Can you believe it’s Furniture Fixer Upper Day again already? Honestly, where did May go?? Today, gorgeous friends, I have an Apothecary Empire dresser makeover to share as my Furniture Fixer Upper! This is also the very first piece of my brand new Summer haul of 2026! I shared everything in this haul on Tuesday HERE if you missed it.
I found this dresser at the Goodwill for $25:
I immediately grabbed the tag before anyone else could get to it lol. I was in need of a couple of dressers since I hadn’t found any for this new haul yet, and this one was perfect!
Well, not perfect exactly, it needed some major TLC! These needy pieces are my favorites though!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Here’s more detail on the hot mess this dresser was in:
Clearly, this thing has been around a while! Luckily, it had no musty smell, despite those drawers that looked like they hadn’t been opened since the 60’s lol!
That was contact paper, by the way! That was the first thing to go!
Remove the Veneer with a Heat Gun
Next, I chose to use my heat gun to remove the veneer that was around the top edge:
My favorite way to remove veneer is with wet towels and time, as you can see HERE on another Empire dresser I redid a few years ago.
However, I only had that strip around the edge of the top to remove, so I chose this method. Although the heat gun loosens the glue, I find it to still be a bit of work, and I almost set this dresser ablaze. So there’s that lol!
Sand
The surface wasn’t smooth after removing the veneer, so I sanded that area next using 220 grit sandpaper and my Ryobi orbital sander.
I also sanded the top ( I actually started with 100 grit there) and the corners that were pretty banged up:
Remove the hardware
Once I was done, I removed the hardware and set it aside.
Clean
It was now time for a good cleaning, and you can imagine this really needed it!
Or, you don’t have to imagine…you can see the accumulation of dust here…
To clean, I used my go-to paint prep cleaner, White Lightning, which is a degreaser and a deglosser. It comes in a powder form which I like, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water:
It also comes in a ready-to-use formula. Gloves are recommended.
I love these terrycloth pads for this purpose, and like I said, this thang was D-I-R-T-Y!
I don’t always swap my water mid way through, but I had to swap it out THREE times! Most of that came from the inside. Be sure to do one more good wipe down with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
Fill missing veneer and gouges
Next, I filled the smaller areas that were missing veneer as well and any deep scratches or gouges using Dixie Mud:
Once that was dry, I sanded those areas smooth with 220 grit sandpaper:
I vacuumed any sanding dust and did another once over with a clean cloth, and this dresser was ready for paint!
To prime or not to prime?
I was on the fence about priming this piece with Bonding BOSS. Normally, that would be a no-brainer with an antique like this, as these older pieces love to bleed, but read on to find out why I thought I might be able to get away without priming first.
Paint
I chose this gorgeous new paint color, Apothecary by Dixie Dixie Belle:
I am not usually a fan of reds, but I loved this one so much! Turns out, it is almost more of a deep plum, but I still love it!
Here are all five colors from the new Curated Collection if you missed them:
Sanctuary
Apothecary
Hearth
Heirloom
Kindling
Why I thought I woudn’t need to prime
When mahogany bleeds through, it usually bleeds through in this color, so I thought if the tannins bled through, I would be safe!
Not so much! Here is what bleed through looks like with this color:
I got this in the areas where I sanded down to the bare wood, which was only a few places and on the top.
Bonding BOSS to the Rescue!
Not to worry, you can still apply Bonding BOSS over the paint if you do get the dreaded bleed through! I applied the BB in the clear formula in those areas and let it dry the recommended 24 hours. One coat should do the trick as long as you give it that proper dry time!
The next day, I was able to paint right over it with no issues.
What dovetail Joints?
The dovetail joints must have been glued together with a ton of glue because when I sanded those areas, I got this on every drawer. You can hardly even see those pretty joints!
Using FrogTape to create a nice, clean edge and taking the paint over the joints was a good fix for those ugly areas!
Once I was done with the Apothecary, I had hardly a drop left in my 16oz jar:
That gives you an idea how far this paint will go. That includes one coat on the back.
Sand
I sanded the finish all over lightly to smooth it out…
Seal
And finally, it was time to seal! My favorite topcoat for furniture is Clear Coat in the satin finish, but I like to add a good drop or two of paint to my sealer when using darker colors, as it gives a nicer overall finish:
I apply the clear coat using a sponge applicator which makes it super easy to add nice, thin coats:
Cutting one or both sides straight makes it even easier.
I always apply two coats on furniture pieces unless they are white. Sometimes, you can get away with one coat on lighter pieces, but two coats is best for the nicest finish.
Try not to keep going over the same area. If you miss a spot, get it on the next coat.
Apothecary Empire Dresser Reveal
Let’s see how this piece turned out, shall we?
