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You are here: Home / DIY projects / Modern Oak Dresser Makeover

Modern Oak Dresser Makeover

September 6, 2013 by Julia

I can’t believe that my little man is turning 11 already today. He is growing up way too fast and I’m trying to hold on to his innocence in the worst way. He still believes in Santa Claus, which makes me smile, I have no clue how we achieved this 😉 but I might have to burst his bubble at some point soon so he a)  doesn’t get teased in school about believing in Santa and b) because he thinks Santa is magical and can get him anything no matter of the price tag. But I think it’s just too cute. And I did get the German layered cake done for him. I had some issues along the way, I hope it’ll taste fine LOL. I do it every year but this year it turned out a little funky!

I also worked my butt off to finish this dresser that I bought at Salvation Army right before we left for Germany. It caught my eye because it is heavy, solid oak and a mix between rustic country and modern. It was in really bad shape though, or should I say disgusting?!? Because that’s totally what it was. Look at that dirty brown and green stuff on it. Ugh, yuck!
oak dresser before
yucky oak dresser before
Yuck, look at the brown drips on the legs.

But I knew I could turn it into something lovable. I also really liked the scale of the dresser and I could picture it as a larger nightstand dresser or changing table. The height is actually perfect for a changing table if you attach the changing pad to the back.

My hubby sanded the dresser for me which removed all the yucky icky stuff. He is helping out a little here and there now if he has time isn’t that great? But I forgot to take a picture of how clean and nice it looked before I painted it.

And after it was sanded I painted it with Annie Sloan chalk paint (color: Paloma). Why chalk paint again? Well, because it has the somewhat rustic feel due to the grainy oak. Regular or glossy paint would have not looked nice with that wood in my opinion. I actually have another dresser in the garage which is up next and I will paint it with a more glossy finish again I think.

After that I applied Johnson Paste Wax which took the color from a light grey to a darker grey as you can see in the picture.

applying furniture wax
And here it is finished:
modern oak dresser after by Cuckoo4Design
modern oak dresser after
modern oak dresser drawer detail by cuckoo4design
modern oak dresser drawer detail by cuckoo4design
modern oak dresser in Annie Sloan Paloma Chalk Paint
modern oak dresser in Annie Sloan Paloma Chalk Paint by Cuckoo4Design
modern oak dresser in Annie Sloan Paloma Chalk Paint by Cuckoo4Design
modern oak dresser drawer detail in Annie Sloan Paloma Chalk Paint
gold vinyl heart wall decals by Cukoo4Design
gold, grey and white chalk paint dresser by Cuckoo4Design
modern rustic oak dresser makeover in grey white and gold by Cuckoo4Desing

I love it so much. I know I say that about almost everything but that’s how it should be, right? If I put a lot of work into it then I should love it!

In case you are wondering about the hearts, they are vinyl wall stickers and will be for sale in my Etsy shop as well. I’m hopefully adding them over the weekend.

So what do you think? Yay or nay?

Oh and hey before I forget it. The person that won my giraffe pillow cover never replied so random.org picked another. Congrats to Sabrina:

And I wish you all a great weekend.

Tschüß

(Youleeya)

 

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Comments

  1. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:16 am

    This is actually super similar to emmy’s new dresser! Same finish and shape to start. Love the colors and LOVE the gold touch- glamorous and chic!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:03 am

      Emmy’s is a very high dresser though right? You know what really bugs me is that I still had to pay for it. LOL I’m a cheapo but it was in such bad shape that I think Salvation Army still asks too much for it 😉

  2. Sabrina says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:31 am

    What?! I was just going to comment on how beautiful your dresser looks and then I see that I won!!! Whoo Hoo!! Beautiful job!! I love gold and the vinyl sticker!

    I can be reached at:

    superfluousblogs @ gmail dot com

    Thanks so much!!!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Yay, you won! And thanks so much for coming over to my blog again.

  3. Darnetha {ChippaSunshine} says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:45 am

    The dresser looks fantastic and I love the gold touches!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:06 am

      Thanks Darnetha, you know I have to touch everything with my gold fingers 😉

  4. Andrea Mowery says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:57 am

    I love the gold trim you used. Great job!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:07 am

      Thanks Andrea!

