I don’t know about you, but I’m super-excited today! Why? Well, today is my first post joining a wonderful group of ladies for Furniture Fixer Uppers. Each month we will be sharing our furniture makeovers to teach, to share, to inspire you. For this month, I’m sharing this vintage piece that is going to get a modern dresser makeover.
True story, I walked into the thrift store to find only some sweaters to repurpose for my sheep (see HERE). I pinky swear. As I was heading to the back of the store, the shop lady was on the phone talking to one of the owners telling them that yes, this particular dresser was STILL there and she was to get rid of it. ahem. I halted my tracks and said, “I’ll take it.” Any sane person would have done the same thing.
My peeps, when this piece is sitting there covered in #trashure, falling apart and being dismissed, we must take notice. It is our job, right? (please say yes so I know I’m not alone.) To verify, this is a quality-made vintage Kroehler dresser. Not one to “get rid of” tsk. Poor thing. So, I decided to bring this sad dresser home and give it a new look. I, of course, sent JC to pick it up for me. What an awesome husband, eh?
Upon closer inspection, I found out how much of a hot mess it really was. Well, let’s just say it not only needed a boost, but reconstructive surgery. Four of the nine drawers were either missing drawers guides or slides, the panel had fallen off the side, and those basket weave center pieces were coming off as well. Nothing I couldn’t handle,for sure.
DIY TIME
First up, reattach the side panel. I used my Liquid Nails Paneling Adhesive to get that sucker back on. Meanwhile, JC cut and made new guides and slides for those four drawers.
Then for added reassurance it would stay still, I used my nailer to nail it on and hold the panel in place while the glue dried.
After that, I just needed to use wood filler to repair the damaged spots, and then sand with my sander. This top was laminate, but that didn’t scare me. I have done many similar Mid Century pieces before.
PRIMING
All I needed to do was use my brush and Kilz, to hide any bleed through and prep the surface for paint adhesion. Before that though, I decided to remove those woven inlays on the three drawers. They just weren’t working for me.
Once the primer was dry, I choose to get my funk on and add some color.
Some of the drawers got this aloe blossom color (one of my favorites!) with accents of the same linen color I used here and here. Meanwhile, others got a few coats of Pure Gold. See…I told you I was going to mix it up.
MORE DECOR
Like I’m not busy enough, I knew I didn’t have any decor suited for staging my piece. In quick pinch I created some wall art using scraps and repurposed materials.
After my DIY stent was over, here is what I came up with…
Far from my first passion, rustic farmhouse, but the lines of this modern dresser drew me in. I added some gold metal inlays to the center drawers, and some fun striping to the gold drawers. All was finished off with a topcoat of a semi-gloss poly.
It’s funky fun and is the look I was after…a modern dresser makeover.
The wall art was sweet because it made me take a break from my norm.
The dresser, the brushes, and wall art are available in my online store – stop by and see!
My hope is that you look past the wear on furniture. Listen to you inner junker and get your DIY on. hee hee hee. Additionally, pin and share to inspire others too, and then head below to see more Furniture Fixer Upper goodness.
Likewise, to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Before you go, you just have to hop on over to see how these talented made over these pieces.
- Girl in the Garage
- Confessions of a Serial DIYer
- Just the Woods
- Petticoat Junktion
- The Interior Frugalista
Also, more makeovers like my modern dresser:
I have several small pieces of furniture that are in need of new paint job. Brushes! Can always use new brushes.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity
Sounds like a plan!
I love your imagination
Thank you, Cindy. 🙂
I would paint the bedroom set I found on selling website.
Score for you!
I have a small booth in an antique shop and my specialty is painted furniture. There’s one particularly ornate library table in my stash that I have been avoiding. I think Zibra brush can handle that bad boy! LOL. Larissa, I love your blog. You are inspiring.
Been there done that! hee hee. I’m sure you’ll love these brushes too.
