Cassie Bustamante

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Peacock Empire Dresser…. My All-Time Favorite!

January 22, 2013 by Cassie 64 Comments

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A few weeks ago I was stoked to find a couple of antique dressers right here in my small town on craigslist.  They both needed drawer repairs.  One was missing the back of a drawer, and the other had a front that needed to be sanded down and reattached.  But they were local which made things really easy… I called the seller and we arranged pick up, and he gave me his address.  I got off the phone and realized that it was the address of a house we looked at  when we were house hunting.  We had both loved the house, the layout, the history and charm…. but it was right on budget and needed some major love.  With two kids we didn’t think we could live there and take a long time with the work like we would need so we passed.  After we bought this house, the price on that one dropped 100k.  Anyhow, when I arrived to pick up the dressers, a nice young man opened the door and we quickly started chatting about the house and I told him we had looked at it and what a great deal he got!  He said that when he was on his way to look at it, the price was reduced another 35k… WOW!  He got a steal!!!  I was happy for him though, and I am happy we ended up where we did, or we may not have ever crossed paths with the neighbors we have now.  Everything certainly has a way of always working itself out.

But I have to admit I was jealous when he told me that these dressers were left behind in the attic…. What?  You got a deal AND the house came with free furniture!?!?  Ok, now you’ve got me!  😉  Really though, they needed love and that’s why they were left behind.  Today I am going to share with you the first one, which is now my all time favorite, I do believe.  And tomorrow you can come back to catch the other one.

Here is the before of the first one…. as it sat on my porch on a very damp day, and I waited for the fog to lift so I could work on it…. and the fog never lifted that day!  Anyhow, here it is….

I only lightly sanded it because I planned to use milk paint and I really want the milk paint to do its thang.  I gave it two coats of Peacock from the real Milk Paint Company.  Now, I was amazed at how light this ended up because it is the same color I used on my sideboard.

On this piece, it turned out much lighter.  I gave it two coats, sanded it all over, and then waxed it.  After the wax dried, it still felt rather chalky to me, so I decided to use a polycrylic over it for a more durable finish.  I added glass knobs and here is the end result….  Oh, and it is FUH-reezing, so I took these photos as fast as I could, thus in front of the garage.  You will have to see beyond the garage door please. 🙂 Same deal goes for tomorrow’s reveal.

I am totally smitten with the color and finish on this one!   It will be available at February’s barn sale, along with the dresser I am showing tomorrow.  Come back and see!  Have a happy Tuesday!  We are headed to Sarah’s today for some brainstorming some ideas for our business, and time for the kids to play.  And when I return home, I plan to light a fire as the high today is 19 degrees.  Cozy up!

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Comments

  1. uniquelyyoursormine.com says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Oh Cassie, it’s just beautiful! I love how the finish turned out… I didn’t know you could apply poly over wax! – Susan

    Reply
  2. The Far Fifty says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:20 am

    What a cool looking finish on that one! Perfect with the glass knobs. My house didn’t come with anything free except the “adult magazine” from 1982 we found on top of the duct work in the basement. Dressers are way better.

    Reply
  3. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:24 am

    Oh my gosh hats gorgeous!!! If I lived closer I would have to take that off your hands. What a great find and interesting story!

    Reply
  4. Jaime Costiglio says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Cassie can’t believe someone just left those behind! Hard for a lot of folks to see beyond the minor repairs and onto all the potential but you’re smart like that. It has great lines and curves, love the distressing. VERY cold today here too!

    Reply
  5. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:52 am

    Such a beautiful finish and hardware, Cassie!! Fabulous job as ever, but this one is definitely special!

    Reply
  6. Christy @ MCH PHOTOGRAPHY says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    Beautiful piece! You rock

    Reply
  7. Andrea says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    The color is beautiful and I love the imperfections. Bummer about the house, but you’re right, things happen for a reason. You have made your house in the loveliest home for your sweet family!

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Gorgeous as usual!! You know I love a time worn finish! Bravo! PS. The high here today… -3. *sob*

    Reply
  9. Our Pinteresting Family says

    January 22, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    What a beauty, Cassie! 🙂 I loved the story that goes along with it. Megan

    Reply
  10. Mindy says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    First, I wish I lived near you to come to your barn sale.
    Second, you inspire me to want to try this myself.
    Third, I can’t, though, because I’m scared I will ruin a piece of furniture that I’ve paid for and I really have no idea how to start.

    BEAUTIFUL!!!