  5. Luci @Bungalow At Home says

    September 6, 2013 at 11:28 am

    I like it! I really do! And those heart stickers are darling Julia!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:08 am

      I love the hearts too and have been wanting to use them for a while now. Thanks!

  6. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    September 6, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    It’s beautiful! Love the sticker, love the gold accents….it’s just FABULOUS!!!!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:11 am

      Aww thank you so much Patty, I really appreciate it.

  7. Jennifer Strohl says

    September 6, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    You’re amazing Julia!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:12 am

      Thank you my friend! You are amazing too Jenn 😉

  8. Amber says

    September 6, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    I always love to see how people redo a piece of furniture. This is gorgeous!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:12 am

      Thank you so much Amber. Have a great weekend.

  9. Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says

    September 6, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    I love that paloma colour! SO pretty with the gold. A great makeover again.

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:14 am

      I love the Paloma too. Originally I wanted to do a darker blue.
      Thanks Kelly!

  10. Amy@TheBlissfulBee says

    September 6, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    LOVE the gold accents!! Beautiful Julia:) As always!

    xo, amy

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:15 am

      🙂 Thanks so much Amy and have a great weekend 🙂

  11. Shavonda says

    September 6, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    Another winner Julia!!! Great job.

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:15 am

      The winner or the dresser LOL 🙂 jk

  12. Brynne Delerson says

    September 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    I love it! Definitely a “paint it” 🙂 I can’t believe something so icky became something soooo lovely! And the gold heart is the perfect finishing touch!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:18 am

      THanks so much for pinning!!!

  13. Miss Charming says

    September 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    Oh, I love this, Julia! Your styling is just perfection. (Cute little whale quote!)

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:19 am

      Thank you Gina. I love that whale 😉

  14. Brittany Cramer says

    September 6, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    Julia, it looks incredible! and the gold accents, you know how to win a gal over 😛

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:20 am

      I know how much you love gold just like me! I just can’t keep myself from turning something gold LOL

  15. Sarah {Lacquer and Linen} says

    September 6, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    The gold on the handles just makes it!! So cute!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:24 am

      Thanks Sarah, I’d love to use the dresser in my daughter’s room now because she thinks it’s cute too. Well maybe if it doesn’t sell 😉

  16. Erin and Laura House Envy says

    September 6, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Love this Julia!! I couldn’t figure out if the hearts were real or photoshop:) ha!! I like them though. The dresser is simple and elegant and right up my alley! Great job, as always!!

    Laura
    House Envy

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:13 am

      No Photoshop 😉 just wall decals. I’m addicted to wall vinyl. It’s one of the best things ever invented.
      Have a great weekend.

  17. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    Well how fun is that! I love how you carried the heart from the wall to the drawer. Another great piece, Julia!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:26 am

      Thanks so much. I’ have a wall vinyl addiction right now 😉

  18. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    September 7, 2013 at 12:31 am

    I love it Julia!! I love the art deco-ish shape of the bottom and your gold detail on the handles.

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:27 am

      It totally is kind of art deco. Maybe I should change the title to modern oak art deco dresser 😉 LOL and thanks Crystal!

  19. Jamala Wallace says

    September 7, 2013 at 12:35 am

    That looks fantastic! You really do a terrific job restoring items

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:28 am

      Thanks so much!

  20. Geesha says

    September 7, 2013 at 12:53 am

    Julia I really want to know about what you did to the inside of the drawers. Is it a drawer liner? Gift wrap? Where did you get it? I need aswers girl! LOL!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:28 am

      Hi Geesha, it is contact paper which I found at HomeGoods. I love that stuff because every time I used wrapping paper and decoupage I had bubbles. I totally forgot to mention it in my blog post 😉

  21. Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says

    September 7, 2013 at 12:56 am

    I love the gold heart – never would have thought to do it but it’s the perfect whimsical touch to keep it from being too serious!

    • Julia Konya says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:29 am

      My daughter wants the gold hearts in her room now too. I have a wall vinyl addiction right!
      And thanks!

  22. Julia Konya says

    September 7, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Yeah, they are close in age, but not in height LOL. Noa is on the shorter side like me.
    My daughter wants the dresser now. Maybe if it doesn’t sell I can use it in her room makeover. Thanks and have a great weekend too.

  23. Geesha says

    September 7, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Thanks Julia! I have been looking every where for something like this. I hope I can find it at my HomeGoods. I have seen online scented drawer liners (how cool is that) but it is never in any cool geometric patterns.

