Happy Monday to you!
Over the weekend, I picked up this Kroehler Dresser off Craigslist. It’s solid and has beautiful lines (love the Asian inspired feet) but it’s in desperate need of some tlc.
Furniture re-do’s often scream for a specific color or paint technique… this Kroehler is the strong silent type!
I want to do something different with this restyle – but I don’t know what???
The only thing I’m 100% sure of is I don’t want it black or a dark color. This dresser has strong lines and will show off a soft/light color nicely.
If any of you have any ideas, feel free to chime in. I’d love to hear your suggestions because I’m a little stumped.
Here’s a closer look at what we have to work with!
This dresser has been painted with a fuzzy roller and needs a good sanding.
The top and sides also need repairing.
And more sanding to clean everything up!
Between my Dad and I, we have a lot of appointments this week. Including a visit to the hospital for an endoscopy on Wednesday. My doctor’s performing a last ‘check’ to see if my gallbladder needs removing… ugggg.
So, this makeover most likely won’t be finished until next week.
But I’m all ears if you guys have any ideas for me!
Also, if you missed the last post The Top 50 FAQ’s for DIY Chalk Paints, I’ve added the Best Homemade Chalky Paint Recipe Card at the end of the post as a Free Printable Download!
I wanted to include this for you when I originally published the post, but I didn’t know how to include a download…found out it’s super easy to do…lol. Anyway, it’s there now and I hope it makes things more convenient for you. 🙂
Have a great day!
Denise
_____________________________
Like what you see? Subscribe to Salvaged Inspirations so you’ll never miss a post!
Follow along on Pinterest, Google+, and Facebook for more inspiration!
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Hello! I have a Kroehler corner desk and the matching dresser… It’s in a pretty sorry state and a lot of the paneling is chipping. I really have no idea if I should just leave it as is, or strip the paneling off and try to refinish it a different way.
What do you think?
Hi Autumn! If it were my Kroehler, I would see if the panels could be ‘reasonably easy’ to remove and also what is underneath those panels. If it’s a lovely wood, it may be worth the work. However, if it’s chipped but not lifting, I may opt to fill the chips with Bondo. Hope this helps. 🙂
I love watching the steps you are taking to finish this piece. Excited to see the finished product.
Thanks Teri 🙂
Love the blank slate – a bit battered, but a beauty!
I’d be tempted to let the contrast of the flat drawers and the sexy curves be the focus and have a gutsy color, maybe coral or raspberry with dry brushing. And then to play up the cool “asian-inspired” base and feet, I’d highlight the thin horizontal base with gold, either paint or rub n’ buff or maybe even an aged gold-leafing. Not sure about the feet, but I think they would be the same as the body. Then gold hardware – straight rod type for the curvy drawers and hanging ring type pull for the lower drawers.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Good luck Wednesday!
Coral or raspberry with gold… bold Diane! You guys are shocking with all your ‘look-at-me’ color schemes. Love it! x
Go bold for a statement. Really liking the comment about the emerald green…..with gold pulls of course. Go for it!
That would be bold Debra! The gold is really attracting me! Maybe gold pulls and gold highlights on a softer color? wouldn’t be as dramatic but softer and elegant…. I don’t know…I’m still stumped…lol.
Horse shoes up your butt…I love it. This dresser will be amazing when you’re done. Good luck at the doctors❤️ ps..not sure if I got this tip from you…rub-n-buff on hardware can work wonders. It’s saved me from buying new hardware. Works great.
Thanks so much Mimi! x And I’ve been trying to get my hands on rub-n-buff but I can’t find it around here. Doesn’t sell in Micheal’s or other craft stores so I may have to pick some up when I shop cross border or order it online! I’ve heard amazing things too!
I’ve used rub n buff on drawer pulls too. I must have had the tube for about 8 years and it worked great!
Hi Denise, don’t worry about the gall bladder stuff. I put off my operation for a year because I’m a big coward. Eventually had to give in and have it done. Operation was a breeze, in and out of hospital the same day with keyhole surgery and minimal scarring. No problems since.
Reassuring to know Tania…thank you!!! 🙂 Have you heard of anyone experiencing weight gain and/or weight loss after having their gallbladder removed? My doctor assures me the gallbladder has nothing to do with weight, however I’ve read different stories online.
Hi, I have heard that very rapid weight loss can lead to gallstones. However, with regard to myself, I was overweight before the op and still overweight now.? But have not increased in weight due to the removal of the gall bladder. My only change in diet is that I’m better off with decaf coffee.
Thanks for this Tania. 🙂 My doctor said the same thing. She swears that the gallbladder has nothing to do with weight gain or weight loss. But as I mentioned, I’ve read contradicting stories online…kind of wish I hadn’t looked that up…LOL.
