'paint chip' inspired painted dresser

i always say that paint is a magical ingredient in decorating....

it can change things faster and easier than any other element!

i recently envisioned a new paint treatment for an item i've had for years

(actually, it's been in my family for THREE generations!)

and am so happy with the results.

continue reading for the reveal!

the dresser was originally my Grandpa Ward's, then my Mom used it, then my brother used it.

i don't exactly remember HOW it came to be in my possession,

but i've had it since around 1990.

when Grandpa had it in his home, it was a medium brown stained wood. (ash, i think)

when i got it, it was painted mustard yellow. ick.

 i quickly painted it white and added ceramic knobs,

and it's been white since then - 31 years! - repainted white many times.

here's a peek at it in a photo of one of my past office/studio spaces:

that's just a piece of green gift wrap sitting on the top of the dresser, btw.

after 31 years, it's about time for a refresh, don't you think?!

yes, i am still inspired by paint chips!

this time, instead of making something OUT of them, i replicated their appearance.

the drawers on this 1930's dresser were the perfect 'canvas' to try my idea.

the lowest drawer shows the deepest shade of yellow, 

which i then mixed with varying amounts of white paint to lighten into three more shades.

(that's a really easy way to make paint colors go further without buying more paint!)

another paint tip:

did you know that when it comes to painting dresser drawers,
you don't even have to empty or remove them?!! 

open them all at once (a little at the top, a lot at the bottom)

then lay tissue paper over the contents to protect them.

remove knobs, use a small 'hot dog' roller to quickly paint the flat front surface of the drawers.

let dry, put the knobs back on, remove the tissue paper, and close the drawers. 

easy-peasy!

adding color really added some 'oomph' to the dresser AND to my bedroom, where it lives.

a few simple yellow accessories - gerbera daisies and a yellow GlassBaby candle holder -

are a more vibrant yellow than the paint, bringing even more spring-fresh style to the room.

there's a white bookshelf in my room, as well, and i am now thinking about

painting the back wall of it to get a similar effect in another part of the room...

should i???? 

i've given quite a few dressers a re-vamp over the years...
see them via links below!

links to previous related posts:

canvas appliqued dresser

 dresser with metal bread pan drawers

red white and blue painted dresser

shared online:

funky junk interiors | diy salvaged junk projects #572

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