Once upon a time, our bedroom looked like this. We had a bit of a freezing catastrophe which led to lots of headache and well, an eventual happy ending.
Yay!
And just for fun, I thought would dig up some old photos of this dresser to share, too.
It was a great bargain from JCP a few years ago… I was so excited because there was a mega sale and that was a big deal, and it felt like a real live grown up dresser. Because everything in my home is reclaimed or older and I just wanted something with working drawers. {Questioning my sanity: why do we qualify things as grown up and official when they fit a certain ideal?} Up until that time, Jamin and I still used my childhood dresser {Which can now be seen in Emerson’s space.}
As it turns out, I traded on the drawers part, for particle board furniture and I was never quite happy with it. It looked different in the photos, and was never our style. I resented myself for that one. {See: Lessons learned in not jumping the gun once you waited through seven years of marriage for the perfect dresser.}
And then I found this photo. I mean, there are no words. So much potential shame circa 2008.
Okay. Fine. 2009.
::Cringes… hangs head in sheer embarrassment as I make you scroll because it’s that bad::
I’m claustrophobic just looking at it. It was like the hodgepodge, leftover space where I didn’t know what to do with anything. I panicked, and decor-vomited a bunch of furniture and patterns and it’s like I was begging for an intervention. As I figured out our other spaces, I just shoved stuff in our bedroom. I think Jamin nailed his toe on something more than a few times in middle-of-the-night ventures beyond our room. And cursed my name.
What is it about waiting to do our bedrooms, last? There’s so much to be said in creating a sanctuary for ourselves.
I lacked some serious editing skillz, yo.
It’s just funny to sit back and watch as this space evolved.
Maybe devolved would be a better word. Scaling back was what this space needed more than anything. I think that as time has passed, it’s what we’ve craved overall in our home. It doesn’t have to be so complicated.
But back to the dresser: I guess that’s the thing about our bedroom, I’ve never known quite what to do with it because I always just threw things in there. And this dresser was a black hole/dementor that sucked a little bit of the enthused go-getter diy life from me every time I gazed at it.
Yes, being dramatic is my thing.
To the point where I snuffed it out of the photo ops when it came to our spaces, entirely. Just kidding, guys. I don’t have a particle board dresser that I hate more, daily as it stands as a symbol of jumping the gun and ordering something stupidly on the internet before I knew what I really wanted! Hurray!
So I decided to give it a good revamp. I mean, beercanmoldpocalypse’14 calls for a thrifty redo, right? Mold in the walls = painted dresser. And new mantel. And rearranged bedroom. And hardwoods. And a new bed. And new side tables. Duh. Stay with me. I went ten kinds of “If You Give A Mouse a Cookie”. It was time.
Once and for all, this dresser wasn’t going to haunt me anymore.
We simply sanded it down, {we used these Ryobi sanders, but you can even do it with your hands, or use a primer} and gave it a fresh coat with Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, + A Hint of Mint. I left a few of the edges… never even touching them, and when the paint on the drawers was dry, went back for a very light dry brush with the white.
{Hardware added a long time ago from here} I can actually see these pretty little pulls now.
For some areas, I even went back with a dull butter knife later, and scraped it gently across the top of some edges. This lifted some of the paint for an aged look before it had time to cure.
We took the mirrors that we’d just removed from our bathroom, and had this one cut to size in the frame that was once over the dresser. I gave it a fresh coat with some gold leaf paint, and placed this solid piece behind. As it turns out, large distressed tiles can look busy over the years. And gold leaf paint over old stenciling can be kinda fun.
So here’s the part where I have a huge confession: I put it off forever, because I still get scared every time I paint a piece of furniture. Seeing as how this piece now adds up to piece 5554 in the land of furniture redos {factoid: we started out doing furniture for other people out of our own garage-good times, never again} I have no idea why I was scared.
It only took a few hours. It honestly breathed new life into the entire piece.
And I started thinking… painting is one of the easiest things someone can do to make a great change. It can be the key motivator in an entire space, and it’s the perfect starting point. It doesn’t cost much beyond some major gusto and some elbow grease.
And then I started analyzing the reasons why I’m scared.
I think we’ve made painting furniture, too complicated. Is it just me, or does everyone think they have the best method? You can’t get on some form of social media without spying “the best absolute most important way to paint cabinets/dressers/your grandmother’s toilet or whatever other obscure thing you can think of, here… so DO IT NOW.” And if you’re not doing it that way, you’re going to screw it up. You’re a total painting reject fail.
As usual, I’m being a teensy bit exaggerative… But it’s a definite vibe. If it’s giving me a little self doubt, I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone else has noticed. Am I doing this wrong?
I thought it was supposed to be pretty simple.
There’s silly rules and brands of paint and different types and processes and versions, and sometimes I think I spend too much time (and in the past, money) fussing over it all. Sometimes, I think that’s America and the land of marketing, and that this could be a giant metaphor for my life.
