There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a cozy lakehouse. Whether it’s the weathered wood, timeworn textures, or the calming ripple of water just outside the door, it’s a cozy place that is always so alluring.  That laid-back, collected charm is what so many of us long to recreate in our own spaces, and one of the best ways to start is by refinishing vintage furniture. The key is simply choosing a colour that captures the essence of lakeside living. Waterloo Green milk paint is just that: a muted emerald that channels the richness of pine trees, weathered docks, and deep, tranquil waters. It’s bold, soft, aged and timeless hue that feels like it’s been part of the story all along. This nature-inspired shade whispers of mossy shores and aged patina, making it the perfect companion for furniture pieces with character. In today’s post, we’re going to show you how Waterloo Green can transform your vintage finds and infuse your home with the cozy, soulful charm of a lakeside retreat.

Here is a before photo of the project we are working on:

Below is a list of supplies you’ll need to complete your own Vintage Secretary Makeover

• Fusion TSP Alternative + Wiping Cloths
• Homestead House Milk Paint “Waterloo Green”
• Mixing Jar
• Stir Stick
• Electric Sander and Sanding Pads/Paper
• Painter’s Tape
• Fusion Mineral Paint “Ultra Guard”
• Painter’s Tape
• Staalmeester Flat 1 ½ inch Brush
• Synthetic Wide Brush for poly

Prep with Purpose

Before you skip ahead to the fun part of painting, think about what will truly bring your piece to life, not just through colour, but through character. Consider how the finish, style, and details will complement your colour, while also staying true to the overall look and feel you want to create. A little planning goes a long way in making sure your finished piece feels cohesive and full of purpose. We knew that the hardware was going to be the first thing to go, so we carefully removed the existing hardware and measured our new hardware to make sure it would fit. Otherwise, this would be the time to fill the holes and drill new ones for your hardware. 

We are always stressing the importance of making sure your piece is squeaky clean prior to painting to ensure a durable and lasting finish. Milk paint will chip if there is a surface resistance, so if that is not the look you are going for, make sure to remove all dirt, oil and residue from your project. We use our Fusion TSP Alternative Solution with water in a spray bottle to thoroughly clean all our surfaces. 

While we wait for our furniture to dry, we will mix our milk paint. We usually do a 50/50 ratio of milk paint to water, but you can adjust the water amount depending on if you want a thicker or thinner mix. 

As our milk paint settled, we used our electric sander to scuff sand the entire piece. Some areas, like the ornate surface will require hand sanding. Scuff sanding allows for a textured surface to allow our paint to bond to the surface. 

Bringing in the Charm

Let the painting begin! This is typically the best part about furniture refinishing when you get to witness the transformation first hand. We taped off all the areas we wanted to keep protected from the paint, especially hardware holes. This helps us to avoid drips as milk paint is usually a tad runnier than our Fusion paint. 

Waterloo Green glides on effortlessly on this surface, and our first coat gave us amazing coverage!

After 30 minutes, our first coat was completely dry. We added a secondary and final coat, followed by a fine sanding to remove any pigments or raised fibres. This part also helps to remove any paint that did not bond with your surface, while also distressing the raised areas. 

The last and final step in our prep and finish process is to seal our milk paint. Fusion has many options, including hemp oil, SFO and waxes, but for this project, we wanted to highlight one of our newest products – Ultra Guard.

Using a synthetic wide brush, this water-based polyurethane finish provides a satin finish with amazing protection from pets, kids, and environmental factors. 

Curated Lakehouse Look

Waterloo Green is the perfect hue to capture that curated, cozy lakehouse vibe. With its rich, nature-inspired tone, it brings a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors, grounding your space in warmth and timeless charm.

We kept the interior warm and organic, styling this piece with elements that capture the essence of a lakeside escape. To complement the rich, vintage tone, we incorporated wooden snowshoes, lake-inspired books, and rustic wood décor. Subtle touches like driftwood and hints of green bring in the soothing feel of nature, creating a peaceful nod to the serenity of lakeside living.

The gold accents in the hardware and décor beautifully highlight the warm undertones of Waterloo Green, adding a timeless touch of vintage flair. The contrast against the muted green makes the details pop, giving the piece a refined, handsome presence that feels both classic and elevated

It’s amazing what a little paint and vision can do to breathe new life into a vintage piece. Here at Homestead House, we’ve always believed that refinishing furniture should feel personal and purposeful. Creating something that not only fits your space but also tells a story. Whether you’re drawn to rustic woods, cozy layers, or that laid-back lakehouse feel, there’s nothing quite like blending old character with your own style. Sometimes, the most forgotten piece turns out to be the favourite one in the room. All it needed was a bit of love and the right colour. We’d love to see what cozy charm you’ve crafted using Waterloo Green in your projects!