I have an antique dresser project, which I started, couldn’t get the painting right and have now moved with us …twice! Would love to win the ZIBRA brushes. They might just do the trick in finally finishing this project, sans all the brushstrokes!
Ugh…I know the feeling on that topic, Kay. You can do it!
As I was reading along I wasn’t expecting those colors (I’m not sure what I was expecting lol) and BAM they’re absolutely gorgeous. You truly saved this dresser, I love it and I’m going to have to check out these brushes too!
Ha! That made me giggle, Kandice. Thanks!
Wow, amazing makeover.
So sweet of you to say, Lyn. Thank you!
I am so glad to see this share. I found one of these exact dressers curbside many years ago. It was in perfect condition and still is, but I painted a cream color. I am sending it up to our new shop soon. Thinking about adding some color and possibly knobs first though.
Beautiful make-over! Love the funky mid-century modern look! Your make-overs are inspiring me:-)
How wonderful to hear, Lisa Jo. Thank you!
What an interesting piece Larissa and a true labor of love. You know I’m a fun and funky kind-of gal. And the wall art is amazing. You work hard girl!
Funky fun girls, unite! Love that we picked the same color. Woot!
WOW, what a tranformation, I think it looks amazing.x
Excellent to hear! Thank you, Janette.
Love your projects! I would also love to try these brushes!
Thanks, Liz!
I’m so glad you rescued it! It turned out beautifully and gave it a new lease on life! Plus, thank you for the chance to win a set of brushes!
I just couldn’t leave it there. Woot! Thank you!
What a difference!
My first paint project? Hmmm, my list is pretty long! Maybe edging the rooms that need a repaint job… or painting my dining room storage pieces… or… Lots of ideas! : )
I’m with you, Becky! So much to do and so little time. Where to start, right?
Always love your work. I would use the brushes on this farmhouse bed for myself. Thanks again for what you do have a wonderful day!
Thanks and you too!
I love this coral look color! And who wouldn’t want the matching art?!?!
My thoughts exactly. hee hee. Thanks, Paula!
I have an end table I’d like to paint.
Sweet!
As always, you made something great out of “trash” – love that pinky/orangey color!
Thanks, Liz! Love me some #trashure.
I’ve got a vintage trunk I’m working on and I’d use the brushes on that. Thanks!
You bet!
Wow great find! Love how u painted it.
So good to hear, Natalie. Thank you!
Great makeover Larissa! Especially considering it is mid century, so different and unique! Thanks for the opportunity to win those Zibra brushes, I would love ❤️ to use these!!
The lines of this era are so intriguing to me. Love the spunk the offer!
I appreciate your creativity. You inspired me to finally paint some things we had for our family. I had been putting it off with the excuse that there wasn’t enough room in our small home to do a project, or enough time with homeschooling 4 kids… but, we now have a nice looking bookshelf! My sons’ dressers are next…
I am the same with schooling my 6. Crazy time consumption happens around here, but we get to it when we can. So fun!
That is so cool nicely done. I was wondering if you could provide more info at a later date as to how your JC made new guides and slides for the drawers? Thank you!
If I can get him to jump in with me, no problem. ha! (he doesn’t read my blog) We basically cut new hardwood, planed it with our bench planer, and then ran it over our dado blade to make the grooves. Simply put, right? One drawer was missing the slide, so that was a bit more simple to reproduce. Either way, a bit more work, but doable. 😉
Even your simplistic designs of the wall hanging look elegant with your background choices.
Thank you for saying so. I love the minimalistic look.
And I would use those fabulous brushes to paint my 55+ year old kitchen cabinets! We bought my parents home and the cabinets are the same as when they purchased the house. Kitchen is in desperate need of some refreshing!
ooh…sounds good to me! I love a fresh kitchen.
Your makeover is stunning! I have a Lillian August dresser that I found in a used furniture store last summer at 50% off! I have been contemplating how to paint it- color/paint etc. The brushes would help as it is a large piece with a lot of different details. Thanks for sharing! I love all your projects!
