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Vintage Chest Makeover with Prairie Style

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.

Vintage Chest Before Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Damaged Chest Top | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.om

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.

Repairing Holes in Chest Dresser | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Jackfruit Yellow Paint by Behr | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Waxing Chest for Distressing | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Larissa Haynes of Prodigal Pieces hand-painting | prodigalpieces.com

The next step for my vintage chest makeover was to add these fantastic pulls by Rustic Brands. Aren’t they cool?

Replica Antique Key Hardware by Rustic Brands | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Rustic Yellow Chest with Hand-Painted Designs by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Yellow Chest of Drawers in Prairie Style Bedroom by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The color is perfect for my vision. I had such fun praying, reflecting, and dreaming while working on this piece.

Distressed Chest of Drawers in Jackfruit Yellow by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Hand-Painted Yellow Chest by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Prairie Style Vignette by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

What made this piece feel more authentic were those truly unique pulls.

Rustic Brands Hardware of Vintage Chest Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Peek inside to see the vintage wallpaper lining. See…It’s smiling at you. tee hee.

Inside Yellow Vintage Chest Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While you’re at it, if my newest creation strikes your fancy, you can purchase it from my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Praire Style Bedroom with Vintage Chest by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Prairie Style Vintage Chest Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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Likewise, don’t miss out on the inspiration from these awesome ladies.

Trash to Treasure Tuedays - Thrifted Makeover Fun | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure Tuesday May 2017

  1. Bless’er House
  2. Arsty Chicks Rule
  3. Girl in the Garage
  4. Confessions of a Serial DIYer

What is more, here are some projects like my vintage chest makeover:

Knock-Off Pottery Barn Bench | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comHow to Freshen Up Your Outdoor Decor with Repurposed Planters and Succulents by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    I. Love the simplicity of the piece and you rocked it with that color?!

    • Larissa says

      I’m so happy to hear it, Cheryl. I had fun just letting loose. Thank you!

    • Larissa says

      It’s been so gray around here I had to do something! 🙂

  2. Cathy says

    LOVE that color!!! And the hand-painted details are perfect. Another homerun!!

  3. Patty Soriano says

    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?

    • Larissa says

      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. 🙂

  4. Kaycee says

    I Love the softness you created with the yellow color and your hand painted designs! ❤️❤️

    • Larissa says

      It’s been a few years for me too and I needed some sun! 🙂

  5. Sandra says

    So pretty. I would definitely sneak it into the bedroom.

  6. Annie (Canada) says

    Beautiful, I love the rustic prairie charm!

  7. Mary Vitullo says

    Love your hand painted detail on this beautiful yellow shade. It’s just so pretty now.

    • Larissa says

      I certainly had fun getting my smaller paint brushes out. One of my favorite pastimes. Thanks, Mary!

  8. Karen Baumgardner says

    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?

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Karen. It has always been on my mind to do many things, but I need time and manpower. One day… 🙂

  9. Natasha says

    Such a super cute makeover! It’s lovely to see something so blah turned into a vintage-look piece!

  10. Nancy Marshall says

    I love it Is the paint u use a chalk type paint

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! For this piece I just used a latex in eggshell. 😉

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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