A couple of months ago, I had told you about a treasure box of rusty goodness that I was blessed with by a man who had generously delivered a stash of furniture I had purchased from a garage sale around the corner. The only reason he thought to bless me with them was because of this lovely highboy chest of drawers below.
THE BEFORE
Okay, yes this is completely gorgeous in its original form. I mean, just look at the inlays, the design, and the craftsmanship. Stunning.
However, one of its wooden wheels on the front caster had been broken, leaving the caster empty. He knew how hard it was to find one to replace it. That tackle box of casters was a major SCORE!! God is good.
As much as I would have loved to refinish this chest of drawers back to its original glory, there was some irreparable damage. Something had spilled and stained the top, and the side veneer was missing large pieces. So, in order to give this lovely lady the true makeover she deserved, I want to go all out to give her a show-stopping, dolled up, look-at-me-now face-lift. You can see my other furniture makeovers in my project gallery.
After applying wood filler to the sides, and sanding down wear, I used Kilz as a base coat to hide that top stain, and then finished with a coat of antique white paint using Webster’s chalk paint powder. That gave the dresser a fresh new look.
All I kept thinking was that she needed some jewelry. See those pearl looking details?
Now for the fun part. Because I didn’t really want to hide that fantastic inlaid work with paint, I wanted to draw it out in “jewelry” style. A girl needs to be glamorous every once in a while, right? To create the bejeweled effect, I used Modern Masters Champagne Metallic paint and Folk Art Pearl White Metallic paint.
THE REVEAL
I just love to hand paint, almost find therapy in it, and adding that texture to the piece made painting it worthwhile.
I am so pleased with how it came out. After finishing the process with a hand-rubbed topcoat of natural wax, I just stepped back and sighed.
Isn’t she lovely? swoon…
Yet again, I really debated on keeping this one for my little princesses. They already have furniture, but nothing as glamorous as this gal.
The dresser didn’t last long in my online shop, as you can imagine.
Another happy ending for a dresser that was hiding in a garage, for me having the pleasure to glam it up, and for the new owner getting to enjoy it to the full.
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If you’ve enjoyed this chest of drawers makeover, then you’ll love these too:
Oh my that is a gorgeous makeover, no surprise it went quickily. Love how you brought out the details with a pearl finish. I’m with you re: handpainting details is like therapy!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista
This is stunning! Those metallic accents are the perfect touch!!
This looks really pretty. I love the change. I’m so not crafty or talented in this way!!
The metallics are breath taking. Wish I had been in your shop when you put it up for sale!
This is lovely, Larissa! I especially like the way you took inspiration from the light and dark details of original woodwork in your painting choices. It’s always when beautiful wood is damaged, but your makeover really did it justice 🙂
Stacy @ Anastasia Vintage
That’s absolutely incredible. You’re amazing! And your hand painting is gasp-worthy! I wish I could hand paint, but it’s ended in disaster when I try!
Fantastic color choices too!
Another “Wow” piece!
Wow is right-stunner!
I love the detailed effects. Can you explain how you applied Modern Masters Champagne Metallic paint and Folk Art Pearl White Metallic paint: was it before you waxed the paint? Also did you use a brush? Lovely and thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I used a artists’ brush before waxing. Just a steady hand and a bit of time is all you need. :o)
Fabulous! Your talent screams in this piece!
LOVE IT! You are amazing the work you do to restoring these peices. 🙂
Thank you so much, Vivian! I feel as though each one I work on is a member of my family because of all the time I spend with them and know their faults and history. What a blessing to be able to do what I do!
Wow, you have done an amazing job. …once again. I love getting to know old pieces of furniture. I was wondering, what is your favorite color of white and what color of paint powder did you use? It looks so pretty and fresh.
I used Antique White by Behr with Webster’s Chalk Paint Powder for this piece. 😉 Thank you!
I love it! but, why didn’t you keep it for your girls? that would look awesome in a girl’s bedroom
Believe me, they have plenty. 🙂 Plus, I did this a few years ago.
Beautiful!
Thank you ,Virginia!
Ohhh! I love this. It is simple, yet elegant! Beautiful job Larissa ❤️
Thank you so much, Karen.