Score!! I love it when that happens. Yay and hope you win!
omigosh, I have so many projects to do…. don’t know which one would be first. Probably a small table, since I have many and they are one of my favorite things to collect. Don’t know if I could ever do a large piece like this one you’ve done. Very cool, Larissa !
You sound like me, Patty. So much to do and so little time! 😀
Oh how I want those brushes!!! I have a hutch that is crying to be painted!!!
Yay! These would be perfect.
I have a twin bed that I’m hoping my husband will help me turn in to a bench! Then it will need painting of course. ?
Of course. tee hee hee.
I love this makeover! My living room is mainly mid century and this piece is right up my alley! I’d have to use the brushes to finish off some remodeling we are doing.
Awesome! I love this era for so many reasons.
I am a brush junkie, but don’t have any of these brushes! A few years ago, I bought a small 3 drawer chest that I just love, but it’s the original wood stain from at least 50 years ago. It needs a new outfit, for sure and I’d paint it with these brushes, along with some pretty stenciling. Love your dresser!
Best get you some, girl! 😀 Thanks for the love, Kathy.
It wouldn’t work in my house, but I always love the mid mod furniture you work on.
Same for me…ha! They are just too sweet to pass up.
I too paint furniture but I seem to have problems with the brushes leaving streaks in the wet paint. The biggest problem however, is the bristles coming apart and ending up in the paint on my projects. I’m ready to step up my game and try Zibra paint brushes. Even if I’m not lucky enough to win, I’ll still be trying these because of your recommendation.
Those are the worst…I am a brush snob and am super-picky as I have been painting for nearly 20 years (can’t believe I just typed that – ugh).
Great makeover. I plan to make some primitive farmhouse benches and would love to try out these brushes!
Sounds like a wonderful project! Those benches are versatile.
This sad dresser is so lucky you came along when you did! It looks like a piece of art now! XOXO
Thanks, Christy!
Your painting is amazing and those brushes look amazing also!
Thanks, Maggie!
Your ability to think outside the box and create unexpected beauty always amazes me! I’m excited to explore my newest passion (thanks to you :-D) and these brushes will certainly help. thanks so much for your wonderful ideas and creativity!!
I love the make over. Hard to believe it’s the same piece.
Sweet to hear, Carla. Thank you!
Hi Larissa – I am so glad I found your blog…. as a homeschool mom myself I am inspired to see how you juggle everything you do with such grace and inspiration. My son is graduating from our community college with dual degrees this spring at the age of 17 and it’s time for this homeschool mom to embark on some new adventure… time to put all of those creative juices to work for a new purpose! Those paint brushes would be a welcome addition to my workshop 🙂
You are so sweet, Maria. Now about that grace part…hahahaha… Congrats to you both on the hard work and I’m so excited for your new ventures. Let the fun continue!
I love anything mid-century modern but woswers – this is awesome! Love it! You certainly have a gift! Great job!
You and me both, Renee. Thank you for the love. I needed it today!
I tried to leave a comment on your raffle thing but it would not let me. It also would not let me click on the visited page either.
That piece is very pretty. I would use the new paint brushes to tackle a turn of the 20th century secretary desk that I want to use for crafting.
Hmmm…not sure what’s up. Did you try a different browser or device?
I love how this turned out! The colors are perfect for this style. In addition, your wall art is wonderful! It’s amazing how you always pull everything together!
Now, those brushes! I’ve mentioned before, I have a garage full of project pieces! Yet, I still can’t turn away from a great buy. I just picked up a really old Queen Anne vanity, whose veneer top is bubbling up from heat damage. I also scored a chair to match it, with a 45% off coupon at a local antique shop! So…I could really use an awesome set of brushes, to turn these neglected lovelies into the stately showpieces they deserve to be!
You are much a kindred spirit, girl! This is my last big piece for a time. I need a break and have much to complete. Plus, my house is FULL! 😀
Oh my Larissa, am I swooning over that coral! You did an amazing job on this MCM dresser makeover. Love the gold accents, especially the gold metal grills insets. But you took this makeover over the top with that fabulous DIY Mod Art!
