It’s been a looong time since I have shared a good furniture makeover. Blame it on winter, blame it on life… or blame it on me. I haven’t had as much time lately, and when I have had time it’s been too cold or I’ve lacked the motivation or inspiration to get myself moving. It’s also been challenging to find pieces that speak to me. Over time I’ve become much pickier about the pieces I purchase because I want to really be excited about my work and final product. I recently found this dresser and although it wasn’t much to begin with I knew exactly what I wanted it to be…. a sweet mint dresser with colorful knobs. This dresser started life as a very traditional dresser with those handles so many older dresser have… and they happen to be my least favorite for the most part!I started out by removing the hardware and filling the inner of the two holes from each handle. In the meantime I headed over to D.Lawless Hardware to see what ceramic knobs they had in stock. I knew I wanted to paint this piece mint, and I wanted sort of a Rifle Paper Co palette.
These pink knobs were just the thing! Their accents of navy and orange-yellow were perfect for what I had in my mind.
Now for the paint I had selected Amy Howard’s Barefoot in the Park One Step Paint. I used this paint on a set of bentwood chairs I did and it’s just the perfect shade of mint.Because I had filled the holes on this dresser I did have to sand down the filler, so I went ahead and lightly sanded the entire piece even though it’s not necessary with this paint. I applied two coats of Barefoot in the Park and then following Amy’s guidance (or maybe hearing her voice in my head about her opinions on distressing), I did NOT distress this dresser at all with sandpaper. I simply went through the next steps of applying first light antique wax, followed by a very light feathered coat of dark wax (both AH brand). Then to top it off I dusted on the “Dust of Ages” she carries to give it a little more depth.
I brought it to Sweet Clover yesterday as we are gearing up for our April sale this weekend. Sarah noticed right away that it wasn’t distressed in the sanding manner and commented on its finish. I have to say I am really happy with the look I achieved with these products… it has character but it doesn’t feel forced.
Here you can see the depth and character the finishing products create. It has a nice patina, and feels so lovely to touch as well.And these knobs from D.Lawless were the perfect crowning touch!Its shape lends perfectly to the style of these knobs as well, sort of cottagey and feminine.
It would be the perfect dresser in a nursery I think, and it’s just the right height to be used as a changing table.At Sweet Clover though we happen to have a few dining tables at the moment, so we’ve paired it with the mint chairs and are using it more as a sideboard.And how fun is this artwork created by my friend Allison of Distinguished Cottage? This piece is one of my favorites that she has done!
Well now hopefully Spring is here to stay after this week, and the furniture finds, sunshine, and mojo will all be coming my way at the same time resulting in many more makeovers in the future!