I once heard from someone who is probably an expert in all things proclamating. (Is so a word!) You know how they say if you proclaim that you are going to do something and have witnesses (in this case y’all), you are more likely to actually follow through with that in which you proclamated. (Again, is so a word!)
So, I hear-by proclaim that I am going to start on some DIY projects. Now, there is an unwritten rule (and perhaps a restraining order filed in some courthouse somewhere) that says I am not allowed to partake in DIY projects. When you combine my extreme lack of knowledge in all things crafty, mechanical, remodeling and home-improvement in general with my lack of design intuition and project vision & inspiration, I have kind of been forbidden from trying to go the whole DIY route. (Going to places like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby gives me hives if that gives you any indication as to how I feel about all things crafty and creatively artistic.)
HOWEVER….
I am about to become Ms. DIY. I can do it, right? (Say “right”, y’all.)
Why? Well, because when we cleaned out my childhood home, I brought home a lot of things. I mean a lot. As in a U-Haul full. But you see, some of it is not my style. More like, it would look awesome in Mad Men. (A dresser, chest of drawers and headboard from the 60’s was a must have.) I mean it totally belonged to my grandparents and oh my gawd we can’t just give that away! So now it is home with me and I am in charge of bringing it into the 21st century.
I’m going to strap on my tool belt. (Do they come in pink?) Grab some of those thingies from Home Depot that those people on DIY shows have and set up a doo-hickie area to get the whatchamacallit’s set up. I’m off to a great start, don’t you think. In fact, after I tackle furniture, I am going all out with the kitchen remodel. Or at least the cabinets. And wall paper. And floors. (Crap. Looks like I need to find some income!)
So here is project one. The color? I am not a fan. But I am so freaking clueless as to how to do anything to take this from a prop from 1960/Mad Men to a cool bedroom set that someone in this century would own. I just have one word for you (because y’all are the smartest people on the Interwebs.)
HELP!
(I don’t know if you can tell from the picture but the color is kind of a yellowish color. I’m not a fan. But what to do??)
While I’m no Martha, and I can’t even begin to be Nate Berkus, I do have some immediate thoughts on that gem of yours:
1. Remove the Hardware. And Ditch it.
2. If you are like I am, spray paint is your friend. AND, you can find spray paint that sticks to plastic–meaning you can use it on a finished piece without a ton of prep-work (just give it a good scrubdown with soapy water).
3. I’d be inclined to go with a glossy black paint, BTW.
4. Follow the directions on the can. Be patient and do multiple coats (as tempting as it may be to just load that sucker up with fresh, shiny paint, the key to a nice finish is multiple very-thin coats. ESPECIALLY with the detailing on your piece). Let it dry according to the can’s instructions.
5. Take white glossy acrylic paint, and a regular 3/4″ wide, flat paintbrush (for artwork, not for walls) and paint just that raised surface of the detailing (the surface only, not the sides) that outlines where each drawer pull is. Leave the rest of the details on the piece alone.
6. Once that’s done, take a good look at it, and a photo of the fresh new look, and go buy new hardware. Make sure you choose hardware that matches the placement of the existing holes in the drawer fronts. Installing those puppies just takes a phillips-head screwdriver.
So…that’s what I would do with it. 😉
Call a furniture/antique restorer and make an appointment to drop it off with him/her. That’s what *I* would do, and I normally have no problem with DIY projects.
I got nothing. Although, I recently spray-painted one of those cheapo-put-together-bookcase thingies and now it still looks cheapo-but-more-new-ish. /beingofnohelpwhatsoever
http://www.chateaulamer.net/2012/03/27/black-lingerie-chest-sold/
I’m sure you’ve already finished your DIY project, but I hadn’t checked in for awhile. 🙂 I’m glad you were able to recover your posts!
I love french provencial furniture. Check out the link above for a similar lingerie chest I covet. 🙂 Looks pretty easy ~ black & white spray paint. I also saw a harlequin painted chest of drawers that I love (Pinterest, baby ~ gotta love it!) but it seemed a little advanced for someone who gets hives from Michael’s. LOL
Anyway, show us your furniture, lady! 🙂 Ya know…once you return from BlogHer. 🙂