An armoire...re-purposed!

I've been trying to sell this armoire on Craig's List for as long as I can remember! People just aren't in the market for armoires like they used to be now that flat screens are more prevalent....but I mean seriously how could someone NOT buy this armoire? Isn't it gorgeous? Beautiful wood finish, an antique circa 1990, large and bulky- there's just NOTHING like it out there- a true gem!!!

At least that's what I tried to tell the shoppers on Craig's List; however no one could be convinced- it truly is an eyesore.


So when I started thinking about turning my dining area into a design library, I figured I would need a big piece of furniture to hold catalogs, samples and all of the other stuff that designers need to keep handy (but also hide from the public). I didn't want the first thing people saw when they came in to be my workspace- so that's when the idea of the armoire started to look better and better (and not to mention, nice and free)

I began to think how great it would be if I revamped it...and once I have something set in my mind, there's no stopping me. I had it moved from my sister's house to my house within a day and started working on it the day after that. I wanted to make the armoire nice, but also low cost and a quick and easy project.

I ended up painting it off white (about four times) then added some crystal hardware from Anthropologie. But as the armoire became whiter, the neutral wall behind it made it disappear. So that's when I decided to go BACK to the paint store and buy some mossy green paint to lend a background to my armoire. Don't you just love how one project quickly turns into another?


The green wall color is much lighter and brighter in person- it was a really gross day today in Dallas so hence the horrible pictures! (don't worry, it's not 80's forest green!)

Then I started to think of all the different things you could do with armoires and the possibilities are endless...Within them, you could store..

Arts and crafts/scrapbooking materials, office supplies, kids toys, sewing supplies/fabric, table linens, a wet bar, clothes/accessories, movies/tv, home accents, etc etc. Whatever your fancy! So before you haul off your bulky armoire to the resale shop, here are some pretty ideas below on what to do with that mangey old armoire...

Paint it in two colors or lacquer it....make it fun like Jamie Drake's pink and black armoire!

{photo via Alkemie}

Add in some mirrored glass and paint it white for an updated crisp look
{Image via Domino}

Love this gray armoire (and the hardware) in this dining room by Hickory Chair.


I want this Windsor Smith armoire!!

Windsor Smith designed this room (one of my all time favorite rooms). A white mirrored armoire in the corner is the perfect touch to this space.

This feminine armoire featured in Country Living houses a whole bar inside! Who would have thought such a sweet looking armoire would contain so much liquor! Cute idea for those who like to entertain a lot.

This room, featured in House Beautiful contains a pretty robin's egg blue armoire. If you are thinking your armoire is hopeless, just remember that a fresh coat of paint can go a long way on an old piece of furniture.

I saw this room over at La Dolce Vita blog, and love the angular lines on this armoire piece.

This painted and distressed French armoire from French Country Living, looks right at home in this space. Aside from standing there and looking pretty, it serves a purpose too! It holds linens.

{Image via Velvet and Linen}

It wouldn't be right if I didn't show you at least one armoire image from Cote de Texas!

House Beautiful showcased the beautiful Neirmann Weeks Quatrefoil Armoire.

These glass-paned geometric, white armoires really seem to be everywhere! We keep seeing them...another House Beautiful image...they must really like their armoires!

A Mary McDonald room...a black armoire displays classic and subtle accessories in the background.

Before clicking that "Post" button on Craig's List, you might want to reconsider- armoires are really great to have handy and refinishing them can make a world of difference!