You can see here how it is more of a deep plum, although, I still see red in some moments!
This color is so rich and sophisticated!
The pulls on the bottom weren’t my first choice. I purchased some on Amazon that didn’t make it here in time, but I had enough of these large gold pulls from Hobby Lobby, and I kind of love them…
The top pulls are from Amazon HERE:
They are perfect!
I love how they work with the keyholes. I painted right over those and just lightly sanding after painting revealed them again…
The Drawers
This piece started out quite masculine as most Empire pieces do, but you know I had to add some pretty!
First, here is how the drawers started:
I wouldn’t want to put my unmentionables in those drawers!
I started by priming with Bonding BOSS in white first. Once that had adequate time to dry, I followed up with Conch from the Silk Mineral Paint line, also by Dixie Belle:
I love Silk Mineral Paint for drawers because although it requires sanding OR Bonding BOSS first, it doesn’t require a sealer, and I love that. And most drawers are raw wood, so you don’t need any prep in those cases!
It is very similar to Fusion Mineral Paint.
Adding more pretty with Decoupage Paper
Next, I added even more pretty with the new Dusty Velvet Mauve Shimmer Decoupage Paper.
I cut my pieces first using my cutting mat and rotary cutter set:
This makes it much easier to get nice, straight cuts.
I then applied a layer of Redesign’s Decoupage Gel before adding the paper, using a piece of Saran wrap across the surface to smooth it out:
This paper is so gorgeous! I already used it on two projects in this recent smalls post.
I added a coat of Clear Coat in Satin to seal them.
And here is how they turned out!
I did the all the smaller drawers including the two on either end…
And I also did the first large drawer:
I left the rest of the large drawers just painted, but they still look much better than before!
As you can see, I also chose not to paint the outside of the drawers on the sides, stopping the paint at the top there. I didn’t want the drawers sticking which can happen with these older pieces.
I sanded them to make them look as nice as possible and then hydrated them with Big Mama’s Butta:
Here’s a better look at them…
I love the curves on these Empire pieces!
And that is my very first piece of my brand new Summer Haul of 2026!
How did I do??
Be sure to check out what my friends have for you today below!
1. Petticoat Junktion
2. Salvaged Inspirations
3. My Repurposed Life
4. A Ray of Sunlight
I’ll be back on Tuesday with piece #2 from my new haul, this unfinished wood table:
UPDATE: No need to come back…see how sweet this table is now HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50 in my Etsy shop. (No code needed at checkout!) Orders under $50 enjoy $8 flat rate shipping!
Most orders ship same or next business day! Visit my shop below!
Shaan Kraan says
Wow, wow, wow. Absolutely awesome. You are incredibly talented and I just love what you do and thank you for sharing your project step-by-step with us.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Shaan!! It is my pleasure! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, What an amazing start right out of the gate!!! If I lived closer you would not even have to bring that into your booth, I would have you drop it off at my house! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!! Wow what a great start! I am sure impressed with your first piece!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I couldn’t wait to use this color…it is so not me, but I just love it! Glad you love it too! XOXO
Janet Huey says
That shade turned out so nicely for that piece.
It looks stately without looking stuffy.
Christy says
Thank you, Janet! Stately is a fantastic way to describe it! XOXO
Denise says
Absolutely beautiful!!! You definitely brought that piece back to life and in such a stunning way. Your eye for detail always amazes me. I can’t wait to see what you do with the entire haul. Please take good care. Denise
Christy says
Thanks so much, Denise! I love reviving these needy pieces! XOXO
Janette Deans says
I love this piece, as soon as I saw it I knew you would do it proud, it looks stunning and the colour is gorgeous. Perfect for this one. x
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that, Janette, thank you! I am loving this color as well! XOXO
Jeanne says
A grand slam right on the first pitch! You never fail us. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend! I’m glad I was able to do this piece proud! XOXO
Lesley B says
Christy- this is gorgeous!! What a lovely makeover.
I don’t favor reds much either, but Apothecary is beautiful. Nicely done ♥️
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lesley! I’m surprised I was drawn to this color! XOXO
Kathy Cannon says
Old world flavour with modern elegance. Another fabulous piece!
Christy says
You described it perfectly, Kathy! Thank you! XOXO
Jackie C says
Woweeeee! Send it to me! lol I LOVE THIS piece! what a gorgeous job of redoing it you did. I was anxious to see what you did with this one, and I’m glad you tried out this new color. I had it saved in your shop as one of my favorites. It’s really beautiful Christy.
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, my friend! I’m not usually drawn to these deep colors, but I just love this one and thought this was the perfect piece for it! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Karen Jacobs says
Beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! XOXO
Cecilia says
Gorgeous! I love the color. I’d call it a deep burgundy. And that paper! It’s so beautiful; I’d almost hate to cover it up with clothing. Another successful rescue!
