Country Style Empire

I know I said I wouldn't be painting this summer (eh hmm) BUT I had a wonderful opportunity to work with a local business owner and I just didn't want to pass it up.  So, here I am. :)  

She had this sweet little empire chest of drawers that just wasn't selling.  The veneer was cracked right up the middle down one of the sides, the bottom drawer bottom was broken in half, and it had these not-so-great shiny brass pulls on it.  A few minor character flaws but such a great shape--I just love an empire.  She asked me what color I thought it would look good in and "green" just popped out of my mouth.  Which is unusual because I'm really not a ginormous fan of green.  Go figure. 

She has a fabulous little store which I was thrilled to be able to take a tour of and thought this cutie would be right at home there in a soft country green.  

 Before

I know, I know it's Tiger Oak (which is just quarter sawn oak btw), but seriously, the veneer damage was severe on the top two drawers and the one side.  

 After

I ended up peeling the veneer off the top two drawers and there happened to be oak drawer fronts underneath.  Love when that happens. :)  I just sanded them smooth and painted.  I also had to remove the veneer on the side panel.  There was two pieces of crummy sub underneath that didn't even meet in the middle, so I had my hubby cut a piece of luan for the side and we simply glued it to the sub like veneer.  I then sealed it and painted. 

 She wanted to keep the existing pulls so I sprayed it dark and now I like them so much more than that tacky brass.  You know me though, the hardware is my favorite part so I switched out the knobs for these vintage patterned ones.  They've always been a favorite of mine. 

 I felt a little guilty painting over all the oak veneer so I opted to keep the top natural.  I sanded it down to the bare wood and then sealed it with a coat of hemp oil.  It turned out beautifully!  And, it dried nice and hard which I was a little worried about.  

AdOrAbLe!

This piece is available at The Rustic Shed in Bonduel, WI

Roxanne has such a lovely store!  If you are in the area please stop by and pay her a visit! 

color = Ryegrass SW