Just a little one. Really, you could say it is so small that it really didn’t change the room at all. Or… maybe it did. Are you ready to see the little antique in the dining room?
Just a *Little* Antique Dining Room Update
You know how sometimes you dream up the perfect piece for a space? Like you know just what that wall needs or what piece should go where- but you don’t have the piece and have to find one that will work. Maybe you look for years with one in mind. Maybe you find it day 2 after deciding. You just never know. But this update? Well, it has been on my mind for probably about 5-6 years -maybe longer.
It started with an inspiration room that was a dining room/kitchen combo. And it had a TON of beautiful storage in an antique cupboard that absolutely took center stage. It was tall and stately. Yet subtle because the white color blended with the white room overall. It had shelf after shelf after shelf filled with pottery, stacks of plates & pretty little details. It spanned the full length of the room- and was longer than the extra long table and chairs. And of course, it had an incredible chandelier above it.
The photos today are mostly phone and screen grabs from video that we took while they were moving the cupboard inside (and in the rain) so I do apologize for the darkness. I have had a lot of requests for more behind the scenes snaps as things come together so, here you go!
The Quest
I went on a quest for awhile keeping my eye out for the perfect antique cupboard to put in this space. I found newer options- and some options that were maybe 6′ long. Even 8′ long that I considered. But it wasn’t long enough to fill the wall enough to not have awkward space and often times- those cupboards were about 22″ deep. Which as we talked about last week- starts to push the dining table out too far for the look of this room.
So, I moved along. I searched for other ideas- the chalkboard, the mural, the mirror and that delicious cupboard that was carved landed here. I had somewhat given up on every finding THE perfect piece for this interior wall- because it seemed just to be a needle in a haystack kind of find. But you know what happened ?
I FOUND IT
Can you believe that I actually found that dream piece for this space? AND it is antique on top of it? OBSESSED. I found a listing on Marketplace that caught my eye- but the title didn’t necessarily explain it correctly. It said Commercial restaurant display But the picture to me (even though it was mostly wrapped in cardboard and taped up) looked like it might be an antique. So I took a closer look.
Antique Farm Cupboard
It was a huge 2 piece cupboard. Measuring over 14’5 long and over 8′ tall. It had 8 drawers. 8 sets of glass doors above and 8 sets of wood doors below. It was painted white but you could see it looked chippy and worn. I loved the look initially, but I didn’t love the price so I watched it for awhile. Yes, I struggled with that- but I honestly wasn’t even sure it was old at that point. There was no mention of it being ‘vintage or antique’ and as far as the listing read and photos showed, it could have been built recently & faux distressed.
So, I waited.
It Dropped
The priced dropped one day and I stared at the photos again and showed it to my husband, I measured the wall behind the dining room. A NEAR PERFECT LENGTH for the wall – with just enough on either side for breathing room.
A Closer Look
Since, I hadn’t let it go yet- I figured I should at least go look at it and decide. I contacted them and set up a time to come take a look.
We went to take a look at it- it was still wrapped up in brown cardboard and tape. The pieces were also sandwiched into a storage unit set side by side- which made it difficult to look at. We pulled off part of the cardboard to get a closer look at the doors, hardware and make sure the glass was good. But that was about all we could see at the time.
History
The seller said it was from Europe – the US customs tape was still on the cardboard. He had no idea how long it had been sitting here in California. It was intended to go into a restaurant that was expanding in the Bay Area but with the past couple of years- had closed doors. He had driven down to clean out the restaurant and this piece was one of the antique pieces sitting there waiting for use as a display. Factoring in no cost to rent a truck ( and gas) and removing that since he offered to deliver it for free -even over an hour away- the price worked for me. But I couldn’t see the ‘whole’ piece in all it’s glory since it was wrapped up and side by side. Was it enough to make me take the plunge with it? I mean it isn’t like I could just move it down the hall to a different room if I hated it there lol.
And so… I stared at it. I ran my hand across the old chippy paint and tried to imagine the pieces together in the space. And admittedly argued with myself a bit again. Knowing that this outrageously large piece was either going to be THE MOST AMAZING PIECE in the dining room. Or I had Officially LOST MY MIND. I bet on my obsession and went with my first thought when I saw it. And I nodded to my husband that we would take it. (and then I freaked out just a bit inside haha)
When it got here, he and my husband somehow got it off the trailer and into the driveway where it would wait for our boys to come up and help move it into the house. I saw it sitting in the driveway, grabbed a knife and started cutting all.that.cardboard and tape off of it so I could get a closer look at the whole cupboard and wipe it down with some bleach.
Overall- the style is very much more of a Gustavian or Scandinavian style design than the many carved pieces that we have in the house. But we have very clean and simple lines in our kitchen as well – it almost reminds me of the same lines that it has. And I have always loved the painted Gustavian look. The closer I looked, the more of those tiny details like the corner details on each door stood out to me.