    Reply
  11. Stacey says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Oh Cassie! I think it is a favorite of mine, too. It is simply gorgeous! I just love it. In my mind, I bought it :o)
    I may have to try to replicate it…any tips? Have to get my hands on that milk paint!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

    Reply
  12. decorumdiyer says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    You really did a wonderful job. What I love most is the story behind this project. Isn’t it funny how things just work out sometimes? Beautiful dresser.

    Reply
  13. Twice Nice says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Love all the color variations on your dresser! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  14. Between Blue and Yellow says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    It’s beautiful! I see why it is one of your favorites. It’s pretty cold here today as well.

    Reply
  15. vintageshabbychicks says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Oh Cassie…get me a kleenex cuz I’m DROOLING all over the place!! This is absolutely perfect in every way:)

    Reply
  16. Feral Turtle says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    What a beautiful dresser! Sorry for the house deal. Sounds like he got one heck of a deal! Anyways, I love what you did with the dresser! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  17. Bliss says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Ok, I admit I like the dresser too, but the sideboard, ohhhhhh the sideboard.

    Bliss

    Reply
  18. Tonya @ Love of Family And Home says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    This turned out beautifully!! I love the shape of that dresser! So cute!!

    Do you have a shop that you sell all of your furniture in?

    Reply
  19. Tonya @ Love of Family And Home says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    Nevermind, I just answered my own question by clicking on your “About Me” page! I thought you had a shop, but I couldn’t remember!!

    Reply
  20. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    I am totally smitten, too!

    Reply
  21. Rita says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:24 pm

    Gorgeous!

    Reply
  22. pam {simple details} says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    Ooooh, love that sparkly hardware paired with rustic goodness ~ perfect!

    Reply
  23. The Refeathered Roost says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    I ADORE that piece….the color is right up my “love it” alley. Wonderful job!
    melinda

    Reply
  24. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    January 22, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    Love this dresser style and the finish is beautiful!

    Reply
  25. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    January 22, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Pam hit it! The knobs are more than fab and have made the piece. Love it!

    Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    January 22, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    It looks beautiful Cassie. The knobs were a great choice. Stay warm. We hit 0 here today.

    Reply
  27. Tiffany says

    January 22, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    Love that color..and the knobs!

    Reply
  28. thistlewoodfarm says

    January 22, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Cassie,

    I LOVE the finish on that dresser! What a beautiful patina! Did you used milk paint? Did you have to use a primer?

    Thanks for the inspiration today!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  29. Jeanette deBoer says

    January 22, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    It’s gorgeous! I love the finish and the knobs you added. I have an old dresser that I’d like to finish. This is definitely inspiration!

    Reply
  30. Dana Frieling says

    January 22, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Okay, really? A 135K price drop?! That’s unheard of. Wish one of those would fall into my lap. And, since he got such a deal and the furniture was free, he should have gifted you that fabulous piece. ha! Once again, you worked your magic, friend. It’s great!

    Reply
  31. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    January 22, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Blue beauty! That is strange that the color turned out so differently. Maybe they were different wood types and they took the paint differently? Another reason I love CL…you get some really good stories!

    Reply
  32. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 22, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    That is a very cool dresser – love the rustic feel with the sparkly knobs! Poly over wax?

    Reply
  33. Kelly says

    January 22, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    Wow, cool story! What else does he have in his attic for you? 🙂 That piece is beautiful!

    Reply
  34. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    January 22, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    So, so, so pretty! I love it! You are a magician 🙂

    Reply
  35. Dear Emmeline says

    January 22, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    I absolutely love this! lol. Josh emialed the guy about these dressers and never got a response. I guess we know why! 😉

    Reply
  36. madeforaking says

    January 22, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Cassie, that truly is gorgeous! I love the color, I love the finish! Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  37. madeforaking says

    January 22, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    Cassie, that truly is gorgeous! I love the color, I love the finish! Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  38. 17 Perth says

    January 22, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    19 degrees!?? It is bad that I kind of wish we had that?? Hahaha. It is warm here–and I LOVE it–but that is what I call winter! 🙂

    Anyways–that piece of furniture is Gorgeous! The finish on it is perfection my friend. No doubt it won’t be available very long.

    Reply
  39. Ali Richardson says

    January 22, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!! It’s amazing! I seriously love it so so much 🙂 Ship it to CA!!!!!
    XOXO

    Reply
  40. Allison says

    January 22, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    So pretty. I love the rustic feel with the touch of glam with the sparkly knobs.

    Reply
  41. Deanne Langford says

    January 22, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    Great story, looks fantastic now!

