A few weeks ago, I had posted a photo on Instagram showing the skeleton of a dresser being cleaned up for it’s makeover. Now it’s time to reveal the dresser in all his glory. Yes, I say he because this dresser has a masculine touch to it. So many of the pieces I do have a dainty or feminine vibe to it, so I decided to do something a little different and make this more of a gender neutral piece.
Here is the original advertised photo of the piece I found on an online garage sale site. As you can see it came with a mirror that was beyond repair. I keep the “brace” or whatever you call it in hopes, I may repurpose it but the mirror went straight into the garbage.
This piece underwent major reconstructive surgery! We had to replace the decaying top, replace the drawer bottoms, as well as touch up and fill a few spots of wood on the drawers. We also got rid of the tacky hardware.
I decided to add the photo of my dog Boomer who passed last August because I found it when I was searching for artwork in staging. I was often told my dog was a person reincarnated because he had “people” eyes and a personality that reminded me of an old wise man. Boomer would have loved this piece (had he been human). In a way, this is my tribute to him. RIP Boomer…I miss you.
Back to the happy good stuff; I chose “Coastal Blue” by General Finishes because I had a few ounces left of a can that I used on another project. It’s the perfect Navy color that isn’t too dark, but doesn’t fall on the retro blue side either. I sealed the base in their HPTC Flat poly.
I stained the tops and the drawers in “Java” Gel stain and sealed with Minx’s Semi-Gloss poly. The oil based polys over wood is really starting to grow on me because it enhances the stain in a really rich way that compliments the wood well. The keyholes are original and were cleaned up with a vinegar solution.
As you can see, my hardware is a little mis-aligned. As cool as this hardware is, it was really tricky to get them level and matched up perfectly. Needless to say, we ended up refilling a few mistake holes that are fortunately camouflaged by stain and by the hardware itself. I love how this hardware ties in modern with traditional.
This paper was not what I originally had in mind for the drawers. I wanted to use a leftover triangular mod print I used on another piece but unfortunately for me, I didn’t have enough paper to get both drawers. So I went with color over design and found a similar navy paper in my stash. I think it looks ok…do you?
One more shot of Boomer for the road…I think he looks good up there! Hopefully you enjoyed this post! I love when a salvage does a complete 360 and ends up being better than it was before. I love to recycle and this is my recycle meets therapy hobby.
I absolutely love your site.. Great colors & theme.
Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own blog and would like to learn where you got this from or
just what the theme is called. Thanks!
Hi There! I actually hired a professional web designer to complete this for me. Her name is Lindsey and she owns Verity Web Solutions.
The dresser is beautiful, but even more beautiful is the photo of your sweet dog, Boomer. We lost our beloved dog Oscar this past June, 2016. Hurts so much.
I’m so sorry to hear that Dianne. Losing a pet is much like losing a loved one, and no one really understands the bond between a dog and their best friend. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog!
I Love your dresser it’s Awesome! Boomers pic makes it even better. We lost our Boxer “Champ” a year ago in August has been very hard. I feel your pain. Thx for sharing Great Picture!
Thank you Darcy! It was very hard losing him! I had him with me for so many years and still have his photo up in our home. Thank you for stopping by to read our blog!
Love, love this. When you say paper, is it wrapping paper? I have some pieces I have finished and want to “jazz up” the bottom of the drawers. The bottoms are old and bunged up. Please advise!
Hi Elaine! Yes wrapping paper! I usually pick mine up from Target, Marshalls, Home Goods etc, but if there is a particular pattern I love, I will spend the extra money on ordering a few rolls from spoonflower.com. Paper is a great way to make your furniture fun and cohesive!
Hello, I loved your dresser!! What kinda of paint did you use for the coastal blue ? Is is chalk paint?
Hi Andrea! This is General Finishes Paint in Coastal Blue.
Hi! where did you source the hardware? It’s so cool!
Hi Lindsay! I got this hardware at Hobby Lobby!