Re-staining an old wooden chest

I was trying to re-stain an old wooden chest my great-grandfather made. The top of the chest had some water rings on it, and there were some spots on the side with little dots of white paint that I was trying to sand off. But now, the top looks much lighter than the rest of the chest, and after three coats of Howard’s Restor A Finish, golden oak, it still seems too light. How can I get the lighter spots darker? Should I get a darker stain? (Note: The pictures make the chest appear darker than it is.)
June 27, 2025 | 8:13 pm CDT

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A 110-year-old New Jersey home, reimagined

Nestled in the historic charm of Princeton, New Jersey, a 110-year-old residence underwent a transformation over 18 months. Stripped down to the studs, the home was meticulously reimagined into a refined, open-concept living space. The main level now flows seamlessly from dining to kitchen to living room, unified by a serene palette of cream, off-white, putty and oyster. Layered textures and curated objects d’art complete the aesthetic, achieving the homeowners’ vision of a contemporary yet timeless retreat.
By Larry Adams, June 27, 2025 | 1:30 pm CDT

Project Gallery

A 110-year-old New Jersey home, reimagined

Nestled in the historic charm of Princeton, New Jersey, a 110-year-old residence underwent a transformation over 18 months. Stripped down to the studs, the home was meticulously reimagined into a refined, open-concept living space. The main level now flows seamlessly from dining to kitchen to living room, unified by a serene palette of cream, off-white, putty and oyster. Layered textures and curated objects d’art complete the aesthetic, achieving the homeowners’ vision of a contemporary yet timeless retreat.
By Larry Adams, June 27, 2025 | 1:30 pm CDT
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