SINATRA: The Ultimate Vintage Drinks Cabinet
Transforming any unwanted vintage furniture item into a unique, timeless, statement piece is a form of art, and Sinatra, this stunning Beautility drinks cabinet from 1954, is a perfect example of that. Beautility were known for their exceptional craftsmanship, combining mid century charm with Art Deco elegance, and this walnut veneer cocktail cabinet was no exception. It carried the distinctive curved features and soft lines characteristic of the Art Deco era, making it a unique blend of styles.
In this blog post, I'll take you through the journey of restoring and redesigning Sinatra, turning him into a modern yet classic masterpiece. From stripping away old finishes to adding modern touches, every step was carefully considered to bring out the best in this vintage gem.
The Restoration Journey
My aim when restoring and redesigning Sinatra was like that of those I completed who came before him - give him a modern yet classic appeal. The journey began with carefully stripping the cabinet using Home Strip Paint and Varnish Remover, followed by sanding with a 180 and then 400 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish. This meticulous process set the stage for a stunning transformation.
After he was prepped to his raw original finish and to insure that Sinatra would be completed as a one of a kind unique drinks cabinet he was partly painted using Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black. Which added a sleek and durable finish.
To create a striking gold line design on the doors, Frog tape was used. This simply beautifully enhanced the walnut grain that popped when refinished with a hard-wearing satin oil. The outer of his two large full-height side cupboards were finished boasting this elegant gold line stenciling. While their interiors featured varnished shelving for protection and durability, with the inner walls painted for a cohesive look.
Sinatra a one of a kind drinks cabinet.
Inside the central cocktail compartment of this elaborate drinks cabinet, a stunning Art Deco stencil from Stencil Up was applied, adding a touch of sophistication. This was complemented by a mirrored backing and a motion-sensor rechargeable light, creating the perfect ambiance for any cocktail preparation.
Finally, to finish Sinatra's drawers were carefully restored and varnished, with their dovetail joints painted for added detail, and lined with luxurious black velvet fabric for an opulent feel.
The Final Touches
Everything about this wonderful vintage drinks cabinet was breathtaking. From its deco characteristics to its beautiful walnut grain. Sinatra was more than just a drinks cabinet; he was transformed into a unique statement piece that beautifully married vintage charm with modern functionality. He simply just elevated his new owners' space into a sophisticated cocktail haven.
If you're inspired by Sinatra's transformation, I invite you to explore more of my projects at MD Serendipity Designs. Whether you have a vintage piece you'd like to restore or are looking for unique furniture solutions, I’m here to help you create your own timeless statement piece.
Cheers to Sinatra! 🥂