It’s a good day when I can tackle a project that has literally been staring me in the face for months. Can I get an amen? If you read my recent post about a vintage French Provincial secretary desk I refinished from our daughters’ bedroom remodel, you know I have more pieces to go. Today, it’s this vintage chest of drawers turn. happy dance!!
Back in January we began our remodel journey by gutting the room completely. With that, this furniture has been sitting in my living room. ugh. That’s two chests of drawers, one desk with hutch, and a dozen large boxes. We’ve nearly completed the remodel, thankfully, and are able to get new pieces in and build custom storage as well. So, stay tuned!
In the the meantime, I’m working through the pieces we no longer need. This chest and one other are last on the list that are Mid Century Modern French Provincial. With the girls’ room, we just purchased furniture that kinda matched as a temporary fix. I had no idea it would be this long before we could get to their room, but it is THE LAST room in our house that needs remodeled. {{angels sing}} Let’s take a closer look…
PEEK-A-BOO
First, this beauty is build like a rock. I found the original manufacture date as well as a label that states it’s made of beech harvested in Tennessee by the Cabinet Company. How cool is that?!?
Can you see the “Patina Blanc” on the last label? They painted this gorgeous wood originally and it is trying to peek out here and there. Someone else before me painted over the original finish and didn’t do a great job, but not a bad job. See the original white-ish color underneath? It obviously yellowed over time.
As you can imagine, my sander is itching to come out and play to see what I’m up against. There is a primer, two coats of original, and two coats of another paint. Hot mess!
However, do you see that beautiful beech grain under there? While I’d love to sand it all down, my shoulder and the cost to do it don’t justify the end. To make it a fresh project, I also decide to do the drawers as well as the top.
NEXT STEPS
As with any project like this, I ran though several sanding pads, came out looking like I just survived a building collapse. haha. It’s time to move onto the next part of my vintage chest of drawers makeover. Then, I begin by painting the cabinet part of the chest a simple white.
At first, I really went through the spectrum of colors in my mind and what to do with this. However, when I came upon the wonderful wood grain I had to let it take center stage. Likewise, to make it pop, I accent the edge of the drawers with a soft blue. (you knew I can’t stray too far from blue, right? Notice my sandals…ahem)
Next, while the cabinet and drawers cure, I tackle the hardware. If you scroll up to the first pic, you’ll see one set was replaced by a near-identical set of swag pulls. That doesn’t bother me, but the original mix of metals isn’t pretty any longer. Enter in this spray paint. woot!
I used this exact spray paint to paint my downspouts on my house and my mailbox. I love it! Who knew…aged rust in a can…mwahaha! In addition, I take an old candle (as with all my makeovers with drawers) and wax the bottom of the drawers, the guides, and edges of all drawer opening surfaces.
FINISH
At long last, this vintage chest of drawers now has a new lease on life with a modern vibe to last for many more years to come.
Isn’t the wood gorgeous? It’s my favorite light wood tone and is showcased beautifully. Do you enjoy the new look too?
Not only are these pieces built to stand the test of time, but they also have unique functions like this tray for jewelry in the top drawer…
…and neat sections for garments like this too.
I’d love to hear your comments below. Also, if you’d like to add this to your own home story, you can find it and much more available in my online store.
In addition, pin and share so that others are inspired to revive their worn-out pieces too. It’s fun!
Before you head off, be sure to sign up for my newsletter to see what becomes of this antique filing cabinet drawer. In the meantime, HEAD HERE. Until next time!
Also, more French Provincial makeovers like this vintage chest of drawers:
Absolutely beautiful! You’ve outdone yourself 🙂
How sweet are you. Thank you so much!
Not only did you update this piece, you did an amazing job highlighting the beautiful wood and solidness of the piece!! The blue is a master stroke! Gorgeous!! ???
I am enamored with the craftsmanship of these pieces. They are rare and built so strong. Thank you, Rebecca!
I have my mother’s bedroom suite made by Davis Furniture in the early 50’s. It is still in perfect shape and the original stain is still in tact. I love using it and it has the drawer sections like yours.
What a treasure you have! Enjoy it to the full.
It’s beautiful and I’m glad you didn’t paint the entire dresser since the wood is awesome. Speaking of, how did you protect the wood? I want to do something similar to some end tables. And it is hard to believe how far into summer that we are!
No joke, eh? Summer is flying by. I used a matte poly on the wood. Natural wax would work too. Thanks, Barb!
This dresser is amazing Larissa. We’ve talked about raw wood before, but I really like the blue accent on the drawers!! Have you ever used a heat gun to strip paint? I have, but I took me a long time and I’m still not done (put it on hold for now) I am still agonizing over when to start on my pile of stuff in my basement. Hopefully one day I’ll have a finished project to share with you.
Summer has gone fast. We had another round of storms last night. A tornado hit a neighboring rural area and took out some bins and possibly a shop,. A kind lady in another neighboring area ( who bakes most of the pies for fair) lost part of her barn and possibly other buildings on her property.
We need the rain desperately but not the tornados, hail or straight line winds that came with it.
This fall we will be homeschooling our youngest again and need to find the right program yet-time is running out.
Yes! I actually have a video demonstrating it HERE and HERE.
It sure has. That’s awful about the barn! So sad. Enjoy the rest of the summer days.
I don’t often comment to my blog reading, but had to do so on this one. This is absolutely gorgeous!
Your comment means the world to me (and other bloggers) because it’s feedback on our life’s work. Thank you for taking the time, Gina. Hugs!
very nice transformation! love your color choices and details!!! great job!
Thank you bunches, dodie! I had fun with it, especially after seeing it in its “before” state for so long. 😀
Wow! I think the neighbors may have heard me gasp as I scrolled to the finished piece! 🙂 Seriously, once again, your handiwork has restored this now beautiful, very well built, dresser to keepsake status Larissa. The blue…I would have never ever thought of using blue along those drawer edges! But that makes the beechwood and hardware just “pop”…Well done. Its now gorgeous!
Mary, I could just hug ya! You made me giggle and my heart beam. Thank you.
Hi Larissa!! They just dont make them like this anymore. The new furniture is so sad. I love the way you brought out that beautiful wood. Love the blue and white too. Great job!!
Hi Cheryl! You are so right, and it is sad. Most new furniture ends up at the curb. Thanks for the love!
It’s so pretty Larissa! Just that “kiss” of blue is perfect!
How fun to hear from you, Kim! 😀 Thank you for bringing a smile to my face.