DIY a distressed dresser
In my last bedroom, I knew I wanted a softer feel. With the lack of sun I knew I’d have to keep the furniture white to obtain a soft, calm feel. I bought a very large antique white dresser and if had a smaller dresser perfect for the side of my bed. The issue was it was this:
This definitely did not fit the look that I was looking for in my bedroom. Rather than dismissing the dresser and buying another one, I want to refinished it. I chose to distress it.
The project was very easy. When distressing furniture you want a base color. Since I was wanted the piece to be white, I chose a dark base color. I don’t know the name, to be honest it was leftover paint from another project. It was a dark brown/green color. Here is the first coat:
Once the first coat dried I took a candle and ran it over the corners and other parts of the dresser. This left residual wax on the dresser (which you want). I then painted it the antique white that I wanted it. I ended up painting it with a large paintbrush but could have easily painted it with roller. I was not too concerned with it streaking. That’s the plus to distressing furniture, the goal is not to make it look perfect, it’s supposed to look worn. Here is the dresser after the wax and white paint.
Once it dried, I used a medium steel wool and rubbed it over the candle wax. With some elbow grease, the bottom coat started to show through and a distress look was created. I played around with the steel wool and the paint for a good hour. Slowly the piece started looking like less of a mess and more like a distressed pice of furniture.
It ended up being just the right piece for my bedroom. It is amazing what a little paint and some work can do.
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.
A fancy Idea
I found this pin on Pinterest the other day. What a great idea! I love to make mundane daily things such as soap and sponges look and feel “special”. Nothing like a cake stand to make the kitchen look fancy!
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.
Ode to black and white stripes.
I have found myself gravitating towards outfits of black and white stripes. To me it’s a fun take on a timeless and sophisticated look. I just bought this Carlson jersey blazer and wear it with just about any of my dresses. White, black, pink, green or floral, if you are like me and like to push the limits with fashion.
Still too much? Just bring in the stripes with curtains! Still makes an impression but not as much as a whole room full of black and white stripes.
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.
Designer Tips
I found this article recently on house beautiful. It’s a 101 tips from 35 designers and I thought it was a great reminder and help. I, for one, will be using white towels and sheets from now on! It certainly looks better but also it’s so much easier for me. One load of laundry for sheets and towels? I’ll take it! What tips will you start to use? Enjoy your Friday!
City Living
Yesterday I was laughing about how much my life has changed in 2 months. I now get incredibly annoyed if I have to drive anywhere. My new gym is 3 miles away and I hate it. Mind you, while I was living in New Hampshire, I would hightail it 40 minutes to the closest/best hot yoga studio 5 times a week and think nothing of it.
- Scale. Large rooms warrant large furniture and pieces. Small rooms need smaller pieces.
- Layer. Layer. Layer.
- Do not attempt to complete it all at once.Take your time to find what works.
- Organization is always key.
- Optimize the space for your needs.
- Make the colors work for the size of the room.
- And of course, create a space YOU LOVE!