Same cabinet, two completely different personalities. We refinished this carved quatrefoil-front cabinet in two color stories — a moody slate blue and a black-and-taupe two-tone — to show clients how much color alone can change a piece’s character.
The Cabinet
This case piece features a carved quatrefoil (four-lobed) panel design on its cabinet doors, paired with statement brass ring pulls — details that are made to be shown off with the right finish, and easily lost with the wrong one.
Version One: Slate Blue Lacquer
Finished in a deep, slightly gray-toned blue with a glossy lacquer topcoat, this version leans traditional-meets-moody — the kind of piece that works as a statement bar cabinet or a dining room accent. The restored brass hardware pops against the dark, saturated color.
Version Two: Black & Taupe Two-Tone
The same carved doors read completely differently in black with taupe detailing worked into the quatrefoil recesses — the carving becomes more graphic, almost architectural, rather than soft and traditional.
The Takeaway: Color Direction Matters as Much as Craftsmanship
Both finishes required the same prep and lacquer-grade spray work — the entire difference in feel comes from the color decision. This is why we spend real time on color consultation before ever picking up a sprayer: the “right” finish depends entirely on the room it’s going into.
Have a Carved or Detailed Cabinet?
Pieces with carved paneling, fretwork, or fluting are ideal candidates for a bold lacquer finish, since a sprayed finish keeps every detail crisp. See our painting & lacquer services or send us photos for a free color consultation.
Send Us a Photo for a Free Estimate
Have a cabinet that needs attention? Send a few photos using the form below and we will tell you exactly what it needs, what we would do, and what it would cost. Estimates are free, and pickup and delivery are available across the Dallas area.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (469) 371-1468 or email Phil@TheEnglishRefinisher.com.
The English Refinisher – fine wood and furniture refinishing, by hand in Dallas, Texas. Serving Dallas, Wylie, and surrounding communities by appointment.