Welcome to day #24 of this wild and crazy March Madness series! Can you believe I’ve we’ve made it this far?
I’m so excited to share the rest of my parent’s bedroom set today. Yesterday I shared the piece with the prettiest and most unexpected results, my Mom’s dresser:
The bright new paint job and the addition of the feet made such a difference in the whole style of this piece. The hardware didn’t hurt either. And you didn’t even notice the pretty curves at the bottom before.
So I told you yesterday that I headed over on an icy sleet-filled Thursday night because my parent’s had left that afternoon. In case you missed it, they were going to help take care of my brother and his wife’s 5 month old baby girl, while they moved. I needed all the time I could get and since they were planning on coming home Monday, I figured it would be tight, but I could get it all done in time. I’m not going to lie, this was a lot of work. Here’s how I spent my weekend…
Thursday night I cleared everything off, removed all the old hardware, and pulled out all the drawers. Nice cell phone shot of the chaos:
I was trying to keep what was in each drawer with that drawer. I also got one coat of paint on the two dressers, fueled by several thin mint Girl Scout cookies. They are so good!
I headed back over Friday morning after I got my youngest off to preschool and filled in the holes on the nightstand drawers (since I was changing out the hardware), and got one coat of paint on all the rest of the drawers. There were 15 drawers, y’all!!
I picked up my youngest after preschool and headed back over. I got the drawers to the nightstands sanded and painted, and one coat of paint on each nightstand.
Saturday morning I went back over and gave everything a second coat of paint. (It sure is easier to work when you have Girl Scout cookies.) I decided I would leave it all to dry overnight before waxing on Sunday morning, and headed to a few thrift stores to reward myself for all my hard work. I was feeling pretty high on all the goodies I found (or maybe that was just paint fumes)…
That’s when I got a phone call from my brother. My parents were leaving to come home Sunday morning! What?! They are about eight hours away. That would never give me enough time. But it was too soon to head back over and start sanding right then, so I headed home.
My hubby was such a good sport that weekend, holding down the fort with the two boys without me. I told him I had no choice but to go back over and finish. After dinner, I helped get my youngest ready for bed, and then I headed back over. It took me until 3:20 in the morning to get it all sanded and waxed, hardware attached, and put back together. But it was done! That is such a great feeling.
Here is my Dad’s dresser before:
The difference isn’t as profound as my Mom’s dresser, but still a welcomed change:
That whole corner just feels lighter. Again, the paint brings out that curvy detail at the bottom.
The nightstands before… both looked just like this:
Nice. Um no…
Now they are very nice!
These got new feet as well.
And new hardware:
These came from Hobby Lobby, but were originally dark on the tips. I painted them in the same Heirloom White spray paint by Rustoleum as I did the dresser hardware.
Her furniture now matches the romantic French Country style she already had going in this space. I had planned to paint the bed as well, but I knew time would not allow for it. I think it actually grounds the space very well as is.
So how did my Mom like her surprise? She cried. The good kind, happy tears. She was so grateful as I knew she would be. I was so excited for her to come home and see it. She actually thought she was robbed because when she came home, it was dark and a candle with a self timer that had been on the dresser previously, was sitting tipped over on the floor just inside her closet, and that’s all she could see. I told her somebody robbed her and left her with a beautiful new bedroom set!
We also made over her Master Bath a while back. You can take that tour here:
French Country Bathroom Refresh
If you missed any posts in this fun March Madness series, you can catch up here:
3. Flea Market Swap: Fabric Covered Basket
7. Planter Box from a Thrift Store Throw-Away
4. Paint a table & Keep the Beautiful Wood too
5. Mason Jar Blue Headboard Bench
6. French-Inspired Coffee Table
7. Fabulous Bulletin Board from Thrift Store Parts
Here was my share from Sunday if you missed it:
XOXO,
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sandy oneill says
What about the one piece you can see in the pics of your mom’s dresser that looks like it has doors and drawers? Did it get redone or moved?
Christy K. James says
I didn’t paint that piece. Mostly because of the time crunch, but also because my Mom is looking to replace it with a chair.
khadija says
Oh how sweet of you!! It looks amazing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Khadija! XO
Heather @ Viral Upcycle says
AWww.. Christy, that was such a good post. Your mom raised sweet and generous daughter. Its so beautiful, and the added feet are perfect! Where do you get the feet from?
