It’s so hard to find ‘the one’. You are always on the look-out, hoping that one day you will finally meet that perfect match for you.
And then the day comes when you enter a room and you see it. You just know that you’ve found that special ‘someone’. The one you’ve been waiting for all along. You were so tempted before to say yes to the others, but you were never quite able to pull the trigger. Some of them seemed like ‘the one’ but you always hesitated.
And now you know why. You were just waiting for THIS one.
Recently, my in-laws purchased a home in a retirement community and not only did it fit all of their needs, it also came with several pieces of furniture left behind by the previous owner. And as we took the tour one evening, planning and strategizing with them over their new spaces, my heart skipped a beat when I looked across one of the rooms and saw this beauty.
You see, for awhile now I’ve wanted to change things up a bit in my dining room. I’ve had a matching set for over 15 years and I was ready to part ways with our big china cabinet. But, I just could never find the right thing to replace it.
That was until my mother-in-law said that if I wanted this vintage Drexel dresser I was welcome to it!
Come to mama.
I cannot even tell you how thrilled I was to pull out these lamps which I’ve been storing in the attic.
And I wasted no time decorating it for Easter.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we really do have a relationship with our homes.
We get to know them. Their nuances and quirks.
And just like any relationship, we bring our past with us.
Like this teacup which belonged to my great-grandmother. The stamp on the bottom says that it is from Occupied Japan.
Relationships change and grow and we need to leave room for that to happen because when we do we are so often surprised by how much better they end up being than before!
And while we are on the subject of change, I am now on a mission to figure out what to put above this new love in my life.
There are mirrors on the other wall already so I’m thinking I need some kind of cool architectural piece or a really beautiful painting. (The framed prints above the chairs are going away)
What do you think I should put there? And while I’m asking for opinions, do you think I should keep the original hardware on this dresser turned buffet table or go for something new?
I’d love to hear from you!
And P.S., those lamps I dug out of my attic to put on top of my new buffet?
I put Cree Light Bulbs in them! 😉
*I am a Cree Luminary and received compensation for promoting this product but all opinions are 100% my own*
This post is partying here:
I love it, sometimes it pays to wait. Perfect choice for the space.
I was wondering if you’d like one of those big starburst mirrors that are so popular right now? The buffet is really spectacular so I thought something strong above it to relate to it would be good. Whatever you do will be great!
It looks like a ring is missing off one of the side drawers. I actually like the pulls on the other drawers. I might look for a knob that coordinates for those smaller drawers. That is a gorgeous piece! I use chests and dressers all over my home. Even on my covered porch! They are great storage.
Love this piece Vanessa…lucky you!
Definitely keep the original hardware. I love the way the hinged piece fills each drawer front with such beautiful symmetry! I see your missing one on the lower right though!
It’s hard to suggest art for the wall without seeing the rest of the room, but I would bring in a texture other than wood…perhaps a collection of white ironstone plates or a grouping of botanical or aviary prints?
Love your blog!
Peg : )
I would put a large statement piece over the buffet, e.g. a large square metal or wood wall decor piece, but with a bit of color to it. And although the hardware on the buffet is nice, I would change it.
I’d put a big mirror. I love the dresser!
What a great find and for free!! I love it like it is.
What a great piece of furniture and to get it for free, even better! I think you should put something architectural.
u have, once again inspired me-i wanted something for my dining room too-are you using the drawers to store any extra kitchen items like crock pots or electric fry pans? If so, are they fitting ok? Just wondering if this would work in my house-i would not change the hardware-did u paint it or was it like that when u got it? I think its perfect! Happy Easter to you and your family!!! Keep up the good work-i love this piece.
I love the look of the piece “as is”. What a beautiful addition to the room!
Thank you Mary!
Oh Gosh that is beeee-u-tiful! I love it! No wonder you were so giddy! I think if I were you I would put a large piece like wood panels with wrought iron in them above it. I’ve see several styles at Hob Lob. Then put a mirror backing on them to bounce the light. A pretty boxwood wreath on top would be a nice touch and you could change it with the seasons. Whatever you do it will be beautiful with that baby 🙂
Thank you so much Amy!
The dresser is perfect as it is! Don’t change anything about it! There are several ways you could go, of course with the space above, but I would go for a mirror with an interesting frame or even better, a large piece of art.
Thank you Sheran! 🙂
Such a beautiful vintage piece, & I like the jewelry (hardware) it came with; they were made to go together! I’ve not followed your blog long enough to know exactly what your style is, but in my dining room, I would place a large pair of “chippy” arch-topped shutters over this piece & on top of those, hang a large boxwood wreath from a beautiful ribbon. Another one of those “you”ll know it when you see it” things!
