“upholstering” my Craigslist hutch. It was pretty enough before – although dated looking. The back is stamped Ethan Allen 1969.
From the time I found the piece online, I envisioned it painted the same matte black as my breakfast table and chairs.
Some sanding and two coats of paint later…it turned out great. I love how it changed the whole look and feel of the hutch, and how the vintage porcelain knobs now pop. But, I also felt something was missing. It needed some “umph.” Ya’ll just know how I love “umph.”
I had looked at several wallpapers…and decided maybe upholstered boards with tufting and covered buttons would be the perfect finishing touch. In the end, I went with simplicity in both fabric choice and application. “Umph” I like…time consuming projects…not so much. 🙂
I chose a damask style fabric in a warm sage green that tied in with my painted kitchen cabinets. The “upholstery” part was easy, and only took a few minutes to complete.
I started with a paper template of each section of hutch since they were all different sizes…
( By the way, I keep a roll of this heavy-duty paper around at all times. Its great for craft projects and decorating projects of all kinds. Its available in the paint section where tape, etc. is sold)
To apply the cut-out fabric…I relied on an old-time product…undiluted liquid starch.
Here’s the first section of fabric applied.
A few inexpensive packages of coordinating bias tape and a hot glue gun will clean things up beautifully.
Here’s the finished project…took me about 45 minutes total…to include getting a re-fill on Coke, re-starting Ice Age for Cole …and shooing Baby Lily off the hutch and wiping starch off her tail.
The green fabric was the perfect compliment to the dishes. I added some silk hydrangeas in sage tones to the white pitcher.
Close-up of bottom shelf…
It was also time to address the top of the hutch….I found this beauty at Ross for $11. Eleven bucks!!!
southerninspiration says
As usual, just gorgeous, Barb! thanks for sharing an EASY project!
Suzanne
View Commentprof en retraite says
Hi Barb! Your hutch looks great! Painting it was such a good idea and your fabric backing added just the right touch! And I love your painting…$11…what a find! Beautiful job! Can’t wait to hear about your upcoming reunion with your babies! Hugs…Debbie
View CommentSusan says
Beautiful job on the hutch! I LOVE your kitchen!!
View CommentTerrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity says
Your hutch turned out just beautiful. I have my eyes open and searching for a new diningroom set and hutch. I am not in a hurry. I know I’ll find the right one sooner or later. I love how your shared how you updated your hutch. Your china looks beautiful displayed on it. I love the colors of your room.
View CommentHugs, Terrie
Robin says
Absolutely gorgeous (as usual)! Is there anything you can’t make beautiful? PLEASE come to my house for a month or so…lol! Have a great and safe trip!!
View Commentellen b says
Oh I love that piece in black. I’ve been trying to convince my guy to redo our Ethan Allen old pine table to black…
View CommentYour dishes look great in the piece too!!
Candy says
Absolutely gorgeous. You did a fab job! I think I need to paint my hutch now…thanks.
View CommentCandy
marty39 says
Barb, it turned out just perfect. It really looks beautiful painted black and the green fabric is so pretty. All your dishes and accessories look so pretty the way you have them all displayed. You do really have a snack for that. Your new picture is a fabulous find. I love it. Hugs, Marty
View CommentHappy To Be says
WOW!! Barb this turned out just awesome girl..I didn’t know you could use starch on wood..I use to wall paper my walls with sheets and strach years ago when I was a renter..Thanks for sharing a beautiful well done job…YAHOO only 5 more days to go..hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
View CommentKathy says
I love what you did with the hutch!!
View CommentThanks for sharing!!
Kathy 🙂
Dixie's Whimsey says
what a beautiful transformation! Ethan Allen himself would be proud!
View CommentDixie
Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says
Hi Barb.. I love the way your hutch turned out. The fabric backing is wonderful. Adds that perfect “punch”. Everything just pops out.. Your picture from Ross is a steal of a deal.. We don’t have a Ross, probably a good thing..lol. Can’t wait to hear about the reunion. I’m sure clay is one excited little guy.. hugs ~lynne~
View CommentBECKY says
Love your hutch transformation and how you write!! Glad I stopped by! Thanks for sharing your special space…it’s lovely and warm!