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! I found the feet at Home Depot for $10, but later I saw some at Lowes that were just a bit narrower for $7. 🙂
Sarah Barntsen says
I’m just curious…how did you attach the feet?
Christy K. James says
I used hardware that looks like this: https://www.atgstores.com/furniture-feet-and-legs/waddell-manufacturing-2755-heavy-duty-top-plate_9771086.html?gclid=CJm0ubaW4cYCFQ2QHwodRm8Ntw&af=2615&ppc=2615&ef_id=VGp8jwAABRIrvxXS:20150717030117:s
You screw these in place in all four corners and then the furniture legs screw into the threaded hike in the center. Hope this helps!
Kim says
Wow! Amazing transformation! You are such a wonderful daughter…great work!
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Kim! My Mom’s reaction was totally worth all the work! 🙂
Connie H. says
What a beautiful makeover! Great job. You are a good daughter indeed! Will you leave the floral paneled armoire oak or is that a future project? How does your dad feel about the makeover? I hope he is a good sport and doesn’t whine like some men do when wood is painted.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Connie! My Mom was considering switching that armoire out for a chair, so with the time constraint I left it alone. If she decides to keep it, I’ll probably paint it for her. My Dad was equally as pleased with the outcome. They have had this set for 20+ years, so they were pleased with the changes. Of course whatever makes my Mom happy, makes my Dad happy. 🙂
Beverly says
would love to know how you added the feet. i wanted to add some to a dresser, but the bottom was wonky and i couldn’t figure out how to do it.
everything looks amazing! you did an awesome job–and in such a short time!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Beverly! Here is a link to the metal plate needed to attach the feet: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Heavy-Duty-Top-Plate-2755/100390125?MERCH=REC-_-nosearch2_rr-_-NA-_-100390125-_-N The feet have a screw on the end that screws right into the plate. Hope this helps!
corene says
Very nice!
When you paint the drawer fronts, do you mask between the front and the sides?
Christy K. James says
Hi Corene, The drawer fronts for these were not flush with the drawers, so it was not necessary, but in a case where the drawer front meets the sides, as in this example: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/lacy-drawer-side-table/ , I do. I usually do not paint the sides or insides of drawers.
Kathe says
Oh that turned out so beautiful! You are such a hard worker! Really – 3:20 a.m.???
I can’t wait to see what you do with the chair in the back of your van that you scored at the thrift store. I have one just like it!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kathe! I know, I haven’t seen three am since my baby was a baby! Okay so that was only four years ok, but still. 😉 The chair I found is a bit unsteady so I actually bought it just for the spindles. It does have a great shape to it though, so maybe if I can make it sturdy it may get a makeover instead. 🙂
Andi says
Daaaaang girl!!! You are dedicated! Your mom is so lucky. 🙂
-andi
Christy K. James says
Isn’t she though? Lol! I am lucky too. My Mom would do things to surprise me quite often over the years, so she deserves it. 🙂
marilyn polifroni says
WOW !!!
Love what you did… I want to finish a bedroom set what kind of paint and wax do you use? I have never done this before.
love your site
Marilyn
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marilyn! I love chalk paint for painting furniture. I use this recipe here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/sewing-stool-redo-chalk-paint-recipe-revealed/ , but I love Annie Sloan chalk paint also. I use her wax as well. You can google her to find a stockist near you. Americana also has a chalky finish paint on the market that people seem to like although I have not tried it. I’ve seen it at Home Depot with the sample size paints. I hope to put together a complete guide to painting furniture soon!
marilyn polifroni says
Thanks so much for your reply. I am going to try your recipe for chalk paint for sure. Unfortunately I live in a small city in Ontario Canada and cannot get Annie Sloan’s products. Is there another kind of wax I could use that would be just as good.
Love all of your projects .
Marilyn
Christy K. James says
I have not tried any others to be honest, but I know Minwax has a wax that is available at Home Depot. Thanks for following along and good luck! XO
Lei says
Totally amazed with the changes you made w/paint and addition of feet. Our eclectic pieces of furniture could look more matched. Hmm, you’ve got me excited to do something.
Christy K. James says
Oh yay! I love that you are feeling inspired, Lei! 🙂
Jolinda lampo says
Let’s just start by saying you are amazing not to mention a wonderful daughter. Your work is beautiful and I can’t believe how much difference the feet make. I would not have thought of putting them on but they make a world of difference. Good Job you get an A+.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jolinda! I am amazed myself at the difference the feet make! XO
Sheila Moore says
Absolutely beautiful!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Sheila! XO
kathi says
How lucky your mom is to have a sweet daughter as you!