Have a Blessed Easter!
Thank you Barbara! Easter blessings to you too!
Vanessa what a beauty… I love it just the way it is!! What about hanging a beautiful arrangement of transferware plates.
Thank you Martina!
I love everything about this arrangement, the furniture is exquisite, the decorative pieces are perfect, I would leave it exactly as pictured. I don’t have a suggestion for the wall above the dresser, but I know you will find the exactly right piece, be it mirror or picture, and I hope you will post a picture of it when you do!.
Thank you so much Sue!
It looks great as it is. It has character and style, something that is hard to find these days.
Love this dresser and I would definitely leave the hardware. I am in favor of one large part piece, a painting or something abstract. This lets the dresser shine and doesn’t create a busy wall.
Thank you Marty!!
Love the new “buffet”. It’s FABULOUS! It may or may not be your taste but you could put a large chalkboard there…kind of like Dear Lillie has in her kitchen (not quite as big). They are great for adding seasonal messages to, or a nice large chippy tin ceiling tile would look great there. They sell new ones at places like Hobby Lobby sometimes or you can find vintage ones at antique malls or Habitat Restores.
I’ve thought about a chalkboard Sheila and a large tin tile would be great too! I’m definitely on the lookout for a great piece! 🙂
I would leave that treasure as is. It is perfect the way it is.
What a gorgeous piece. You have decorated it beautifully for Easter. I love it just the way it is.
Thanks so much sweet friend!!
I would put crystal hardware on the dresser for some “sparkle” !!! I would then add a large landscape painting with a LOT of color to it.
Love the dresser. I would keep the original hardware. Could you tell me the paint color on the walls in thus room? Love it.
Thanks!
Vanessa,
Oh WOW…what a beauty!!! You were so lucky to bring this home with you. I like the hardware it already has, but new might also look good. I would hang one really large piece over it. Thanks so much for sharing at my Show and Share Party….it’s always nice to have you here. Happy Easter!!
Blessings,
Linda
Thank you so much Linda!
One of the really large signs from Between You and Me (or Between Me and You?) would be nice. Check Magnolia Farms Waco, Texas (Fixer Upper) and how she has used them. Joanna Gaines is so talented and her style is clean and fresh like your home.
Lisa I was looking at those signs today!! LOL!
LOVE this – wow you styled it perfectly.
Actually I wouldn’t change a thing – it’s perfect as is, seriously. Well done, love freebies too, whoo hoo!
I would put a very tall arched paned piece. If you go to my post before last – you will see a piece of mine on top of my tall wardrobe cabinet – something like that, or even something like my huge metal piece on the wall in that same post. Or, well, to be honest, it looks pretty good plain, too. You want to feature your seasonal styling, not overwhelm it – the plain wall makes for perfect backdrop! You can tell how well because this post is so perfect….why change what is working so well? : – )
Happy Easter. God bless.
Thanks so much Michele! You always leave such sweet comments. 🙂 I popped over to your blog and that piece on your wall is totally like what I’m looking for!
Wow..it’s lovely! I would leave the hardware…stunning…and place one large art piece over it. If not a painting or print…perhaps an piece of ironwork? Have fun! 😉
Thank you Donnamae!
I LUV your new piece and its stepped-back profile!
And- it looks fabulous in your space!
Catherine
Thank you so much Catherine!
Keep the “sideboard” just the way it is. Dependent on what is directly across the room from it will depend on whether you hang a mirror, large artwork or collage of smaller pieces
Gorgeous buffet….I love the hardware as it is … I do love mirrors in dining rooms and the ability to hang many different things over it. Just love the reflective quality it brings. I have placed wreaths (as many have), seasonal decor, and even hung a painting or two over it…I just lends to a fabulous back drop….
Thanks so much Shirley!! I have a mirror on the other wall in the dining room and I keep going round and round about whether or not to leave it there or move it over to the buffet wall. But then I’d have to find something to replace it on the other wall! LOL!!
I went to Michelle’s blog and yes, that framed tile would be great above your new treasure. Happy Easter to the girls at the Picket Fence.
Had to pop over from Linda’s party to tell you how much I love this! It’s so fun to stumble upon a piece that is just right for a space!
Love it Vanessa! I don’t know…i think i would have to live with it for awhile before making any changes, To be hionset I was surpised to read that you didn’t do anything to the piece. I really like it the way it is now…so perfect in your dining room!
Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Easter!
XO Barbara