BEYOND
My oldest son and husband moved the base into the house and…
just the bottom section in- I held my breath and *might have been saying ‘Oh my gosh… oh my gosh…’ to myself because I felt like you could see that it was going to be perfection already. They secured the base to the wall while we waited for my son Cullan to get here- he used to work as mover and had all the furniture straps and knowledge to move an over 14.5′ long glass door cupboard without damage to it or themselves. When he got here- they brought it inside and set it atop the base piece.
AND I ABOUT FELL OVER.
It is SERIOUSLY BEYOND what I even envisioned it would be. A near perfect fit for this wall – the cupboard literally fills the wall like it has always been here and was built for this spot. And I am calling it a cupboard but it could be a bookcase- and can you imagine it filled with books? THE POSSIBILITIES.
I kid you not when I tell you that every time I walk into the room, I shake my head in disbelief. It allows for ample space to walk around the table without moving anything at all and really does feel like it was meant to be in this space. Did I mention it is only 13″ deep? So perfect.
Waiting to be styled
As you can see, I haven’t even filled the cupboards yet because, it looks so.good. just as it is and I haven’t really had the time to tinker with it so – called it good. I haven’t decided if I will bleach or lighten the wood inside- my first thought was paint or bleach or paper the inside but it actually works well in this space with the dark wood beams and I like the contrast. So, I am leaving it as is for now.
And just after this arrived- my daughter cleansed it for me. She actually felt the need to clean it 3x- and she just also wrote an article for me for the blog on cleansing antique pieces when you bring them home so stay tuned for that as well.
I set a few vases full of garden roses and peonies on the table before moving each to other rooms because it felt a bit bare without anything on the table for photos- but obviously it is not styled like usual. And I cannot wait to find some time to play with this cupboard and show you how it looks when it is ready and photographed properly.
What do you think of this piece here? Is this what you thought I would do with this space?
Side note: We have around 30 chair slipcovers left in both white linen and natural linen. The shop closes in 1 week- You can shop here if you want them. SHOP THE MARKET
Happy Wednesday everyone.
I think you found a real treasure. I am sure you will do a fabulous job with styling it. Looks perfect in that spot.
Your excitement is contagious, and I love the cupboard in there! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it…..
Do you plan to paint It?
No, I am planning on leaving the original patina as it is. It is chippy- but not chippy as in peeling- just more worn chippy (if that makes sense.)
Courtney as always perfection wins out. Leave the stain for now. Style it, play with it and time will tell if you need to adjust the inside finish. Hats off, again!
Hello Courtney,hope you are having a great day!!!!
Boy did you score on your Cabnet!!! So Excited for you. The cabnet looks awesome!!!
It is beautiful and fits your space PERFECT.
Oh my gosh ,Courtney, I can see why you couldn’t breathe! It is truly YOU and it will be exquisite! I can’t wait to see the magic…
Have fun.
Sharrie
I love it. It does fit perfectly into that s.pace with not much to spare. I love the Glass and antique white wood, especially with the chandeleers. Marvelous choice and worth the wait! Can’t wait to see how your styling and room evolve!
I love, love, love it!!!! It is so awesome when you find a perfect piece like this. I am so glad that you waited and hung on for some time to find the perfect item! Best of luck with it – and I can’t wait to see how you style it!!!
Gorgeous! I love the darker interior with the table top and beams. Cannot wait to see what you do with it!
Oh my gosh!!!!! It’s Stunning!!!! I have yet to be able to pick my jaw up off the floor!!!!!
I love how your vision came into being. I am so Happy for you!!!
Diane
What a score, Courtney! That piece looks like it is made for your home. It’s an amazing piece. Love it!
GirL, you are living your best life!
Courtney……… it is just fabulous!! I have a very similar antique cabinet in mY kitchen and i love it!!!!!🤗🥰This is just bEautiful! I’m so excited to see how you style it. Big vongrstulations❣️❣️❣️💕💕💕🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
Beautiful! Pity the guests who are not seated looking
At the cupboard and glistening chandiers.
Oh my gosh!! The cabinet is made For your dining room! It is tO die for!❤️❤️Love it!!
Absolutely worth waiting for!
StUnning!
Courtney, that cabinet is just beautiful and is meant to be in that spot — just perfect and looks like it was specially made for that spot!! The back of the cabinet fits in so nicely with your beams and your table and chairs! Looking forward to seeing what you do with your shelves! I know they will have your beautirul touch!
Enjoy your beautirul cabinet.
The cabinet was to be in that spot for you! I love the patina just like it is!! You find the perfect pieces for your house. And…deliver free over an hour drive???
It is stunning! I once had an antique pharmacy cabinet, 12 ft wide and quite similar in style. We parted with it when we sold that home, as it was a beast to move. Still think anout it from time to time. When you fall in lOve…it can be ever laSting. Your patience paid off in strides.
Beyond beautiful. Enjoy it…
STUNNING! perfection! You courtney , are right on trend with CottageCore decor! The latest trend in decorating is your wheelhouse for certain. What a find, and it certainly found the right HOME!
