When my client decided to update her laundry room and have a granite counter installed, she saw no reason to replace the existing cabinets. She knew I could give them any look she really wanted to have. Why replace perfectly sound cabinets, doors and drawers, when with a few coats of paint and the wave of a magic wand, they could be anything she wanted. And she wanted abused, distressed cabinets.

It takes a bit of planning and work to get the look she wanted, but mostly it just takes time. A thorough cleaning, a scuff sanding, primer and two coats of the base color before the natural oak cabinets, doors and drawers are ready for the sander to wear off the work I just did.

Unfortunately I forgot to take a before photo, but these cabinets were just your average natural oak flat panel doors. Just look at them now! Personality plus for the person who loves antiques, shabby chic, and the decades of hard use look this client loves.

Abused, distressed cabinets in the laundry room

This is a great look for anyone who likes antiques. I can see this as a terrific way to update any cabinetry in sound condition. And it certainly can work for anyone on a budget. The sky is the limit on color combinations and paint is fairly inexpensive.