Monday, May 13, 2013

Hidden Beauty Revealed - Dresser Redo

I finished the dresser. She's gorgeous with an English twist:


I knew she could be pretty even though she was rough around the edges and sporting golden oak - a color that had seen more popular times. Here's a refresher on what she looked like:




Now we had a chest of drawers, but it was too small. And even though I had painted it inside and out, there was still a lingering cigarette smell. ( Trust me, if I had realized that when I got it, I would never have brought it home but it was free. And I have plans for Still Stinky). 

It took me a long time to find the right piece. I looked at all the GoodWill and Salvation Army stores. All were either too damaged and "are you kidding me it cost that much for that piece of junk?" or just plain too expensive for a used dresser. (they're thrift stores for crying out loud! But that's a rant for another time).

Then I saw this one...ok, maybe she would work. She had beautiful lines but there were some issues:  a peeling finish, the top coming loose, a perfumey smell (spilled perfume?), and some rough spots. Nothing I couldn't fix. The size was right, the price ok, and the smell not too obnoxious. I double-checked her and decided to pay a little more and take her home with me.

We got her up to the farm, in the garage, and away I went getting her ready for her new life. I screwed back down the top, patched the holes, and got ready to paint. Then Mr. B wanted to know - "Are you painting it? Why do you have to paint everything and what's wrong with stained wood?" 

UH, nothing if it's pretty wood. I decided to humor do something nice for him and stain part of it. :o) . The top was in good condition, as were the doors, so they got sanded and stained a darker color, then  finished off with a clear coat of poly for extra durability. I  primed the rest, using Zinsser BullsEye primer, making sure to paint all the porous surfaces to seal off the smell (this included the undersides/sides of the drawers and inside the cabinet. Perfect.



 Next, I chose one of my sample color cans of paint (Benjamin Moore's Shenandoah Taupe ) and mixed up a homemade chalk paint recipe which I then used to paint the sides, door panels, and all the drawers.






I also decided the doors needed more oomph so added an British Flag design using neutral colors; in this case Behr's Creamy Mushroom and White. I also stenciled numbers on the drawers, lightly distressed the whole piece, gave it a clear coat of wax, and then added the hardware. All done!
White striping added

Creamy Mushroom over the white and distressed

Numbers added to drawers

Isn't she beautiful? 


She now sits happily in our bedroom enjoying her new look and lease on life. All she needs is some dresser top adornment but I am thrilled with how she turned out. I've finally hit on how I want our room to look. I will be working toward achieving that over the next several months...after all, it takes time to find all the right stuff. :o)

Thanks for dropping by,
Cecilia

25 comments:

  1. Love this transformation. The contrast between the stained wood and the painted pieces are the perfect touch. I love the details of the flag and the numbers.

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    1. Thank you Donna! I think it was a good call too - glad my husband complained a bit about me painting things. But don't tell him - lol.

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  2. Such a great transformation. At the moment, I'm in love with all things British. (Just went to a Downton Abbey tea party with a bunch of N.C. bloggers!)

    I'll be pinning this dresser to my painted furniture boards on Pinterest and looking for just the piece to try this technique on.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Oh Amy! That sounds like so much fun! I love that show. Thanks for pinning and for your sweet comment. I appreciate it!

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  3. Wow. Great makeover! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am following you back! :-) Fabrizia@www.fabtwigs.com

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    1. Thank you Fabrizia for visiting and the follow back! I appreciate it! :)

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  4. Fantastic makeover. You are so creative, Cecilia! I never would have thought of this.

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    1. aw, Karen, you're making me blush. I find so much inspiration at the blog parties. So many creative people out there! Thanks!

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  5. This turned out so lovely! I am a Brit at heart- so this is perfect ;)

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    1. Thank you! I have English heritage and we got to go to Britain a couple of years ago! A dream come true. I want to go back. Anyway, it seemed like a good thing to add. It will tie in perfectly with my bedroom style.

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  6. This turned out so great! I love how original it is ~ fab!
    I'm visiting you today from a Stroll Thru Life. I co-host a Linky Party Tuesday (open thru Sat). I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog, leave a comment and Link Up, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206
    Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party

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    1. Thanks, Megin! I will hop over for a visit, etc. So glad you stopped by

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  7. Oh what a great makeover. I lvoe it. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, marty

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    1. thank you, Marty! Always love your party and all it inspires!

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  8. I love this makeover Cecilia! Sounds like you had to put a lot of work into it, but it's so rewarding when a piece turns out so nice. Beautiful job!

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    1. Thank you Tuula! I am going to use your photos on canvas ideas too in this room. I will give you a shout out when I do. :)

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    2. That's so sweet of you Cecilia! Can't wait to see them!

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  9. It turned out super cute! We love that you added the English twist. Thanks for sharing it on our Brag About It Tuesday party. Stop by again and share more great projects with us. ~~ Thanks, Sharon & Denise

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    1. Thank you so much! It was just what the dresser needed, I think! I look forward to sharing more fun projects with you.

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  10. Perfecto!!

    And I totally know what you mean about thrift stores! Sometimes I see things priced so high you would think they were brand new for cryin' out loud! But I guess that's what makes the 'finds' that much more rewarding.

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    1. Yes, it does. I still shake my head over the prices on pieces of furniture that are way damaged. I need to start hitting garage sales - I'd probably do better.

      Good to hear from you. Hope you are having a great week!
      hugs, Cecilia

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  11. So cute! Looks like a lot of work went into this lovely piece

    Jenny
    www.simcoestreet.blogspot.ca

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    1. thank you, Jenny! It wasn't too bad. Glad you came to visit!

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