    • Steph Piontkowski says

      September 11, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      They also have similar liners at Ross and Marshalls. 🙂

  24. Sara says

    September 7, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    You did SUCH a nice job with it! And I love the drawer liners…such an expected and lovely surprise. Almost makes putting away laundry fun lol

  25. Kayla Dixon says

    September 7, 2013 at 8:25 pm

    The dresser turned out so great! Love the little gold details!!!! Enjoy your weekend!

    Blessings,
    Kayla
    K.R Dixon Designs
    http://adelightfulplacetodwell.com

  26. annie hearts says

    September 8, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    Ooo beautiful! That gold heart is so unique. You’re an original, Julia, in the best possible way!

    Annie XO

  27. Pudel-design says

    September 8, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    Oh der is ja süss! Sieht super aus!
    Thank you for your lovely comment, Julia;)
    Love and hugs

  28. Jenna LaFevor says

    September 9, 2013 at 1:54 am

    Oh my goodness, that gold heart is adorable and the gold detailing on the handles is fab!

  29. pam {simple details} says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:23 am

    So cute with the gold heart! I’ve been under a rock, I didn’t realize you had an Etsy shop!

  30. Pudel-design says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:52 am

    Oh ja, das wäre wunderbar dich mal Persönlich kennen zu lernen;)

  31. Mrs. DeVore says

    September 9, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    love the touch of gold and those heart decals!

  32. Ginger Walls says

    September 10, 2013 at 2:00 am

    Looks awesome girl! I love the gold hearts too!

  33. Kris @ Driven by Décor says

    September 10, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    So darling!!!

  34. Jane says

    September 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    Love, love this dresser! Love the soft color, the gold trim. And the chevron liner – fabulous! Thanks for linking up to Frugalicious Friday!

  35. Lindsay at Life of Splendor says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    LOVE the dresser makeover and that heart is my favorite part 🙂

  36. ingrid@nowathomemom says

    September 11, 2013 at 1:44 am

    I’m in love with the gold touches 🙂 so beautiful and feminine 🙂 & wow what a transformation, how different and so happy your husband sanded this piece of furniture for you 🙂
    I love the heart you added to the dresser and around it to style it with the whale too! 🙂
    I hope your son had a beautiful birthday too and so adorable how he still believes in Santa claus, I love it when kids haven’t lost all their innocence yet! 🙂 & I’m sure your cake for him was delicious!

  37. Steph Piontkowski says

    September 11, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Julia, what did you use for the gold accents on the handles?

    • Julia Konya says

      September 12, 2013 at 10:28 pm

      Hi Steph, I used gold spray paint.

  38. stephanie at Stephanie Kraus Designs says

    September 12, 2013 at 2:22 am

    Julia – love the touch of gold… did you take the pulls off and what did you use to paint them … looks incredible!

  39. Brandi says

    September 12, 2013 at 4:34 am

    This is so gorgeous, you’d never know how it started! Fabulous as always! Love this makeover!

  40. John Our Home from Scratch says

    September 12, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    Nice job! The gold accents work perfectly.

  41. Gretchen says

    September 12, 2013 at 11:33 pm

    looks great! everything looks better with a little gold on it, right? And I’m loving that brass whale, too 🙂

  42. emily @ go haus go says

    September 13, 2013 at 12:58 am

    Holy cow! The before and after is just stunning. Love the long handles.

  43. Sheryll And Critters. says

    September 13, 2013 at 2:49 am

    Wait a second…….. my pc died and I have worked to get back on the internet……for my favorite blogs…………. so are you hinting that you might be expecting? I mean a changing table????? I know I am so severely behind in everything, but I thought I might just ask what ……. did I miss?

    • Julia Konya says

      September 13, 2013 at 10:43 am

      Haha, no Sheryll…I sell the furniture in my etsy shop and I just want to give people and idea what to use it for.

  44. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    September 13, 2013 at 7:00 pm

    I adore this transformation! It’s just so unique and the details are too cool. Plus … gold? LOVE.

Cuckoo4Design

I’m a German citizen living in the US who is cuckoo for all things DIY, design and pets. This is my design journey of our small home on a budget. Come stay a while and look around. Click HERE to read more about me and HERE to see my projects and blog posts.

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