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Shabby Chic Details for Furniture Makeover

It’s been a while since I’ve done my own furniture makeover since I just recently helped my son and both of my daughters with their furniture makeovers. It’s not like I haven’t been busy or anything. tsk. One piece that I have finished for a custom order is this Art Deco chest of drawers that has gotten a shabby chic detailing. Yup, it’s not a BEEP, but very similar to my Dumpster Diva.

Art Deco Chest of Drawers Before Shabby Chic Details | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

This lovely piece came from a client, Ruby, who allowed me to share the story of her chest of drawers. Back in 1954, Ruby’s parents bought the entire set for her. It had weathered a small flood, and this is the remaining piece left. She used it in her parent’s house until she married, and then her mother continued to use it until her death in 1991. So, in reality, it has been hers for 61 years. Ruby has decided to give it new life to suit her shabby chic love. How fun is that?!

The chest is in great shape, but has a few cosmetic problems, as well as some structural issues – all totally repairable with some TLC. I had to cut new drawer stops for the drawers and rebuild the faces a bit as they had split in a queer way. The board had a crack right down the face lengthwise. I believe it was because the dove-tailed joints had come loose and put too much stress on the face. Ya learn something new every day.

Left Side of Art Deco Chest | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I call that awful bubbling and chipping veneer snaggle-tooth and my solution to it is simple.

Right Side of Art Deco Chest of Drawers | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

I have often used my towel-soak method on numerous pieces, like my desk and this chest of drawers. It works like a charm, except for one time I learned the hard way.

Towel_Soak Method to Remove Damaged Veneer by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

It took a couple of overnights to get both sides soaked down, but once done it was time to repair the rest.  The front damaged veneer with fixed with wood filler and I then sanded everything down with my sander.

Ruby originally fell in love this chest of drawers I did for my shop a while back and wanted hers to be in the same likeness.

Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I can’t say that I blame her because this is one of my favorite chests that have come across my path. In order to match that finish, I started out with a priming coat of Kilz since there were some chemical stains sure to come through. After that, I used two coats of the same antique white.

PAINT TIME

One of the things that Ruby liked most about the inspiration chest was the gilded effect. To replicate that look, I used some DecoArt metallic paint in the carvings.

DecoArt Elegant Finish Antique Gold | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I even used it as a glazing on the pulls after I painted them with a RustOleum Heirloom White.

Glazing Drawer Pulls with Metallic Paint | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Here is with the gilding and drawer pulls yet to be added.

Art Deco Chest Before Shabby Chic Details | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Kinda boring, eh? That’s what I like about these Art Deco chests. They’re like a blank slate waiting to be the star of the show. That’s why I’ve created my BEEP (VW chest)…

Volkswagen Bus Chest of Drawers | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

and this boho chic lady.

A left for trash dumpster dresser gets a makeover taking it from damsel in distress to Boho Chic DIVA by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Roses catch Ruby’s fancy, so roses it was to be. I hand-painted the floral accents with several different colors with metallic overlay as she described and here is the result.

Shabby Chic Art Deco Chest of Drawers by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Shabby Chic Roses added to Art Deco Chest by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

She loves the finished piece and happy to have it as an addition to her new room makeover.

Side View of Shabby Chic Chest of Drawers by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I’m with Ruby…there’s just something about roses to make a girl (at any age) feel special.

Old Roses and Lace in Shabby Chic Style by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I hope you enjoyed seeing this shabby chic transformation and the story behind it all. Also, maybe the next time you see a waterfall piece of furniture you can give it your own special touch, and maybe it will be shabby chic. ♥

Adding Shabby Chic Details to Art Deco Chest of Drawers | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

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More projects like my shabby chic makeover:

DIY Budget Window Treatments - A Home Hack by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comOld Farmhouse Tools Repurposed as Rustic Decor by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Patty says

    Larissa, that chest turned out so beautiful. You are such a talented artist and everything you do is just beautiful. I would be proud to have this chest in my home.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Patty. It was a fun piece to create for Ruby and am tickled she enjoys it. 🙂

  2. Arlene Woods says

    I appreciate the chest makeover paint & details but the roses went over the edge for me. Maybe left that for later….hmm

    • Larissa says

      Remember that this was requested by my client and if she loves it that’s all that matters. Thanks!

      • June Stepp-King says

        For me, the roses brought the piece “over the top”! This is one of the prettiest makeovers I’ve seen. Oh, to be able to paint like that!!!

  3. Kimberly Davis says

    What a beautiful makeover! My parents have an art deco bedroom suite that belonged to my dad’s parents that I hope to inherit one day. This is great inspiration for the future!

    • Larissa says

      What a treasure that would be. 🙂 Thank you for your sweet words.

  4. Nancy F Lambert says

    Larissa the chest turned out beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

  5. Jan Cole says

    I just recently subscribed to your website/blog! I love how you take your clients requests to heart–and then put yours into it!! You are a talented and blessed artist! I love how each one turned out…especially the roses! Simply gorgeous!

    • Larissa says

      I’m happy to have you, Jan. 🙂 I truly appreciate your words and I pray for each life I touch in one way or another. I am blessed!

  6. Marie, The Interior Frugalista says

    Another gorgeous waterfall dresser makeover, Larissa! I enjoyed reading the history of this dresser and kudos to Ruby for having the courage to give it a makeover after having been in this original state for over 60 years.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Marie! Ruby’s entire family, including her daughter, is so excited to have it as part of their family. I am blessed to be a part of it. 🙂

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

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2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

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2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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