This stunning Empire-style oak buffet has been brought back to life! My clients spotted this beauty while they were picking up their first custom piece. I started prepping it last July and picked up where I left off just a few weeks ago. 
Manufactured in the early 1900s at the latest, a ton of work went into refinishing the buffet to make it both beautiful and functional. The damaged veneer on top was completely removed, all of the drawers were rebuilt, and the majority of the drawers have new bottoms. This piece had been exposed to moisture in a damp garage, so both of the doors and several drawers had to be planed down to get them to open and close smoothly. It also needed a new backer. You can peruse the photos below to see more of the process.
This piece has been painted in Wise Owl Paint Republic Red, which complements the raw wood top and antique brass hardware perfectly. I salvaged some oak from another refinished piece and used it to fill the gap on the top of the back where a shelf used to sit. The drawers and back wall have been lined with a pretty black and white ginkgo print. All of the wood inside has been refreshed with Wise Owl's furniture tonic. The entire piece has been sealed with a water-based satin polyurethane.
I'd say it was worth saving, wouldn't you?