Easy Crown Molding

There always seems to be that one item that doesn't get finished when you update a room.  In our kitchen it's this.....

It's the top of our pantry cupboard.  I store handy kitchen items like old knobs and hinges in the canisters.  You just never know when a recipe will call for 3 rusty hinges and a vintage glass knob.

We painted it the same color as the kitchen cabinets, added chalkboard panels in the doors, base molding (or moulding if you're British) to the bottom, and changed out the hardware.

I even added cork board panels inside the doors to tack up very important upcoming events.

The only thing missing is a crown. 

It's been bugging me for 4 years, but I knew adding crown molding was beyond my capabilities. 

 I was so excited when a simple solution came in the mail a few weeks ago!

Normally, I quickly skim through and put it in the recycling bin.  But, take a look at idea number 6.

Add character to stock cabinets with pine boards and cove molding!!!!  Silly me.  Until now, I didn't even notice there were complete instructions online!  No use looking now.  I did it my own Ranger way.

I bought a pine board that a Lowe's employee was kind enough to cut to the proper length for me.  The board is 1 1/2 inches deeper than the cupboard and 3 inches wider.

I drilled pilot holes and screwed the board into the top of the cupboard after priming and sanding it.

I was feeling pretty optimistic, so I only bought one 8 foot length of cove molding.  I made four 45 degree miter cuts using only a miter box with a hand saw.  Since I needed 4 hands and only have 2  (I seem to start these projects when I'm home alone) I taped the molding up with painters tape to see if it fit correctly.  I only made one bad cut that was easily fixed and I even have a small piece of molding left over!

I drilled tiny holes where I nailed the trim on with small brad nails.  At this point, I didn't want to risk splitting the wood.  I countersunk the nails and filled the holes with wood filler.  I then filled any small spaces between the trim and cupboard with spackling, sanded it smooth, and applied 2 coats of paint.

There it is.  Faux crown molding.

It looks like it's always been there!

Now it looks like a free-standing piece of furniture.  I calculated that I've even added approximately 52 extra square inches of display space to the top, so I can place even more stuff up there!!!

Hey!  Get down from there right now!!!

I've finally taught them not to jump on the beds, but it looks like we need to have another talk.

Thanks for visiting!

Vickie

*Find more great ideas at these parties:
The 36th Avenue
Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday
Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday
Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special