As you have seen, I have been working on our bonus room/family room, layer by layer. Half of the space will be a play area for Ella {the half that this side table is facing~where I am standing while taking this picture} and I wanted some pretty storage for her toys. A few months ago, my mom was throwing away this dresser that my brother had left at their house when he lived there, since he didn't want it anymore. When I saw it, I knew I could turn it into toy storage. And you can't beat free!
{That is spray paint on the ground... My garage is a scary place... but not THAT scary ;)}
and here is the after....
I sanded down the top with really rough, 32 grit sandpaper since I wanted it to be the rustic natural wood. I will seal it with a clear matte wax. I painted the base and the drawers with my favorite creamy white homemade chalk paint {see color formula and tutorial here} and distressed the edges. I also replaced the hardware with these cup pulls from Hobby lobby. The bottom piece was missing off of the original, so I cut a board to fit, painted, and attached it.
I also replaced the top drawers with a few baskets to try to update the look and make it more my style. I wanted to take away the focus from the dated curvy-ness. The size of the baskets are perfect, but I think I am going to end up spray painting them and sewing liners for them as well because I think I can make them match a bit better.
I think Ella approves :).
And, of course I had to add a little Valentine tree to the top. Ella sits and points at all of the colors and tells me all kinds of things about it.
I really love getting my hands dirty and using power tools!
Update: I did end up painting the baskets... and who knows, I may paint them again 🙂 But, for now, here is what it looks like now.
To see the rest of the bonus room before and afters so far click {here}!
Linking up at Miss Mustard Seed
and the Inspiration Gallery at The Craftberry Bush
and Jennifer Rizzo
Kristen Bond
Love what you did! Did you cut wood to fit in the top drawer space for the baskets to sit on?
Abbie
Hi, I really love how this dresser turned out!! I noticed that your "Cake Batter" chalk paint ingredients call for grout. Do you ask the folks at Lowes to mix the grout in with it? Or is that something you add yourself? Thanks!
HEAB
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HEAB
Did you sand the base before painting and distressing?
Jen
I have a hand me down wide dresser just sitting in our garden shed. Guess I see my spring project ahead after admiring how cute yours turned out. I love bin pulls for drawer handles.
Debbie Booth
HI Kristen, what a great project. And the end result is so wonderful. I love it. It is making me walk through my house to see if I have something like that I could redo. I just love the baskets. YOur room and sweet little one are just perfect!
Blessings,
Debbie