Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Some Distractions

Thank you all for you lovely thoughts and emails! I am crossing my fingers that today is a better day (she isn't awake yet). If only for myself, I need a little distraction this morning so I thought we could talk paint!


Remember how I told you to stay away from anything needing repairs in our FAQ section? Sometimes I get a little big for my britches, which I am told are pants (this saying might be a little too literal for me after this winter), and I bring home items that I convince myself are just a few minor touch ups.


Like this dresser for example. LOVE the style, and it is always one of my most popular styles with customers. And I loved the price, and the cute wooden knobs, but the drawers? not so much.


I have no idea who was using this thing or what they thought it was intended for but it seriously looks like they must have been housing small animals in the drawers. And most of the tops of the drawers had been knocked off.




Structurally speaking, the dresser was solid and the drawers actually slid nice and smoothly, but the missing and uneven drawer fronts just weren't that appealling to the eye. I toyed with a few ideas, but on the second day of seeing sitting so sad in the corner I whipped out my planer and started scraping away the rest of the drawer fronts.



Now it might be unconventional, but at least it is symetrical! I personally hold these unique and especially unlovable items close to my heart. But I know it isn't often that others appreciate these same qualities. Plus I painted it pink, so I am sure that was a hard sell on any husband.


So my tip today is be sure to not get caught up on the price tag, or the potential. Often these are the dressers that eventually find their way to WhiteBerry for custom jobs because so many fabulous ladies know they have potential but get them home and realize they require tools and time they don't have. But more often they end up on the curb!


And if you do have the know how to give them new life, congratulations!! You are a furniture angel my friend.


And because it was a quick and easy little one, thought I would throw in a coffee table.

Of course I took the 'before' closer to mid-way, but these tables are one of the most frequently seen pieces. They are HIGHLY lacquered and aren't all that old, but have great lines. They do require a smidge more sanding that other projects, but I often see emails from readers asking what to do now that they've sanded the old finish off. And I want to tell everyone and save a lot of sandpaper in the process:


YOU DON'T HAVE TO STRIP the furniture. Honestly you probably will spend 3 or 4 times more energy, money and effort on it if you do. Some processes will require it, but for simple painting just really really scuff that old finish up. And if it is lacquered you will obviously need to do a little more.




A couple coats of warm grey later and she's a regular old beauty!




If you are looking for more tips on tools and what I use to paint, be sure to check out the FAQ section, and let me know if you have any suggestions for topics to add.

22 comments:

Comeca Jones said...

Very nice!

laxsupermom said...

Love both pieces! I especially love the fearless way you went in with the planer. It looks terrific! Thanks for sharing.

Screaming Meme said...

I love that you saved "her"...Beautimus! lol

Xo, Meme

Becky said...

lovely as always Holly! Hope Wren feels better STAT! xo

Douglas said...

My parents seriously have that coffee table. I'm in DIRE need of a coffee table and dining room table. And headboard for my king size bed. Seriously looking for some old wooden shipping platforms or doors. So many possibilities. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find anything that will fit just right. Thanks for keeping me inspired to keep hunting for JUST the right thing and not to settle. Marissa

The Painted Parlor said...

you have the most amazing, beautiful home. i love that little dresser, so precious! I'm sure it's so proud of itself it's singing for joy! love it!

Katie said...

this probably isnt what you mean.. but I need to get grace a double bed. And I havent been able to find one i'm 100% in love with... You always seem to find pictures that i can fall in love with. Im going antique hunting soon, but my father in law offered to make one for me... but I need Ideas...a post about kidlet beds would be a lifesaver for me!(especially since I have been having her with the 2 of us in bed)

dedeetsyshop said...

I love that pink dresser with the odd drawers!! The quirkier, the better (at least for me!) Would be soo perfect for a nursery!

Rosa @ Flutter Flutter said...

Love what you do with furniture! It's inspiring!!

Swirls of Happy said...

Love the coffee table!!!!

erin said...

Love the dresser! It turned out great! :)

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Love, lOvE, LoVe, LOVE!

P.S. Can you please share about the lettered balls in the glass canister?!
mrskjdibble@juno.com

Unknown said...

Thanks so much!

Kelley, the balls came from Michael's (hard to believe, I know I was shocked!), but I've seen them at Pier1 as well~

Hopeless Chest said...

The dresser looks fab now! One of my favorites of your pieces lately.

foreverdecorating said...

Oh yeah, Oh yeah, these are real beauties now

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

I am in love with that dresser. I love that it's not even close to being perfect and I love the color you chose.

Passionate for White said...

Loving the dresser!

Screaming Meme said...

Love the wood sticks on the wall...how did you hang them??? :)

I am having a giveaway...well a series of them...starting with a slipcover! :) I thought I would stop in to let you and your readers know...

Xo, Meme

Pretty Unique Furniture said...

These are gorgeous, you distress pieces perfectly!
Tina

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

"Furniture Angel"...I love it! You certainly are one. Love the dresser!

Rhianne M Griffiths said...

Both pieces look very charming indeed.

The chest though time-worn has been transformed: did you use a chalk paint like the AUTENTICO product? I'm in love with that product at the moment and it comes in over 120 colour options. No sanding, 2-coats, wax to seal and buff to shine : I'm hooked so most of my spare time on weekends is spent painting old furniture for myself, family and friends.

The low table was too good to pass by I agree, I love the shape.

Congratulations on your successful attempt to re-love the items.

Regards
~ Rhianne aka @LadyBizBiz

Somerset Wedding Girl said...

Nice work, it's good you didn't have to strip them, that sure is a time saver!

 
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