What’s a mom supposed to do when her kids ask to go to the thrift store? Take a deep breath and reply, “Sure, but you know, I just may find something there that I can’t leave and that means hauling it home, etc., etc.” They bat an eyelash, but I’m like…I want my storage space open just for a while! haha. Well, as I walked out to our vehicle I bid farewell to the open spaces and continued on my journey. Last week I showed you what I did with the farmhouse drop-leaf table I found that day. Today, I’m going to show you how a classic piece became a Boho Mid Century Modern dresser. Take a look…
When I shared this pic on social media everyone thought it was the most awesome piece they had ever seen. I was actually only sharing how one who is crazy enough to have this much stuff stores it. That there is the thrifted dresser turned upside down to store it and maximize space. hahaha!!
Here is the dresser for today’s makeover right side up and looking kinda blah.
THE STORY
Here’s the run down on it: Cons: rusted feet, missing pull, broken drawer guide, dog chewing, top stripped loose, overall wear. Pros: made by Bassett, awesome lines, dove-tailed drawers, doesn’t stink, and has some wood (bummer – laminate top). Since I had a 35% off coupon burning a hole in my pocket so you can best bet I used it on all the goodies I scored that day.
Bummer that the top is laminate while the rest is veneer. That’s okay. Bonus was I found the missing pull inside and behind one of the drawers when I flipped it upside down. Too funny! And…I found this…
I laughed so hard and almost put these on over my clothes to show my kids and take a pic for you, but I thought I might scare the pants off of some of ya. bwahahaha!! My blogger friends had a giggle and they all shared the “gems” they’ve found inside their furniture finds. Amazing to hear it…wow.
Okay, so back to the piece in question. If you haven’t seen my past Mid Century Modern makeovers, take a peek at these posts. I find the lines of these pieces begging for me to add my creative side if I can’t restore them to original glory. This one was asking me for Boho vibe (Bohemian with some funk), and I was eager to oblige.
DIY TIME
First, I wanted to showcase the wood as much as I could, so I grabbed my sander got them to a fresh start. Looking good, eh?
Since the top was laminate, I gave the cabinet of the dresser a whole new look. I lightly sanded and then applied Gripper Primer like I did to the Broyhill desk I did recently seen HERE. This time though, instead of spraying, I used the micro foam rollers I love.
I let that cure and then went on to the drawers. The cabinet is getting a solid coat of the first color below. However, the rest is getting the Boho Mid Century Modern dresser treatment I mentioned earlier.
NEXT
I have had these seconds paints in my stash and wanted to use them up. The colors are seconds and are yet to be named. I chose these 3 to create a sort of ombre feel to a portion of the drawers using 3 different brushes.
You can see I used FrogTape to mark off where I wanted to work and simply blended the colors to the shading I wanted. Meanwhile, I cleaned up the pulls and gave them a coat of this spray paint called Pure Gold. I’ve used it often as I love the soft lustre it has and is perfect for the Boho Mid Century Modern feel I’m after.
THE REVEAL
I put it back together and voila!
Boy, I had fun with this! I’m delighted that the new look is what I was after. The blue, as you may know, is one of my favorite colors because it can go with most anything and any style.
The serpentine top drawers create that unique contrast from the hard and soft lines I created using paint. Instead of staining the remaining wood parts of the drawers, I simply used a white wax to soften them and protect them as well.
For me, the Mid Century style mixed with Boho is the perfect combination. You have geometric shapes and forms that basically meet up with natural elements like textiles and organic materials like plants, baskets, and fiber arts.
The boxes are a new addition to my shop that can be custom finished, along with this Bassett dresser. We have fun sharing and creating with you to help you make your house your home. Do sign up for my newsletter to get a discount off of your first order. See details below.
DETAILS
In case you are wondering, the feet just need a light sanding. Then, I give them a couple of coats of the same spray I used on the knobs and pulls.
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this makeover along with learning a few new things. I surely love to share and create along with you.
SHARE & INSPIRE
Additionally, pin and share this Boho Mid Century Modern dresser makeover to inspire others to looks past obvious flaws. It could be something from the thrift store or sitting around your home just waiting for you to give it a DIY try. You never know what can made new!
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Christina in SW FL says
Larissa, this is a stunning makeover! I didn’t see this coming and it really is chic. Love the colors and the design is top notch. Thanks for all the details and tips.
Larissa says
What a fun piece to have to work on, and I’m so glad you like it, Christina. Thanks!