So here’s my {I’m sure, unwanted} two cents: Just sand or prime or both… {do what you’re more comfortable with} and break out the good old fashioned latex, already.
• You can pick more colors that way.
• If you don’t like it, paint is the most forgiving medium. {Unless you spill it on the carpet}
• Yes, it probably will chip. It’s like a law of physics or something and you can just touch it up. It won’t be perfect. That’s why we paint it. {Let it cure for a while (sit without things touching it) and this will diminish the chances of that happening}. – two years later of living life hard, this dresser has held up beautifully and has been just fine.
• It doesn’t matter if you use latex of something fancier {insert the kind you’re thinking of here, because I’ve tried it and you’re right}
• Yes, it does take a little elbow grease.
• Yes, you probably will get paint in your hair.
But it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
It’s worth it. For eye candy, for the relief you feel once you change it, for the motivation you’ll feel and the confidence you’ll gain.
Yes, the issue of painting furniture is like, so five years ago already. But it’s still one of the biggest things you can do to that leftover particle board stuff you have from college/ordered on the internet.
When I was done, I thought… Wow. I really sweated over that one. What took me so long? Seriously. Why do we have so many rules and make it all so hard? Why did it take getting a bunch of mold in my walls to finally make the call on that one? Why did I angst and put it off for so long?
Don’t listen to your mom. If she handed down your childhood furniture from the 80’s, and it’s yours, just do it. Don’t listen to your neighbor’s sister who thinks wood {including all things cheap imitation} should never be touched. Her house is boring. Sorrynotsorry. If you have a piece that is begging for a fresh look, do it. Obligatory disclaimer because you can put down your angry mob torches now: Don’t paint a perfect antique. You will regret that, and wood is also glorious. There’s something about a balance in a space when it comes to wood tones and color. It’s fun to find that balance, and not everything is meant to be painted. I have to draw the line somewhere. And you know your marriage better than I do, but if your partner is absolutely opposed, then find a way to work through it with them for a compromise. They’re obviously boring, too. Kiddingnotkidding.
My point? Go with your gut. If you have a piece and it’s old and gross or just a dated big box store purchase… do it. Just paint it, already.
Why are we so afraid? Why are there so many guidelines out there on what we must do and can not do? It’s so hard. And it’s not supposed to be.
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not just talking about paint anymore.
It’s your house. Period.
Back to our bedroom circa 2008 2009. It was a hodgepodge because I was too busy freaking out over “the rules”. I was paralyzed with clutter, fear and guilt.
It’s a good thing to make mistakes, and that we allow ourselves to make them. Because all those mistakes teach us things. And an education is never wasted.
It’s only paint. When it comes down to it, that’s what sanders are for.
So… if you’ve been putting it off for a while… just paint it already. You’ll be so glad you did. I promise.
Our bedroom / bathroom moldtastrophe had a happy ending. It wasn’t easy. It was nine months later. And it went from this…
Sayonara {sianara?}, stupid beige.
Hello {Benjamin Moore’s} Lake Victoria + At Sea.
To this. And you’ll get your happy ending, if you just stick with your instincts. Trust me.
Are you ever afraid to start the process? What do you feel like holds you back the most? Do you think we’ve made it a little more complicated than it needs to be when we listen to others too much?
Rules shmules! Have an inspired day!
Beth M. says
You always make me feel better about wanting to paint furniture! My husband says if it sits still long enough in our house, it will get painted. And every time, he loves it after I’m done. I’ve got two matching Bombay side tables in our bedroom that are screaming for paint. I too thought I was all grown up when I got them since they matched and were “real wood” (yeah right). Paint all the things! Ha.
ashley @ the handmade home says
YES! Jamin put up a fight about the cabinets forever, and once I finally convinced him to let me do it, we were both wondering what took so long. ;}
Denise says
This is so great Ashley! For years I have been paralyzed in decorating. Always scared I would do it wrong. I spent 12 years in my home hating my kitchen cabinets, but never painting them because I was sure I would do it wrong. I just painted them in January, and I LOVE them. I didn’t use any special technique or paint, and yes there are already a couple of chips, but hey this house is lived in after all!! Thanks for encouraging us to just do it!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
You go, girl! Isn’t it such a FUN transformation? When I first saw a bunch of painted cabinets, I was all, What is this witchery you speak of? You mean we can change the color? No! IMPOSSIBLU! And when it happened, it was as if fireworks went off. So worth it. And we need to go back and touch up our nicks because those DEFINITELY happen. ;}
Jeanne says
Twice in one week Ashley, you’re killin’ me! Kidding. Totally vibing on the whole paralysis thing. What is stopping me from painting the walls, the bedroom doors, this piece of furniture my grandfather built from a kit all those years ago, that I love but it needs a refresher??? What. is. stopping. me???? Fear. Time. Thinking that what other people think really matters. You are SO right. It’s OUR house, not theirs. So my goal, before summer is over, is to paint those walls and those doors and that colonial style THING sitting in my entryway that’s begging to be a creamy yellow or a milky white or whatever, just as long as it’s not polyurethaned pine. There. I said it. Now, to DO it! Thanks again Ashley for reminding me that I am not alone. You ROCK!
ashley @ the handmade home says
YOU rock! You can do it! ;} So proud of you! It’s so rewarding when you’re done. You’ll love it. ;}
Meredith says
I love, love, love how the dresser turned out! It looks so fresh and clean, but also so amazing with the light distressing.
