Monday, September 6, 2010

A Dresser Finds a New Life

In an effort to transform my office into my craft room, I knew it was vital to find some good storage. Unfortunately, my budget didn’t allow me to build this.

dream craft

From my Feathered Nest 

However, this little beauty was definitely in my budget.

craftroom dresser

Okay, so maybe she’s not quite a beauty (yet), but at $23.00, I couldn’t resist buying it. Like the “handle” on the right side?   dresser before

As soon as I got it home, I went to town taking all that extra stuff off.  Big frilly medallion, be gone! I wiped it all down with my handy, dandy TSP cleaner and gave it a layer of primer.

IMG_0997

Once the primer was dry, I rolled on some paint with a foam roller. I used a cheap craft brush for all the crevices. 

IMG_1000

Wanna see my favorite part? Behind that big ol’ chunky door are three drawers. I love that feature!

painted dresser

Unfortunately, I can’t remember what color paint I used, and I stupidly threw away the can!  What was I thinking???  You’ll see why that’s a major problem for me in a minute.

painted dresser

And finally…the reveal!

craft room dresser

Having a craft room, I find that there’s quite a balance between making it pretty and making it functional. I’m trying to include decorative pieces, but I don’t want to hide too many of my “go to” devices. Then, what’s the point in having a craft room?  cherry blossom canvas

If you haven’t noticed it yet, you’ll see that I forgot to paint an entire strip at the base of the dresser. WHA????  I know. I painted it in the dead of winter, and I must not have paid attention to it. Of course, the major problem with that is the whole you threw away the paint can, you idiot! missing paint issue.  I’ll get to it. Someday.

craft room cherry blossom

I know you’ve been waiting (well, 2 of you have) for the reveal of this room, and I promise it’s almost there. I was on the hunt for cheap window treatments, and I just found them. Now it’s just a matter of getting my man of the house (that would be my 11-year old for three more weeks) to help me hang them!

craft room

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh this is gorgeous, and now of course I am DYING to know that paint color!!!! This is sort of what I am working toward (storage solutions) with the stereo cabinet I found. You did a fabulous job, thanks for inspiration.... And that little strip on the bottom, no one will notice but you! :-)

Cap Creations said...

WOW! It is beautiful! Can not believe it! Great job.

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Looks fantastic and I love the color, so I hope you find out what paint color it is!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Your cabinet turned out beautiful.

You could probably use some white paint on that bottom strip and no one would notice.

hugs
Sissie

The Oxford Family said...

I love it! Where does everyone find these steal deals on furniture?!?! I never do!

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

looks great! Can't wait to see the final project. As for the bottom piece...eh, just find some paint that is close and paint it. No one will notice if it's "close enough!" ;-)

Anonymous said...

love it!!!!! it turned out fabulous!

Lisa said...

LOVE the dresser! I have an old one that's big like that but I'm terrified to paint it!

Nicole said...

I've been teetering about buying the painting you have up in there and this post just sealed the deal!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful piece for only $23 and paint! I love the details and have little doubt you will figure out the paint situation. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing the rest of the room!

Jill said...

This looks so good! I'm so inspired to save sad furniture now!!!

Richella Parham said...

Lookin' good, Chris! What a great job on that dresser. You'll get around to painting that final bit some time. Or maybe you'll just paint it the color of your floor so that it'll disappear.

I think I'm one of the two (two hundred or two thousand, maybe) who are eager to see the big reveal on this room. And then we'd all like to come over and do some crafting with you in your beautiful room!

TLF said...

It looks fantastic!!!

Momof3 said...

OMG. Gorgeous. I just bought a small dresser for my dining room - linens, small serving dishes, etc. You have given me the inspiration to refinish it myself. Thanks for showing me what can be done.

These Are The Days said...

I love when things get redone rather than thrown out or bulldozed over. Nice work.

Mindy said...

I love it! paint is an amazing thing, I'm always so inspired by what a coat of paint can do to something old, the drawers in the middle section are smart, good job!

Melinda said...

Cool transformation!!!

Melinda

Sarah said...

Wow! It's beautiful!!! What a great find and what great vision to see what it could become! Can't wait to see more of your craft room:)

Unknown said...

um, stunning! Great job!

Leo said...

Wow - this is gorgeous. It came out so nice...I didn't notice the bottom not painted till you mentioned it. I like the color (whatever it is). I look forward to seeing the finished room.

