Painted chippy furniture, knotty pine walls, shabby colors and finishes.
My house was pretty shabby inspired at the time when
I found this piece years ago on craigslist. I was looking for a piece to put a t.v. inside of- it is a pet peeve of mine to walk into a room and see a t.v first off. I like it to be hidden.
So, I looked on craigslist and found this one day- staring at me…
Tall, dark and handsome…
rich hand-rubbed patina, history galore.
It was a piece that fit in a dream room for sure ~ but a cottage?
I dreamed of living spaces that looked like the ones I drooled over while looking through my magazines and books.
Elegant, Formal and polished
and frankly, finished at that time!
This gorgeous piece belonged in a living room like those.
So,I passed on buying it and said I needed to think about it…
Go ahead….
say it….
WHY?
Why would I not be sure?
I know…
I’m going with the hormones again.
I swear they cause me more mental issues!
Anyway, long story short, the lady and I kind of became friends.
We started emailing about some other things for sale and what not- she was helping a friend liquidate an estate that he had stored for almost 10 years.
I kept thinking about this piece…
A few days later, I had a moment.
One of those “I HAVE to have it!” moments..
You know, when you passed on something at the flea market
and you just have to go back right away?
Yeah, one of those, except I was on my way to Disneyland at the time.
She emailed me while we were visiting Mickey
and told me she wouldn’t show it to anyone else and I could come pick it up when I got home.
Holy cow..
It is MINE!!
This piece is absolutely amazing-
right down to the handmade wood pegs that come through that hold it together.
I love the character in the old rubbed finish and the carvings.
I have since learned more about what it is-
It is a buffet deux corps- or buffet two parts.
This one appears to be from the Normandy region.
Price on these is outrageous-
(I always tell my husband I have really expensive taste)
but I am so cheap!
I love a bargain and never feel good if I pay too much
or more than I think I should for something-
which means I probably would not have ever gotten one had I not found this one.
It was $350.
So here it sits in my living room~ I usually leave the doors open for display.
Right now, I have green transferware and silver flea finds in it,
along with a birdhouse, garden pieces
and a few little friends.
I am thinking about changing it to another set of dishes~
though I love the green transferware.
I have a vintage turquoise set, as well as a set of Gainsborough china – which is a cream with floral.
I am also thinking about a white set possibly…
Any thoughts?
linking to
I'm soooo glad you decided to get it! I would have regretted it for life if I didn't – it's stunning!
I bet the vintage turqoise set looks beautiful in it – probably not so formal and you could mix in some pretty goldish things for fall.
Can't wait to see the pictures of how you change it up ~ I love to see all the beautiful things around your home. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sarah
Oh this piece is absolutely stunning. What a super find. I love the lines of it. You have everything displayed beautifully inside. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty
OMG!! WHAT A GORGEOUS PIECE, HAPPY YOU FINALLY DECIDED TO GET IT!!! 🙂 I WOULD HAVE NEVER GIVEN HER UP SHE IS A BEAUTY FOR SURE 🙂 LUCKY GAL YOU…LOL!!
XOX~MARI
Courntey, girl what an awesome beautiful piece girl…Love it…when it SREAMS your name you have to get it…That's my Motto ha ha!! hope your having a great day my friend on your piece of Calif. Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
Courtney – your piece is stunning and you have it dressed beautifully with the green transferware and silver. You did get a good deal and I agree with you – it's all about a bargain. It's so easy and not challenging at all to spend a lot of money and get something beautiful. Part of the "thrill of the hunt" is finding that to-die-for-piece and not having to sell your first-born to get it! You did good girl.
Lisa@SuburbanRetreat
Gorgeous!!! And I love your green transferware with the silver. Absolutely beautiful!!
Wow, it's beautiful. I think any dishes would look wonderful in it. But it's nice to have options for when you get bored with them. I love the pieces of silver mixed in.
