you spray painted the piece, much to my surprise. How do you decide when/what to spray paint versus paint old school with a brush? I have a few pieces of furniture I’ve been thinking about re-painting and would love some guidance and expert advice!! Thanks so much.
Hi Cate,
When it comes to the spray vs stroke debate, I found that my preference is to spray. However, spraypaint only comes in certain colors and unless you have an air compressor and paint gun, a custom color is not really attainable. Note – we do have the tools to spray so that could be the reason I prefer the spray. Also, when it comes to painting, a brush will definitely give you more control while a can gives you less strokes. Maybe you should consider the size of the piece, the cost of spraypaint, and your time commitment too before deciding your method of painting.
Hope this helps! Happy painting!
XO – Katie
Love the color you chose. And, I am with you on the Anthropologie knobs. I would like their hardware in every room of my house!
You could always paint it red and then sand it to have the celadon peek through. If you’re into antiquing furniture, that is. I think it’s best left up to the professionals but I desperately want a project to “rough up” a bit.
Great job on the makeover! I did a small server makeover earlier this year and used similar knobs to the ones your interested in. I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby, so if there’s one in your area, you should check out their selection (50% off hardware at least once a month, so you can easily purchase knobs for $1.50-$3 a piece!).
Here’s my before and after if you’re interested: http://thebrickcottage.blogspot.com/2010/04/server-after.html
I love the colors! I am very much a fan of grays and blues-looks great!
I love the anthropologie knobs, that is a really fantastic find!! I also love how many colors they have. You & your little makeovers are inspirational! Our house is small & I don’t think I have as much space for your little staging areas… but you have me thinking!
Oh it looks so modern and clean now in the fresh celadon! Don’t go red!!! I really love it. I’ve been considering a bar cart in our dining room but now looking at your fab little ‘bar area’, I’m starting to reconsider! Where did you get those wine-mounted wine bottle holders that sit above the table? Or are those DIY? Either way, love.
As far as small furniture makeovers, I just painted pale yellow chevron stripes on a couple of little Ikea bedside tables that I’m using as shoe storage. Amazing what a lick of paint will do! I posted a tutorial as well if anyone would like to attempt it themselves:
http://gettingitswoonworthy.blogspot.com/2010/08/cheap-easy-before-after-how-to-paint.html
Loving the color looks so pretty!
I just painted my sons desk, stained & painted. I love little makeovers like the one you did such a pretty impact! No red!
I love love love the celadon. And as much as I love red… I am going to vote no to repainting!!
Love the knobs– DO IT!!
I love the bar makeover! And I like the color. Don’t go red. I wish I had an area for a little bar. Mine currently consists of some bottles shoved in a cabinet with a total of 4 wine glasses.
I actually have done a few projects recently due to unexpectedly losing my job. It ended up being great as I have been able to do some house things. I have done some painting and furniture refinishing. Most recently I spray painted a fan to take it from ugly early ’90s to updated. I’m currently working on ripping out the (again) ugly ’90s, maybe ’80s paneling out of our hallway. You can see the fan and my other projects on my blog:
http://ouroldhomemaine.blogspot.com
NOOOOO red! Love the celadon, it looks perfect in there!
I have a deep love and affection for red (my loveseat is red!), but I really like the look of the celedon. I wouldn’t change it personally.
My husband recently remade over my old bedroom furniture (like old as in from the time I was 8 until like this year) with some creamy heirloom white and I’m using it all in my sewing room now to hold all my supplies and such. He even spray painted over the brass knobs with some brushed nickel and it looks SO much better. WORLDS better. Someday I will get around to blogging about it, but at the moment the sewing room is kind of a disaster area and not exactly photo-worthy.
hey katie
the other katie b. here!
I want you to know you inspired me yesterday, and I literally (after reading this post) went downstairs to my foyer and attacked a piece of furniture with a paintbrush.
I blogged about to today–stop by and check it out–I linked to your wonderful site.
xo
KB
http://katieballa.blogspot.com/2010/08/get-me-paintbrush-im-getting-urge.html
Peeps, I ebayed “pottery barn wine shelf” & found about 6 results, very similar to Katie’s. I also tried “wine shelf” & found more. Happy ebaying!!
Oohhh I am SMITTEN with your blog!! I have always said that once we have children I will FINALLY (maybe) have the time to get all those crafty things done that I have been dying to do – since, you know, I’ll be home with a little babykins and trading in my corporate job for the mommy job. Well, the time has almost come and our precious baby boy should be here in the beginning of December. It’s game time!! I hope I’m half as creative and productive as you are with a little one!
Wow! The cabinet looks great. On Sunday I painted my buffet, which I had painted black in the spring, “true turquoise” by Glidden. I love it! The black is showing through a bit so it feels like it has a better story than “I just changed my mind.” I am going to get some mercury glass knobs to put on it for the sparkle.
I love the celadon – but I love what a surprise red would be in that room. So if you think you might like it red in a few months you should go for it. Paint on, bacon lady – just make sure you post more pictures of it.
Oooh, I totally heart the celadon color, I wouldn’t change a thing! Adorable as always!
xoxo,
Jen
I definitely think you should paint the cabinet red! I like the paint job that you did…but some how the piece just doesn’t POP in front of your neutral tones.
Loooove the makeover!! I especially love the clean, fresh feeling of the whole corner. The celadon color is perfect, I think you should keep it! We’re about to inherit a few older pieces of furniture from my in-laws, so I’m excited to see what I can do do update them. Your blog is a huge inspiration!
i absolutely love that color. my vote goes to “don’t change because it looks fabulous katie”.
I don’t drink, so we don’t have a bar area, but this post makes me want to make one just for fun!
Love the celadon color, please don’t change it!
I’m dying over your space,it’s seriously fantastic! I love the color combination and all the cute little finds that don’t feel cluttered at all. I bet you love spending time in there:) thanks for sharing.
so, in the spirit of commenting, I thought I’d head on over and say how much I love this re-do. I seriously LOVE the new colors going on. PERFECT. I have a piece with similar lines that I am now DYING to paint.
Now, if only I could unpack all those newly-wed-recently-moved-in-together-where-the-heck-is-all-my-stuff boxes so I could have some room for some painting! as well as all the tools which are currently hidden.
I love that color – it SO reminds me of one of the before & afters (that I love SO much) on Design*Sponge! Great Job – I really love how you used the apothecary jars!
I just found your site and girl I LOVE it! I love it even more now that I found this post. We have a similiar size nook in our dining room and this idea would be perfect! Now I’m on the hunt for bargain wine racks. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Oh, and did you ever find knobs for your cabinet or did you leave it as is?
I left it as is…I keep my eyes peeled for some though…I know one day I’ll probably pop some on there
xo – kb
p.s. welcome and glad you found us!
Hey Katie B!
First, I just wanted to tell you that I have been reading your blog for about 1 year now & I love it! I love reading about house projects & family life…keep doing what you’re doing!
I have a question about this cabinet makeover: What brand/color spay paint did you use? I LOVE that celadon color! Please advise
xo Andrea (in Canada!)