If you've ever purchased an old wooden dresser from Craigslist for the express purpose of turning it into something fabulous, you're not alone. With a little DIY ingenuity, even the most unattractive dressers can become the focal point of a room. Keep reading for 10 solutions for tricking out dated dressers, and let us know which one inspires you the most!
Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member TheRoomStylist from the Su Casa group:
I've been in search of a small dresser or desk that would work in my master bathroom to house all my make-up and hair stuff. Recently, I came across this cute dresser at a local antiques store for $40 and refinished it this past weekend.
For more details, check out my blog, The Room Stylist.
What have you revamped lately? Be sure to share your decorating adventures in the Su Casa group!
Here's a post from Sarah, who shared this dresser makeover with the CasaSugar Community.
There's an old, crumbling mosque behind my apartment building. One day my partner and I were walking by, and saw this dresser outside. It was in pretty good shape — all the woodwork was fine, it seemed sturdy and like it had probably just been sitting unused in a community room for a while. Ugly as heck though — it was an off-putting yellow, with some bronzey-goldish trim. The handles were dangling off, at least one was quite bent out of shape, and someone had taped the doors shut with masking tape because they were missing a latch. Neither of us is one to pass on free furniture, so we dragged it around the block and upstairs (it's quite a beast) and set to work.
I chose this light blue in semigloss (Benjamin Moore's "Old Pickup Blue") because it's a lighter version of our kitchen curtains, because I thought a light color would be a good contrast to the dark handles, and because we both like blue. We kept the original handles/drawer pulls, and my partner managed to fix the bent one and replace the inner latch on the doors. I'm pretty happy with how it came out. Thanks, neighborhood mosque!
Be sure to post your own DIY projects in the Su Casa group!
Everyone's doing it. Are you? You've probably seen them around the web. The O'verlays craze is taking Ikea hacking to a new level, churning out impressive before and after pictures that are going viral. Compatible with MALM, RAST, PAX, EXPEDIT, EFFEKTIV, and LACK collections from Ikea, these lightweight fretwork panels transform mass furniture staples into personalized focal points for any room. You can trick out everything from mirrors to stairs with a variety of sizes and retro-inspired patterns. With surprisingly affordable price points to boot, I'm definitely going to incorporate this in an upcoming DIY-dedicated weekend.
For an even more dramatic effect, try painting your panels and furniture in contrasting colors.
Over the weekend, Michelle Williams glowed at the 2012 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in an elaborately beaded dress. Her frock's beading recalled an earlier era that embraced handmade detailing. Similarly, these home decor baubles and details, which reflect Williams's dress in spirit and style, create a hand-hewn look when added to furniture or rooms of your home. Why not create a special look at your home with some of these accents?
To turn your bedroom door into more than an entry point, switch out a plain doorknob with this Emtek Georgetown Crystal Knob ($110, middle, far right). With an oil-rubbed bronze plate and a clear glass knob, it will add antique finish to even the most ho-hum door.
I've found a number of knobs that you can add to a dresser or cabinet drawers. It's amazing how a few little knobs can make a major change to the look of a dresser. My favorite is the Cloisonne Chrysanthemum Pull ($10). Its enamel detailing reflects the flower it's named after and exudes an Arts and Crafts-era charm. I can imagine it on a turn-of-the-century oak dresser, or dressing up a white Ikea Hemnes dresser.
There are plenty of other great finds in my roundup, from napkin rings to wall hooks. Keep clicking to explore them all!
I'm a huge fan of walnut and bright colors, so it's only natural that I'm majorly attracted to this gorgeous Johansson Dresser from Khouri Guzman Bunce Limited.
The piece is made from a thin skin of lacquered aluminum, which encases a dresser constructed of walnut burl exteriors and solid walnut interiors. Each drawer features handmade glides and milled copper pulls. Bright pops of color contrast gorgeously with the rich walnut burl. While the dresser is shown here in both fire engine red and kelly green, you can specify individual finish color and custom size when ordering the dresser.
Khouri Guzman Bunce Limited is made up of David Khouri and Roberto Guzma of design firm Comma, as well as Christiaan Bunce of Girth Design. The three are now the driving force behind KGB Limited, and their new line of handcrafted American furniture can be seen at KGB Limited's new showroom in Chelsea's Gallery District.
Mixing modern design with timeless craftsmanship, KGB Limited uses materials ranging from Pyrex to fumed white oak. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by in person, or peruse all of KGB Limited's gorgeous designs online.
Here's a cool DIY project, perfect for updating a tired dresser or cabinet, from eco-designer Danny Seo. This project is featured in Danny's new book Upcycling.
Two decorating secrets in updating a kitchen on a dime are to change the color of the walls with a fresh coat of paint, and swap out dated cabinet knobs with new ones. In my kitchen, you don’t have to do the tedious task of unscrewing each knob to give them a fresh look. Upcycle your old knobs with a colorful collection of geodes, sea glass, or minerals and ultrapowerful glue.
What You'll Need:
How to Make It
Thanks Danny! Want to see even more eco, upcyled decorating and entertaining projects? Then pick up Danny's new book Upcycling.
While flipping through Skona Hem, I had to stop and take a much closer look at this glamorous bathroom. The entire space is absolutely spectacular, but my favorite element has to be the mod, plaid, golden-hued dresser against the wall. While you could spend thousands commissioning a custom piece similar to this one, you could also re-create the look with a simple DIY. Hear how to do it when you read more
Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member h2urHome from the Su Casa group:
I recently picked up a dresser at the Goodwill for a steal and I think because of that I was more willing to have a little fun with it. I mean, if I messed it up I'd only be out $10! Instead of painting the dresser all black or all white I decide to paint it white and a fun blue.
I really liked how it turned out. I thought the piece would look great in a modern nursery and for fun I made a moodboard to show how the piece could work in a nursery.
If you'd like to read more about the transformation, please stop by my blog House To Your Home.
Have you done any decorating projects lately? Be sure to post photos and details in the Su Casa group!
CasaSugar Community member lindsaypie recently posed this dilemma in the Assisted Living group:
"My husband and I recently received a beautiful bedroom set from an elderly relative who was looking to downsize for a smaller place. However, inside the drawers have a very distinct musty smell to them. I tried leaving the drawers open and airing it out for a few days, but the smell is still there. It is an absolutely stunning piece, and I really would hate to part with it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!"
Lindsaypie, try one of these techniques. I hope they solve your smelly dresser issue!
Do you have a surefire way for dealing with musty smells in a dresser? Tell Lindsaypie about it in the comments!
