Thursday, January 15, 2015

Patched up Hearts: An Outdated Country Hutch Makeover for the Downton Abbey Servant's Quarters


I have some catch up posting to do!  Last month I did couple of big furniture makeovers that I just haven't had a chance to share.  Shortly after Christmas, I put together two window displays for Camas Antiques.  If you follow me on Facebook, you know what I've been up to, and  you've probably even seen a couple of these photos already.  In anticipation of the new season of Downton Abbey, I designed a window display to represent the servant's quarters and another inspired by the Abbey's drawing room.  I knew right away that I wanted an open hutch full of ironstone for the servant's quarters.  Finding one that fit into my budget was harder than I had thought it would be.  When I came across this outdated country hutch with it's little heart cut outs, I thought maybe...just maybe it could work!


The first task was to mask those country hearts.  My father in law was sweet enough to use his wood working skills to cut out some filler hearts for me.  After a whole lot of sanding, gluing, wood puttying and more sanding, there was very little trace of hearts remaining on the hutch.  This was a bit tedious and I will be the first to admit that my work isn't perfect, but it's a pretty major improvement, don't you think?


This beautiful applique from The Purple Pear was just the perfect adornment for the hutch top.  I love the little bit of elegance it adds, and would you have ever guessed that there was once a heart cut out in that very spot?  It really changed the overall look and feel of the piece!


The hutch color is Coco, two coats, sealed with clear wax only.  It was so hard for me to restrain myself and not to work in a layered technique or some gold leafing but as this piece was meant to look like it belonged in the servant's quarters, I chose to keep the finish simple and clean.


What really makes this window display is the amazing servant's bell board that was designed and hand crafted by Tommy, husband to JoAnn who is the owner of Camas Antiques!  I was thrilled with this addition for the window display!  


I really love how this window came together.  It is even better than I had imagined it could be and I have some great friends to thank for that!  I couldn't have managed two major window displays the week following Christmas without the help of my wonderful friends at Camas Antiques!

To read more about my Downton Abbey window displays and see more of the Drawing Room inspired display, please follow this link: The Drawing Room



Thank you for your sweet visit today,

Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda




Sharing With:
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours
 Friday's Unfolded at Nancherrow
 Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
What's it Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants