Harlem: The Transformation of a 1930’s Art Deco Bureau Into A Unique Drinks Cabinet.
Every piece of furniture has a story to tell, and Harlem’s tale is one of transformation, revival, and reinvention. Like many cabinets from his era, Harlem began his life in the 1930s as an Art Deco side-by-side secretary bureau. Once a symbol of elegance and functionality, he had weathered nearly a century of use by the time he arrived at my door. Though his structure remained sound and he still carried traces of his original grandeur, the years had left their mark in the form of scrapes, scratches, and a tired, dated appearance. But where others might see a relic of the past, I saw potential—a chance to give Harlem a new lease on life as a stunning drinks cabinet.
Before image of Harlem
Stripping Back the Layers
The first step in Harlem’s transformation was to strip away the remnants of his original finish. Using a high-quality stripper, I carefully removed the old layers of varnish and stain that had dulled his natural beauty. Once stripped, I sanded him down with 220-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface that would leave him ready for his new design. This process revealed the gorgeous walnut wood grain beneath—a feature I knew would become one of Harlem’s standout attributes.
Mapping Out the Vision
With Harlem’s surface prepped and ready, it was time to map out the design that would bring him into the modern era while honoring his Art Deco roots. Using Frog Tape, I meticulously planned out the pattern for his outer drop-down panel. This step required precision and patience to ensure clean lines and symmetry—a hallmark of Art Deco design.
For the painted elements, I chose Fusion Mineral Paints colour Ash, for its rich, sophisticated tone that complemented Harlem’s walnut wood grain beautifully. To add a touch of glamour and tie in with his 1930s heritage, I incorporated Rustoleum Metallic Gold paint into the design. The combination of ash gray and gold created a striking contrast that felt both contemporary and timeless.
Enhancing the Walnut Grain
One of Harlem’s most captivating features was his walnut wood grain, which deserved to take center stage. To enhance its natural beauty and ensure durability, I applied a hard-wearing wax oil. This not only brought out the depth and richness of the wood but also provided a protective finish that would stand up to years of use as a cocktail cabinet.
Harlem’s beautiful walnut grain with ash grey and gold detailing.
The Finishing Touches
No drinks cabinet is complete without those little details that elevate it from functional to fabulous. For Harlem, this meant adding mirrors to reflect light and create an illusion of depth within his interior. LED lights were installed to illuminate his shelves—a practical yet stylish addition for showcasing glassware and bottles.
I lined the interior of his drawer with a luxurious felt to provide a soft surface for storing bar tools and accessories. New handles and locks were fitted to give him a polished look, while stenciling inside his drop-down added an extra layer of artistry to his design. Finally, I adorned him with a gold key tassel—an elegant nod to his regal past.
From Bureau to Cocktail Cabinet
After weeks of careful work, Harlem emerged as something entirely new: a stately yet contemporary drinks cabinet that exuded charm and sophistication. He had been completely transformed from a tired, uninteresting bureau into a drop-dead gorgeous cocktail cabinet—a piece of unique furniture ready to take pride of place in any modern home.
Harlem’s journey is a testament to the power of restoration and creativity. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements, he now stands as both a functional piece and a work of art—a true celebration of what can be achieved when we breathe new life into old treasures.