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Chest of Drawers with Dolled-up Details

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.

Rusty Antique Tackle Box Full of Antique Casters by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
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?
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
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.
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
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.
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
 Isn’t she lovely?  swoon…
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
Yet again, I really debated on keeping this one for my little princesses.  They already have furniture, but nothing as glamorous as this gal.
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
The dresser didn’t last long in my online shop, as you can imagine.
Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
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.
Worn out Art Deco carved chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
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Worn out Art Deco chest of drawers gets a French makeover complete with jewels by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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If you’ve enjoyed this chest of drawers makeover, then you’ll love these too:

A garage sale freebie Art Deco water dresser gets a sweet Volkswagen Bus makeover by Prodigal Pieces prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesDiamond in the Rough Thrifted Dresser is damaged and missing parts, but with a little TLC, it now showcases an Old World Look by Prodigal Pieces prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Comments

  1. Marie Blackburn says

    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

  2. Andrea Bates says

    This looks really pretty. I love the change. I’m so not crafty or talented in this way!!

  3. Jeannie says

    The metallics are breath taking. Wish I had been in your shop when you put it up for sale!

  4. Stacy&Eric Anastasia Vintage says

    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

  5. Rapunzel says

    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!

  6. nanwil says

    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!

  7. Ellen Braunberger says

    Fabulous! Your talent screams in this piece!

    • Larissa says

      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!

  8. Debbie Sell says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      I used Antique White by Behr with Webster’s Chalk Paint Powder for this piece. 😉 Thank you!

  9. Brenda Van Riper says

    I love it! but, why didn’t you keep it for your girls? that would look awesome in a girl’s bedroom

    • Larissa says

      Believe me, they have plenty. 🙂 Plus, I did this a few years ago.

  10. Karen Cofield says

    Ohhh! I love this. It is simple, yet elegant! Beautiful job Larissa ❤️

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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

Prodigal Pieces
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.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

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

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

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

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

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

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

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!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
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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