I’m seeing a soft color like pale coral or some color along those lines. I think it would lighten up the bold presence this piece seems to have.
Me too Sally! I’d like to keep this soft and light. Coral would be beautiful!
I like chez. Idea about letting the black show thru you distressing. I think you need to choose a stencil after you see it painted???
I think you’re right June. Once I choose a base color then I can decide how to ‘fancy’ her up. And yes, Chez has brilliant ideas! 🙂
Emerald green with brass hardware, dark but dramatic? Dark wax? Always my dilemma, what color…always end up safe, grey, white, neutrals. Sometimes someone is looking for a bold piece?
I’ve seen a few pieces on Pinterest painted in a jewel green and they were stunning. So love it, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to be that bold with this piece. When I’m stumped, I often turn to the same safe neutrals you do Kim. But rather than call them safe, we should call them ‘classic’! 🙂
Yes!!! I thought the same thing. Could just see it in green.
Will be interested in what you do with this. Agree, very nice lines.
Hoping you won’t have to have surgery, but the procedure has been so simplified. You’ll HAVE TO chill for a few days post op however. Promise you will behave.
Yes, I heard the op is easy-peasy but no heavy lifting for a few days after. It would give me a legit excuse to relax right Rosie! 😉
I’m mostly in agreement with Chez. I would just take off the center pulls on the top two drawers and plug the holes to make the pulls the same all the way down.
I see a large, slightly distressed, fleur de lis on the front. 🙂
It would look more cohesive with the pulls all lined up – for sure. I like Chez’s ideas too. 🙂
Denise,
I don’t know if you’re aware that your photo is so large in each of your posts that it isn’t possible to read some of your replies/info…maybe the pic could be made smaller?
Good luck w/the new piece, you’ll make it look fabulous and I can’t wait to see it.
Hi Kathi! Sorry about that! Unfortunately, on some browsers/devices this theme doesn’t display properly. My big mug gets in the way of comments. I’ve been trying to set up a new theme, but finding the time is a challenge. I think it’s time to hire someone!
Oh, wow. This one screams to me immediately. Clean lines flat drawers = Large Stencils, off white over a light warm grey base using the existing black for minimal edge distressing, large flourish Italian or French words or something like a pair of crossed olive branches with a Bombus Ferdivus (bee) between the branches covering all the lower drawers. Or a winding cherry blossom vine diagionally …. Something like that would rock this. 🙂
Omgosh Chez…this sucker should be yours…lol! I like ALL these ideas!!! 🙂
I WISH I could find stuff like you do. But living in a very creative & recycle conscious community they’re either way over priced, jumped on within minutes of listing or people keep & re-do or occasionally get someone like me to redo. It’s getting harder to find anything remotely interesting. I Live the stuff you get your hands on. .lol
M-M-M likes to say I have horseshoes up my butt. Not true 😉 …lol… but I do get some great deals and finds. Some areas are definitely easier than others for sure. And you’re so right Chez- checking new listings frequently makes all the difference. This piece $30. I just couldn’t say no!
Oh good grief, $30 won’t buy you a beat up plastic stool around here on CL.
LOL at the horse shoes up yer butt… too funny, but prolly true 😉
Wow Denise, you’re one brave soul to tackle this piece. I’m thinking of the extensive sanding involved! Hats off to you for even attempting this. Of course all your previous challenges have turned out magnificent, so I have no doubt this one will be too. Keep us posted as to what you decide to do with it. Nice bones!
Tracy, now that I’m actually heading downstairs to sand and repair (and not just thinking about it)… I am pretty brave 😉 …lol. Have a great day my friend. x
Hi Denise,
Here’s my two cents 🙂 Idea number 1: with a Coco or milk chocolate toned base with a dry brushed finish. Idea number two: Add in an understated decal at the mid part of each of the bottom three drawers and paint a pretty light colour (MMS Mora or Schloss) I am not professional but it makes me want to weep when I see a beautiful piece butchered with a poor paint job 🙁
Great ideas Josie! A dry brush finish would lighten it up and give it interest. And when you say decal, do you mean stencil or applique. Either or may look great! As for bad paint jobs, many people would agree with you! 🙂 I try to look at it a little differently…maybe because when I first started painting furniture, I ‘butchered’ a few pieces of my own…lol. I like to think – at least someone tried to give this piece a new lease on life. 🙂
Applique all the way 🙂
Gotcha! 🙂
Dear Denise,
I so love your outlook! So many have opinions about other people (and I’m so saint) but you don’t even go there. Not even when someone else is holding the door open. I can’t say how much I appreciate the reminder that it’s about the love of giving a piece new life.