Bonnie says
Wow you really outdid yourself on this. Though I am not a fan of this kind of furniture you really made this stand out. Love that blue! You have such beautiful God given talent.
Larissa says
You’re such a sweetie, Bonnie. Thank you for the blessing!
Michele Branham says
It looks great! I love the ombre effect.
Larissa says
Thanks! That was super fun to do. Glad you like it!
ColleenB.~ Tx. says
WOW, Larissa; you totally knocked my socks off. Love what you had done to the dresser; totally Awesome.
I remember waaaaaaaaaaay back when, when my parents had the whole bedroom set just like this; bed, dresser along with chest of drawers. I would give anything to have a complete bedroom set like this today.
Great job on choosing just the right colors for this beautiful piece.
ColleenB.~ Tx. says
Oh, on another note; was nice to see that you used the same hardware. :}
Larissa says
I was so stoked to find the missing one. Yay!
Larissa says
How fun to hear! Thank you. I know what you mean. I always say I could have a home or at least a switch to change my house from style to style. I love so many.
Becky G says
Absolutely beautiful!! I love it.
Larissa says
Thank you for saying so, Becky. 😀
Cathy says
WOW!!! WOW!!! That’s all I got – incredible my dear!!!!
Larissa says
Works for me!! Thanks for the awesome giggle. 😀
Carol S says
Larissa, this is an amazing makeover! Really, really good job. Such vision you have!
Larissa says
What a treat to hear you like it. Fun for me in many ways to share.
Sheila Ahern says
Love it! We have a MCM dresser that is begging for some help 🙂 It was my father in laws, so we won’t ever part with it, but I would love to bring it back to life for my hubby! This one is gorgeous!
Larissa says
Sounds like fun!
Amy says
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!! What a change!! Beautiful job!
Larissa says
Yippee!! I just fell in love with the lines. Thank you!
Judy Burnside says
Wow! I really like this makeover. The mid-century style furniture feels so familiar because as I child I remember my bed and dresser were almost a blonde color (with a slightly greenish tint), and yes, the laminated tops!! I kinda wish I could find those again, and try out a makeover like you have done – so unique, great personality. Thanks for always inspiring me!
Larissa says
Funny how time flies, isn’t it? I bet you could find a set if you looked. So many out there. 🙂
Debra Wise says
Another stunning makeover! You never cease to amaze me with your talent!
Larissa says
What makes this so fun is hearing your encouragement. Thank you, Debra!
Robyn Wright says
What a pleasant surprise! I really like it! Very creative!
Larissa says
Thank you!
Kimberly says
Normally MCM is not my bag, even though I appreciate it. However, this piece *WOW* I could see it going with many different styles. You have knocked it out of the park again!
Larissa says
Funny how I don’t have any in my home, but totally love the style. Fun to redo. Thanks for the love!
Marie says
Gorgeous makeover, Larissa! Love the color, geometric detail, and shiny gold hardware. Pinned
Larissa says
Thanks, Marie! I thought of you when working on this.
Darlene says
Larissa, that dresser is beautiful! I always cannot wait to see what you do with your lovely finds. Keep up the good work!
Larissa says
Tis my absolute pleasure to share. Thank you!
Staci Richard says
Again, you continue top your previous projects. I always say, “This one is my favorite”, but that continues to be fluid with each project you complete. God certainly blessed you with great skill and talent, Larissa! Thanks for sharing the how’s and why’s of your lovely work! God bless!
Larissa says
You know your words mean so much to me, Staci. Thank you! I certainly feel blessed to be able to share. Hugs!!
Mary says
Wow my eyes nearly popped out when I saw this one Larissa. The paint job only makes it look better. I’ve been wrestling with one for weeks now and not getting anywhere. Love the modern of this beauty.
Larissa says
ahaha!! Thanks for the awesome giggle! I can’t wait to see what you do with yours, Mary. 😀
Pamela says
I love this ❤ Love those colors and that you left some natural wood. The gold really pops. I might has missed the step, but did you use a sealer on the wood?
Larissa says
Thanks! I used a white wax on the wood surfaces. 😉
DINA GREENBERG says
I LOVE this piece!. Any chance you recall the paint colors or recommend something similar?
Larissa says
Thank you, Dina. Since they were seconds paints, I have no idea the color. However, I mentioned I used two blues in the same color family as well as a creamy white. I hope that helps. 🙂
Janet Schen says
Larissa, you hit it out of the park with this dresser! It is fabulous! You inspire me to get busy!
Larissa says
You’re so fun, Janet! Thank you for saying so. It’s one of my favorite MCM pieces.