Friday, May 13, 2011

The Little Hutch That Could

After suffering years of abuse at the hands of neglectful and unappreciative owners, a little hutch wound up on the curb, wet and miserable, awaiting its impending doom.   From the waist down, the little hutch had been destroyed beyond repair.  There it stood dejected, having given up all hope of ever being useful to anyone again.    In the distance, the ominous sound of the dump truck making its way up the street, filled the little hutch with dread.  The moment had come and there was truly no hope.  But then, as if by a miracle, the little hutch felt himself being lifted from the curb and carried into the warm house just next door to where the little hutch had lived all its life.



A sense of relief washed over the little hutch, feeling immediately the twinges of hope, that maybe there was some use for him after all.  The kind people of the warm house looked him over very closely, opening and shutting his doors, inspecting the damage and talking amongst themselves.


They measured and remeasured, making numerous pencil marks.


 
 Suddenly, the hutch felt it was being laid on its side!  A sharp pain around its middle indicated that something painful yet necessary was being done to him.  These kind people were operating on him, removing the destroyed components of his structure, in order to salvage that which was still useful.


After he endured much pain, the hutch watched as the kind people carried out his bottom half and placed it back on the curb.



The little hutch was a little scared, but oh what joy flooded his heart when he thought of the possibility of being beautiful and useful once more.   The first thing the kind people did was lift him up and move him from place to place to see where he would look best.  They chose a very important and visible spot in the kitchen, above the dishwasher cabinet.



The kind people immediately got to work,  ripping dirty wallpaper...


prying off rusty staples...


scrapping paint off the glass...



removing old handles...


filling in all the cracks, gaps, and holes...


cleaning thoroughly every inch...


Yuck!


 Lastly, they prepared the little hutch for all the painting ahead.


When all the preparation work was done,  they began painting his body with a very stinky, oil-based primer to make sure all the stains and flaws were well covered.


Open the window and ventilate!


Then came the paint.  The the cheerful green made the little hutch looks stunning!



Finally, the little hutch was hung careful in a place of honor, where many could see and admire him.



The new handles were put on and his shelves were filled with many pretty things.


Through many a hardship, the little hutch endured and this is how the little hutch went from being damaged...


 unwanted and useless ...


to stunning, valued, and useful!




And that is the story of the little hutch that could.

Project Cost Breakdown:

Martha Stewart Bay Leaf Green paint sample- $2.94
Home Depot Hardware Drawer Pulls - $2 x2
Total Cost- $6.94

Ya cain't beat that with uh stick!

Read all about how we DIY'ed the above dishwasher cabinet here.
See pictures of the rest of our home here.
Wanna know what I did for Mother's Day? Pics here. 

Wanna know all about the frame arrangement below?  Read about it here:  Love Story on Display


This project was so much fun!  I'd love to hear your input.  Drop me a comment and let me know what you think.  Till next time!


Let's party ya'll!  You know all those adorable buttons on my side bar, under the Link Parties label?  Those are links to the sites I'm partying at this week.  Yeah, I know, I've become quite the party animal. Lol!  If you wanna feast your eyes on some amazing home renovations, furniture restorations, crafts, decorations, and more,  visit these sites.  You'll find countless ideas and inspiration, and hey, maybe you can link up and share something spectacular that you've done.  Below you'll find links to some of the sites as well. They are all pretty amazing so... have fun!


http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com
http://www.somewhatsimple.com
http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/
http://www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/ 
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/
http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ 
http://sassysites.blogspot.com/ 
http://ladybug-blessings.com/
Posted by Stacy at 4:23 PM
Labels: , , ,

59 comments:

  1. liz @ bon temps beignetMay 13, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    wow wow wow. Awesome transformation and for $6.94??? Wow-AGAIN!

    ReplyDelete
  2. CarmellaMay 13, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    How beautiful!! I love the green so much and I spy your at the picket fence feature just below it :) beautiful job on both!!

    PS: New follower!! creativecarmella.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. EileenMay 13, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Very adorable post and this project turned out gorgeous!
    Don't you just love rescueing a piece like that? Awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  4. pogonipMay 14, 2011 at 1:05 AM

    And they all lived happily ever after. I just love a good ending :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Robin JohnsonMay 14, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    WOW! Amazing idea. It looks fantastic now and it works so well for the space!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BettyMay 14, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    I jumped over here to see the poor little hutch you rescued. Enjoyed the way you wrote the post too. Good job!

    I live in Texas but my husband and I grew up in north Jersey. I am glad you're enjoying life there as I miss it very much. We're from Westwood.

    I'll have to follow you so I can see a little of New Jersey along the way. I noticed you went to the shore. You've already learned the lingo. In New Jersey people go to the shore. In Texas they go to the beach.

    Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. At The Picket FenceMay 14, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Stacy that is incredible!!! I found myself very attached to that little hutch after reading of its journey to greatness! :-) You really did a fabulous job transforming it and I loved seeing your kiddos involved in the process. Thanks so much for sharing this at Inspiration Friday this week and I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed being featured this week. :-)
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Polka Dot ClosetMay 14, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    I cam from MMS to see what you did, gorgeous, kind of a sad story LOL! Glad everyone lived happily ever after. A one of a kind treasure!

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  9. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMay 15, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Your little hutch that could is darling!! It's absolutely sweet- love how it turned out! Well done~thanks for sharing at FNF :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownMay 15, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Come over from French Country Cottage and wow, what a wonderful transformation! You really did such a stunning job and I love how you wrote the post from the hutch's perspective - so sweet ;) xxx

    PS I love the idea of storing candles in a little bucket, totally stealing that idea!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. DebbiedoosMay 15, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    OK that is really awesome. I have to say I was a bit scared based on the BEFORE..but WOW on the after. Good job. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MarthaMay 15, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Wow that is a sweet little piece! You did a great job with it!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Little City FarmMay 15, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    That green is killer. I love the sharp contrast with the white ornaments. Nice job.

    ReplyDelete
  14. MaryMay 15, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    I love this! I'd like to invite you to post it on Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage. The link will be up all week, I hope you can join in. Have a nice week, Mary :O)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jedbel @ The Pear Tree CottageMay 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Yay for the little hutch that could! I think y'all did an awesome job transforming it. I love that bay leaf green color, just lovely. You are so creative and Macho is the perfect handyman :o) I miss you very much....

    ReplyDelete
  16. MayMay 16, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    The green adds so much! What a rescue....my heroes!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Becca BertottiMay 16, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    What a great job !! Your new piece is thanking you a million times over for making her feel pretty again! The green paint is the perfect backdrop for your beautiful white pieces, too! *Becca*

    www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. JessicaMay 16, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Wow I am so impressed! It's awesome that you saw the potential in that hutch. Turned out great!

    ReplyDelete
  19. ElizabethMay 16, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Stacy! Goodness woman! You are the broken-down-furniture-whisperer, taking old pieces of dingy furniture and transforming them into beautiful works of art! I don't know what I enjoyed more, the actually transformation or the author's voice in "The Little Hutch that Could". I absolutely loved reading your story...it was heart warming and truly inspiring! Lol! Weren't you working on a book once upon a time...like 10 years ago!? Well, you should pick it up again because you have such an amazing voice when it comes to writing. Congrats to you and your hubby on restoring this beautiful little hutch!

    OH! I did read your post the other night and I think Lisa had posted too but they are gone :0( Well, thank you for taking the time to post again. I miss y'all so much and I too hope to see you soon. I have like one picture of you but I will be sure to show little Rio his Madrina :0)

    Love you and miss you girly! XOXO from my family to yours!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Rosemary@villabarnesMay 16, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Nice save! Furniture rescues are my passion, and your story was adorable. I just became a follower. Stop by and visit me sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  21. DebbieMay 16, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    That is truly an amazing transformation. I am thoroughly impressed!

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeMay 16, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Seriously!? Wow -- that is just beautiful! It sure looks like it was a lot of work but well worth it! Love the green too!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Emily at The Fine HouseMay 16, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Holy wow! That's amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Kaitlin SaenzMay 17, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    Score on this find! Love the way you repurposed it! I saw you over at debbiedos. I'm new to blogging too and am loving seeing what everyone else is doing. I'm your newest follower and can't wait to see what you will be up to next! Check out my blog if you have a chance! i'd love some feedback and your thoughts!

    Thanks for sharing with me!
    Kaitlin
    notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. ~Damita's Pretty Wrap~May 17, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Wow that looks sooo good now!! I love it! And that top you put on the bottom piece!! If you have time would love if you'd stop by my blog sometime :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. KaraMay 17, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    This looks awesome! I loved the story along the way too...haha! I love the pop of green in the background, it really sets the contents on the inside apart and makes them stand out so well! Great job on the rescue!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Decor & HarmonyMay 17, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Wow you have just given recycle a whole new meaning! The cabinet looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Terri @ A Creative PrincessMay 18, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Great find and transformation!! I would love for you to come link up on Thursday!
    www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousMay 18, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Ah, I am happy that the little hutch found a loving home, received the help he needed, and became a very beautiful cabinet!!! Love the way you told the story, that just made it fun and interesting. I'm visiting from Blue Cricket - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownMay 19, 2011 at 3:18 AM

    We have another winner! Y'all did such an amazing job re purposing this little hutch and breathing new life into it. It must have felt so loved having a whole family working hard to restore it and give it a new home. I know I will never be disappointed when I swing by your blog. You definitely have a knack for blogging and know how to keep the reader entertained. :)
    Love you and miss you lots! I really need to talk to you. I'll try to call you soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. GinaMay 19, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Wow, it's amazing what some paint & a little love will do. Stopping by from Debbiedoo's, nice to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
  32. shannon i olsonMay 19, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    great job! amazing transformation, love the green with the white

    ReplyDelete
  33. Carolyn@Sweet Chaos HomeMay 19, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Visiting from debbiedoo's. LOVE what you've done for that sweet little hutch. It looks fabulous!

    http://sweetchaoshome.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. CarolynMay 19, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Visiting from Debbiedoo's! Incredible transformation!! I didn't realize that was your dishwasher until I read through more of your posts. Very cool! I'm also your newest follower!

