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A plum-grey dresser with modern lines

July 22, 2013 By Reeves @ The Weathered Door Leave a Comment

When I find furniture I try to stick to the antique styles with lots of curves and character. Then, when I put my touch on them I like to add some modern touches to update the pieces and give it a vintage modern style. Shabby chic is just not my preferred look.

This dresser was found on craigslist and had already been stripped… which mean less work for me. The veneer was gone on the sides and top, so the wood was that raw-fuzzy. (It also has a top piece that is not in the before)

 

Before the first coat of paint I sealed the frame of the dresser with poly so it would not soak up as much paint. As for the color, I went a different route this time. I like color, but it can be a lot to commit to it on a piece of furniture, so I usually stay toward the muted tones – pretty much the grey tones of colors. Light or dark, I don’t care. If a color is muted, I will probably like it. I custom mixed a grey with some plum undertones which somewhat resembles elephant gray by Benjamin Moore. I just mixed in some plum and pink-lavender colors until I achieve the perfect smokey plum.
The everything got one coat, and I like the coverage so that is all it got. Once the paint had dried and cured for a while I lightly sanded with 320 grit sandpaper to make everything smooth.
The style of this dresser is pretty simple so a white outline was added to the drawers to frame them out and add some visual interest using frog tape. The lovely pulls finished it off this sophisticated little dresser.

 

Linking up with:
Knick of Time * A Bowl Full of Lemons * Elizabeth & Co.  * Domestically Speaking * Handy Man, Crafty Woman *
the 36th Avenue * Liz Marie Blog * Miss Mustard Seed * Classy Clutter * DIY Show Off * Lilyfield Life *
City Farmhouse * Give Me The Goods Monday  * The Girl Creative * Southern Savy Style
Tatertots and Jello *  Blue Egg Brown Nest * Finding Fabulous * House on the Way  * Throwback Thursady

Filed Under: Before and After, Furniture Makeovers

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« Reversible scrabble tile coasters with a pop of color
A dark wood dresser with a white top »

Comments

  1. Mimi's Vintage Charm says

    July 22, 2013 at 2:22 am

    love your modern touch to these old pieces of furniture. very neat!

    Reply
  2. Alison @ Rubylicious Bespoke says

    July 22, 2013 at 4:07 am

    Gorgeous Reeves. Looks great and the white trim is the perfect touch 🙂

    Reply
  3. Suzan Sweatman says

    July 22, 2013 at 9:16 am

    Just beautiful – I often add lines with duck tape too for a little something – something – it's just sheer perfection on this piece!!!!!!!
    XOXO

    Reply
  4. LittleMyoo says

    July 22, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    I love the white outlines and the knobs! So cute!

    -andi

    Reply
  5. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 22, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    Thanks so much! It is my favorite way to update furniture!

    Reply
  6. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 22, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    I am really happy with the white trim on the drawers. I'll definitely do it again!

    Reply
  7. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 22, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    Thanks Suzan!

    Reply
  8. sew sweet vintage says

    July 22, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    Awesome look! I painted two hutches in my dinning room plum gray and haven't fallen in love with it, and feel they need a little something. Love your white line details. Pinned to think on:) I posted anchors aweigh pillow cases to the Mod Vintage party. Swing by:)

    Reply
  9. 9f7ab8b2-f31b-11e2-943c-000bcdca4d7a says

    July 22, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Hi — I just started following you on pinterest. Tackling a painted furniture and using a Sherwin Williams paint also. What line do you use? I am redoing a pine armoire and the store recommended Sherwin Williams Solo. Thanks for any tips

    Reply
  10. RPK Interiors says

    July 23, 2013 at 12:23 am

    With the lines on this chest being so straight, I would have passed on it…not being able to see how to add some interest to it. The painted accent and knobs are just the perfect touch! Thanks for sharing your amazing talent once again. Pinning it for inspiration! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Jona @ Boho Willow says

    July 23, 2013 at 1:20 am

    I absolutely love this!

    Reply
  12. Donna Wilkes says

    July 23, 2013 at 2:22 am

    The smokey plum against the white is striking. Love the modern lines on a vintage piece.

    Reply
  13. Gretchen says

    July 23, 2013 at 10:55 am

    very nice! I love the little knobs, and the stripes are perfect 🙂 coming over from Give Me the Goods.

    Reply
  14. Dria S says

    July 24, 2013 at 2:18 am

    Wow what a gorgeous transformation, the color is stunning!! (visiting from city farm house link party)

    Reply
  15. Laurel Putman says

    July 24, 2013 at 11:35 am

    So pretty…love the white trim 🙂

    Reply
  16. Afroditi Kat says

    July 24, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    Your blog is lovely!!!! Would you like to follow each other on bloglovin' ? xxx
    Gleaming Spire * Bloglovin'

    Reply
  17. Fiona, LilyfieldLife says

    July 24, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    I'm with you Reeves, I am not such a fan of shabby chic although I will paint like that but not for my house. I love what you have done with this dresser and I also love muted tones. Such a great look with the white highlights. thanks for linking to my Paint Parade. cheers Fiona

    Reply
  18. hayleyslittleplace says

    July 25, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    nice! At first glance I thought it was raised where you painted it white. Great idea! Is the top piece just for decoration or is it functional?