I was thinking of you while doing this! 😀 You and I share an affection for this era and I love that it found me. That art was like an hour project that I was flying on because that’s all the time I had. It felt so good!
Turned out beautiful… love the wall decor! I would put to good use painting my waterfall vanity. Fingers crossed!
Hooray! I wish everyone could win. 😀
Love this dresser! Very classic styling with an unexpected twist of color. I would use the brushes to paint several things that are lurking in my basement. I huge mirror to start with. Thanks!
What fun to hear! Thank you.
I admire your creativity and courage to be bold. I love the wood slat picture you made!
Would love this set of brushes to work on refinishing a few projects in my home.
I honestly have to hold back at times, but have fun nonetheless. Thanks so much, Terri!
So many projects, so little time! Don’t know how you do it all! Someone gave me an old, broken dresser that I plan to tackle soon and some new brushes would help.
I don’t either! ahahaha… just kidding, I don’t sleep. 😉 Thanks, Louise.
Okay, that was definitely a trash to treasure makeover! 😉 You really did an amazing job giving it new life. And that wall art is pretty fantastic too! Welcome to the group Larissa. xo
So happy to join this awesome crew. 😀
Always interested in trying new paint brushes. The right brush will make a project. The wrong brush can make a disaster. Thanks for the giveaway offer! Nice job on the dresser. I love the name of the paint color. I have a grouping of aloe plants around my mail box and that color is spot-on to the color of the flowers.
You said it. I’ve been painting for 20 years and have become a brush snob – picky! These have made my life much easier.
Hello,
I’m so excited to have found your inspirational site! These brushes would be perfect for painting the grained frames I make for the theorem paintings I do. Thank you!!
Elizabeth
How wonderful to have you, Elizabeth!
a lot different than i anticipated… but pretty cool. brushes! what a great gift!
Thanks!
You r the Queen of furniture makeover!! Love it.
hee hee! Thanks, Karen!
I am finally getting my own sew room and have five pieces of furniture to upcycle. The brus.hes would be a nice way to start. Your projects have inspired me greatly. thank you
How very exciting! I hope to have the same one day.
Great color combo for the dresser that I would not have thought of, though it works. As soon as I have recovered from recent knee surgery I have similar projects waiting (siren calling to me).
I hear that siren often. tsk. Hope your recovery goes quickly and easily.
I’m really not into modern furniture but you did a great job on that dresser and artwork. I’m sure that someone will be thrilled to get it. Thanks for the chance to win the 5 Zibra brushes. I know you have mentioned how much you enjoy using them. I’d love to have a set because I have several pieces of furniture that I’m planning to paint when it warms up.
Thank you, Bonnie
Love the makeover – it is stunning!. I have so many projects awaiting but would use these fabulous brushes to paint a dresser and night stands I am going to get started working on.
So awesome to hear, Debra. Thank you so much!
Thanks for a great giveaway. I would love to win those brushes.
You bet!
Amazing the vision you have with some of these pieces – very inspiring!
What fun to hear, Sue. Thank you.
THe brushes look awesome Larissa I’d love to win 🙂
You’d love them!
I do like your mid century dresser – very different. If I won the brushes ( which I also love) I’d paint an old two tier round table that I inherited from my aunt.
Sounds good. 😀
The first thing I would paint would be a dresser I found at a yard sale for my daughter.
Perfect.
Ohh!! I love it! This is exactly the kind of midcentury refresh I love to see. =) Bookmarking and pinning for inspiration in the future!
I guess I’d paint my bedside table. =) Got it at the thrift store for about $13, it’s ’80s orange laminate… no guilt about painting it here.
Wonderful to hear! I know the feeling. tee hee hee.
Oh my. I have this cute little mid century modern night stand with cute little legs that’s needs a fix. I’d paint that first. Eep!
Yay!!
Love the dresser! I would love to have new brushes to use on a little secretary I want to paint.
