I found this antique apothecary cabinet in a local optician’s shop and immediately had the feeling it carried an incredible history. I couldn’t resist uncovering its story while bringing it back to life.

Nothing about this restoration was easy. The handles were completely stuck to the drawers, painted over and rusted solid. Then came the painstaking task of stripping away layer after layer after layer of stubborn paint. It took countless hours (and sore hands) to clear every bit from the 18 drawers and the frame.

At first, the bare wood looked patchy and uninspiring, but once I applied the walnut stain, the transformation was magical. Striking flame patterns in the grain emerged, revealing the cabinet’s true beauty. From freeing the handles to building a new oak top, every step tested my patience, but the results were worth every minute.

Along the way, I uncovered more and more about the cabinet’s history, beginning a journey to track down its previous owner. And the story isn’t over yet… this cabinet has a twin waiting for its turn. I’ll be restoring it next, hoping to discover even more about their shared past.

So sit back, enjoy the ASMR restoration and let me know in the comments what you think of this project.

Amy from 2ndflife.furniture.restorations