Have you ever heard of a Broyhill Brasilia? You will now. True story: A few weeks ago, I was in a nearby city and was looking for a chair to pair with a vanity. I had never been in this particular thrift store that had relocated to an old empty mall and had heard it was a great place to hit.
I had avoided stopping there in the past, knowing that my stash was full and it’s so hard to resist a deal, but I needed a chair, right? You would be proud. I did so good. Walked right past an awesome desk, some French style tables, and even was ready to walk back out. Then I saw it.
Draw dropping to the floor with a squeal (I really did squeal out loud and the man nearby looked queerly at me). Here was what I would not be leaving without, even if I had to drag it home.
STICKERS
This, my friends, is a Broyhill Brasilia. A highly coveted and collected Mid Century Modern line of American furniture designed by Oscar Niemeyer during the 1960’s. In original condition, it’s valued in the thousand-dollar range.
This purple beauty was my very first custom order for another Brasilia I had in my stash years ago.
I cleaned it up and stuck in my onilne store as a custom listing.
It needed love and it takes creativity to imagine away that wear and tear it had. I waited a week and then recreated the Brasilia how I thought best. I’m so patient. tee hee.
THE REVEAL
Ta da! With a little sanding and some paint, I stuck it in my shop with a new look and it sold in a couple hours. *insert the song “Happy” here*
See…it’s smiling at me, saying “Thank you!”
I hope you enjoyed this makeover and my little story to go with it. To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
More Mid Century fun like this Broyhill Brasilia:
What a transformation! Love, love, love it! The price? How on earth did you snag that kind of deal!
Your vision is amazing! I would never have given it a second look in the condition it was in when you found it. But, it turned out fabulous! I can see why it sold so quickly! Well done! Wow!
This is so gorgeous! I’ve had a few brasilia pieces in my possession. 2 were in great condition and I sold them after using them for a while, but I still have one that is not in great condition. I’ve always been against painting pieces in this line, but it’s been sitting for over a year and I think it’s time! Awesome job!
What a score! I also have a 3 piece set. Still waiting to paint them. Love what you did to the white one! Very nice. I’m sorry to say I didn’t like that pinkish one you did. whatever paint you used just didn’t do the piece justice. sorry. But the way you did this one, perfecto!
I have a BR set with the shaping similar that on the top front of this piece. But mine is not Brasilia.It’s mid-century motel.
I’m trying to put grey where you have the wood, and white where you have white. Have you done a tutorial on painting these sections without smudging the paint where the light and dark meet? If you do, would you give link. I could sure use some help.
I love what you have done. Brasilia is such a great line of furniture and I can see why people prize it. I like the pink one as well.
Larissa, I so enjoy how you bring life to castaway furniture! Just a treat to follow your blog. I do a few pieces now and then myself, but your vision for these treasures is amazing :0
She’s a beauty, and it’s no surprise she sold right away after her refreshing coat of paint. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.
It looks beautiful the way you painted it Larissa! Love the white!
Thank you, Susan! Those pieces just call my name, I tell ya. 😉
Your always do the most stunning transformations!….No wonder I always open your posts 1st?????
Woot! How fun to hear that, Fran. Thank you!
Such a beautiful design on the top drawer, unique and eyecatching. I like how you highlighted the design with paint and kept some of the natural wood for a peek-a-boo effect. I see why it sold so fast!
You are so sweet, Audra. Thank you! I may not have MCM in my home, but I truly love the lines of the era. I may need to remedy that. 😉
Beautiful! I love redoing MCM furniture! Love what you do, my friend!
Thanks!
WOW! Your transformations never disappoint me. Brilliant re-do!!
Wahoo!! Thank you, Cathy. Painting it was the only way to give it value back.
Was it too far gone to restore to its original look? I can’t imagine painting a Brasilia but it did come out lovely in the end. I want to kick whoever let a kid put stickers on it! Haha
Yes, as I mentioned in the write-up, the stickers and much of the veneer was damaged. I kept telling it how sorry I felt for it. Poor thing…haha.