Lacie @ Creative Attempts said...

It looks amazing. I just redid my craft room/ office but it's not nearly as cute as this

southerninspiration said...

Wow, Chris, that is totally amazing! I can't wait to see the total reveal!!

Suzanne

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Love this! I need to find a piece like this for my dining room.

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

I love the dresser. That color is beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration. Love & blessings from NC!

LacyHolly said...

That looks amazing. I love the drawers behind the door!!! Something that big would scare me! I'm starting my first 'big' furniture redo project tomorrow (a small hutch) and it scares the crap out of me. I've actually avoided it for a few months now...haha.

Ps...that little part on the bottom will never be noticed :)

fiberdoodles said...

Oh what a great job! I just love it ;0)

Embrace31 said...

I just got a dresser similar to this one from my mom! I have it in my office too but I'm affraid to revamp because its such a detailed piece! I love what you've done with yours. I'm sad there were no pics of what you put inside the drawers! Do tell..do tell ;)

Stephanie@cre8tive said...

Didn't even notice the bottom until you pointed it out, and then I had to look really, really hard to see it. I would say paint it white if you can't find the paint. Maybe even try to match it up with a bottle of craft paint, you don't need that much. I love the rug with the dresser, the room is coming along nicely. Great job you did on revamping that treasure.

The Little Red Shop said...

What a great find!

: )

Julie M.

Jen said...

I have to say I REALLY like the strip at the base in the original wood colour! It adds a bit of quirk, ties in with the brown in the decor and keeps the piece grounded. I'd totally leave it.

Unknown said...

Just beautiful, whatever color it is! :)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Yes, I took that tour at the Feathered Nest some time ago and am so jealous! I'd love that room! You found a great piece Chris. I really like the artwork over it, too. Can you take one of the little drawers and get it color matched? If someone suggested that I'm sorry, but I didn't go through all the comments.

Jodi said...

It came out beautiful! I had no idea you could remove those medallions! Love the picture also. I almost bought the exact same one at my MI HomeGoods a few months ago. The colors are fabulous! Great job!

jamie said...

Great job! Beautiful color. I have a dresser nearly identical to that one! I snatched it up last winter and have been waiting to give it a new look. I got as far as pulling off the medallion thingy then stopped. After seeing yours I realize that I have to stop putting it off!

Kat said...

LOVE it! My BIL has a very similar piece and I tried talking him into painting it, but he wants to strip and refinish it.
I also love the artwork above it.

Erin said...

Just Gorgeous! I love that you took off the frills before you painted. Sometimes those can still date it too much. I love those drawers in the center so much, I think I'd leave that center door off! Thanks for such fun inspiration.

Screaming Meme said...

I love it! Nice job, my friend! :) i love the 3 drawers that are behind the door...:) Did you have a good weekend? Hugs, Meme

Unknown said...

I love that! It looks so updated without the madalion on front and the new handles. Just beautiful.
Brooke

Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

I didn't notice the strip at the bottom until you pointed it out!! The color and finish is beautiful...great find!

... said...

thats a really wonderful make over,

the cape on the corner said...

that looks amazing! love that color and those handles!

One Crafty Chick's Creations said...

Hurry up with that reveal! ;) I so can't wait to see it all put together! I'm in the process of converting my office into a office/craft space so I love all your inspirational ideas!

Ches said...

I love the cabinet especially the hidden drawers on the inside and the hardware you choose. I honestly didnt notice that the strip wasnt painted on the bottom it actually ties in the color on your rug. Great job.

Sarah @ Sugar Bananas said...

Beautiful! hehehe, that picture above the dresser looks familiar. Yours looks great but mine just did not go with the colors in my bathroom so I "added some color". Check it out http://sugarbananas.blogspot.com/2010/03/picture-facelift.html

Happy Tuesday to you!

~Sarah

Desiree said...

I LOVE your new dresser! So, so beautiful! Great job :-)

Funny thing about the strip on the bottom...I painted a bookcase blue this weekend and ALMOST forgot that bottom strip. My paint was a mixture of some old ones that I was reusing. I'll do the reveal tomorrow.

Your office is fabulous...

-Desiree

To The Moon and Back said...

What a transformation! Love it. Can't wait to see the entire reveal:) Still working on mine.

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

Love the paint color! You're going to have to take a drawer in and color-match it!

Michelle @ Dibble Dabble Life said...

