A gorgeous antique Art Deco dressing table in the waterfall style... just waiting for some love.
Thankfully, I was the first caller and asked how soon I could come over to see (needless to say I didn't quite hide my excitement well). I grabbed my kids and we headed for our 20 min. drive.
FYI: Let me just tell you that when someone says "need to bring help to bring downstairs", they mean it.
THE STORY
This beauty was located in a very old upstairs bedroom that was nearly impossible to get down because the stairway had a long banister. The mirror came off easily and I brought that down myself. But...the base is solid and my son and I have so much trouble getting it up, around a corner, and down a VERY narrow staircase (you know the type where you're standing on the step facing backwards and you can almost touch the next steps up with your nose?) I have bruises and feel beaten up by the time I arrive home, but hey...it's all worth it, right?
My favorite feature of the unfinished piece:
Need I say more? (Don't you love my wardrobe for working out in my garage in zero degrees?)
Other than some minor wear to the veneer, she was only missing pulls and a matching bench. Never fear! Thanks to online shopping, my missing pieces problem is solved by a few clicks of my mouse.
DIY TIME
First, by far one of my favorite colors is light aqua. I knew instantly this piece has to be that color. Also, the mirror had an accent strip just below it with tiny gold mirrors and I wanted to draw that out. Likewise, the carved work on the drawers' fronts, feet, and mirror are just begging to be noticed.
For this piece, I made my own chalk paint using a seconds gallon - score! Then, using an acrylic ivory and an antique gold, I added accents to those glorious carvings and a little distressing.
Antique starburst glass pulls with gold center really set the accents off.
The mirror was a dynamic 40" diameter with the most beautiful etchings - just perfect for primping and studying oneself. Don't you wish you wish you had one?
What is more, the bench is on Craigslist and I already have the perfect upholstery in my stash. My mother gave it to me, who also used it on her vanity bench.
Finally, the finish is in a hand-rubbed wax, both light and dark to give that luster I so love.
GOODBYE
Truth be told, I really hated to part with my painted lady... we all did, but I had nowhere to put her. Maybe I should just get rid of my bed!
To make a memory, I had my 3 girls dress up and pose sitting on the bench in front of the mirror - so precious and worth more than any dressing table I will ever have.
Once listed in my online store, she sold in 3 minutes. I am in awe, and, honestly, sort of disappointed that I don't get to keep her. However, the new owner said she had one just like it as a little girl and she knew she had to have it.Truthfully, there'll never be another one like my painted lady.
While you're at it, more fun transformations for you:
