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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Painting my outdated bedroom furniture, done!

Ever since we completed our final bathroom renovation last fall, we've been slowly making our way through a variety of long overdue upstairs projects - new closet doors, painting, carpet, curtains, etc... It's not quite finished, but the end is in sight. And I realized that if I wait for the big reveal, I'll be writing the longest post in blog history. So let's get started with my bedroom furniture. You had a little preview here. It was sad, really really sad, 1970's Colonial style dark pine sad and outdated!


The furniture was a wedding present from my husband's parents thirty three years ago. If you're too young to remember, just take my word for it that it was quite popular at the time.


Now it's just kind of painful to share!


If you saw it at the Goodwill, would you pass it by or consider it a candidate for a makeover?


For the longest time, I had an inspiration photo from Pottery Barn with white bedroom furniture from hanging over my bed. Yes, I'm very visual. The furniture was really so similar, I had to give it a shot. I mean seriously, what did I have to lose?


My husband's only question was, how was I getting it to the garage?  We've been in this house for almost thirty years and I really don't even remember how the movers got this stuff in here. But since the entire upstairs was being painted and we were getting new carpet, I knew we could just paint it right in the bedroom - whew!



Only the headboard and the drawers had to be carried outside.


And thankfully, I had a fearless helper! Megan actually encouraged me to go for it from the very beginning.




That sweet girl removed all the hardware, then painted, distressed and waxed all twenty five drawers.


And I made sure she had hot coconut muffins every morning!


And then we moved inside and with two of us working, this part was a breeze! We lightly sanded everything with a sanding sponge, mixed up some Behr Silky White with the homemade chalk paint recipe, lightly distressed and finished up with a coat of wax.



The paint adhered beautifully and all that dark pine was becoming a distant memory!



Just when we finished, our painter was ready to paint the walls. Having the drawers out and the hutch off the dresser made his work a whole lot easier too. And no, I do not paint walls if I can possibly avoid it.


Okay, ready to see what it looks like?
(No pretty accessories till after the carpet arrives.)



Now I'm really loving the curves.
They've gone from dated Colonial to sweet Cottage Style!




I love the way the distressing brings out the details.


The hardware was replaced with pretty crystal button knobs and satin nickel cup pulls.




I'm not missing that eagle one little bit!






So there you have it, a pretty new Cottage style bedroom in the making! I think it has a beachy, coastal feel.



A cushy new chair arrived yesterday and curtains and carpet are on the way. I think the end is in sight! And I'm just loving the fresh new look!


I'm linking to...
Mod Vintage LifeThe Girl CreativeFunky Junk InteriorsPhotobucketChic on a Shoestring DecoratingA Glimpse Inside
A Delightsome LifePhotobucketA Diamond in the StuffPrimitive and Proper
DIY Show Off

Under The Table And Dreaming




80 comments:

  1. what a difference
    a little paint
    and a lot of elbow grease can make

    your old furniture
    now looks brand new

    i'll bet
    you love walking into your room now

    thanks for sharing!

    alison

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  2. I love it Sharon!!!! So beautiful. I feel like I got to know an interesting side of you through this post. You don't like to paint walls?? :) A furniture painter...but no walls! I'd come help you paint for some yummy muffins!! LOL

    Your room is looking gorgeous already and I love that you have an inspiration pic hanging by your bed. I do that too. :) Have a great weekend, can't wait to see the rest.

    P.S. I kinda liked the eagle hardware....but I do think the new hardware is perfect. ;) more cottage-y.

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  3. Excellent transformation by you and your helper! I love the results and I'm now totally undecided what to do with my bedroom dresser and night tables. I was thinking of stripping and re-staining the tops and painting the bases black, but now I am wondering if this is the way to go.

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  4. This post made me so happy! I'm in process of painting my oak bedroom suite white. I was a little intimidated, I've never painted this much furniture at one time but like you - instant gratification!!! I love how yours looks now. Very beautiful! I look forward to seeing the whole room done.

