Hoosier or baker's cabinets have been around since the early 1900's. My mother had one in her kitchen. I remember the flour bin, the metal drawer and
the porcelain work surface trimmed with red. The drawer pulls were also red. At some point in time, the top of the Hoosier was removed. I think my Dad may have traded it to the next door neighbor along with a wash-stand for a set of cabinets for the kitchen. (If my memory is correct).
Anyway, I came to have the bottom of the Hoosier cabinet. It has set in the basement of the two homes I have owned for 25 or 30 years. I'm sorry to say it was in horrible condition. I recently decided I would at least clean it up a bit and paint it. So here is what it looked like before.
What a mess!!! I know, it was horrible.
The condition was so poor, and the wood so soft, I was afraid to do a lot of sanding. However, I sanded it lightly before and after priming it. Here is a shot of the work surface. You can see the chips and stains.
Here it is with after a coat of primer has been put on. Looking a little better.
I was unable to get the handles to sand very well, but I spray painted them back to their original red. (They had been painted white).
This little project was not without it's share of aggravation! There was only 1 caster on it and it was rusted and the wheel was wood. Wood....I couldn't believe it! Of course it needed four new ones. I bought the wrong casters for it, the wrong hinges for the doors, all the little nuisances. Finally I got the right ones, and got them on, but only after sanding, priming, sanding again, priming again, and putting on 2 coats of paint...whew!! Finally it looks a little better.
Today we brought it up to the mud room and I am using it to store Tupperware, and plastic storage containers. The bottom is not in good enough shape to store anything heavy, but placing all the plastic ware in it did free up a couple of shelves so I could rearrange my pots and pans. I will eventually replace the bottom. So far the only money I have spent is for the casters, hinges and a magnetic closure, so approximately $15.00. I already had the primer and paint.
Today we brought it up to the mud room and I am using it to store Tupperware, and plastic storage containers. The bottom is not in good enough shape to store anything heavy, but placing all the plastic ware in it did free up a couple of shelves so I could rearrange my pots and pans. I will eventually replace the bottom. So far the only money I have spent is for the casters, hinges and a magnetic closure, so approximately $15.00. I already had the primer and paint.
Here is how it looks now.
This spot in the mud room is the exact length of the cabinet. Perfect spot!
I kinda like the chipped porcelain.
I would really like to find the top half of a Hoosier for sale. But for now, I'll enjoy my "half-a-Hoosier" and remember my Mom when I see it.
I will be sharing my makeover at the following parties:
Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Oh my goodness, I was out today looking for an antique Hoosier! I found a beautiful one but the price was out of this world! I love your half a Hoosier, you did a wonderful makeover on it.
ReplyDeleteOh I so love your hoosier and such sweet memories that go with it. I think it is fabulous and your redid it so perfectly. I am glad you found a way to use it again. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Perfect. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteOh, this looks so sweet...what a nice job you did!!! And perfect in that spot too!! I also like the chipped top and red handles....oh, and the shape of the bottom is so charming!!! I take it you are enjoying your retirement and are not lacking for things to do!!! hugs...cleo
ReplyDeleteWell, like I always say, a hoosier in hand is better than two in the bush :) Great job, have a wonderful holiday weekend!
ReplyDeleteTanya :)
I love the contrast of the white vs. red. I will admit, I had never heard of a hoosier (well, other than Indiana Basketball players) so this post was pretty educational! I hope you can find another half.. so I can see what a 'whole hoosier' looks like!
ReplyDeleteI love it! The red and white look so pretty together and I know you're going to have fun with this piece. Hope you can find a top to go with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Oh a half of a hoosier and way better than no hoosier!...You did a great job...I would let those chips show...I think it adds to the history of the piece!!
ReplyDeleteI think it was worth saving and looks fabulous. I hope you find the other half and with the internet surely you will.
ReplyDeleteWish someone would leave me one of those! Love it!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Wow! Now that's a transformation! I'd love to have an old hoosier cabinet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog and leaving the suggestions of blogs to see for ideas on how to use my old door. I appreciate it!! Happy Junking!!
ReplyDeleteJeannie
Lovely! ...and a perfect fit!!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Australia♥
~Pernilla
My mother has the other half sitting in her basement!! We are going to be pulling it out and using it at my sisters wedding for the candy buffet. Hers belonged to her mother and somehow through the years the bottom just vanished.
ReplyDeleteYou did a fabulous job on the re-do and it looks just lovely!! Thank You for sharing and have a great evening!
Aledia @ Plum Perfect
Love your half a Hoosier and especially the chippy top! You did a great job on a wonderful vintage piece.
ReplyDeleteLove your Hoosier cabinet, and you did a great job on it. What happy memories you must have of it being in your childhood home. I would love to have a table like my grnadma had with the porcelain top.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
The Hoosier turned out to be very nice looking and useful which is good. Thanks for sharing the process at Your Cozy Home Party.------
ReplyDeleteShannon
It looks great! I love chippy.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I love your hoosier, the red pulls just set it off! I joined your google friend and I will be back to visit your blog often! Penny
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect transformation! Love it! It would make a great cutting table for a quilter / sewer as is too. Best of luck in finding a top to go with it.
ReplyDeleteOMG... the revamp outcome turned out amazingly beautiful Old hoosier are so charming. Thanks God, you kept the original handles. For me, that make the more shabby and vintagy look.
ReplyDeleteGrea job done.
Hoosier
Sorry, pressed too quickly...
Delete/CC
I had to respond as I'm currently working on a project matching the TOP of a Hoosier to a bottom (not Original). Amazingly, I found it in my neighbor's trash!!! I figure I can always replace the bottom at a different date when I find one (hint,hint.) Mine was originally ivory and judging from the hardware may be a bit older. You should look for some wooden casters; I've found them at the reuse store.
DeleteYou also helped me solve the mystery of a porcelain top that I have...exactly like yours and the same size. It came with my house on an old farm table to which it didn't really fit.Ttake that cover off and show all its beauty.
You did a really great job and it oozes charm.