There once was a lady who said she'd buy no furniture for a time, but good intentions make her go back on her word. So...need I say more? Seriously, y'all. I am on a mission to only have one piece in the works and one in waiting. Somehow I keep ending up with more furniture! Check out this empire chest and dresser set that just happened at my door.
I have always been a sucker for empire furniture. The lines and rustic appeal just make my heart go pitter-pat. When I was searching for furniture for two custom clients, I spied the tall chest and inquired. Funny thing is it was owned by a lady who flips furniture all the time and we have a good acquaintance with each other.
BACKSTORY
She said someone was coming to look at it that evening, but that she had another dresser that was a part of the set. *pause* My mind is racing and quickly becomes absorbed in getting my hands on both of those pieces! (the life of a junker, I know). Both pieces would be perfect for each of my clients and I talked her into selling her potential client another piece. Score!
Not so funny was both clients hadn't seen these and both turned them down for different reasons. So...here I am with two pieces of furniture I had no intention of buying and now need to be reworked. Sigh... Also not cool is making my husband go pick these up instead of working on our kitchen. Such is life, right?
My subject for today is the chest and I'll get to the dresser next week - that thing is a ball of laughs...not! Buying things sight unseen is not always the best thing just like I did with
this desk. tsk.
These look to be solid wood, but are actually solid wood with a funky veneer. By looking at the pictures, I had hoped to restore the wood and add different elements. No such luck.
DIY TIME
After using my sander to see what was underneath that faux grain, I found this veneer with no character at all. No grain to it, just sort of looked like plastic. My paint brush will be my go-to tool for this project.
The drawer pulls are not original, but had been replaced by those porcelain ones at some point, and the legs were missing casters. Furniture of this design must have casters, in my book. I dug into my stash and pulled out two sets, one for each. Large for the dresser and small for the chest.
Because I wasn't ready for this set when I purchased them, I also need to make some more of my furniture wax.
I needed a kick in the pants this works for me. Many of you are wanting the recipe, but I'm keeping this to self as not I still tweaking it.
PAINTING
As for the finish, I went with a soft gray called
Rocky Mountain for the cabinet and a soft aqua by DecoArt called Vintage. Once the paint cures and it looks great, however, it needed something to give it a touch of charm.
I decided to paint one of my favorite wildflowers, Queen Anne's Lace, on it.
THE REVEAL
Finally, are you ready to see the finish? This one made me smile.
It's soft, it's feminine, and those lines draw me in.
I wish you could see this in person as the flowers really make the piece. The color suits my style as well, like a laid-back summer day.
If you'd love to own this empire chest, it is available in
my shop. (
SOLD) We ship anywhere in the U.S.
And for all of those out there looking for inspiration, I would love it if you would share so others can see my work too. Thank you! ♥
As you know I am a glutton for punishment, so up next is the evil twin to this empire chest in this set. See the after
HERE.
Also, stay tuned by
signing up for my newsletter to get updates in your inbox get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to
my shop.
MEWE | PINTEREST | GAB
Also, more of my furniture makeovers like this empire chest:
I have always been a sucker for empire furniture. The lines and rustic appeal just make my heart go pitter-pat. When I was searching for furniture for two custom clients, I spied the tall chest and inquired. Funny thing is it was owned by a lady who flips furniture all the time and we have a good acquaintance with each other.
These look to be solid wood, but are actually solid wood with a funky veneer. By looking at the pictures, I had hoped to restore the wood and add different elements. No such luck.
The drawer pulls are not original, but had been replaced by those porcelain ones at some point, and the legs were missing casters. Furniture of this design must have casters, in my book. I dug into my stash and pulled out two sets, one for each. Large for the dresser and small for the chest.
Because I wasn't ready for this set when I purchased them, I also need to make some more of my furniture wax.
I needed a kick in the pants this works for me. Many of you are wanting the recipe, but I'm keeping this to self as not I still tweaking it.
It's soft, it's feminine, and those lines draw me in.
I wish you could see this in person as the flowers really make the piece. The color suits my style as well, like a laid-back summer day.
If you'd love to own this empire chest, it is available in my shop. (SOLD) We ship anywhere in the U.S.
As you know I am a glutton for punishment, so up next is the evil twin to this empire chest in this set. See the after HERE.
Also, stay tuned by signing up for my newsletter to get updates in your inbox get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop.