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  5. Incredible!!!! Now I wish I hadn't gotten rid of my pine set! But I have a cherry mahogany set that was my folks that is over 60 years old and it needs white or cream....can I ask, you painted it first and then you added the extra layer with the mixture of latex and chalk paint? Why the mixture? I see this a lot....If I am going to do this I want to do it right...:) Thanks for the great photos!!!!

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  6. It never ceases to amaze me what a HUGE difference paint makes. I'm looking forward to seeing how beautifully you style the room next :-)

    The muffins sure look yummy too ;-)

    Patty

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  7. WOW, great job, does not even look like the same furniture. Way to go, recycled and looks like new.

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  8. WOW! That looks great! Paint is an amazing thing! Can't wait to see it all put together!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  9. Such a fabulous transformation! I'm glad you painted them instead of getting something new as they look great! - Susan

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  10. Oh- They look very cottage-like now. I love the change. THAT was a big job-but you did a grand job of it- xo Diana

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  11. Sharon-wWhat a transformation! It does look fresh and clean and I swear, you'd would never know what it looked like before. Right now I'm actually holding a wet, red paint brush, finally working on my little project. And I couldn't help but notice what an amazing helper you have. Is that your daughter? Because now I'm truly jealous!
    Leslie (aka Gwen Moss blog)

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  12. That is a tremendous project! It's looking great; can't wait to see the final outcome!

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  13. Oh yes, I remember pine well. In fact, we still have our pine kitchen table from 43 years ago! Love what you've done. The paint really brightens up everything - like all new furniture! Can't wait to see it all done. Linda

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  14. I canNOT believe the transformation. Honestly, I didn't know that style of hutch could be helped...but it looks amazing!!! Nice work!

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  15. a million times better! what a great new look. xo

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  16. This change is a true testament to the power of paint. The furniture went from heavy and dark to light and pretty! Who needs to spend money on new? Enjoy your "new" room Sharon!

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  17. what a great helper you had! they look fabulous!!! so light and fresh- love the hardware and love the aqua jars in there. :)

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  18. LOVE IT! I love to distress and have been using Annie Sloan paint-which is great but expensive....I am SOOOO excited to try you chalk paint recipe. Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  19. It looks beautiful. What a difference the white makes. I bet your loving your 'new' bedroom set.

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  20. The power of paint is soooo good!!! It looks outstanding...love the hardware that you went with.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  21. woohoo!!! oh my, oh my! Sharon, first I have to saw huh what? 25 drawers!!!! lol Yay for helpers! :)

    I just can't say enough about the change it has made. The color is perfect, and the knobs and pulls really improve it all too.
    so happy for you!

    gail
    ps y'all sure took great care of that furniture--those 33 years!

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  22. Wow, wow, wow!! The furniture looks great! I can't wait to see the finished room.

    Emily

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  23. WOW! What a great transformation!! Looks like tons of work, but well worth it!! Great job :)

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  24. Can't say how much I love white furniture! Yours looks amazing and if I saw that at goodwill I'd be on it. Love all those drawers!

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  25. Sharon - Love,love, love it! I'm a sucker for fresh white furniture. What a large and impressive job! Love your new blog header, too!

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  26. Love the white! Very beautiful and "beachy" plus cottage. Could I hire your helper? lol

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  27. Total inspiration for me to paint EVERY last piece of furniture in my house :) Amazing!

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  28. huge improvement-new hardware and all! great post

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  29. Sharon it turned out amazing!! I love the color and the hardware. It really brightens up your room as well. Enjoy all of it after all that hard work. Megan

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  30. These pieces are really beautiful. I'm glad you kept them. I have a similar dresser in my room that I painted. My one suggestion would be ditching the hutch on top of the dresser in favor or a framed mirror. Much lighter and more airy. JMO though! =0)

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  31. What a transformation !!! Now I need to get the guts up to do my dark living room furniture. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  32. You are inspiring! I still need (for the past 3 years need) to finish my bedroom makeover! Good for you for making the time and tackling all the furniture. Great update!!

