Last week, I showed you this Mid Century Modern chest of drawers I found on Craigslist. It just needed a little TLC and a pop of color to bring it up-to-date.
Much better, right? The makeover stays true to the era while adding a bit of fun.
I also mentioned that it wasn’t until after we got the chest home that I saw the owner had just listed the matching credenza. Umm…duh. (sorry. I hate when my kids use that word, but this situation perfectly fits it)Why he didn’t tell us he would be selling it too, I’ll never know, but we went back on the road again to pick up this classic Mid Century Bassett piece.
This top was the worst part…damage where the mirror had sat, chemical stains that I hoped could be hidden, and oodles of dents and dings. Someone had even made screw holes in the top ends!
Solid nonetheless and the perfect blank canvas for something I had been wanting to try. My typical makeover for these mid century damaged cabinets is a white semi-gloss like I’ve used HERE and HERE. It gives it dimension and really brings this tired piece into the modern century.
DIY TIME
So, after nine (yes, NINE) coats of Kilz and paint, I was finally able to hide that chemical stain on the top. tsk. For the drawer fronts, however, I wanted to have some fun. I taped off some geometric designs and then choose my colors for the project.
Aren’t they gorgeous? The blue is from the matching chest of drawers, and the green is Perennial from Benjamin Moore that I used on this MCM chest.
PAINT TIME
After filling in the taped sections, I found that the paint had bled just a tad from under the tape in a couple of spots. If you didn’t already know this, you can take a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and remove unwanted bits. (do note that it can also remove another finish beside it too, so use caution) I wanted clean crisp lines.
Now for the reveal! Take a look at boring brown gone bold…
Isn’t it fun? I am not a very predictable furniture redeemer and I think it’s more fun that way. Variety is the spice of life!
The colors are some of my favorites and really pack a punch of fun. I”m so glad I was able to also get this piece to match the chest. You can find them both in my shop. (SOLD)
I had fun, and if you enjoyed it too. In addition, pin and share. ♥
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Debrashoppeno5 says
I love it. You are the most creative artist.
Larissa says
Thank you so much, Debra. We’re excited to be delivering both pieces today. Yay!
Sarah says
You nailed it once again!! That mid-century piece is just plain FUN!
Larissa says
It was fun to do too. Thank you, Sarah!
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
Pinned it to share Larissa. Fun fun MCM piece and worth the extra trip to pick it up.
Larissa says
Yes, worth it and now we’re back on the road making the delivery of the set to the new owners. One little girl is getting a treat! 🙂
Mary-In the boondocks says
This is such a fun project. I absolutely love what you have done with this dresser. The colors are just wow!! Larissa its so funny that you had to go back to get it though but well worth it in the end.
Larissa says
My husband’s theme song is by Willie Nelson. He’s back on the road delivering that set to the new owner today. Ha! Thanks for the love, Mary!
Sadie Seasongoods says
L- I LOVE this piece!!! It might be the only time I’ll embrace painting on MCM pieces…nicely done!!
Larissa says
hahaha…I like to see them in classic styling, but when veneer is ruined, paint it is. Thanks for the love, Sarah!
Karla Holley says
Oh my! I don’t mean to seem self-promoting, but I refinished this exact same piece! It’s so fun to see how your makeover turned out with such bright, beautiful colors! I couldn’t believe it when I saw your before picture because it even the damage was similar to the one I found, especially the faded inlays. I really enjoyed running across this project!
Larissa says
Thanks so much, Karla. It sure is fun to see yours too. Thanks for stopping by!
Heidi says
The parts you did not paint, did you re-stain it in a darker color? Was it just a good cleaning? Or is it just a lighting thing on the photo? It’s gorgeous! Those are my colors too!
Larissa says
I did sand down and stained fresh. Sometimes if the wood is worn you can just stain on top of it, just depends.