I LUUUURRRRVVVVEEEE this piece!! Needless to say I am a tad bit jealous....I have been looking for a piece similar to what you found and have had no luck. Great find!

Colette said...

Wow! love that dresser. What a great storage piece. Can't wait to see the finished results of the whole room. I've been waiting for a while, so take that number up to 3 people who are waiting.

Anna @ Take the Side Street said...

Great job, I love the hidden drawers behind the center door. the stripe along the bottom is so small, and probably under a shadow anyway -- you could definitely get away with a "close enough" color :)

Pink Stitches said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!
Can not wait for the reveal. Your talents are endless!

Valerie said...

Good afternoon from southern Manitoba ~ I am in *love* with your new piece.....that pale ocean blue is the most beautiful colour!!! You are a true *artiste*....congrats. on the excellent job! Cheers, Valerie.

Paige @ Little Nostalgia said...

I found you from the Thrifty Decor linkup. LOVE the dresser. And actually, when I first saw the finished piece, I thought the unpainted part was the rug going underneath it. So it's okay!

Unknown said...

It looks wonderful and should provide some great storage. You could always paint the strip white for now, I doubt anyone would notice. Your little man will benefit from the practice. Our oldest guy, 13, is so very handy and helpful now.

Anonymous said...

JAG, d'you mind if I link to this redo?
I'm in the midst of re-doing a dresser in a different way and thought showing how you did yours and how I did mine...
you can check my redo out at Late Bloomers on Facebook.... under the pics 'Doggone Tired'

Ang-
nohorseslaughter@yahoo.com

Roystal said...

Chris,

I've been stalking i mean reading your blog for some time and I love all your projects! :) You inspire me!! I have to ask though I love your dresser but when you paint with the roller does it leave the patterned texture of the roller? I dont know if that makes sense..I just re-did my kitchen table, and painted it black using the foam roller and it left the "print" of the roller and it didn't leave it smooth smooth..it looks grainy..I cleaned and sanded it before..what gives? any ideas?

Krystal
http://www.kreationsbykrystal.blogspot.com/

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Take the door back off and take it to sherwin williams. They can match the paint for you!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

WOW Gorgeous! :)))

www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous!! I want a craftroom!!

Megan // Honey We're Home said...

I had to look HARD to see what you were talking about regarding missing a strip of paint. No one would ever notice, especially because it's practically underneath the dresser. Great color though!

Melanie {The Tiny Tudor} said...

What a great piece- you really saw the potential in it! Those drawers are perfect. Looking forward to seeing your craft room reveal!

susan said...

Somebody is going to want to reclaim that!! No sanding at all? You sound like me--ditching the paint can!

devin said...

that looks amazing! i love the bright cheery color.

Bonnie @ The Boatwright Family said...

This is absolutely beautiful! I didn't even notice the strip at the bottom. Can you tell me where you got the beautiful painting above the dresser? I love it!

Missy said...

Actually, the bottom brown strip blends in so well with that rug, that I'd have thought you did it on purpose.

Lindsey said...

Wow! What a wonderful job! I love the new look of the dresser!!!

Christina said...

Love your dresser redo! But I think I love your decor style on top of it even more! :)

Linked to you on my blog!

Anonymous said...

Hard to believe that is the same piece of furniture! As for the strip at the bottom, I had to really look even after you told what you forgot to paint. I wouldn't sweat over it too much ;o)

Sarah @ Hennessey House said...

WOW, for 23$?!? i love the before "handle" and your comment on it made me chuckle out loud. you really gave this piece a whole new life- it's beautiful!

Jane said...

Your room looks amazing so far!!!!! Beautiful!!!!!

Jeannine said...

Take one of the drawers to the paint or where ever you got the paint, and have them color match it. That should at least get you close to the color it was and then you can either go with that color, or have them tell you the closest color from their "selection" and that will probably be what you had. Just a suggestion... But I love the dresser and the color!

Jac said...

$23, really?? That pieces looks amazing! Where did you find such a great deal? I keep seeing all these great deals people are getting online, but can't seem to find any locally. Any tips on where to look?

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Chris,
I love this dresser! It's beautiful, yet functional. I so want a craft room, btw!
Thanks for linking your project to my par-tay!

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable transformation! I just don't have that kind of thought process to turn the "old" into the beautiful "new"! I LOVE IT! Great job! ~ Karen

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