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  33. What a transformation. Yep, I probably would have walked right past that one at Goodwill! You really outdid yourself!!

    Jaye @ Just Tryin' to Make Cents of it All

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  34. Beautiful transformation!!!! LOVE that white paint!
    xx
    Anne

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  35. Wow, this is the perfect example of what a difference paint can make. Good solid furniture, but just needing an updated look. It all looks fantastic! You must be enjoying your "new" bedroom so much!

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  36. Just perfect! It now has a second life! Enjoy!!

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  37. Way to reuse! That makes for an affordable room makeover that will look fantastic.

    ~Bliss~

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  38. Oh my gosh. My mom has a big dresser just like that one in your first picture with the mirror. She was going to get rid of it, but seeing how beautiful it could be, I better hurry and call her and make sure she didn't already junk it. Everything turned out beautiful and I think someone would pay big bucks for a set like that.

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  39. WOW! That is amazing! The transformation is so beautiful and cottage/shabby. I love it! And the before totally reminds me of my parents bedroom furniture growing up. Great way to repurpose it!

    Angela

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  40. What a big change - it looks fabulous Sharon! It motivates me to paint my own BROWN bedroom set..

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  41. That is an AMAZING transformation. Just gorgeous!

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  42. Oh, wow! It is such a great transformation! Thank you for sharing. Visiting from DIY Showoff. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House which goes live at 8am CST. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  43. It looks amazing! I know it probably was a lot of work but it was so worth it!

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  44. You did a great job Sharon - they look beautiful!

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  45. This is a perfect example of being able to look at things with a positive light...boy is your reveal an uplifter! I adore what you have done!

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  46. Sharon, it is a stunning transformation, and I am so excited to see the finish! Whew what a job though I am glad you had a helper!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artists Series featuring Harrison Howard

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  47. Your new pulls nad knobs really highlight the makeover well! Great re-do!

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  48. What a cinderella moment for this furniture...it looks wonderful! Can't wait to see the final reveal!

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  49. wow this really turned out beautiful...love the knobs too! Would love it if you would share it at Share It One More time
    http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2012/08/share-it-one-more-time-5-and-features.html
    Just found you and now following

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  50. Wow, just amazing how it has brought the furniture bang up to date! It just goes to show we don't always have to buy new.

    Antonia

    http://tidyawaytoday.wordpress.com

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  51. It looks amazing! Yes, good choice and seeing how well yours turned out gives me the nerve to finally do ours!
    I love it!
    Saw you sharing at Coastal Charm
    Debbie :)

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  52. My parents own nearly an identical piece of furniture. And yes, theirs was a wedding gift as well. Great transformation!

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  53. Holy cow Sharon! This looks FANTASTIC!! That furniture was just crying out to be painted and updated! Awesome job as always!
    Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse Party. I will be sharing this on AGI's FB page.

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  54. What an amazing transformation - I had almost the identical set - wish I'd kept it all those years ago when I see this - it's just gorgeous Elizabeth!!!!

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  55. Oh yes, lovely job. The distressing uses the original finish of the dresser, too.

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  56. I'm in the process of doing the exact project also--my furniture is 17 y.o. and has awful large gold pulls! I have a high boy and one nightstand left--I replaced the 4 poster bed w/an iron headboard--my room is so much "lighter" and roomier now! I'm using AS chalk paint in the old white and french linen! Love your room and the pops of blue on the white dresser!

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  57. I'm in the process of doing the exact project also--my furniture is 17 y.o. and has awful large gold pulls! I have a high boy and one nightstand left--I replaced the 4 poster bed w/an iron headboard--my room is so much "lighter" and roomier now! I'm using AS chalk paint in the old white and french linen! Love your room and the pops of blue on the white dresser!

