Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Our "Hoosier" Overhaul

Just before Christmas, my friend Kristi and I met in tiny Louisville (which is about halfway between her home and mine) to exchange Christmas gifts. We had a few minutes after lunch so we went into a little antique shop on the main street. In the back room, was this atrocious piece of furniture...but the price was pretty. All that said, I still walked on by. When we got to the car, I told Kristi that I was going to go back and buy it. The antique dealer told me it was a Hoosier hutch...a hutch that was built in Indiana in the mid-20th century and this one still had it's original grinder in the top left compartment. He'd had it awhile, and was finally retiring so he was letting it go for a song. After Christmas, I drove back and picked it up. I was giddy. Tony was mortified. We'd been looking for an art center for the kids, but I don't think this is exactly what he had in mind...




But with a little elbow grease, hours of sanding, priming, painting, some cork board, and some new hardware, this is the kids' new art center.




And the price you ask??

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm from Indiana, I would've walked right by that piece. LOL
I must say that is probably the best before and after pic I've seen! : D
You've made this Hoosier proud!

Cara said...

You are amazing! What a steal!

Nicole said...

Amber you're vision and craft abilities never cease to amaze me!!

Jeni said...

That is so beautiful...sure doesn't look like it's just a kids art center.

embeins said...

That is amazing! I need to have your eye for things.

Montserrat said...

You certainly have a talent for finding the "treasure" in what others deem as trash. I love drooling over the Hoosier cabinets in the Lehman's catalog.

The Brough Family said...

It turned out AWESOME!!! What a cool thing. You are amazing!

Bonnie B. said...

THAT is so AWESOME!!!! I am in awe! And holy crap...25 bucks? Good deal! I never find deals like that.

Jessica Jane said...

I love it! It turned out amazing! What a great piece of furniture!

Ice Cream said...

Yowsahs, that looks fabulous! I bet your husband likes it now. =)

Jcochran said...

If only I had your eye for treasures! Well worth all the work and possible led poisioning!!! hee hee just kidden! Awesome job! Jen :>

Nicole said...

Wow, if looks amazing! You guys did an incredible job. Painting is hard work but I love the instant results you get. I love your simplify signs below too! I could stand to paint that on a wall at my house!

Kathleen said...

it looks fantastic-you have such an eye for possibilties!

Our Complete Family said...

They are going to love crafting even more now with that pretty spot to go hunt for crafting goodies!
You did a great job redoing it and all the hours working on it sure payed off!!!

Jenni said...

Hi Amber~
That.is.amazing! Truly amazing! I love what you did with the hoosier! It's gorgeous! LOVE the black handles and little table part to it. Does the little table part pull out or is it fixed in place? We have a hoosier, and I love it, but I love how yours has drawers! SO cute! :) I cannot believe you found that for twenty-five dollars! :)

Amber M. said...

Jenni...yes, the metal tabletop pulls out. It was a horrid mint color and so we just painted it black.

I'd love to see some pictures of your Hooiser!

Camie said...

Its beautiful....NOW!

Scribbit said...

I had to chuckle Amber--I just noticed your other blog "McIllece Family Planning"--sounds like you're the local Planned Parenthood Chapter or something :)

Misty said...

WOWwee!

Jenn said...

Amber you are the woman! I am continuously in awe of you. The hutch looks amazing!

Walker said...

I love it, you did a beautiful job, Amber!

Garrett Gang said...

It is beautiful!!! I wish I had that talent!!