    ReplyDelete
  35. ChrissyMay 19, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Wow, I am so glad I visited Debbiedoo's today and found your blog. I just love your transformation of the hutch and that you are not afraid to saw things apart to complete your vision. I am becoming a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  36. KimMay 19, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    OMG that's amazing!!! I'm here from Deb's blog and I'm your newest follower. Pop over if you get the chance and enter my giveaway.
    xoxo,
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  37. KimMay 19, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Silly me Stacy! I didn't realize it was you I was leaving a comment for. Have you been enjoying all this rain or did you buy yourself a one-way ticket back to Texas? LOL! I hope it clears up by Sat. so I can do some yardsaling!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  38. UnknownMay 19, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Amazing work!! The gray we used throughout our house is Benjamin Moore stonington gray. We had it put in a behr premium ultra base though,simply because we like that best! Hope that helps! Thanks for visiting!
    <3,
    adri
    Www.dreambookdesign.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. MarianneMay 19, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Visiting from Debbie Doo's and what an amazing transformation you have created. It looks great in your kitchen. Glad to hear that your liking NJ...I'm born, raised and still living here in the good old Garden State. The Jersey shore is actually very beautiful, glad you are enjoying it. Where in Jersey are you? I'm now following you!
    Marianne :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. KathyMay 19, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Great job, coming from Deb's and glad I did, great inspiration here, love your little ole blog, really fun!

    ReplyDelete
  41. FaithMay 20, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    nice save for the little hutch...I would just love to find one...that was just the right size too....perfect..you did a great job, and your helpers to....

    ReplyDelete
  42. Terri @ A Creative PrincessMay 21, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    Thanks so much for linking up! I featured this today. Stop by a grab a button if you like.

    ReplyDelete
  43. RieMay 21, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    What a transformation! Looks great! Thanks for visiting my blog and for your sweet comment. Nice to see another homeschooler blogger!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Inspired by youMay 21, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    So clean and fresh now! I think it was great the way you salvaged the top. It looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Rita's RecipesMay 21, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    That's how it's done!

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownMay 22, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    great job. to bad the bottom couldnt be saved but i love what you did with the hutch.

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownMay 23, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    I showed Jesse this post and he says you have quite an eye for photography, he was really impressed by the pics and the makeover itself. He also said you guys have too much time on your hands over there to be taking so many pictures. Lol Now I know that's not true. I know you're just doing it all for the sake of sharing with us all here on your blog and that it really takes a lot of work to stop and take pics during each step. :)
    Love you and miss you lots! I really hope we get to see each other soon!

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownMay 23, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    ...btw, I sent you an email this weekend. Please let me know what you think.

    ReplyDelete
  49. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeMay 29, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Hi, friend! I'm admiring all your creative posts here so can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? Hope to see you there at the party :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousJune 9, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    wow! is that really the same piece of furniture? you did some serious work and it paid off!! this post would be a fabulous addition to my weekly blog party "from trash to treasure" I'd really love it if you joined in!

    alchemyfineliving.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Kaitlin SaenzJuly 15, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Love this! Thanks so much for linking it up to my {re}create into something new blog party! Hope to see you next week for some more awe inspiring transformations!

    Kaitlin--The Not So Simple Housewife
    http://notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. EmilyJuly 15, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I am loving the results and the (lack of) cost! Great job!!! I am visiting from Not So Simple Housewife and am your newest follower. Thanks for sharing! :)
    Emily
    http://mirrorsmetaphorsandkaleidoscopes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Mommy Meets WorldMarch 3, 2014 at 1:15 PM

    I recently bought a used dishwasher, because, much like yourself have a family of 5, and NEED a dishwasher, lol... Your posts all have inspired me... I am labeled by friends and family as the "Craigslist Queen" because I can find just about ANYTHING on there for free, everytime people come over my 9 year old can never resist telling EVERYONE she can that everything in our home was FREE... from the beautiful couch set, to the 62 inch rear projection TV... all free... it used to embarrass me when she would announce this, but honestly, my stuff goes so well together, it doesn't look like a college kid's hand-me-down first place. This has by-far inspired me to keep at it... but to re-purpose things! I'm so excited to get on craigslist and make a home depot run, and get started on my new dishwasher cabinet!! I may even look for a cute hutch to hang over it like your little hutch that could! because I just adore the look!!!

    Keep posting these inspirational posts!! because you never know who you may help out by doing so!!

    Ps. I may start a blog myself for my DIY projects this spring/summer :D

    ReplyDelete
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