Monday, September 12, 2011

A Gender-Friendly Makeover

Most of my painting projects lately have been on the feminine side.  Although I love the French, feminine look, I realize it's not everyone's taste.  So when I found this little chest at a thrift store (for just $15!) I decided to give it a gender-friendly makeover.







The chest was sturdy, but the top and bottom drawer tipped down when you pulled them out.  I saw that a piece had broken off of the plastic slide guides on both drawers.



That's an easy and cheap fix -- I got the replacement slide guides from Rockler, replaced the broken ones, and voila, fixed drawers!



I loved the old hardware and didn't want to change it. I took off the handles, but I didn't want to mess with the keyhole, so I just taped around it.  I did a simple paint job with two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite. (I do use paints besides chalk paint, but since it's so quick and easy it's been my favorite lately!) Then I lightly sanded some edges to bring out the original brown.







I wanted a pop of color on the inside, so I painted the inside and sides of the drawers in ASCP Aubusson Blue.



A couple of coats of wax, and it was done.  



I can see this chest next to a comfy chair in a library or as a nightstand. 






With the paint it has turned from traditional to transitional. and I think it will appeal to both men and women. Nothing froo-froo, just cool. I love it!

Sharing at:

Shabby Nest Frugal Friday

PhotobucketThe DIY Show OffBetween Naps On The Porch mollysusanstronggrabtt

16 comments:

  1. Just WONDERFUL! I really like the graphite and aubusson together!

    Deborah ♥♥♥ (visiting happily from http://upcyclingmylife.blogspot.com/
    ...hope you can stop by some time...)

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  2. Very nice , I really like the hardware.
    Lisa

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  3. it looks awesome! i love the pop of blue on the inside- so fun!

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  4. Really nice! I'm loving the deep blue color. What kind of wax do you use? I'm looking for something new for my pieces. Thanks!

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  5. Lovely! It's nice to see something in this color. I like it.

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  6. Ohhh I love that you took the time to make those drawers pop. love how it turned out. Thanks for sharing at Market Mon.

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  7. I love the graphite color too! The blue drawers are a very nice surprise.

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  8. I love that shade of Gray! And I'm loving that deep blue in the inside! The gold hardware really pops against the graphite color. Great job.

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  9. I would have totally passed that by, but you made it lovely. Nice job.

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  10. Thanks to all of you for stopping by!

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  11. What a great transformation! I love it! Those books you have on top are so cool, too, great colors.

    Kimberly @ THE BROWN EYES HAVE IT

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  12. That is absolutely gorgeous. I have some graphite that I haven't used yet and you've inspired me!

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  13. Love it! I think it's great that you painted the inside. I always plan to, know I should, but I don't! :)
    thanks for linking up and linking back to catch as catch can.
    catching you this week
    gail

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  14. Love the color of that paint!! Saw your project over at Gail's!

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  15. Thank you so much for this post!!! I've had broken drawers for YEARS but just put up with it bc I love the dressers (yes plural) and I never knew where/how to get that little piece of plastic. Success!!! Your rehab is beautiful. I can't wait to do mine!

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-Deborah