Sounds like a perfect project.
Way to break out of your comfort zone!
Thanks! Though I do these pieces all the time. They just aren’t in my home. I need two homes…a farmhouse and a loft. ha!
I have a nightstand I would like to transform.
Perfect.
Such creativity and inspiration! I have an old desk from my Dad’s house that I am prepping for a make over right now. These brushes would be wonderful to use for this project! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Thanks, Rachel! My pleasure to offer these gems.
My first love is Rustic Farmhouse too but loved this makeover. As for what project…I have so many projects hidden in my garage, I would probably close my eyes and pick one 🙂
A kindred spirit! I say I need a room of each era, right? 😀
Thank you for sharing your projects with us. I am so inspired by seeing what you do with your finds. I appreciate this last project of yours and how you stepped out of your style (I LOVE your fresh farmhouse style btw) to make that li’l gem shine. I have several dressers and a few bookshelves that I want to paint. This last dresser project of yours, gave me the idea to start with something that I am not so attached to and have some fun. I would love to have these Zibra brushes because I think they would help me get over my fear of brushmarks. Now if there just weren’t so many colors and paint types from which to choose….
Thanks so much, Paula. I do this style all the time, but just don’t have it in my home. Maybe one day I can have the best of both, eh? 😀 You made my day by saying you’re going to try. Yay for you!!
Such a fun makeover!
Thanks, Lindsay.
We are starting a pretty significant remodel in March. I love using your blog as inspiration! I have so many peices I want to paint or repurpose and I can’t wait to try my hand at this new adventure!?
How exciting! I hope it all goes to plan.
I am in the process of repainting a dresser and nightstand for my bedroom. It has been a lot of fun!
Wonderful!
Your projects are amazing. I have a hall tree I would love to paint next. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks so much, Ann. 🙂
Best part of my day is stopping by to see what’s new, thank you for your creative posts! 🙂
What a treat to hear. Thank you, Cindy!
Love your work. Beautiful makeover
Hugs to you, Vanesa. 🙂
I would probably paint my Buffet that my TV sits on. It needs a makeover!!
Saweet!
Looks great!
Thanks!
I too prefer a farmhouse/country look but that’s a fun way to update a mid-century piece.
I get too bored doing the same thing over and over, so when I do these pieces it gives me a refreshing feeling.
I love this, as usual–the gold is perfect!! AND I’ve never tried that brand of brush! I’ll have to now!
I love your blog and I love new brushes!!! Especially Z!bra!
Yay!! Thanks so much and I hope you win. 😀
I love your projects! Very creative 🙂 I would LOVE to have nice new brushes before starting my current antique trunk restoration!
Sounds like the perfect project piece. Thanks for the love!
Thank you for the inspiration. My Dad’s old chest of drawers and an old outdoor glider are among my next projects. New brushes would be awesome!
My pleasure, Lisa.
Great colors! I’d love to try this brushes and paint my bedside table!
That would be perfect.
It is so pretty and contemporary! I love it. I would paint our kitchen cabinets.
Thank you! Cabinets would be a breeze with these.
I would paint my kitchen chairs.
Sounds perfect.
Love the funky colors of your dresser makeover! Here’s what I would use the Zibra brushes for http://bid.hostetterauctioneers.com/images/lot/6159/6159030_2.jpg?1487106606 Just won it in an auction!
Score!! That is a sweet piece.
Love the dresser. I would paint a small mid century dresser/writing table.
Thanks! Sounds like the perfect project piece.
I do like what you did! I have quite a few pieces of furniture around the house that I have wanted to repaint.
These brushes will make a quick job of those. Yay!
I have a dresser that I’ve been wanting to paint for my granddaughter’s room. At this rate, she’ll be heading to college when inspiration hits me. I hope these brushes can help!!!
Ha! No worries, Christy. It will come to you!
I’d love to repaint my daughter’s rocking horse. It needs a makeover!
What a sweet project piece! 😀
I love what you did with the dresser! I love all the detail & color!
