Good Morning!
But something that’s essential for achieving that “wow effect” is being able to spot the “afters” in pieces that would look too-far-gone to the untrained eye in their “before” state.
So, when I spotted this sad, neglected, dirty old dresser at Goodwill (my thrifting haunt of choice) a few months back, I could see that it had major “after ” potential.
I fell in love with the floral details, the key-hole plates, and the curvy lines.
(Nothing like an adorable little helper to make a nasty task—see that grimy pink scrunchy from 1973?—a little more fun).
What I didn’t love: the musty smell, the numerous dings and dints, and the drawers that I had to pry open with one foot braced against the wall.
Now, because of the drawers, I wasn’t keen to store anything that I needed to access often, but I had been looking for a unique piece for my fabric collection, and I was sure this one could do the trick.
I took that step and loaded Collette (yup, just decided that now) in my van, scrubbed her down, and gave her a good coat of Kilz oil-based primer.
Then, I sprayed the keyhole plates with Rustoleum’s Heirloom White because I wanted a little contrast and focus on the details:
Next, I hauled out a half-empty can of Sherwin Williams Quite Coral—the same shade that I used to transform a garage sale chandy in a master closet makeover I finished this past summer—and got to rolling and brushing to my little heart’s content (okay, so my heart would have been a little more content with having cookies and milk while paging through the latest issue of Anthro, but none of that would have gotten get the dresser done, so…).
OH, and speaking of repurposing, I also used Collette as a sideboard for all the treats at my daughter, Della’s, 1st birthday party.
Two of the drawers weren’t salvageable, so I made little “drawer curtains” out of Premier Prints zigzag fabric + some clearance lace I had in my stash.
I also bought these fantastic knobs for 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby. 6 of them still cost more than I paid for the entire dresser, but in my opinion, they are sooooo worth it!
Here’s a shot of the whole birthday vignette.
And here’s a shot of the adorable little ladybug that inspired the party-theme.
I couldn’t resist. Can you blame me?
Dresser: $15
Knobs: $27
Primer (I used maybe 1/2): $3
Spray paint (I used 1/4 of a can): $1.50
Paint (already had it): $0
Fabric (already had it): $0
Miscellaneous other supplies: 4.50
TOTAL: $51
So, what do you think? Worth the effort?
I’m pretty smitten, but I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Oh, and I’d LOVE to have you stop by for a visit at:
Can’t wait to meet you!
XOXO
Diana
www.thegirlcreative.com
awesome project and I love the little curtains!
That looks great! What a change! Isn’t it fun to take on a chAllenge especially one no one wants …. I took on a piece like that this week and I can’t wait to make her sparkel again! Love the coral and how you used it for the birthday – absolutely adorable! great job!
Stacey of Embracing Change
You’re too sweet, Stacy! I always love it when an idea I have in my head ends up translating well in “real life!”
Hope you can stop by for a visit to my little corner of blogland! : )
A great redo! And such a cute spot for birthday party treats!
OMG that is stunning! WOW I need you to come over to my house and make my stuff look like that! š Great job, beautiful restore! Thanx for sharing!
Natalie
http://www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com
Wow! I love it. I have a dresser I am going to paint this weekend. I hope mine comes out half as good as yours and I will be happy.
The dresser has amazing details.
~Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Fantastic job on the dresser and the display for the adorable one’s birthday party too!
I love the curtain idea. I have an antique vanity that has two end drawers like that. One of them my mom painted yellow (the rest of the piece is blue) in a fit of re-finishing frenzy 25 years ago, and the other one was stolen when my house was broken into. I’ve always wanted to have the two drawers professionally replaced but never had the time/money. This is such a great idea-for a much more attractive solution than the empty hole and the horrible yellow!
You did an amazing job! I love a good before and after!!!!
I love your dresser revival! It’s super cute! Smiles, Jill
Well now you definately found a diamond in the rough! A beautiful transformation. I especially like the curtain drawer addition. Well done girl!
WOW! I love this! I can’t believe you found it for $15. I always strike out at Good Will. Maybe I just need to go more often to catch the steals!
I am your newest follower! LOVE your blog! š
<3 Michelle
nestlovedesigns.blogspot.com
Great makeover – I love seeing what a bit of paint and patience can do.
Wow! This just turned out fabulous!! Great job š
Wow… can’t believe the transformation! I’m working on getting started on some furniture redos. Would love it if you came by and checked me out: http://www.serendipityandspice.blogspot.com
-Melissa
I absolutely love it and I think it is fabulous! Thank you for sharing it with us!
I love it when you can see beauty through the dust and grime of an old piece!!
I’m about to paint a dresser coral for my sisters nursery redo and found yours on pinterest! It is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! I am in love with it and your newest follower!
I LOVE LOVE this transformation! Love that color too! And how smart to put darling little fabrics curtains for missing drawers. Oh and your little ladybug is adorable!!!!
Abbie did such a great job on this! I love the little curtains too. š