View CommentBlessings,
Becky
xinex says
I love what you did to the hutch, Barb. I love the texture and color of the fabric you used. Very pretty. You really do have a very warm kitchen!..Christine
View Commenttexasdaisey says
What a beautiful makeover. It made all the difference between being a nice hutch or a great hutch.
View CommentDebbie
Diane says
What a beautiful job! I thought you were going to use foamcore, but the starch idea sounds so much faster! ♥ Diane
View CommentKathysue says
Hi Barb,the hutch looks sooooo good black,what a difference paint makes.The fabric really makes the transferware pop,giving you that special Umph!It was really nice of you to come on by my space,I like seeing you there ever once in awhile.I can’t believe it is almost time to go see your babies.I am soooo happy for your family.Take care and absorb every single second of this wonderful time.I will be thinking about you.Love ya,Kathysue
View CommentKaren at Nittany Inspirations says
You did a great job painting your hutch. I have one I have been thinking about painting, but I’m scared. It is in perfect shape. My table is cream legs and chairs with a wooden top. I’m tempted to paint it cream to match the table. Maybe I’ll do the back wall trick first. Any way thanks for sharing. Blessings
View CommentMom in High Heels says
That is beautiful. What a fantastic job.
View Commentcarolinajewel says
Great transformation Barb! You definitely added “omph!” Thanks for the instructions on the fabric addition!!! Can’t believe you got that picture for $11.00!!!! 😀 Jewel
View CommentMargaret says
the material, great idea! Now I may have to look into that on some furniture I have!
View CommentCynthia says
Hi Barb,
View CommentThis is just wonderful! I am so in love with your hutch and the beautiful china in it! WOW, WOW, WOW! cindy
Wendy says
The hutch looks wonderful black. I really like the fabric you picked for the back. Great job.
Wendy
View CommentMa'dame French says
Beautiful job! What a transformation! French;)
View CommentKimm at Reinvented says
Beautiful. I love the combination of the green fabric and red dishes. Just think of the Christmas decorating you can do!!
View CommentTammy518 says
Barb, you’re not going to believe this, but I just bought this same hutch from Craigslist this weekend! I love how you’ve refinished it. We plan to paint ours also. I love what you did with the fabric!
View CommentRaggedy Girl says
What a great job you did and you are right that the room is warm and inviting. Thank you for a blog recommend, I will pop over there. And I love Dolly Parton. Great post.
View CommentRoberta Anne
Claudie says
WOW great job Barb.
View CommentYou gave it that special warmth a kitchen needs.
Happy Monday
Ethan should make this a “must” in his collection.
Love Claudie
Kim Chalfant says
Love it! Everything in your house looks fabulous. I am going to paint my hutch black. I love the fabric on the back idea.
Oh & I got me one of those white rooster pitchers from Marshall’s on Friday. I was so upset when I found your blog after your giveaway as I fell in love with the rooster. But lucky for me, they still had 1 at my Marshall’s. My hubby just rolled his eyes when I brought it home. He thinks I have too many roosters & pitchers. How can you have too many? Men!
View CommentBo says
Your project turned out so nice…I can’t imagine it any other way. I’m glad to know how easy it is so in the future I might try this. I’m partial to my kitchen to… 😉 Bo
View Commentthe pleasures of homemaking says
Just gorgeous! It looks like a totally different piece painted black! Love how you accessorized it too! The fabric on the back really makes the dishes pop. I lined one of my cabinets with fabric a while back but I used some cardboard and covered the cardboard. That way I can just pop it out when I’m tired of it.
Manuela
View CommentSusan S. says
Gorgeous makeover! I’ve never worked with liquid starch but I heard about it. I have a bunch of projects I could use that for…thanks for the ideas!
