I have a hutch that I really would like to restore. My mother bought it for me at a yardsale last year and it is my first hutch, so it is very special to me. My kitchen table is light oak which I love but the hutch is dark brown and not solid wood. I think it is like plywood or something so I don't think I can sand it down and restain it, but I could be wrong. I thought about painting it but I don't want to ruin the material. The hutch is large and has alot of detail in the bottom cabinets. I have filled it with white china pieces that are special to me. Any suggestions would be great.
Paint it, and maybe do a faux finish that you like. There are lots of books and magazines on faux finishes now. Esp. since the piece isn't really solid wood , you might as well do something cute with it.