Do you ever find yourself wondering what it was like to live in a certain time period? One era I am sure wondering if I had what it took to survive were the days of prairie life, the 1800’s. Those folks had such determination to make it. While I sit at my desk with a screen full of comfort and ease, I sometimes ache for that simplicity. Today is Trash to Treasure Tuesday and I have a vintage chest makeover that I chose to give a touch of prairie style. Be sure to check out below for the other ladies’ makeovers.
At first glance you may not notice anything wrong with this chest. However, even though I noticed from the listing photo there were issues, the owner even pointed them out to me on delivery. He said it was his aunt’s chest that was a sorry sight before he got it. If you look at the top drawer, you will notice it doesn’t match the grain of the rest. The owner tried to sand down the veneer that was there, but it ended up coming right off. He decided to leave the green wood below and topcoat it.
THE GOOD THE BAD THE POTENTIAL
The rest of the surfaces, including the sides and top, also had veneer that was cracked, bubbling, and lifting. The owner had put a fresh topcoat, but it was still pretty evident damage was there.
Not to mention that those modern pulls also didn’t fit in the holes, and I can’t stand fake brass. ha! So, this little gem qualified for a vintage chest makeover.
First order of business was to fill the drawer pull holes. The were so large that the best way to resolve that was to insert a piece of dowel leaving a bit of space at the back. Cut off with a hacksaw and then tap in flush.
Next, I knocked down all the bubbles and cracks with my sander to get a smooth surface.
TIME FOR PAINT
Look at this pail of sunshine! It’s called Jackfruit by Behr, but I use Glidden paint.
This color reminded me of the simple daisy flower and it would suit the look I was after. Before that though, I used my handmade furniture wax to rub in places that I wanted distressing to occur. I use this method and my other methods when I want to heavily distress.
All I did next was paint two layers of the Jackfruit, letting it cure between coats and then for some added fun.
I realize that most prairie homes had extremely basic furniture and this chest makeover is by no means to replicate it, However, it is meant to give the feeling of simplicity. To create that feel, I did some hand-painting that I thoroughly enjoy giving it that extra touch.
The next step for my vintage chest makeover was to add these fantastic pulls by Rustic Brands. Aren’t they cool?
REVEAL TIME
Last, I use a bit of sandpaper to distress those waxed surfaces and edges, and then apply my hand-rubbed wax. Take a peek at my finished results.
The color is perfect for my vision. I had such fun praying, reflecting, and dreaming while working on this piece.
I envisioned the story of this chest to be one of great adventures, like being hauled across country to a new land. The chips and marks show love, and that this was a family-loved piece. Am I being a romantic? You betcha.
What made this piece feel more authentic were those truly unique pulls.
Peek inside to see the vintage wallpaper lining. See…It’s smiling at you. tee hee.
While you’re at it, if my newest creation strikes your fancy, you can purchase it from my online shop.
Finally, my hope is that my vintage chest makeover has inspired you to give DIY a try. Making your house your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Additionally, I invite you pin and share to inspire others too!
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Likewise, don’t miss out on the inspiration from these awesome ladies.
What is more, here are some projects like my vintage chest makeover:
I. Love the simplicity of the piece and you rocked it with that color?!
I’m so happy to hear it, Cheryl. I had fun just letting loose. Thank you!
I love the sunshine this piece brings the space! It is chippy perfection now! XOXO
It’s been so gray around here I had to do something! 🙂
LOVE that color!!! And the hand-painted details are perfect. Another homerun!!
happy dance!! Thank you, Cathy!
Larissa, are the horizontal tear drops on the top drawer also hand painted? And the bows ? I can see that the circles are a little different from each other so I know those are done by hand. What did you use for a circle before you painted the small white marks?
Yes, all hand-painted. Circles on the front and ovals on the side. I just drew the circles with chalk and went from there. I love to hand-paint. 🙂
I Love the softness you created with the yellow color and your hand painted designs! ❤️❤️
Thanks so much, Kaycee. 🙂
That is so sweet Larissa! I haven’t painted with yellow in a long time. It’s such a happy color! xoxo
It’s been a few years for me too and I needed some sun! 🙂
Oh I just love the yellow color on this piece and your hand painted details are just lovely, Larissa!
So pretty. I would definitely sneak it into the bedroom.
Beautiful, I love the rustic prairie charm!
So fun to hear. Thank you!
Larissa this is indeed a bit of sunshine. The addition of the white painted lovelies only makes it brighter and happier!!
Such a bright, happy color. And I love your hand painted designs, Larissa! It’s truly a treasure.
Thanks for the love, Jen.
Love your hand painted detail on this beautiful yellow shade. It’s just so pretty now.
I certainly had fun getting my smaller paint brushes out. One of my favorite pastimes. Thanks, Mary!
I think this is my favorite piece that you have worked your magic on ! Outstanding enough to become a piece in a furniture line ……maybe a new idea for you?
Thanks, Karen. It has always been on my mind to do many things, but I need time and manpower. One day… 🙂
Such a super cute makeover! It’s lovely to see something so blah turned into a vintage-look piece!
So sweet to hear, Natasha. Thank you!
Once again, a lovely outcome!
Thank you.
I love it Is the paint u use a chalk type paint
Thanks! For this piece I just used a latex in eggshell. 😉