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  58. I just found your blog via Funky Junk and I am thrilled. I've been on the hunt for bloggers who are nearer my age, have lived in their homes for many years (25 for us) and have old furniture to work around and with. Your bedroom furniture transformation is amazing! I am in the process of painting a chest that was my hubby's as a baby then our son's as a baby. 35 years ago I painted it yellow when pregnant with our son. It's been that color and our chest in the Master bedroom for years and years.Thanks for the inspiration - Barb

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  59. I just found your blog via Funky Junk and I am thrilled. I've been on the hunt for bloggers who are nearer my age, have lived in their homes for many years (25 for us) and have old furniture to work around and with. Your bedroom furniture transformation is amazing! I am in the process of painting a chest that was my hubby's as a baby then our son's as a baby. 35 years ago I painted it yellow when pregnant with our son. It's been that color and our chest in the Master bedroom for years and years.Thanks for the inspiration - Barb

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  60. I Love the power of paint! Your furniture looks gorgeous! What a HUGE difference! It's always such a difficult decision to paint. Definitely a great choice and big inspiration! Beautiful!

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  61. I am so in love with this. It looks one hundred percent different and two hundred percent better! This looks so great.

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  62. Congratulations! You've been featured on Handyman, Crafty Woman's Wicked Awesome Wednesday! Please feel free to stop by the website and pick up your button!

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  63. So pretty! I love the crystal knobs.

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  64. O.M.G. ! I have the same old dresser! I can't wait to do this to it now!!!!! Thanks for the wonderful idea!

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  65. I think this is the most inspiring furniture redo I've seen online. My best friend got her pine furniture about the same time you did, and I remember the dark bulk of it well. You've completely erased that look with your white paint and have brought out pretty curves and lines with your distressing that just didn't visually exist before. It's really completely different furniture! I love it! Huge kudos to you and your daughter, Sharon!

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  66. This is beautiful. You did such a good job, it has a completely different feel than it once did. And I am completely envious of your antique mason jars. :D

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  67. Beautiful! It was such a beautiful piece before but now it is even more amazing and it is great how distressing items brings out the details of the piece! Thanks for sharing!

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  68. This is really quite the transformation! Thank you for sharing. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/09/make-it-pretty-monday-week-14.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  69. i love the color of the cabinet and the drawers..,it so amazing and beautiful.

    antique furniture

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  70. Love the look of your furniture, I am going to show my girlfriend who has the same furniture, course I could end up helping her! I am now going to do my guest room furniture so thanks for the chalk paint recipe. Great job and so worth the hard work!

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  71. HOW DO YOU "LIGHTLY DISTRESS" WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU USE? AND WHAT IS THE WAX COATING YOU USED? BEAUTIFUL!! I WANT TO DO THIS TO OUR OLD FURNITURE SET. ABSOLUTELY LOVE <3

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  72. well..!! who will not like it to live in such kind of places. For me it is just like a dream place.

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  73. You emailed me a while back with details about how you did your furniture (the grit and top coat and all of that) if you'd like to see MY finished product of our furniture here is the link! and if you don't want me to use the link to your blog I can remove it just let me know :) thanks for all of the tips and tricks! http://justinchelseypoole.blogspot.com/2014/01/painting-furniture.html

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  74. Not sure how i missed this post! What a huge difference! That furniture went from dark and clunky to bright and light! Love the new hardware you chose as well. Fabulous job Sharon!!!
    XO Barbara

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  75. I have an Ethan Allen piece that belonged to my husband when he was a kid, also about 30-35 years ago. We've had it since we've been married and it has the same finish yours did to begin with. I have been wanting to paint it for a loooong time. I think your project just gave me the final push of inspiration I need. Your set turned out beautifully and I agree that the curves went from Colonial to Cottage. Great job, thanks for sharing!

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  76. Your inspired me to repaint some of our old pieces of furniture. Thanks@

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  77. I'm more than old enough to remember that dark furniture and how popular it once was. What a difference a little paint makes!

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