My favorite kinds of makeovers, especially for clients, almost always involve the words, ‘Do you think it’s worth saving?’ It’s like the Universe issues me this silent challenge. Yeah, so what are you going to do with that? And my answer is always the same, You just watch me!
I can’t blame anyone for wondering. She was battered, dirty and worn. Plus she stunk. A LOT. But one look at those curves and detail and you just know she has to have a second chance.
She had already been abandoned once in an old house where my client’s father found her and wondered if she’d want her so he brought her home.
One of the drawers was missing a front. Nothing really to be done about that. And the top drawer just really didn’t like the idea of having to go back in. She was the smallest and dainties of the bunch. Maybe it was the smell she was trying to avoid.
Lots of cleaning, some de-stinkifying and drawer rearranging and she was ready for paint. And new hardware.
Or if you think like me, a new blue dress and some gold jewelry.
A new shelf to hold her drawer replacement, this new Danny Seo basket that I found at TJ Maxx.
It’s almost like she was meant to have a basket here all along.
And can we just talk about that top for a minute?
Maybe it doesn’t make your heart beat funny but it does mine.
If she were a painting she’d be called, The Girl With the Gold Earrings.
This is a great shot of her color. I can’t be sure how it’s coming through to you but from where I’m sitting this is a perfect representation of her true color, Flow Blue in Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint.
And aren’t these pulls, compliments of Hickory Hardware, amazing?
It’s definitely one of those times I really sort of got used to it in my home. I wound’t have been sad to have had to keep her.
I’d definitely say she was worth saving, wouldn’t you? I’m always grateful to my clients who are willing to take a chance on something everyone else has already given up on.
So if you’ve been considering a Southern Revival but you aren’t sure your piece is salvageable, consider the challenge accepted!
To contact me regarding a piece you’d like to have redone, please use the contact button in the top right corner of my blog.
Awesome girl! What did you do to get rid of the stink? I always have that challenge and some pieces never seem to smell good. Hope you are well!
A good cleaning, some airing out, old newspaper and kitty litter! LOL Amy over at Atta Girl Says has a really good post on this: . http://www.attagirlsays.com/2012/09/06/how-to-get-gross-smells-out-of-old-furniture/
Thanks for stopping by friend!
My favorite part of the makeover is the drawer pulls. You are so right they do look like earrings. She is a well put together glamourous lady. Thanks for the picture they tell a wonderful story.
Thank you so much! I’m glad because the story theses pieces tell is my favorite part. I realize that makes me a furniture nerd but I’m ok with that! 😉
I LOVE this and have been afraid to attempt this type of project because I am always worried the drawers won’t work nicely and just be frustrating. Also, I worry odors will reappear. Can you give a bit of insight on what happens before the artistry part? Just how do you “de-stinkify” and what do you do to make those drawers slide in and out the way they should?
Love your posts!
Hi Celine,
This one required all sorts of things to destinkify! LOL From just taking the drawers out and letting it air out to placing old newspapers and even kitty litter inside the drawers. My friend Amy over at Atta Girl Says has a great in depth post on getting rid of odors in old furniture. http://www.attagirlsays.com/2012/09/06/how-to-get-gross-smells-out-of-old-furniture/
As for repair, each piece is different. For this piece I just did some rearranging of the drawers and waxed (with the wax pucks available for sale in my shop) the sides and bottoms to make them glide a little better. This was “old construction” meaning it did not have drawer slides. The drawers basically sit inside and slide along the frame. Hope that helps!
Fabulous makeover! I love the hardware, I hadn’t heard of Hickory Hardware before, I went to their site … I’m in love! They have some beautiful hardware.
thanks!
Jo
Hi Jo!
They do have beautiful hardware. It’s that kind that feels weighty in your hands, like it really made of something. Maybe only us furniture nerds can fully appreciate that! LOL
Yes, please expand on the de-stinking and repair process.
Hi Emily,
Here’s my reply to the question above. Just wanted to be sure you got the info, too!
This one required all sorts of things to destinkify! LOL From just taking the drawers out and letting it air out to placing old newspapers and even kitty litter inside the drawers. My friend Amy over at Atta Girl Says has a great in depth post on getting rid of odors in old furniture. http://www.attagirlsays.com/2012/09/06/how-to-get-gross-smells-out-of-old-furniture/
As for repair, each piece is different. For this piece I just did some rearranging of the drawers and waxed (with the wax pucks available for sale in my shop) the sides and bottoms to make them glide a little better. This was “old construction” meaning it did not have drawer slides. The drawers basically sit inside and slide along the frame. Hope that helps!
This dresser turned out beautiful and I love the blue and gold. Love!
Thanks so much Vanessa!
Hi Jamie! I will admit, the gorgeous blue dragged me over to your page! I have done alot of Miss Mustard Seed colors, but never this one! And seeing this drawer, just made my mind up on this color. It is so rich and lush! I love it! thanks for sharing:)
It is a gorgeous color! Thank you and let me if you try it.
could you please share with us what you used for the top coat finish? thank you!! it’s beautiful and just glows!
possibly email me? thank you!!
Thank you! I used the Hemp Oil from the MMSMP line.
This turned out beautifully!!! I used milk paint for the first time recently and I LOVE it! That blue is to die for, and good call on the gold pulls. Gorgeous.
Thanks so much Aubrey!