GORGEOUS! GORGEOUS! I have "buffet deux corps envy"! I always know that something is meant to be mine when I can't get it out of my head. And then you got such a great deal on it! Looks just like something out of "French Country" magazine especially with you you accessorized it. Would you consider linking this post to my "Inspiration Friday" party? I know so many others would love to see it!
Vanessa
http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com
Very pretty!! I would have definitely been sorry if I didn't get it! I love all your pieces inside, that's the fun of having a gorgeous hutch like this! 🙂
xoxo
Jane
Amazing piece and price!
Just loverly!
<3
That is soooo gorgeous and what a steal!!!! You are my kind of gal!
Ok, you don't have to go to the doctor afterall, cuz you went back and bought it! For $350 that is an outright steal! I love the transferware in it, and I love the green. I collect purple..someday you might wallpaper the inside of this cabinet! I have seen people wallpaper foam boards and fit it in so they can remove it if they get tired of it. Wouldn't a tiny little gingham check in green and ivory be pretty with your collection and brighten up the inside? Or a pretty cream and bone damask pattern? Just thinkin' out loud…
It is beautiful!!!
I'm visiting from Vanessa's and girl, your hormones did good!! That cabinet is magnificent, absolutely magnificent. I love it!!!!!
That hormone thing had me laughing – you should read some of my crazy posts!
What a lovely French piece…love, love, love that Ridgway's transfer ware too! Your vignette is gorgeous!
Hi Courtney…
Ohhhh my goodness, Girlfriend…you buffet deux corps is nothing short of magnificent!!! I can't believe that you only paid $350 for this fabulous piece…what a bargain…and a blessing!!! I can only dream of finding such fabulous pieces…and believe me…I am always keeping my eyes out! Hehe! I love getting to peek at some of your green transferware and silver! Two of my favorite things!!! They certainly grace your buffet beautifully! Thank you so much for sharing this french treasure with us…I am in awe!!! I'm so glad that you included some of the history…now I will know what to call this type of buffet! Awesome!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
I had to leave you another message about your Buffet Deux Corps…I was looking at COTE DE TEXAS blog last night and she had to save for FIFTEEN YEARS to buy herself a Buffet Deux Corps! She told an interesting story…you might enjoy it and then you can pinch yourself when you are done!
I love this piece….and I love it just the way it is with the green transfer ware. Of course, looking at your home – you could make it look good with anything you choose. I can tell you have expensive taste (even if you are cheap)!! I am new to blogging and am now a follower!
a lovely and worthy piece! hope you are having a grand weekend! verbena cottage
This is a gorgeous piece! As an antique dealer I can tell you that you got a fantastic deal on it. Your silver and transferware look wonderful displayed inside.
Lovely piece so beautifully accessorized with your pretties. Your green transferware and silver pieces look very nice here. Who says you can't mix traditional with chippy, shabby cottage? 🙂
I tell people they can mix styles all the time…
~ Sue
I'm so glad you were able to get this piece. It is outstanding. Now, about that vintage turquoise set of dishes. For sale???? Doubt it, but it never hurts to ask.
Beautiful! I'm so glad you were able to get it, and $350 seems like a great price to me! I lovelovelove your green transferware, too.
So Beautiful!! The transfer ware is to die for!!
Great piece and I love your things displayed in it, beautiful!
Linda
i love everything you have displayed, these small things go a long way in making a home beautiful, great collection you have
x0x0x0x0
AboutCabinets Blog
Beautiful piece. I love your china collection.
That hutch is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely piece with us!
Absolutely beautiful and it looks like what French Country would look to me!! Awesome!
Hi Courtney…
Oooh…I remember seeing this fabulous french armoire in your beautiful home! It's gorgeous, my friend…and what a steal at just $350! I would love to find a piece like this as well (to hide that ol' TV)! Hehe! I love how you have decorated the shelves! Ahhh…green transferware…one of my favorites and I collect it as well! It looks lovely with the beautiful silver pieces! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely post with us for the Sunday Favorites repost party this week, sweet friend! I'm sorry that I'm so late in getting by…just been busy! Take care, sweet lady!
Warmest wishes,
Chari