Absolute perfection. You will have so much fun filling the shelves with your creativity. Take a bunch of pictures for us to enjoy. Can’t wait. So happy for you! Jane
Stunning!! It is ABSOLUTELY perfect just as it is. It will REALLY showcase all of your BEAUTIFUL white dishes and treasures. I also have the same inspiration Photo in my collection and am looking Forward to the day I happen across the perfect piece.⚜️
I think when I saw the picture of this cabinet, I wanted to jump for joy with excitement for you!!
It is so beyond stunning. A dream piece.
I can’t wait to see what you put inside and I think I need to hang out and go shopping with you! lol You are great at finding those treasures.
Glad I did not miss this post!
I like the inSides as they are. It looks beautiful with the wood tBle top. Nice find!
OH. MY Ghord. No way. Seriously you have to be the luckiest designer in the entire world. That piece is sooooo meant for there it is beyond awesome.
Just wow. I am in shock. Yes, yes a trillion times YES!!!!!
What a FABULOUS find! The CUPBOARD fits PERFECTLY in the space and ACTUALLY LOOKS BUILT in!
You have gReat INSTINCTS for finding vinTage furniture that looks Perfect in your Home.
Your vision is perfection right now. The balance of the interior natural wood of the wonderful cabinet works perfectly with the dining table top, beams and even the cutting boards peeking from beyond … Perfection just as it is right now so you can go ahead and put your lovely dishes, etc. on display.
Cheers!!
That is just outrageously sized perfect for your area…absolutely perfectly perfect!! what a statement piece. please be sure to take a long shot photo once filled to perfection, and maybe post it side by side with your inspiration photo so we can see your dream inspiration come true. Life is an adventure…enjoy the journey…especially when dreams come true, right?! Blessings, Ally
Wow! That is ABSOLUTELY perfect! I cannot wait to see what you do with it. It does look like it fits that space perfectly. I can only imagine what you will do with it and it will be beautiful! Can wait!
Oh my gooDness, that cabinet is perfection! I cannot wait to see it after you have done your magic! What an incrediblE find! Love it, you give me hope for the antique french barometer ive been searching for FOREVER! I will start stalking marketplace😊
Chills…I have CHILLS!!!! INCREDIBLE…yet, there “she sits” in “all her glory!” franki
No words to explain your finds. MAYBe, kissed by the “what ever you dream of you FIND” gods. I like the old wood interior which balances the wood beams and table top.
I am concern with the door next to the cabinets. How will you protect the cabinets from getting hit everytime you open the door?
Oh it is perfect! The wood ties in beautifully with the beams and the table top. It is light and airy and warm and inviting all at the same time. I’m so happy for you. I can see you smiling every time you walk into the room. Enjoy!
Love it!
As is, or painted, or papered. (why is my computer typing in all Caps? = That feature is turned off! – Don’t mean to yell. but I do love it.
PerfeCt! What a find! Personally I WOULDN’T do ANYTHING to it! IT’s a GREAT piece! This is the BEST Post!
Lucky Girl!
Wow! Absolute perfection!!! That piece was made for your space! I love it!
I absolutely love it. You find such great deals!
Nailed it! My goodness you have an eye and great timing. The style gods are smiling
Now you know why it took you so long….the perfect piece was just waiting for you to find it…and you did.
Congratulations! What a treasure with a great story!
Very nice and a lot of room to do creative things.
I lOVE IT JUST AS IT IS! (NO IDEA WHY EVERYTHING IS IN CAPS!) lOOKS PERFECT
I vote to leave it just as it is.
iT MATCHES THE TABLE TOP AS WELL AS THE BEAMS.
iT ACTUALLY ANCHORS THE PIECE AND THAT PART OF THE ROOM.
GOOD JOB –> GOOD FIND —> ATTA GIRL !!!!
Love your little cabinet! 🤓 It truly does look like it was made for the space.
Good find. I had a much smaller version that I filled With white ironstone.
Then i filled it with blue and white and then i filled it with green majolica.
Loved every version
WORTH. THE. Wait !!!!
Your new cabinet is gorgeous wIth just the right Frenchy feeling for your cottage. What a score! I look forward to so many beautiful photos of your new dining room aNd cabinet.
I really hope you found a new home in your home for the carved antique preViously in that spot, it is a trEasure too!
All I can say is: It’s God! That’s how I explain it when I find the absolute thing I am looking for.
This piece is a dream…I have tears in my eyes reading your story and feeling the happiness you feel. I would feel the same way. When you can visualize something so strongly and finally get it in the way you did is amazing. Congratulations! Definitely an inspiration.
Love, love your cabinet !!! Perfect for that Space !!!
What a beautiful Treasure!
Oh my goodness what a piece! it’s so beautiful!
perfection🥰
Perfection! Maybe this will be in the pages of book number 3?!?
Oh my Gosh! i would be happy with glee too! What a find and it does look like it was made for that space! I look forward with anticipation to see how you style it!
This is a true example of how one piece can transform a room ! Kudos on your skill (and patience!) in finding just THE right touches for your beautiful home.
That is absolute perfection! Definitely a once in a lifetime kind of find! Have fun styling it!!