😍 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I had to cover up that hot mess on the insides, and yes…almost too pretty to cover over that ha ha! XOXO
Susan says
I must say I raised an eyebrow when I saw that color 😳 but it really turned out nice! And you sure prettied it up!
Christy says
This color would normally be a bit dark for me, but I thought this heavy piece could handle the color, and I was excited to use it on something! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Mary Smart says
WOW! this dresser turned out gorgeous! I love that new color! This was a real transformation. I would have a hard time giving that one up.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! If only I could keep them all lol! XOXO
Cyndi says
OMG! That is SO gorgeous! That color is perfect for this piece!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I’m so glad I got to use this color on something! XOXO
Tracy says
That is absolutely gorgeous 😍 I love that color
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tracy! I love it too! XOXO
Jewels L says
Congrats on your first summer haul piece! LOVE that color, and perfect for the dresser. That drawer paper is so beautiful and such a perfect match. As always fabulous job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jewels! I thought this heavy piece could handle this color, and you know I had to add some pretty ha ha! XOXO
Robin says
I don’t usually comment on your posts, but this one really deserves it! What a transformation from a sad $25 thrift store castoff to a million dollar beauty! You take so much extra effort to make everything perfect!
Christy says
Aww I’m so glad you were inspired to comment with this piece, Robin, thank you!! I love loving these forgotten pieces back to life! XOXO
Jennifer says
I also love the curves on Empire pieces and this color is so deep and rich-I love it! I miss painting furniture-in my area of Texas painted furniture sales have gone way down. Everyone wants natural wood these days. While I’ve always preferred natural wood furniture for myself, I did love to paint vintage finds that were in such a state that they couldn’t really be restored. I found it very therapeutic. But that’s okay because I now restore more furniture, but still paint the odd piece beyond restoration. I love seeing what you find and what you do with your pieces.
Christy says
I feel like there will always be room for the right painted pieces, and you can mix them beautifully with stained pieces as well! And you are right, sometimes the only option is to paint. I’m happy to hear you are still in the game, just shifted to what is in demand. Thanks so much, Jennifer! XOXO
Michele M. says
Christy, that dresser is stunning now. Plum/reds not my fav colors at all but wow is that well done. That new color is so lucious and pigmented.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I agree…this color is not in my wheelhouse at all, but I was just drawn to this color for some reason! XOXO
Leslie Mack says
What a beautiful color. This turned out fantastic as always. The knobs you chose make all the difference in the piece. Who wouldn’t want this piece of furniture? Love it!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Leslie! I am so pleased that I was able to breathe new life into this forgotten gem, and it makes me so happy when y’all enjoy it too! XOXO
Rhonda C says
It’s gorgeous! What a transformation. I live the new color. As usual- you did a fantastic job 😊
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Rhonda, thank you! I was excited to use this color on something! XOXO
Jennie S says
This might be my favorite makeover of yours. That color is da bomb! And when I saw your haul I was hoping you would do this dresser first and you did not disappoint 🙂
Christy says
Wow thank you so much, Jennie!! I am so glad you love how it turned out! I was hoping I would do this one proud! XOXO
Sharon Austin says
That turned out lovely. That and the other new paint colors make me want to run out and paint some old pieces to fill up an old victorian house LOL. Those colors are moody and so victorian!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sharon! Ha ha, right?? These are very Victorian indeed! What a perfect description for them! XOXO
Linda says
Those chunky curvy furniture pieces seem to look great in any color you select!! Love how you handled the drawers. Hardware looks great, keyholes too. 💕
Christy says
Thank you, Linda! I agree…these pieces take paint beautifully! I too love that the keyhole details really stand out now! XOXO
Lani says
Turned out fabulous! I wasn’t sure about the color, but continuing to scroll down, I loved the finish!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Lani! The first coat is so so, but once the second coat goes on and it gets sealed…it’s so deep and rich! XOXO
Lizzy says
I am usually red-averse, but I like this! It’s a beautiful shade. Really nice work, my friend!
Christy says
Me too, my friend! I have only every painted ONE piece red and it was a Christmas chair lol, but there was just something I loved about this color! XOXO
Marlene Stephenson says
So proud of the way you redid this wonderful piece. It is a great piece of furniture and you have made it a beauty!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Marlene! I appreciate that so much! XOXO
p says
Stunning – truely is the right word for this piece now.
I’m also not big into reds – but this color is so rich. Not red, or true purple, or even burgundy. Kathy said it so well – old world modern.
I do love soft natural colors, but deep colors make a stand alone statement.
The original knobs look beautiful on the lower drawers. The pretty glass knobs add the right amount of lightness and some bling.
