Oct 10, 20222 min read

Cream Cane Cabinet

I've been keeping my eye out for a piece where I can do cane cabinet doors. I finally found it! See below for the details of this makeover...

BEFORE

Dark and outdated, this wood piece is in need of a refresh! I love the simple lines, but am not a fan of the "bamboo" look on the doors.

PREP

This makeover felt like one of those home makeover shows where they start with a big demo. First, I gave the piece a good sanding. Then, I gathered all my tools and went to town removing all those little wood pieces inserted inside the cabinet door frames. I admit, the process wasn't as easy as I had hoped but it was satisfying and I did get it done :-).

After demo, I filled in any imperfections. I decided to keep the fun triangular detailed "bars" that ran across the doors but had to repair one or two of them.

Next came the final sanding. I used my Dewalt orbital sander, plus my Dremel, plus some hand sanding to get this piece ready for painting. I also decided to leave the top wood. I knew it would compliment the brass hardware I was planning to install and it was in such beautiful condition I just couldn't paint it!

PRIME, PAINT, SEAL

After two coats of primer, I chose Benjamin Moore's Creamy White to blend with the cane I planned to install. I wanted a blended look - not anything too contrasting. Once painted, I used a matte finishing wax to protect the painted sections and a polycyclic to protect the wood top.

CANE

To apply the cane, the first step is to cut closely to size and then soak. Soaking makes the cane pliable and stretchier...so if you work quickly, it will dry tightly and to the shape you want once installed.

I used a staple gun and gorilla glue to install...making sure I covered all my bases and these babies weren't going anywhere!

MACRAME LINING

To hide the ugly staples and add a custom, artisan detail to this cabinet, I braided macrame cords and sewed the ends to install on the inner cabinets. This was a long process! I used clear gorilla glue and tacks to install and hold in place until dry.

HARDWARE

I replaced the hardware on the doors with simple brushed brass knobs and, as the hinges and door hardware were custom to this piece, used a matching rustoleum spray paint to paint the remaining hardware to match the knobs. On hinges and less touched places, this is fine to do...I wouldn't recommend it for knobs, door handles, pulls, anything frequently touched.

LINING

I found the most beautiful wallpaper to apply to the inner cabinets. It pulls together all the elements - the deeper brown on the inside, the cream on the outside and the brass hardware. It's a modern bohemian style that I just love.

STAGING AND PHOTOSHOOT!

Modern wall hanging + painting (created by me) also available to shop in my store :-). Flowers (dahlias!) from my garden.