When I've had a spare moment, I've been making-over this old dresser. I gave it a coat of French grey eggshell paint. (Farrow & Ball's 'Light Blue')
The interior looked very dark, so I thought I'd line it with paper.
I decided to use some pages from The Studio magazine from 1898, of which I have several copies in my collection of old ephemera.
I decided to use some pages from The Studio magazine from 1898, of which I have several copies in my collection of old ephemera.
I used wallpaper paste to apply the selected pages onto the back.
And I continued onto the sides and over the shelves until it was complete.
I love some of the illustrations, such as these for old metalwork, and the photo of a wallpaper design in a Victorian parlour.
The drawer pulls were screwed back into position an then the fun bit could start!
I thought I'd use the cabinet to display my vintage hat stand collection all together. (Or my severed head collection, as my daughter calls them! ;-))
Most date from the Deco era, although a few have been cobbled together by me using old doll heads and vintage finds.
This one is too tall for the cupboard, so I had to lay her down.
My French fabric covered boxes are on the top - as well as a few more tucked underneath.
This one is too tall for the cupboard, so I had to lay her down.
My French fabric covered boxes are on the top - as well as a few more tucked underneath.
Its the ideal spot for our telephone and a lamp too...
I do feel that our house is finally coming together (after 12 years of being here!) and maybe some time soon we will be able to relax and really enjoy it! ;-))
Hope you are enjoying your weekend,
Niki x
What a great cabinet, I love the lining inside. I have to admit though I fins the doll heads a little freaky, possibly I agree with your daughter, I'm fine with dolls, so long as they have bodies.
ReplyDeleteI've spent the last couple of days putting pictures up in our house, we've been here 5 years and I'm almost happy with it. There's still some essential things to do, but we're getting there.
My idea of heaven! The magazine is great ( I have an old copy of The Studio that I bought years ago when I was a student)Those hat stands, well I don't need to say anything do I!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of covering the walls of the cupboard with pages from an old books. I do have to agree with your daughter though dolls without bodies are a bit odd. Love the telephone that is just fab! But.......there is no hope for me, I've been in my house for 19years!
ReplyDeleteLooks great, love the display with the hat boxes and phone added too.
ReplyDeleteAnother brilliant makeover!!! Was that another find from you-know-where?
ReplyDeleteSue xx
Beautiful cabinate, love the vintage paper inside.
ReplyDeleteSophie xxx
What a gorgeous cabinet, I love the front of the drawers...Your display is stunning, and really shows off your collection for all to see.Some doll head collections are freaky when they are broken, and just sitting around in baskets, but yours are adorned with such pretty trimmings, they are artworks!
ReplyDeleteSue
Cool - what a rewarding thing to do - it looks great! Really french chic!
ReplyDeleteGo on! Admit it! When you feel it's really done you'll be planning the extention! What would we do if we couldn't see your wonderful makeovers!? t.xx
ReplyDeleteoh Niki.. I love your display cabinets.. full of heads.. that the scary part! hehehe but still pretty!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful cabinet!! I love your fantastic hat stand collection!!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
It has come together so lovely. I love the paper on the inside, it really lightens it up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection and I love the covered boxes too. Your home is just lovely!
ReplyDeleteCathy ♥
Your cupboard looks fabulous. I have wanted to put together a display cupboard for all my bits and pieces and you have certainly inspired me with yours. I don’t think a house is ever complete as there are always new ideas and collectables we come across along the way; but that is part of the fun really anyway :)
ReplyDeleteQuite amazing - a really original idea!
ReplyDeletePomona x
I love what you did with the cabinet, and I LOVE your "head" collection. They look great altogehter! makes me want to paint my old cabinet.. hmmm... maybe I will!
ReplyDeletehave a sweet day!
Beautiful,I love the idea and it all looks so great together.
ReplyDelete:o) Sue
oh no! please dont say it takes so long to do a house!, i/m finally moving next friday from modern house to a victorian terrace, which does need some work! any well done and the little corner does look gorgeous, its amazing what some paint and a little creativity can do! lol maxine
ReplyDeleteHello Niki
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful collection, I have one hat stand dolly and she is a treasure...You have an amazing collection! Pinkie
The "severed head" collection has certainly found the perfect home!
ReplyDeleteLizzie x
Excellent job! Love the whole thing but the interior just makes a beautiful statement with all of your lovelies inside.
ReplyDeleteHi Niki
ReplyDeleteCould you tell me if you sanded down this cabinet first and if not, does it chip easily.
I have done similar to an old headboard and it chips terribly, I wonder if the F&B eggshell makes a difference I can't remember what paint I used.
I would really appreciate hearing back from you, your advice would be invaluable before I tackle a cabinet I'm about to do myself.
Thanks.
Wendy
Hi Niki,
ReplyDeleteThank you for getting back to me.
I suspected I already knew the answer to the 'age old' sanding dilemma, however like you when things have a few chips it makes me feel more comfortable, so that's that decided. :)
I am now following you, as I realise I will need to know if you are putting more beautiful photos onto your wonderful blog.
I am quite new to the whole blogging thing, loving it obviously!
It's so exciting when someone sends a message, so thank you.
Have a lovely day.
Wx