Ok-those paint brushes aka magic fingers, they can help gear me up for Spring to paint a 3 car garage full of furniture-my bad? LOL
Love that…magic fingers, because that’s what they are. Ummm…3 car garage full? hee hee hee
I love your blog and have learned a lot from your tips! I have a bunch of old furniture that was given to me that I would like to paint for our 100+ year old house. Thanks for passing on tips and inspiring me!
That’s so encouraging to hear, Renita. Thank you!
This was lovely and I esp love your wall art! And I hope i win the set! I am going to start with this little chair I bought it off of a college student neighbor’s porch. She offered it for Free, but I wasn’t going to take advantage of a poor college kid..tsk
Thank you, Grace. I know you can put these to use!
I would I would think I’m really cool old dresser I just
Sweet! 😀
I am about to start on a old telephone table with seat. It needs work, and paint, and a new cover for the seat. A piece that I wanted to keep but I do believe it needs a new home once I am finished, so it needs to be prefect.
I know what you me, Bev. Those are so cute and look great redone. Fun for you!
I would paint a round table and 4 chairs I have sitting in my garage waiting to be painted Thank You for the Giveaway!!
Sounds perfect!
Good brushes, quality paint is all one needs to let the creative side show. No matter what piece of furniture one is painting, the love of doing it wll shine through! !
Amen to that, Chris. I couldn’t agree more. 🙂
I bought an antique nightstand at a junque shop that needs restoring. Zibra brushes would certainly help!
Yes, they would. How fun!
I have some unfinished louvered wood shutters with a cathedral arch trim that I purchased for various craft projects. The Zibra brushes would be ideal for applying paint to the louvers and trim!
Ooh…that is speaking my language right there. Sweet!
I want to paint my bathroom vanity, I am trying to decide if I should try chalk paint!
You’ll never know until you try! I will say I just had a reader contact me that they just painted their vanity and couldn’t believe how easy it was. Yay!
We share so many of the same “loves” on the posts that you make. I always look forward to see what you are doing. Keep up the great projects. Would Love Love Love to win the paint brushes!
So sweet of you to send encouragement, Sandee. Thank you!
I passed up a piece almost identical to yours this morning at a yard sale! Kicking myslef now! Beautiful job!
We’re moving into a new house soon and I’m on the hunt for some hidden treasures like this to refinish. I’d love to try out the Zibra brushes. Paint sprayers are such a pain but I hate the streaks typical brushes leave behind.
Sounds like a great plan, Annie. Hope you win!
I’m remodeling my house , by myself..
There isn’t much that isnt getting painted! I’d love to try the brushes on my kitchen chairs.
Kudos to you, Elaine. That’s a tough job, and these brushes sure would help.
I just bought an old radio cabinet that has been gutted and converted to a cat hideaway table 🙂 I would love to try these brushes on the body of the piece.
I love old radios! How fun for you.
My dining table & chairs are in desperate need of t.l.c. d.i.y. The brushes would make my project much easier to complete.
Yes, indeed they would. I wish I had a set for everyone!
I need to get started on a table project I’ve been putting off! New brushes would surely inspire me?
Been there, done that. Ha! I’m sure they would be perfect for the job.
Love the makeover! I’d use the brushes to makeover a TV stand. I’ve been looking for something that catches my eye, but so far nothing. I may end up using my mom’s old buffet.
That would be sweet!
Amazing what paint can do, right?! Love the coral! I just picked up a FREE (woohoo!) end table/cabinet I want to re-purpose into a cat bed for my boyfriends mom for Easter. I’ll have to find out where these brushes are sold. Brush stroke free?? Is that even possible??? For realz?!
That would be a great project to tackle with these brushes. I carry them in my shop. 😉 See them HERE.
Love this!! I have an end table i want to redo!!
Perfect!
very nice love mid century modern
You and me both. Thank you!
I would paint a little side table that I have.
I would paint my toddler’s drawer.
Wonderful!