I’m pretty sure that free furniture is the best kind of furniture. Well, maybe I should clarify that. I’m pretty sure that free furniture that is vintage and lovely and perfectly fits a space in your home is the best kind of furniture.
A couple of years ago, my in-laws moved into a retirement community and with the purchase of their home came several items left behind by the previous owner. Some were…ahem…interesting to say the least.
But, one piece was a beautiful vintage Drexel dresser. My mother-in-law/love knew that I had been looking for something to replace my giant china cabinet that I had recently sold and she kindly offered me the dresser.
I first shared it with you here and I was convinced that I really wanted to leave it untouched. But, two years later, I was starting to feel like it was just a bit too yellow-y and against my yellow-y walls it just wasn’t working for me anymore.
So, one day last week I decided it was time to give it a little bit of a facelift.
And, apparently it was sooooo little of a facelift that when my husband came home from work and I excitedly ushered him into the dining room and asked, “Do you notice anything different?”, it took a LOT of prodding from me before he realized it had been painted. 😉
But, that’s ok because I honestly didn’t want to do anything too dramatic and even though I know some folks really like a super distressed look I wanted to keep it fairly crisp looking. I used DecoArt Chalky Finish paint in ‘Primitive’ color.
I did lightly sand over the raised molding detail to let some of the gold come through and I love how it adds more depth to the piece.
I also decided to keep the original hardware and I left the top as-is because I liked the contrast of the darker wood against the lighter color on the body.
I have several projects that I’m planning to tackle around the house this summer and it feels so good to get the first one checked off the list!
Even if I’m the only one who notices it. 😉
What are some of the projects you are hoping to get done this summer?
Thanks so much for meeting me at the fence today friends!
It’s beautiful!
Vanessa, that sounds like my husband. It looks great white. We are supposed to tackle the master bath at some point. It was supposed to be started in April, but life got in the way.
How do you like the yellow color of your walls in northern light. Most of my windows are on the north east side of the house and to my eye it gives colors a gray-green cast. I love white walls but they are just dreary in this house. What is the name of the paint and where did you purchase it? Do you think it will stay the soft beautiful color that you have or turn green in my conditions?
Does anyone out there know of a white-white that can stand up to northern light, especially on gray days?
Thanks
I did notice the crisp difference right away, Vanessa! 🙂 I love it! I have similar colored walls, and I know the smallest change in furniture color can make a piece like yours pop beautifully! ❤️
Thank you so much Beverly! 🙂
It looks fresh and beautiful, and still like itself….job perfectly done 🙂
Thank you so much Heide!
Looks great. Love the original hardware.
Thank you Pamela!
What a wonderful piece! My goal this summer is to tackle the shutters that I have gathered over the past 10 years and put a clear coat of something on them to preserve their chippiness and attach it to the wall behind our bed as a headboard. There are other things that need to be done, but if I get that one thing done, that will be a great success!
Oh that sounds like such a neat project Vicki! And I agree that even if you just get that one thing done you can count it a success! 🙂
So glad you’re enjoying it still! Love what you’ve done with it!
Oooo, I love the ‘white’ update… and how you just sanded the moldings. It was a good choice!
My updates for this summer: My half-finished-dresser-turning-TV-console
Little chair that will be turning white
Side-table that will be getting a ‘grain sack’ look
And…. eventually, but probably will not get done this summer. The Hoosier aka baker’s cabinet that I inherited from my mom’s move into a retirement home. It will be white, as well! @.@
Can you guess what my mantra is when I’m shopping?… “Paint it white” >.<
LOL Julie!! That is quite the list! It sounds like you have your work cut out for you but it also sounds like you love it and I know everything will turn out just beautifully. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Love the finished look. Anxious to try this product on a buffet. How long do you have to wait to put things on it?
Hi Robin! It dried really quickly, especially since it was a warm day. I didn’t do anything to the top so I was able to decorate it right away but I waited a few hours before I put the hardware back on. 🙂
Looks lovely! Nice job, Vanessa! That sideboard is beautiful!
Have a great weekend with your family!
Blessings!
Thank you so much Mary-Ann! 🙂
Very pretty and the hardware is gorgeous!
Thank you so much Doris!
I love the subtle changes that you made to the buffet/dresser. I hope to find a nice buffet to replace the Hoosier cabinet I have in my dining area. It’s nice to be able to add lamps to a buffet pice. It takes forever for my husband to notice any changes I make to our rooms.
It looks nice and job well done!
I love it! …. great job and it looks fantastic….and I definitely would have noticed it!
Love the county chic look!! I actually love it both ways but I will say, with the gold, it looks more expensive. =)