I always want to paint all furniture I have. Like the old, not-in-the-greatest-condition, UGLY vanity in the basement. It was my grandmother’s, and my mom refuses to let me paint it until (her words, not mine) ‘she’s dead’. So, I’ll just have to wait! (Hopefully for a while, for my grandmother’s sake)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Been there & totally understand! š
Esther says
What type of paint spryer do you use?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Esther! So sorry I am just now seeing this comment – we have been out of town and I’ve been scrambling to catch up! ;} I do not use a sprayer. Just a simple brush {I prefer purdy because It leaves less brush strokes + doesn’t shed} I hope that helps!
Jaime Costiglio says
Ashley it’s perfection and for some reason those pulls give it an equine quality (maybe I’ve been watching too much horse racing lately?) at any rate you’ve outdone yourself again.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Haha I totally see that! Thanks so much, Jaime! š
Brittany Avery says
Even though my mom is the queen of fearlessly slapping paint on anything, (and makes it look easy-peasy and amazing) I can still be pretty apprehensive about it. Thanks for the encouragement!
Emiley says
Hey Ashley, I’ve been a longtime reader and love all the projects you post! They’re so very inspiring! I thought you might like to know that when I clicked through to read this post on my phone, there were “penis pill” ads on your sidebar. Eek!! I can send you a screenshot if you need it.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Emiley- thank you SO much for letting us know. We’re at the beach right now and Jamin is on his way back to the room to fix it. I am DYING. We saw it on our phone. I almost killed over. Thank you for not assuming we put it there on purpose. Gross gross gross!
Emiley says
I could never think that! You have done an excellent job (at least with me) establishing your integrity on the blog.
P.S. I hope it is a very quick fix and you can all be back to hanging out on the beach as a family very soon.
Brie says
Looks AWESOME!!!-as usual.:)) I, too find painting furniture fun:)), kinda weird, I know. Thanks for the bathroom updates- love the blue! How are you doing it all!!!! We are almost done with school here, 10 more days:)) then, I feel like I can get back into projects. Thanks for the inspiration Ash!
Anna @ A Good Home says
A-freakin’-men. JUST PAINT THE DANG FURNITURE! We host a Bible study at our house every Thursday and my friends always say my house feels so fresh and relaxing. I seriously believe that has very little to do with my super duper decorating skills and much more to do with the fact that if I don’t like something in my house, I will CHANGE IT SO I DO. I’ve turned into a pretty big Chalk Paint snob when it comes to furniture painting (blame Shaunna š ), but looking around right now, at least half of the things I’ve painted have been with latex. Just do it. And definitely don’t listen to your mom š My mom has told me that she has some furniture that I’m not allowed to paint when she passes it down to me, to which I promptly responded that she should probably give it to my sister instead of me. If it’s mine, it’s mine, and that means it’s in very serious danger of being attacked with paint!
Brittany says
I have a gorgeous dresser with amazing details that I have had for three years. I’ve wanted to paint it since day one, but I needed to take off the veneer and figure out what paint I should use and what color I would like and what if I didn’t like it and what if it chips and what if I lose my ever-loving mind because of this stupid dresser!! So, yeah. Thanks for this post š
Amanda says
AH! Exactly what I needed to hear! I’ve seriously been desiring an update for our tiny, boring kitchen with the typical oak looking cabinets for a LOOOONG time. I’ve seen so many do it and love it but I’ve been too fearful. Now that we’re getting some kitchen &L.R. flooring changes its put that desire front and center more than ever. This was the kick in the pants I needed hahaha
Amber @ Au Coeur says
I have painted everything from dressers to bookshelves to play kitchens. I never prime. I sometimes sand. And I am always happy with the result, even years later. Sometimes, the rules are not quite as set in stone as we might think.
Rose L. says
The paint definitely made a big and better difference. I love that glass bust and have never seen anything like it before! Also love your bathtub.
Mary Ann says
Hallelujah!
I also have friends (and family) that think it’s sacrilege to paint varnished wood. Another reason I was putting it off for so long was my expectation/fear of the paint chipping off āĀ like, at the corners and edges of the drawers. Areas that get a lot of wear and tear. I recently remembered one of my dad’s old tricks: Bar soap! Running a dry bar of (white) soap along the runners and edges of my ten drawer white painted built-in has made all the difference. Wish I’d remembered it sooner. I’ll be touching up the two chipped edges before I put my home on the market next month āĀ this time, I won’t forget the soap!