2nd Thoughts about The Empire …
21April 20, 2016 by Terry
Recently I made over this Empire Dresser. It was in such rough shape when I bought it that it actually sat in the garage for half a year waiting for me to muster the ambition to fix it. The photo below shows the state in which I bought it, but what it doesn’t show are the broken drawers and frame that are inside it.
The lady I bought it from was in the middle of trying to restore it herself and then found out she and her husband were moving across country so she was needing to give it up.
She had already removed much of the layers and layers of bad paint on it but had gouged and damaged the wood quite a bit in the process. She also had “tried” to fix the frames that the drawers sat on but all she used was wood glue which really didn’t work.
Now for the pretty part …
My husband was gracious enough to rebuild the inside of the dresser and put new bottoms in each drawer. I sprayed the whole piece with three light coats of Fusion’s Homestead Blue paint and finished it with wax for a slight shine. I decided to use the original wood knobs for now and painted them in Fusion’s Metallic Gold paint for a little bling. I decided not to do any distressing on this piece which, quite honestly, felt weird to me … almost like I missed a step in the makeover ;)
I used Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in the color Curio watered down to stain the top. Then I finished it with a generous drink of Hemp Oil to bring out the richness of the color and to protect the wood.
The insides of each drawer were painted and lined with some pretty paper as well.
What do you think?
While I love the gold on blue, I’m not sold that these are the knobs that will stay on this piece. They look okay but they almost don’t feel right.
I had originally intended to sell this beauty at the upcoming market at the end of the month but now I am having second thoughts about doing so.
Some of the time the drawers aren’t perfectly smooth when opening and closing them and I would prefer that if someone is buying it, that it works perfectly for them. People tell me that it’s okay because it is old but I have seen pieces much older that don’t stick a bit.
I could also be making excused for the fact that it looks amazing in my laundry room and I’d love to keep it!
I have currently taken the one I had in the laundry room out and am making it over as we speak just in case ;) … I will need a replacement piece for the market! Problem is… I’m loving that one too!!! Ahhhhhh!
What do you think? Keep it or let it go?
Have a fantastic day!
See you back here tomorrow for Making Broken Beautiful. If you missed last week’s amazing links you can check them out by clicking here.
Smiles!
Terry
Sharing the Empire at:
The Curators Collection 
Looks really nice Terry–love the blue! If it looks good and works well in your laundry–I say keep it! ; D
Anytime I’ve seen this simple styled dresser in its original form–it’s had lovely leaded glass knobs and pulls….if that helps you make up your mind!
I had my great auntie’s dresser for the longest (just like yours) but made a bit of a design change to it and sold it. Btw- I did end up putting wood knobs on it for REsale!
Catherine
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Thank you for that information Catherine! I haven’t taken the time yet to sit down and research what is really meant to be used as hardware on the empire style yet. All I know is I love the dresser but the knobs are a little …. hmmmmm! I hope you have a great day!
Smiles!
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Terry, you really made “Broken Beautiful”!!!! I would also see some gold brass rings with your dresser. Lee Valley Hardware have a nice selection of brass hardware.
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Oh My! Gold brass rings would be perfect! I will check out Lee Valley right away! Thank you so much Mary!
Have a great rest of your week!
Smiles!
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It is so beautiful. Keep it for a while and enjoy all of your hard work.
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Thank you for the compliment Debra! Like Marie mentioned, if I can’t feel confident about it I should hang onto it… integrity right? Plus… I do really love it just like it is, sticky drawer and all :) I hope you have a great weekend!
Smiles!
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I love the color Terry! If it looks good in your laundry room and you’re not feeling confident about selling it then it sounds like a keeper to me. Good luck deciding, I can see how it would be a tough choice.
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Perfect advice Marie! Thank you so much! you’re right … I hope you have a great day!
Smiles!
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I can see why you are torn! It is absolutely gorgeous!! Beautiful job!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment! I hope you have a great weekend Nena!
Smiles!
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You, too, Terry! Enjoy it surrounded with love and joy!
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Thanks for sharing this blue dresser and the gold frame, I love the combination together, very trendy! Maria
http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/one-room-challenge-week-3-accents/
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Thank you for taking the time to say so Maria! I hope you have a great weekend!
Smiles!
Terry
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So pretty! I haven’t tried hemp oil yet. Love how you layered it over the watered down paint. This dresser is just gorgeous!
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Thank you so much Wendi! Hemp oil really brings everything wood back to life and gives it a waterproof finish without using chemicals. I love using it! I hope you are having a great week so far! I haven’t been able to visit much this week as I am spending all my time in the garage finishing up projects for an upcoming market this weekend. Have a great day!
Smiles!
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Well, I absolutely love this empire dresser Terry! The blue is perfect and I really like the look of the gold knobs. What a fabulous piece for your laundry room. You are my feature tonight for Dream. Create. Inspire. Link! Have a wonderful week and take care, Tara
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Thank you so much Tara! I am honored! I hope you have an amazing week!
Smiles!
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[…] feature is…2nd Thoughts about the Empire from Terry @The Curator’s […]
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[…] feature is…2nd Thoughts about the Empire from Terry @The Curator’s […]
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This is gorgeous, Terry. I love that color too!
Thank you for sharing with Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.
Olivia
Reinvented Collection
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[…] feature is…2nd Thoughts about the Empire from Terry @The Curator’s […]
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