This is a subtle look for a couple who like to collect old timeworn antiques. I used a multi-step distressed crackled paint finish to achieve the look they wanted on a wall of storage in their master bedroom.

A full wall of cabinets was built to house their television, decorative items and clothing, but they wanted it to look like it was old and beat up. The carpenter did a beautiful job on the cabinetry. Simple in design, it needed a bit of detail to make it awesome. I removed all of the doors and drawers and worked on those in the garage while I did the same treatment on the case goods in the second floor bedroom.

It looks fairly plain here, what is difficult to see in the photographs is the subtle crackle finish and stenciling on the doors and drawers, so be sure to scroll down to see the close up view.

Above, you can see how the glaze accents the crackling, softens the stenciling and collects in the edges of the molding detail. Clear water based polyurethane protects the work. Dark bronze hardware completes the look. This is a wonderful way to add age and personality to a piece, no matter when it was built.