Your story reminds me of me when I was much younger–going a mile a minute, creating, cooking, working full time and taking kids to all their doings! Whew! No wonder I’m tired now! I still get things accomplished, just at a slower rate of speed! Hahahaha!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kathi! I know my life is a whirlwind now, but I’m sure I’ll miss these days soon enough! Then I’ll be worn out too ha ha. 🙂
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Holy, talk about being under pressure! Your whirlwind weekend was so worth it though – the room looks so fresh and pretty. Love these pieces painted white and especially the addition of new feet and hardware. What a nice gift to give your parents Christy! I’ve got to say I think the posts on the bed would be fabulous painted too (sorry). The black metal will still ground the space.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Marie! It was a crazy weekend and I’m sure glad it’s over! You might be right about the bed, maybe some day. 🙂
Brigitte says
Christy, your work is beautiful and inspiring! I have a 35 year old, solid maple bedroom set that I’ve been debating painting for years and your posts might just get me to do it now! Like your mom, my look is Country French, also with a black iron headboard. Your mum has a thoughtful, sweet daughter undertaking such a big project as a gift for her!
Christy K. James says
Thanks you so much for your sweet words, Brigitte! I think the soft ivory is perfect for a Country French feel. 🙂
Kathryn says
The change is stunning! Kudos to a great job!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Kathryn! XO
Sylvia says
Can I adopt you Christy? I don’t usually love painted furniture, but you’ve changed my mind. You have a lucky Mama.
Christy K. James says
Aww you’re sweet! I’m glad you are feeling the painted furniture love. 🙂
Linda Johnston says
The only thing missing is a picture of your Mom when she saw this magic! Darn! Great job.
Christy K. James says
I wish I could have seen her reaction as well, Linda! She called me as soon as she got home. 🙂
JP says
Your mom is one lucky lady to have such a wonderful daughter…..I’m sure that she is having the sweetest of dreams , now because of you!
JP
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, JP! She really loves her set now. XO
Bliss says
You are on a roll! One lucky mama for sure.
Christy K. James says
Ha ha she knows how lucky she is. She is always the beneficiary of my blogging adventures. 🙂
Linda Petersen says
Absolutely gorgeous! You are a very special woman~~~. Do I detect the whisperings of an E-book or something?? I have been hoping for that from you!
March Madness has been so fun & inspiring. Thank you 🙂
XO
Christy K. James says
You are so sweet, thank you, Linda! I would love to put together a complete guide for painting furniture. I get a lot of questions and it would be wonderful to be able to give my readers a resource they can refer to. Is that what you were hoping for? If not, I’d love to hear what you’d like to see from me! 🙂
Rose L. says
The new look is great and love the idea of the added legs to the nightstands.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Rose! They were really low before, but the new feet gave them an extra six inches in height!
Deb says
Beautiful transformation!!! Love the legs and everything about the furniture. It’s all so pretty now.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Deb! Who knew this set could be so pretty? 🙂
Judy H. says
Your parents are so blessed to have such a creative, talented, loving, giving and thoughtful daughter! Their bedroom looks beautiful! What a nice surprise for them!
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Judy! Their response made it so worth the effort. 🙂
Becky says
Wow, I bet you had no idea the job could be done so fast! : ) The whole room is so beautiful! Excellent work!
Christy K. James says
That’s true, Becky! This forced me to get it done quickly. 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
It turned out great Christy!! So funny about the GS cookies! lol
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Ha ha I told you I eat terribly! 🙂
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
You did a great job, Christy! I bet your mom was thrilled!
Christy K. James says
Thanks! She cried when she saw it. She loved it. 🙂
Juju says
Christy, seeing what you’ve done with your parents bedroom set has convinced me to tackle our bedroom furniture, also!
First, I have 3 projects I started working on simultaneously today, so when they are finished, I’ll see if I can convince the Hubs about the bedroom.
