DIY French Dresser

Today I am trying to maintain my composure as I am working on my site to make it better.   Seriously, I am screaming inside and about ready to pull the hair out of my head.  So instead of physically doing that to myself I am going to write, which is something I enjoy doing.  Hopefully this will help to lower my blood pressure and refrain from throwing my computer across the room.  Yes, I sound like I am having a temper tantrum, don’t I?  Maybe I should hire a web designer – dream…

I recently showed you how to get organized before you paint a dresser or large piece.   You can read all about it here.  I bet you would like to see the finished piece.

Here is the before…

Here is the after…

I fell in love with this Craigslist find immediately.  The lines and detailing were so beautiful.  I envisioned grey with accents of white on this piece to create a feminine, yet glamorous  look.  I wanted to create a piece that could compliment a sheepskin fuzzy white throw, crystal chandelier, silver accessories, and a bed draped in white linens.

This called for Annie Sloan paint!

After prepping and cleaning the surface, I dove right in.  Luckily, at the Haven Conference, I won a can of Annie Sloan, French Linen Paint.  I know! I was super lucky at the Wheel of Fortune game.  The thing is, I am not the luckiest when it comes to winning anything.

First, I painted the top with Annie Sloan, Pure White.

The white took a few coats to achieve the desired look.  Above you see the first coat.

Next, the body was painted with French Linen and the lines painted with Pure White.

I used a small brush to get into the grooves, trying to be neat, but not focused on being super neat.  I knew I was going to distress this area and it would give the look I wanted to achieve.

You can see the messy lines from my “not so steady” hands.

I know, I know… not so neat, right?  Not to worry…

This is where I got out the handy, dandy sandpaper…

and lightly sanded.

You can see where all of the edges of the dresser were sanded

creating lightly distressed areas.

You may ask why I chose not to paint the inside groove of the drawers.  I wanted this dresser to have clean lines and felt painting the grooves white would be too busy and take away from the simplicity of the dresser.

After painting, a clear coat of Annie Sloan wax was applied.

Here she is…

What do you think?

Can you envision this piece with a sheepskin fuzzy white throw, crystal chandelier, silver accessories, and a bed draped in white linens?

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy!

Angie