A while back I flagged a dresser I liked on facebook, buuuuuut was too slow to seal the deal and pick it up. But sometimes the furniture fairies give me second chances (like here for example) and just a few weeks later, I come to find out that not only was it Chelsea who nabbed it, but she had decided to clear out her private inventory and was looking to unload it! And this time friends, I was first in line to buy it off her.
Once I got it in the workshop, I realized one of the knobs was bent out of shape (can you spot it?) and there was some small damage to the side.
So I went about conducting repairs and decided to paint and change the hardware completely.
I’ve worked with a lot of mid century modern pieces over the years. In fact, I now exclusively prefer to restore and refinish them. I enjoy updating their inherently clean lines with interesting paint techniques and modern hardware.
Although it had tapered legs indicative of a mid century piece, there were a few elements that made it feel more “traditional” than my usual project - the trim on the top drawer fronts, the squared-off base. So I decided to lean into it’s existing personality and go with a more traditional look - a neutral gray for the body.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love how gold knobs play off a warm gray. It’s a classic look that can suit clients of all ages and style sensibilities.
I replaced the pulls on the top drawers with some brass whistle knobs and swapped out the double breasted pulls on the bottom with sleek anglular center pulls.
To ground the piece a little, I kept the legs a dark walnut which only needed a little oil to help them shine again.
If you’ve been following along with us for a while, you may have noticed I tend to style my pieces with a little quirk. Sometimes it’s a strange piece of art or sculptural element. Sometimes it’s how I hang the art or where I place it. But with this piece, I just wasn’t feeling my usual oddball accessories. Eventually, I decided on a classy monochromatic color pallet - the glimpses of gold and touches of nature quietly compliment its traditional flare.
Gray Tallboy Dresser
SOLD
36”W x 18”D x 44.5”H
$495
If you are interested in a custom order like this piece, email me at cate@stylemutthome.com
