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Leah Dresser (Before & After)

Sometimes furniture is just crying out to be painted.  I mean really crying.  This dresser was solid wood. Perfect drawers and solid body. I think it is probably from the 1960s.  It was just looking very shiny and had that yellow style stain on it.

These photos were taken in the basement so it is making it look even more yellow.  The pulls also make it look very dated.

I knew this would look perfect in a beachy style, but first the holes had to be filled and new ones drilled for the new hardware.  We used Bondo by 3M to fill the holes and it was a great product to work with. It dried very quickly and sanded like wood, too.

This is how Leah came out with the new hardware:

I dreamed of a driftwood style dresser but when I tried doing a wash over the stained wood I hated it.  The yellow tone of the wood wasn’t pretty against the French Linen. Then I had a stroke of genius.  I’ll do the Restoration Hardware(ish) effect I learned at Haven:

I was painting away – one coat Pure White followed by one coat French Linen Chalk Paint®.  Then I started using a wet rag to pull away the color.  I was really putting my elbow into it and it was not looking like my sample board above.  I even wore away some of the paint on the top trying to get it to distress.  I read Marian’s recap from the painting workshop and this wasn’t the right piece for this technique.  The wood was too shiny, oak or pine would be better, and it was much too large.

Disappointed is an understatement.  What to do?  I decided to wash the piece – first a wash of French Linen and then a wash of Duck Egg Blue (my favorite) Annie Sloan shade.  To create a wash simply add water to the paint.  I distressed the whole piece and sealed with clear wax.

This one was meant to be this color.  Beautiful shades of blue, taupe and white with a hint of wood.

The Leah Dresser is like a day at the beach – soothing colors of the sand and restful hues of the sea.

The pulls are gorgeous.  They are the Sheraton Style Bail Pull by D. Lawless.  I am simply in love with that rope detail:

Here’s how the whole dresser looks:

Leah went home from my Saturday Open Studio with Leah (our neighbors’ daughter) and she is loving her.  The antique gold frame went home with Rebecca from Rhode Island.  I’m looking forward to catching up with her, Nancy and Elyse Major on my next trip to the Sea Rose Cottage.

What do you think?

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Disclosure: D. Lawless provided me with the Sheraton Bail Pulls and 3M provided me with Bondo to try.  I love both products.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.


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RPK Interiors
10 years ago

It turned out beautifully. That dated style, but good quality furniture made for a great makeover! I love the end result! Fresh and updated for today’s home!
Robin

Danielle
10 years ago
Reply to  RPK Interiors

Thank you so much, Robin. I love how doing the washes added so much depth to the piece of furniture. Thanks for stopping by. x

Robyn
10 years ago

Wow! I absolutely love this piece, Danielle. That colour is so perfect. I’m always so attracted to blues but mixed with the slight hints of taupe and white transformed this piece into something special. Love it!

Sherry at The Rusty Pearl

It turned out fabulous. AS you can see by my blog girly .. I too love the Sea ..anything SEA inspired etc. I love this dresser and it looks fab the way you painted it and all the accessories look amazing. LOVE your blog sister !!!

Junkchiccottage
10 years ago

Danielle,
Stunning. Great job on this dresser. Just gorgeous.
Kris

rms
rms
10 years ago

This comment has been removed by the author.

Rebecca from Rhode Island

I love how you let the piece evolve. Gorgeous.

And I’m loving my frame! Look forward to seeing you soon!

Danielle
10 years ago

Thank you, Rebecca! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the frame. See you in a few weeks. x

Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home

I’d definitely call this a happy accident! Beautiful color in the end and the gold pulls are so great with the dusty blue.

Diane Jordan
10 years ago

Hi lovely lady.
You did a Gorgeous job! I hope you have a great week with your family, also come see me if you can,
xxoo
Diane

Danielle
10 years ago
Reply to  Diane Jordan

Thank you so much, Diane x I appreciate your comments! Hope you’re having a lovely week. x

Katie Cook
10 years ago

Just AMAZING!! you are so talented!

karen@somewhatquirky
10 years ago

It turned out beautifully. Nice job!

fiona anderson
10 years ago

I’m not surprised she sold, she looks wonderful. I didn’t realise (when I saw the open house pics) that she was such a tall chest of drawers, I’m loving the overall size and shape, as well as the great finish.

Leena Milligan Lanteigne

This was one of those try it , hate it, redo, LOVE IT! I’m glad you had the patience to keep with it because it turned out beautifully! Those are usually the best kind because we’ve really put our heart and soul into them. Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Leena

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

Really beautiful Danielle and the hardware just sparkles like jewelry!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique

You know that old saying Danielle… enjoy the journey on the way to the destination. I think Leah had to undergo a few colours and techniques to find that perfect patina for her new look. She is perfect!!

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥

Your pieces are ALWAYS amazing!!!! : ) Your patience sure did pay off my friend! : ) hugs…thanks for sharing and wanted you to know…I was going to combine Junkin Joe with the Mason Jar Linky Party tomorrow…but decided to post Junkin Joe on it’s own…you guys deserve your own post and I don’t want you to have to miss a week…so make sure to look for a new JJ tomorrow! : ) hugs…