The Big Reveal

Katie @ Bower Power & Sherry @ Young House Love

When these two silly (and uber talented) ladies posted the second Pinterest Challenge of the year, I was all in. Challenge accepted, I got to looking through my ever growing list of pins and narrowed it down to two options. (You can see more on that here.)

After grabbing a new oscillating multifunction power tool (sander, scrapers, cutter, etc.) on a deep discount and a 20% off on top of that at our local Harbor Freight Tools store, I was eager to put it to use. So, the hope chest that we use for a media console was calling my name for an update.

I love our cedar lined hope chest, it has great lines and the storage is a huge help for a small space. The only problem was that after years of wear and tear, it needed some TLC. Here are the pins from Pinterest that served as inspiration for the project:

I knew I wanted to keep the top a dark wood but needed to bring some light into the space by brightening up the rest of the piece. With some paint and stain that I had on hand, I got to work! I am really happy with the outcome and although painting wood furniture isn’t for everyone, it was the right decision for this piece and our space! (Plus, with a little paint stripper and some elbow grease, I can always take the chest right back to all wood.) 

Drum roll please…

ready for some light distressing

back in it's home

detail with the original hand pulls all polished

another view

The only thing I may change is the pulls, I am thinking of going with some glass options. I will have to check with good 'ol Hobby Lobby to see what's available. For now, the originals will have to do. I'll be sure to let you know of any changes!

Did you take the Fall Pinterest Challenge?