By Danielle Peterson

Jen Sanford’s love of turning antiques into functional furniture inspired her to transform an aged cabinet into this beautiful sink vanity in her home.

Though this cabinet was the perfect size for Jen’s project, you don’t have to find a piece of furniture that fits your space exactly. “Don’t count out a dresser because it’s too high or too low,” Jen says.  “Many times, they can be shortened or raised.”

Once you choose a piece to make over, remove the back and use a circular saw to cut a hole in the top for the sink. Depending on the style of your sink, you may also have to cut holes to accommodate the faucet. Make sure you measure accurately because after it’s cut, there’s no starting over. If the drawers interfere with the basin of the sink, reattach the drawer fronts to the cabinet.  In Jen’s case, there was plenty of room to leave the drawers; it depends on the sink.

To create a cabinet with a distressed finish similar to Jen’s, begin by sanding off any old paint or rough patches so you are left with an even surface. Prime the entire surface; when that is dry use latex paint for the base color. This is the color that will only show through in certain areas, like the gray color on Jen’s cabinet. After the base color dries, rub a white wax candle along the grain of the wood and on the spots where you want the base color to show through. Jen wanted to highlight the carved design on the doors and drawers of her piece, so she applied wax liberally to the raised parts in those areas.

Next, paint the cabinet with the second color. Once it is dry, sand the areas where you want the base coat to show through. Finally, wipe the dresser with a tack cloth to remove dust, then protect the paint with two coats of clear polyurethane.

Once the sealer is dry, place the vanity in the desired location. Carefully lower the sink basin into its designated space, and use a sealer to keep it in place. Install the faucet and attach it to the original plumbing, and you’re done!

A tip from Jen: “There’s no going back once you cut, so make sure it is a piece you’re ready to commit to.”

Tip: If you’re nervous about working with plumbing, call your local plumber for advice or assistance.

To see a close up of Jen’s new sink, click here.

Find a huge variety of new faucets and fixtures to match your updated vanity.