I've had an idea brewing for a while now that I wanted to do on a dresser, but I was just waiting for the perfect piece to come along. When I picked up this empire dresser I thought it was the one, but it sold right away (pre-paint) and I ended up doing it black. Then another dresser came along and same story, just not black (hopefully that will be a post next week). I was a little disheartened until this little beauty popped up on my local classifieds page. I was so glad I didn't have the opportunity to paint the other two like I wanted because this one was so much better for my idea! I absolutely believe there are no coincidences! :)
I know I've said before that I do a lot of black (and white) because that's what sells the best, but I told myself that for my birthday I was going to do a piece exactly how I wanted. :)
*pic heavy post (sorry, couldn't help it)!!
Before
She was actually very lovely as is, but the top was really worn.
After
I love this deep teal color (it's actually a little greener than the pics)! Such a pretty jewel tone and so lovely with the dark top. When I saw the dark finish (just LoVe a dark finish!) on the dresser I knew I wanted to really distress it.
I love the chippy look so I took my paint scraper to it! I'm telling you, if you have the guts, it's so much FuN!! :) It works best if the paint is very dry (doesn't haven't to be completely cured though). Just gently run the paint scraper along the flat surfaces to "test" how the paint is going to come off. If it seems like it's not coming off easily then you will need to use a little pressure. It all depends on what kind of finish was on the dresser prior to painting and what kind of paint you are using. I didn't scuff sand or prime this piece because I wanted the paint to come off easily. It still was a little difficult and I had to use more pressure. Make sure your scraper is sharp and start at about a 20 degree angle. If it seems like you are "gouging" the wood then lay the scraper flatter.
Like anything else it takes a little practice, but you will quickly get a feel for it. For me distressing really is an art. Some people like a lot and some people don't. You aren't going to please everybody. Do what you like and what makes you happy and (most) other people will love it, too! :)
I love the chippy look so I took my paint scraper to it! I'm telling you, if you have the guts, it's so much FuN!! :) It works best if the paint is very dry (doesn't haven't to be completely cured though). Just gently run the paint scraper along the flat surfaces to "test" how the paint is going to come off. If it seems like it's not coming off easily then you will need to use a little pressure. It all depends on what kind of finish was on the dresser prior to painting and what kind of paint you are using. I didn't scuff sand or prime this piece because I wanted the paint to come off easily. It still was a little difficult and I had to use more pressure. Make sure your scraper is sharp and start at about a 20 degree angle. If it seems like you are "gouging" the wood then lay the scraper flatter.
Like anything else it takes a little practice, but you will quickly get a feel for it. For me distressing really is an art. Some people like a lot and some people don't. You aren't going to please everybody. Do what you like and what makes you happy and (most) other people will love it, too! :)
The mirror was missing from the frame when I purchased it so I had my husband cut a piece of 1/4" board and used chalkboard paint (after two coats of primer) on it. I like it so much more than a mirror! Just think of the fun things you could use it for (think in an entry way as a memo board).
<3 the finial
I saw these knobs on a dresser that Chrissie from Chrissie's Collection had done and fell in love with them. Seriously, so pretty!
Is it possible to be in love with a piece of furniture? Hmmm...
Such a simple, but great detail!
My heart skipped a beat when I saw this beautiful top. I stained in Espresso (Varathane) and gave it 4 coats of a satin poly.
I happened to have enough of this pretty fabric left to line the drawers. It's just perfect!
I am so thrilled with this one!!
*This sold an hour after I listed it and I was a little sad!! :( But, I just keep telling myself I don't have a place to put it anyway and I can always paint something else this way if I want to, right??
This dresser was featured by:
Clydia @Three Mango Seeds
Rita @ Suburbs Mama
Rachel @ Maison De Pax
Stacey @ Embracing Change
Kristen @ Wonderful At Home
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking
Molly @ Just A Little Creativity
Becca @ DIY Vintage Chic
Thank you!! :)
*This sold an hour after I listed it and I was a little sad!! :( But, I just keep telling myself I don't have a place to put it anyway and I can always paint something else this way if I want to, right??
This dresser was featured by:
Clydia @Three Mango Seeds
Rita @ Suburbs Mama
Rachel @ Maison De Pax
Stacey @ Embracing Change
Kristen @ Wonderful At Home
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking
Molly @ Just A Little Creativity
Becca @ DIY Vintage Chic
Thank you!! :)
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It's beautiful! And the knobs are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteRobin
Be still my heart - it is seriously amazing! I love the color, the knobs, the chalkboard and the lined drawers....AMAZING is an understatement.
ReplyDeleteStacey of Embracing Change
Aww...so beautiful. Love the color.
ReplyDeleteEllya
What color teal did you use if I matmay ask? Brand color?
DeleteWhat color teal did you use if I matmay ask? Brand color?
DeleteIt's beautiful, Lisa! I love the color and I don't usually go in for colors like this. I'm glad you finally got to paint the color you wanted this time! : ) I think I told you that black or white does better in my booth than those things I paint in a color {although, a pink and white three tiered table did sell last week}.
ReplyDeleteThat top is incredible! Love the paint color. I have a feeling we are going to see a lot of dressers with chalkboards instead of mirrors popping up!
