Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Buh-bye Shiny Wood Veneer!

I love a great deal. When I was browsing through my local Salvation Army several months ago, I found a dresser that was tagged for only $10. Actually, $9.99. It had certainly seen better days, but I was confident that I could rescue it with some paint.
It actually doesn't look half bad in the picture, but in real life the veneer was really shiny and totally clashed with the colors in our kitchen. All of the trim in the kitchen, dining room and living room is overly lacquered wood. I couldn't handle anymore shiny wood tones. 

By the way, I'm fully convinced that the only reason Bill picked it up at the store and helped me move it into the house was because it was my birthday. Love that man!

Priming and painting the dresser wasn't as bad as I expected. I sanded all of the surfaces first with the palm sander and then rolled on the primer with one of those 6 inch foam rollers. After letting the primer soak in for a day, I got to painting. Bill suggested I paint it a really, really, really pale gray. Initially I wanted to paint it white, but the floors in the kitchen are orangey-tan and off-white tiles so the white paint really would not match. So I picked up a half gallon of pale gray paint and got to work.

It ended up taking 3 coats of paint. I probably could have stopped at two coats, but I figured I was better safe than sorry. She's been living in our kitchen for about 6 months now and I can't imagine the space without her. Ha - I'm talking like the dresser is an animate object. Isn't she pretty though?
Try to use your imagination and picture crisp white trim and dark hardwood floors. That's the long-range plan for this room... once the money tree in the backyard starts producing some $100 bills!
The dresser provides us with a lot of useful storage in our kitchen. We keep all sorts of things in there, from nice paper napkins to waterless doggy shampoo. It also provides another surface in the kitchen. Its really useful during parties, like my sister's bridal shower. Plus, I get to decorate it... always a bonus :)
I change stuff out a lot, especially depending on the season. I think its nice and summery now. You can also see the "you & me" wire art living here. That piece is available in my etsy shop!

I'm starting to think about painting the top, either a different color or with a pattern/stencil. Any thoughts on that? I don't want it to be super busy, but I'd love to add a little more interest to it.

Ok, I want to hear about other thrift store finds. I was pretty amazed by this $10 find and snatched it up before someone else got the chance. What great finds have you found at the Salvation Army or Goodwill? Please share!

Thanks for reading,
Kathleen

Linked Up at: 
DIY Show Off


 
Jennifer Rizzo Link Party
 

Miss Mustard Seed


Thirty Handmade Days

8 comments:

  1. I went browsing at a couple Salvation Armies today and found nothing but a silly little vase of sorts. It's cute enough, and has great texture, but it wasn't any great find. I don't have a ton of luck at SAs, but I know one day I will hit the jackpot. The dresser looks wonderful. It seems like it's super useful in the kitchen.

    BTW, thanks for showing me the way as far as linking up with other blogs. I've followed your lead twice now. It's a great way to get some more traffic. It looks like you and I are in the same spot as far as trying to get new readers!

    <3, Katie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fingers crossed that you find something great real soon at the SA! The dresser is really my only truly impressive purchase.

      I'm so glad that you're gaining more traffic. To be honest, I've been googling "Link party" with the date and then posting projects at different parties. That's the best way I've found to get more people to read posts. I love your blog, so good luck!

      Delete
  2. I think you did a terrific job! I love the Salvation Army too...haven't found anything that cute yet :)
    take care
    Patty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Patty! I think that finding this dresser for this price was like a needle in a haystack type of thing. Good luck with making a great find!

      Delete
  3. Great job on this, turned out beautiful! Thanks for coming by Lake Cottage Dreams.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rasonda! I'm so glad you stopped by to check it out :)

      Delete
  4. Just popping over since I saw your comment on my blog - what a gorgeous dresser find! I love the straight lines. Hurray for husbands and their hauling skills ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Callie! I don't know what I'd do without my husband and his muscles :)

      Delete

I really love hearing your feedback! Its a great feeling to get a comment and realize that people are actually reading this blog. Thanks for taking the time :)