    Reply
  19. Kirsten Oliphant says

    July 25, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Gorgeous! Just pinned it! Visiting from All Things Pretty linky.

    Reply
  20. Alexis Middleton says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    I love the color you chose! It turned out just lovely! I am a new follower on bloglovin. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Thanks for following!

    Reply
  22. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Thank you! The front part of the top piece lifts up and you can store things inside it. So it is functional, but it can also be removed since it is not screwed down.

    Reply
  23. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    Shabby chic is liked by a lot of people. I do it sometimes, but I usually try to stick to what I really love. Thanks Fiona!

    Reply
  24. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    I appreciate that you stopped by!

    Reply
  25. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    I do think the white adds some interest to the piece and breaks up the lavender-grey color. Glad you like it!

    Reply
  26. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    Thanks so much! It was pretty plain to begin with!

    Reply
  27. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    Thanks Donna!

    Reply
  28. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    This piece is not Sherwin Williams paint, but I do use their paint quite often. I usually stick to using the sample quarts they have. I get really confused with all of the different paint lines. I heard that the samples are missing something that the regular paint has, which I believe is the finish that makes it hold up better, but I sand all my pieces before painting, paint on 3 coats and finish it with wax or poly. Whatever line you choose, I think satin is easiest to work with (I do not like using semi gloss or gloss) and then adding a protective finish once you are done.

    Reply
  29. Rachel Paxton says

    July 29, 2013 at 1:30 am

    It's gorgeous, Reeves! I love the juxtaposition of modern and classic… And I featured it at Give Me the Goods Monday. Be sure to check it out!

    Rachel @ Maison de Pax

    Reply
  30. Lanaya | Raising Reagan says

    July 30, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    I've always liked the look of the lines on a dresser.

    Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
    Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. 🙂

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.com

    Reply
  31. Leslie Stewart says

    July 31, 2013 at 12:57 am

    Loving your dresser! I'd like to invite you to share it at my Twirl & Take a Bow Party at http://www.houseontheway.com. Have a great week.
    Leslie

    Reply
  32. Dakota Creek Chic says

    July 31, 2013 at 6:18 am

    Love the gray!! It's beautiful!
    Shawna

    Reply
  33. Kathy Penney says

    August 1, 2013 at 1:27 am

    This is an amazing transformation! Love the gray and white. Really nice job. You're one of the features tomorrow at All Things Pretty! Thanks for sharing! Hope you come back soon! Pinning it.

    Reply
  34. Allison @ The Golden Sycamore says

    August 2, 2013 at 2:21 am

    Gorgeous dresser! Always love your pieces! I think this is one of my favorites!!

    Reply
  35. Carrie from Carrie This Home says

    August 2, 2013 at 2:59 am

    This dresser is fabulous! I love the grey color you chose–it's so light and modern. I'm stopping by from Inspire Me Please (#3 Bacon Grilled Chicken) Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  36. Selene @ Restoration Beauty says

    August 2, 2013 at 3:59 am

    That color is perfect for that dresser! And I like the detail you added on each drawer!

    Reply
  37. Whitney Mier says

    August 3, 2013 at 12:39 am

    Wow, this is beautiful! I am pinning this for inspiration 🙂

    Reply
  38. Michelle says

    August 6, 2013 at 1:49 am

    ohhhh I love it! and I have the same rug 🙂 Michelle

    Reply
  39. Lauren says

    August 8, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    I am featuring your dresser on my blog today. Thanks for linking it up. I hope to see you tomorrow for another link party.

    http://ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  40. Paula@SweetPea says

    September 26, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Your dresser looks so nice! I love the gray and white combination that you choose. Thanks for sharing on this week's Throwback Thursday party.

    Reply
  41. Kimberly Glinski says

    September 27, 2013 at 9:41 am

    This one is so pretty too. What do you do with all your dressers and where do you find so many? They are my favorite piece to paint. Thanks for linking up to Throwback Thursday!
    kim

    Reply
  42. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    September 29, 2013 at 1:02 am

    It's a business, so I sell the pieces I do unless for some reason I decide to keep a piece and get rid of something I already have!

    Reply
  43. Jen @ Girl in the Garage says

    September 30, 2013 at 1:32 am

    I love this piece! I also tend to paint a lot of pieces gray- it goes with everything! I love that you added the white outline on the drawers- and the knobs are really the perfect touch. Stopping by from Throwback Thursday. 🙂

    Reply

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