ReplyDeleteCompletely gorgeous! I love the whole package... The color, the chalkboard, the knobs, the drawer liner. Stunning!
ReplyDeleteLove the color, the inside of the drawers, the style... Great job!
ReplyDeleteCorey from tinysidekick.com
Just beautiful...love, love the color!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous!!!! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteOh my freaking word - WOW - oh you have totally outdone yourself, lady - this is an amazing work of art.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely can't get over how awesome this is, seriously!
So - you gonna keep or sell? This one will be very very hard to let go for sure.
***Happy dance for you, this is awesome!***
That is a beautiful piece of furniture! I love the color and those knobs are awesome! Thanks for linking to the DIY Sunday Showcase.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love everything about it ~ I love color and this is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeletexo
Pat
Lisa -- I loved the black empire (featured it today) and I love this one! Great call on the color, distressing, knobs -- everything. You totally rocked this piece. Thanks for linking up to ITS PARTY TIME. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI can see why you're thrilled. This one is gorgeous. I love the idea of making the broken mirror a chalkboard.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Patti
Love it Stacey! Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteJust a real Beauty for sure,lovely job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning makeover - gorgeous color !!!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from I should be mopping the floor :)
XOXOX
Wow! Lisa, it jumped out at me and said, "Feature me! Feature me!" So I must do just that. I will be featuring this beauty on my FB page in a couple minutes...thank you for linking up to our Inspiration Monday Party, it is so nice to meet you! ~ Julie Redheadcandecorate.com
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! I love everything about it... the chalkboard in place of a mirror, the color you chose, the top, the drawer pulls... love♥
ReplyDeleteTania
So very beautiful and inspiring! The color is amazing! Visiting from Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home! Have a great week! xo Jen
ReplyDeleteThis turned out amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing DIY Sunday Showcase!! I am gonna pin this to our board!
ReplyDeleteShelly
minettesmaze.blogspot.com
This looks so great! Thanks for sharing on The DIY'ers!
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty!!!! I want one! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so pretty.
ReplyDeleteVery cute. I love that color. I actually just bought a similar color for a swing I'm working on. Love the contrast with the natural wood grain showing as well. Hope you can stop by Friday for my link up party!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm in love... the dresser is simply perfect! There isn't one single aspect of it that iI just simply do not LOVE!!! Oh my... speechless here. I so pinned!!!
ReplyDeleteI even love the quote!
:)
hugs x, Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
This is a lovely project. So many refinishes are just...you know, meh. But yours was fab! You have an eye for detail and continuity of design that many lack. I adore your creative solution for the missing mirror! And dontcha just love it when there's just enough fabric to pull off a project? :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing job! Love the color.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
I can see why it sold in an hour! I love it.
ReplyDeleteI love the way it came out! I'm not surprised it sold so quickly! Everything about it from the drawer liner to the knobs to the color...it's all fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this! Thanks so much for linking up your awesomeness to the DIY Sunday Showcase!
ReplyDeleteCheers you and yours,
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio
I absolutely love furniture makeovers, both doing them myself and admiring others who do the same. I am being honest when I say that this is one of the pretties makeovers I've seen in a long time!
ReplyDeleteI feel like you have added all these little extra special goodies, like the different pulls and the lined drawers. I'm pinning this to my furniture board to oogle in the future :)
I would sure love to invite you to link it up at our party Lovely Ladies linky party which is hosted by 6 different bloggers each Wednesday, so lots of exposure for this great piece! You can find us here http://bit.ly/15t2Nra
Hope to see you there :)
-Molly at Just a Little Creativity
Oooooo, love this one too! That top is amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous piece. I love the color and refinish. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! The top took my breath away :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so GORGEOUS! That espresso top makes my heart skip a beat. It's perfection!!
ReplyDeleteLove chippy too....beautiful as always!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this makeover, so fun!!
ReplyDeleteLove everything about this. I love that you kept the original wood on the top, love the mismatch knobs, and really really LOVE the idea of changing the mirror to a chalkboard! WELL DONE! Found you via Miss Mustard Seed. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteval from myplvl.blogspot.com
Love the chalkboard replacing the mirror! It makes the piece so much more versatile!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. What a beautiful piece. I absolutely love the color and that top grain is to die for. The knobs are just the cherry on top. Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteThis is just WOW...everything pops, the color, the distressing and the fab chalkboard! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletehugz,
Suzanne
Gorgeous! Love the paint color you chose and those knobs are too cute...such a great job! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
What a beautiful piece! Love the color, the chalkboard and especially those flower knobs! Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteI am your newest follower.
Judy
That is gorgeous!!! I'm featuring it in this week's PoPP Spotlight... just stunning!
ReplyDeleteWhat a Beautiful makeover, love the color, thanks for sharing.sale online beds and mattresses
ReplyDeleteI love this dresser! I recently redid a very similar one, but did a camel color. Now I wish I went bold with teal!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! The color is gorgeous and the dresser looks amazing. Stopping by from Link'n Blogs. Pinned and scheduled for sharing on FB and Twitter! Shari... @ www.puregracefarms.com
ReplyDelete