How To Transform a Vintage Server Buffet Into a French Country Kitchen Island

BLOG AND AUDIO: How to Transform a Vintage Server/Buffet Into a French Country Kitchen Island

Vintage Server Buffet Makeover Using Milk Paint, Chalk Paints, Metallic Paints, Furniture Transfers and Stencils to Create a Beautiful French Country Kitchen Island

by Kim Hansen, Co-Founder and Artist, JK Hansen Studios

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In this blog I’ll take you through the steps of how I transformed this vintage Ethan Allen server into a stunning French Country style kitchen island with a French Vineyard / Cafe Paris theme.

DON’T OVERLOOK THAT OLD SERVER, BUFFET, CONSOLE TABLE OR DRESSER

Do you love shopping for used furniture pieces at thrift stores, garage sales, or online through local sellers like I do? If you come across an old server, buffet, sideboard, console table or dresser don’t overlook it. With a little imagination, chalk paint and rub on furniture transfers it can be repurposed into a beautiful kitchen island. You can even change the look just by switching out the old handles and drawer pulls to match your theme or decor and add a larger top to accommodate seating.

SCORED!

While searching online for local used furniture, I found this vintage Ethan Allen server for sale. It was in fairly good condition for its age. Just a few scratches, dings and watermarks here and there. It had dovetail drawers and the manufacturer’s markings. I knew right away what I would do with it.

After a bit of negotiation I was able to purchase the server for a very reasonable price which included a small fee for delivery.

PREPPING THE SERVER FOR ITS COMPLETE MAKEOVER

The first step was to gather all of my supplies – soft cloths, milk paint, chalk paints, metallic paints, furniture transfers, stencils, gel stain, protective topcoat, paint brushes, spray bottle, furniture salve, and sandpaper.

Next, I removed all of the original handles and drawer pulls and set them aside then cleaned the server with a soft rag and warm water. NOTE: If you use household cleaning fluids or oils the paint won’t adhere as well.

TIME TO PAINT!

I chose General Finishes Persian Blue Milk Paint for the base coat.

Following the grain, I used my 3-inch paint brush to apply a light coat of Persian Blue to the front, back and sides of the sideboard — being careful not to completely cover the server. I always allow a bit of the original wood to show through here and there ~ I think it gives the piece dimension and a variation of colors. While the paint was still wet, I used my spray bottle to thin out the applied paint — going back over it randomly with my paint brush.

SECOND COLOR

After the base coat was completely dry, I randomly applied a thin coat of Shabby Chic Cottage Blue Chalk Paint over the Persian Blue to darken the server. This gives the painted areas the appearance of even more depth and dimension. I allowed the paint to completely dry before applying my next paint color.

ANOTHER DIMENSION

Next, I thinned down the Linen White Chalk Paint with equal parts of water.

I dipped my two-inch paint brush into the Linen White Chalk Paint and wiped the excess off. Using the flat side of the paint brush and following the grain of the server, I carefully dragged it over the dried Cottage Blue Chalk Paint then immediately blotted over the newly painted area with a damp cloth.

ADDING MORE CHARACTER

Using a one-inch paint brush, I applied Fuchsia Pink Chalk Paint randomly to the painted areas.

The Fuchsia color gives the piece even more dimension and interest.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS!

To enhance the details, I used a one-inch paint brush and applied Dixie Belle’s Bronze Patina, Liquid Gold Leaf, Modern Master’s Champagne Metallic, and Dixie Belle’s Caviar to the grooved areas of the cabinet doors and edges of the drawers and server — then wiped it back and blended it in with a damp painter’s rag.

HAND PAINTED STENCILS

For an extra WOW I added hand painted French stencils to the front of the drawers before I replaced the drawer pulls.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE BACK!

Since this piece was being repurposed into a kitchen island, I wanted to add something special to the back. I chose Re•Design with Prima furniture rub on transfer – Boire Du Vin – and applied it to the back of the island.

FINISHING TOUCHES

I lightly sanded the server’s top before applying two coats of a walnut glaze gel stain.

The next morning, I applied two coats of Rust-Oleum Chalked Protection Top Coat Wax Matte Clear to protect the server, hand painted stencils, and the transfer.

DONE!   

BEFORE AND AFTER

I feel so blessed I am able to use my combined thirty years’ experience as a commissioned artist, muralist, and faux painter and apply that experience and creativity to transform long-forgotten pieces of furniture into unique one-of-a-kind showstoppers.

Thank you for visiting our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, or leave a comment below. Your feedback is always appreciated. I hope I have inspired you for your next DIY project!

Be sure to visit our Etsy shop to see what other pieces of art I have created.

ARTIST: This French Country Kitchen Island was hand painted by artist and muralist Kim Hansen.

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