    Reply
  42. Julia @ 551Eastdesign says

    January 22, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    SO beautiful Cassie!

    Reply
  43. Catherine says

    January 22, 2013 at 9:21 pm

    Looks amazing Cassie!! I’ve been wanting work on some bigger pieces again, but can’t seem to find something exactly right. This one is just beautiful!

    Reply
  44. Lauren says

    January 22, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    I love the way it turned out!

    Reply
  45. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 22, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes. Gorgeous.
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  46. amber-wills says

    January 22, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    I love the shape of this dresser! Gorgeous. You did an amazing job!

    Reply
  47. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    That dresser is so going to sell! The distressed finish looks so good – natural and effortless!

    Reply
  48. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    January 22, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    That dresser is so going to sell! The distressed finish looks so good – natural and effortless!

    Reply
  49. Kristen @ Sophia's Decor says

    January 23, 2013 at 1:28 am

    Gorgeous dresser Cassie! I love this color! It’s funny that you were just painting that piece in Lamp Black the same time I was and now I’m painting a dresser that looks just like this one (different color though)!

    Stay warm!

    Reply
  50. Modern Cottage Living says

    January 23, 2013 at 1:57 am

    Beauti.ful! LOVE the finish and style of the dresser. Fun story about the house too!

    Reply
  51. Mimi's Vintage Charm says

    January 23, 2013 at 1:58 am

    beautiful cassie! i have an empire dresser waiting in my garage for me to get to it. love what you did with yours… i’m sure she will be a quick sell.

    Reply
  52. DecorandtheDog says

    January 23, 2013 at 3:02 am

    Kind of in love with how this turned out. I need to research milk paint some more!!

    Reply
  53. Gail Wilson says

    January 23, 2013 at 3:07 am

    sooo pretty Cassie! The area around where I live–people would never go for a piece like that. They know nothing.
    I bet it goes quick!
    brrrr it’s cold here too!

    gail

    Reply
  54. Good Time Charlie says

    January 23, 2013 at 4:34 am

    It looks so gorgeous and not only do I love the color but the finish is awesome! Sorry it was so cold taking the pictures!

    Reply
  55. Restyled Vintage says

    January 23, 2013 at 11:05 am

    Looks gorgeous and what a cool story about the house…I am intrigued to know the house values in your area if that one dropped $135k, wow! I have heard that some parts of the US are so cheap for what you get they’d make us weep! My friends (NZ’ers) live in The Woodlands near Houston TX and are looking at buying a ‘McMansion’ for $600k, which is about half the value of their NZ home in a similar ‘nice’ neighbourhood.

    Anyway I am keen to know how the polyacrylic would stick to a waxed finish?

    Hope it warms up for you soon, I am actually starting to look forward to it cooling down here for us!

    xx Karen

    Reply
  56. Sarah @ Imperfect Patina says

    January 23, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    I LOVE this dresser!! Great job! And I hear you about it being cold!! Yesterday the HIGH here was -6 with a -33 wind chill : )

    Reply
  57. Hetty says

    January 23, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    love the original color coming through – great finish Cassie.

    Reply
  58. Bella says

    January 23, 2013 at 11:25 pm

    Holy moly it’s awesome! LOVE the color…funny how it’s so much lighter than your sideboard. That certainly worked in your favor girl, I adore it!

    Reply
  59. Vintage Street Designs says

    January 25, 2013 at 4:19 am

    Gorgeous!!! LOVE the knobs! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    January 25, 2013 at 4:52 am

    oooohhh…so stunning.

    That is an Empire design – just like the piece I showed today. Very popular in the mid-1800’s. People either love Empire, or hate it. I love it. You did beautiful work on this!

    Reply
  61. Inspired by you says

    January 25, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    It is official. I am in love with it. Love, love, love the color!

    Reply
  62. House Crazy in Michigan! says

    January 26, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    This dresser is a stunner…and this is being said by a person who is no even sure yet that they actually like milk paint! But this piece I beautiful. Those glass knobs really make this piece sing…..

    Small House / Big Sky Donna / White Oak Studio Designs / SW Michigan
    Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations
    Blog: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
    Facebook: [email protected] (for portfolio of chalk painted work)

    Reply
  63. Daena from Bad Rabbit Vintage says

    January 26, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    What a lovely finish! And on an empire piece, too. I’m loving the tip on using poly over wax – that will save me lots of arm pain in the future!

    Reply
  64. The Golden Sycamore says

    January 27, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    LOVE this piece!! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I love the color, the distressing, the lines of the piece itself. Everything! Wonderful job!
    Allison

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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