Even the dove tail joints still peak thru. The way you finish inside the drawers always adds that special feel. Great 1st piece !
Christy says
Thank you so much, P! I’m so glad to hear you love how it came out! Old world modern is a great description. This is such a heavy piece that I figured it could handle such a deep rich color. And you know I have to add some pretty to the drawers! I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far! XOXO
Beth Britt says
Wow! I’m often impressed with your work but this is amazing! I would buy this in a second! I love the colors and drawers, everything is just perfect! Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ll be buying the paint on your Etsy site!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Beth! I love that you love it! This color has such lovely, deep pigment to it! XOXO
Caye says
Wow! Just looking at this piece in your haul, one would never have guessed that it would need that deep cleaning. That took awhile.
I see the color as a deep plum, and it’s very pretty. To get decoupage paper to blend in so well is another coup! Good job as always, Christy! I hope it sells right quick!
Christy says
Oh yes, it was a dirty one, but that was mostly from what was built up on the inside. Pretty gross and not so fun ha ha. But then, seeing it come together with each step after that is SO much fun! Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Leslie Smith says
This is so out of your norm! AND it’s stunning! What a really cool piece of furniture that you recreated in such an elevated manner. It’s gorgeous and special.
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Leslie, thank you! This style just wouldn’t look right in the airy colors I usually enjoy, but it was perfect to try out this beautiful deep color! And it is so nice to step out of my comfort zone every once in a while lol! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
ohhhh I can’t wait to try the Apothecary…it IS rich and sophisticated. You did this empire dresser proud my friend. It’s absolutely gorgeous! Pinned and have an awesome weekend. XOXO
Christy says
Right?? I just love it! Thank you so much, my sweet friend! Enjoy what is left of your weekend too! XOXO
Becky says
Stunning! In every detail!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Becky! XOXO
Petra says
Wow! Doesn’t even look the same!! You’ve made it look totally beautiful. And love the drawer liners. I think the hardware suits it and yes waiting for knobs from Amazon can be stressful! I’m about to tackle a similar but slightly plainer piece!!
Christy says
Right? Each time I get a look at that before picture I can’t believe how needy it was ha ha! I did finally get my hardware from Amazon, but these looked better, so they’ll be staying. Glad I had them on hand! Thank you, my friend and good luck with your piece! XOXO
Cletia says
INCREDIBLE work!! This color is perfect for this stately piece.
Christy says
Thank you, my sweet friend! I agree this color matches the unique style so nicely! XOXO
Gail Wilson says
Wow!
What’s not to love about this apothecary empire dresser makeover? I love the color, the hardware AND the beautiful drawers.
I’m always so shocked at the ugly before, that you can see the beauty it can behold Christy.
pinned!
gail
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! I appreciate that! I couldn’t wait to dive into this one, until I’m elbow deep scrubbing the interior of all that dirt ha ha! I do love these needy pieces though! XOXO
Natalie says
This makeover is stunning! That deep plum color looks so rich and elegant.. AND the knobs!! 🤩🤩
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! I’m so glad I got to use this new color on something! Although the larger knobs weren’t my first choice, I ended up liking them better, so I’m glad I had enough on hand! XOXO
Stacey says
Stunning! I’ve got to say that I love these solid pieces as the distressed look is not my preference. But that is a matter of personal taste and I keep coming back to your page for the magic that you work with furniture! Your work has inspired me to be on the lookout for pretty knobs and I’ve started changing out the factory finishes on my home furniture with embellishments that delight me – it has made all the difference to the personalisation and enjoyment of my spaces. All the best to you!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Stacey! I appreciate that so much! And I love that you are transforming your furniture into unique pieces you love! It’s amazing what just a few changes can do! XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
Fabulous job. I especially love the crystal drawer nobs.
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! I love me a glass knob! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I feel like its been forever. I didnt even know DB came out with new colors. They are so pretty. How does Kindling compare to Coffee Bean. I have missed painting so much. I really need to get back into it. Im so busy but someday.
Christy says
Hi Cheryl! DB just released those colors around mid May, so you are not behind at all! Kindling is nice, warm brown and is lighter than Coffee Bean. Take care! XOXO
Kathy Owen says
What a deal for $25 and another labor of love. I really like the new apothecary color!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I’m so glad I got to use this color on something! XOXO
Janina says
Wow, Christy, you always manage you work your magic on these messed up old pieces! Those dark, moody colours are absolutely luscious!!! And that rich, warm plum colour brings that piece back into its era – but with a modern twist. The pink inside the drawers is beautiful.
Another one knocked out of the park. And I do love the lower handles!
Christy says
Thank you, Janina! Yes…you said it perfectly! This color brought it back with a modern twist. I’m glad plan B worked well on the handles lol! XOXO