Have you ever been thrift shopping, see an amazing treasure and then guard it like a hawk so that no one else can swoop in and grab it? That is exactly what I did when I spotted this piece. I absolutely fell in love with it the instant I saw it. I hovered over it like a vulture until I could get the attention of the sales clerk to help me move it. A little coo coo, I know. I was not going to let this beauty get away from me. While I was waiting for the clerk, I snapped this shot with my iphone.
This is a well made mid century piece by Century Furniture. It was in great shape with the exception of the worn finish and a few veneer issues. All but one of the original pulls were still in place. Can you see the cute zip ties on the lower drawer where the pull should be? I was really hoping I could find a replacement and use the original pulls, but no such luck. I did an extensive internet search, but came up with nothing. I also looked into having a custom pull fabricated to match the originals, but that was pretty costly. Ultimately, I decided to replace the pulls with new hardware. I found some really great pulls made by Atlas Homeware called the “U Turn” pulls. They give this piece a clean, modern aesthetic and even look like they could be original midcentury hardware. The finish is called champagne and it coordinates well with the original brass rings on the legs.
I went back and forth on color for this piece. I contemplated going with a clean, white look. I also considered several bold colors – emerald green, red, and evening plum by General Finishes. The cat is out of the bag on the direction I decided to go – bold blue!
The color is a mix of General Finishes milk paint. I used 2 parts Klein Blue and 1 part Coastal Blue to create this gorgeous sapphire blue. Coastal Blue is a very dark almost black navy blue and it brings Klein Blue – a super bright blue – down a notch. Just love it.
I’m not sure why, but I was a little hesitant about going so bold on this piece. But, I figured no risk, no reward. I am so glad I went with this color. No regrets!
I lined the top three drawers with a fun geometric paper I purchased at least 2 years ago. I have been waiting for just the right piece to use it on. I love how the geometric design in the paper is echoed by the pulls. And, the gray and white is a quiet contrast to the bold blue.
What do you think of the retro surfer photo? Isn’t that fun? For inexpensive art, I like to search the internet for vintage photos and then have them printed at Costco. I then use simple white or black frames from IKEA. I especially love anything beach related like this one.
And, last but not least, my close up shot. Anyone else loving succulents? Trader Joe’s has them for $5 bucks right now. Yay!
Have a great day and happy thrifting!
Susan
Linking with Miss Mustard Seed
Oh Susan, this is wonderful! I love the color and the hardware is perfect. Very upscale and modern. The finish is flawless. I love it! 🙂 I’m so glad you went all in with the sapphire. 🙂
Wasn’t it you who shared about D.Lawless Hardware? I thought it was…. hmmm…
All the best, Christina
http://www.dlawlesshardware.com/
Thank you so much, Christina! Yes, I love D. Lawless Hardware and always share when I use it on my pieces!
Love, love, love it!
You picked a perfect color. Totally my kind of dresser! Great job!
Susan, I saw this on your FB page, but this is my first chance to really read about the transformation. It is so gorgeous…the custom blue, stunning hardware, and even the drawer liner is perfect! And by the way, nice job staking out your claim at the thrift store! 🙂
Did you add satin, flat, or gloss general finish brand or just paint?
Hi Monica! I used General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in satin for this piece. Susan
Hi-Can you tell me more about you paint mixing? Did you use quart or pint size?. Beautiful by the way!
I buy paint by the quart, since it’s more cost effective and I use quite a bit of paint doing furniture makeovers. I just mix the paint by hand in a separate container. Susan
I’ve heard that milk paint tends to randomly chip. How did you avoid that in this piece? Beautiful!
Hi Kiri! True milk paint (the kind that comes powdered) can, and does, chip unless a bonding agent is added to promote adhesion. The “milk paint” I used on this piece is from General Finishes and is actually an acrylic paint, not a true milk (even though that is what the company calls it), and does not have the same propensity to chip. Confusing, I know. Thanks so much for stopping by! Susan
What specific hardware is that? Is that brushed nickel or satin brass? LOVE IT! I am redoing a pine dresser in Navy Blue and want to use same hardware. Hope you don’t mind sharing.
Thanks! The hardware is the satin brass. It might also be called champagne brass (I can’t remember exactly). Good luck with your pine dresser! Susan