View CommentLinda says
Barb, just totally love this redo on your hutch! Wonderful! So much so I had to come back and look at it more than once. And great job accessorizing it too, lovely!
View CommentBlessings to your soldiers too coming home, tell them thank you so much from our family!!
Linda Q
Cami @ Creating Myself says
I thought I liked your hutch before but after seeing your redo I realized how wrong I was. It looks wonderful now! Never heard of “papering” the back w/ liquid starch & fabric…thansk for the tut!
View CommentDesign Ties says
Fantastic transformation, Barb! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Reassure me… the black paint seems to have a bit of a sheen to it… did you definitely use a matte paint? I’m on the hunt for a pedistal table for a client’s place and would love to find something I can paint in this finish.
Cheers!
View CommentVictoria (one half of DesignTies)
beth at aunties says
I couldn’t help but notice the ticking clock at the top of your blog. Yeah they are almost home!PLEASE GIVE THEM A HUGE HUG AND THANK YOU from me. Thank you to your beautiful family for your sacrifice for all of us:)
Your hutch turned out fabulous! My mom used liquid starch a lot. This is a wonderful idea. I love the black!
View CommentBarb @ GritsandGlamour says
Design Ties…yes, I assure you its a plain ole’ matte black. It was a pre-mixed black from the paint store. I do not know if it was from Lowe’s or Home Depot, as my Handy Man brought it with him.
View CommentMost likely, it was Valspar. Nothing fancy! 🙂
Thanks everyone for all the great compliments. You would be so surprised at all the ways I have used starch and fabric over the years, especially when living in base/military housing. ugh! :0
mbkatc230 says
Barb, I could swear I left a comment this morning, maybe the Benadryl is getting to me! I love this painted black, and especially love the way your transferware pops against the fabric. Any tips on painting this? It’s almost time to start Mom’s kitchen and we will be painting her table and chairs black. Hugs, Kathy, BTW have a safe trip!
View Comment~CC Catherine says
Barb……you did a fabulous job pulling this all together! Black was a perfect choice…..the extra details with the fabric are a tremendous idea! Love the transformation! ~CC Catherine
View CommentSusan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Barb…this looks great! Thanks for the detailed instructions…it really turned out fabulous! Love all the goodies you put back on it, too! And I love the story about you and your Mom…the simpliest things always mean the most and stick with us don’t they. 🙂 Susan
View CommentSusan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Oh…forgot to say…love the countdown clock…I can’t wait to hear about their homecoming! :-)Susan
View Commentchar72 says
I love Ethan Allen furniture. I used to spend hours back in the 70s just looking around in their store that was in our city. I bought a few small items there, like lamps, but never could afford the furniture.
View CommentYou did a great makeover on the hutch.
Charlotte
ann says
Barb this is an awesome post.It looks awesome.And I especially like the picture and the way you added the green plate to go with the other green.
View CommentI know you’re excited about your boy.My g,son is in the Army.Will he stay or have to go back?
I just found you,but you are a riot…Ann
Lynda says
I am so impressed! And I love the picture you found at Ross. What a bargain!
View CommentMiss Janice says
I love the hutch, I love the table and the centerpiece, and I love the way you have decorated the hutch. I seriously, stopped and looked at each piece on the hutch and the way you brought it all together! Awesome, just awesome! The photo is so warm and welcoming:-)
View Commentkimmcl says
New to your blog, but Holy Mackerel – what a great job on that hutch!!! I was going to pay a visit to my local Trading Post to pick one out and refinish it – now you’ve inspired me to “upholster” it too. I would have NEVER thought to do that. Thanks for the idea and I love your blog!
View CommentKim
Marie says
Oh gosh. I have mixed feelings! The “after” is beautiful. But the “before” IMHO was beautiful too. I just have to keep reminding myself that there are 1000s of furniture pieces like this hutch that are still in their original condition/color/etc. and not to take it to heart. It’s like seeing someone paint over knotty pine… it kills me! 🙂
View Comment