Christy K. James says
So glad you like it, Juju! It has made such a difference in their bedroom. Good luck on convincing the hubby! XO
Deena says
Love the transformation. You’re such a sweet daughter! I love our cherry bedroom set but almost wish I had one I could paint. I have a whole dining room to do so will have to settle for that. I’m about ready to get started so have a question. What prep do you do before you paint. I’ve read some use mineral spirits but I’d rather not do that if it’s not necessary.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Deena! To prep, I just clean my pieces with Lysol wipes, or generic brand of the same thing. Really it’s just remove dirt, dust, or anything else that has settled that you don’t want to paint over. 🙂
Susan says
Christy, I love the end results!! I have bedroom furniture very similar to your Mom’s furniture. I would like to paint it but hesitate because the tops seem to have an additional coat of veneer. Any suggestions? Will the chalk paint adhere?
Thanks in advance,
~Susan
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Susan! Chalk paint will adhere to just about any surface. I’ve painted many veneered surfaces, so I say give it a go! 🙂
Krista @ the happy housie says
Aw, all the pieces turned out amazing! I bet your Mom was so thrilled!! And what great finds… You sure know how to thrift!
Christy K. James says
Thanks! My Mom cried, she was so happy with the surprise! I knew I would have to paint this for her eventually, so it was easiest to knock it our while she was away. 🙂
Barbara says
Love the makeover with the bedroom suite – dresser, chest, nightstands! It’s hard for me to paint over solid wood furniture but something is gorgeous might make me change my mind. I also love the French-inspired coffee table and coordinating stand. As a matter of fact, I could take all these projects and put them i n my house! What a wonderful collection of inspiring makeovers!
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you like it, Barbara! Painting over wood is a big step sometimes. In this case, my parents had purchased this set decades ago and were just not crazy about it anymore. Painting it gave them a whole new set! 🙂
Julie says
You are amazing – LOVE this makeover and I keep coming back to look at it again and again! We were gifted a hand-me down broyhill pine set (fontana) from hubby’s aunt and this is the look I’m going for! I seriously keep going back and re-reading (for weeks now!) to try to answer these questions on my own but just can’t zoom in enough to tell:
1) – the nightstand knobs you said you purchased from hobby lobby – did you deconstruct them to spray paint or just dab some paint on the bronze end? If you deconstructed them did you also paint the screw part, or just the tip only?
2) I am in love with the knobs on the long dresser as well – did you purchase them (if so from where?!) or did you just paint the originals (if so it’s an amazing transformation because they look completely different!)
Christy K. James says
Hi Julie! Thank you…I’m so glad you enjoyed this makeover! My Mom still loves her set as well. all of the hardware I purchased came from Hobby Lobby. To paint the night table knobs, I taped off the glass portion, so the rod inside was not painted. The dresser hardware originally started out an antique brass color and I spray painted those. I hope this gives you the push to go for it with your set! Good luck! 🙂
Julie says
Thank you! The dresser hardware was purchased? I’ve not seen anything similar at hobby lobby…
What’s the easiest way to tape off the glass – just wrap the tape around up to the edge of the metal?
Christy K. James says
I really did! Here is the link on Hobby Lobby: http://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decorative-Accessories/Knobs-Pulls/Antique-Bronze-Ornamental-Brass-Pull/p/39421 They started an antique bronze (thought it was brass), but I spray painted them. Here is a link to the ones I used on the night stands: http://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decorative-Accessories/Knobs-Pulls/Clear-Glass-Swirl-Knob/p/13975 For those I did just wrap up to the edge of the metal. Hope this helps!
Julie says
Thanks so much for the links!! One (ok a few…) more questions – the knob and plate on the dresser cabinets – were those hobby lobby also or original? And when you paint hardware do you prime first? How many coats of the rustoleum heirloom white do you do for hardware? Do you seal it as well (with wax or poly or shellac) or is that not necessary? Sorry for all the questions!
Christy K. James says
Hi Julie…we skipped town for a couple of days so sorry for the delayed reply! The plate on the dresser doors was original, but I believe these are the glass knobs I used: http://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decorative-Accessories/Knobs-Pulls/Small-Clear-Glass-Faceted-Octagonal-Knob/p/107802. You can prime the hardware with a spray primer if you like. I like Rustoleum brand, but sometimes I don’t because I like them to look worn over time. It might be a good idea if you have shiny brass, because you might not want that to show through. I do not seal. I believe spray paint is oil based and is very durable. Hope I answered your questions. 🙂
Julie says
Very helpful and informative – thank you so much!!!
Christy K. James says
You’re most welcome!