Monday, December 23, 2013

French painted drawers for my sister in law


My husband's older sister had a good idea for their sister's Christmas present. Her IKEA chest of drawers were broken (surprise surprise) and she was thinking of buying some new ones. What did I think of sourcing and painting some well made vintage drawers for a joint Christmas present?

i found these on eBay listed as antique drawers imported from France. I told the guy that I'm pretty sure they were made in the 1960s by Burgess right here in Sydney but because I loved the shape (and vintage Australian made furniture is great!) I went ahead and bought them.

here is the before: fake wood tones in yellow.



Pretty grubby really. I really like the added wood trim around the drawers and I knew that detail would paint up well.


I mixed a custom chalk paint putty colour and got busy one afternoon. I love this understated colour. I think that the drawers have enough detail to live with this muted paint.


Here is a close up of the handles and the wood trim.


When you have black in the crevices of details that you want to maintain, my trick is to not smoosh the paint in the cracks and leave the original darkness there. You can see this effect below. 



You can see how the black defines the shape a little but better.


Don't you love these beautiful vintage french keys. I bought them from Innerwest Vintage Garage Sale on Facebook. Melissa has amazing stuff. I was going to do something with them but I just like them exactly how I bought them. I carried them around in my handbag for a couple of months but now they sit on my dressing table.




and here is how I wrapped it :)

Pretty hard to wrap a chest of drawers so a bow had to do. We already gave it to her last weekend as this year we're spending Christmas with my family. She loved it. Thank goodness.


I hope you are all ready for the count down to Christmas Day. I hate the rush but seeing that I do pretty much everything last minute, it's my own fault. Saying that we've had a lovely weekend of beach and friends over for drinks and nibbles and conversation.


Fiona xx


10 comments:

  1. This turned out so lovely and I absolutely agree that she doesn't look washed out in this soft color because of the awesome detailing on the drawers. And, love, love, love the base! :)

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    1. Thanks so much Lisa, I love the shape of these also – such a gorgeous base
      Have a wonderful Christmas and thanks for commenting
      Fiona xx

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  2. Stunning - I would love this in my bedroom!

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  3. wow- such a gorgeous piece with gorgeous lines! looks fabulous, friend!

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    1. Thanks Cassie – i was chuffed to find such a nice piece of furniture for her.

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  4. Could you tell me what the colour is please......love it

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  5. I love the detailed beading, it really adds interest, and the way you kept it darker in the crevices. Pretty nice keys too :-)

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    1. thanks Petra, I love the details on this piece. so pretty. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas
      Fiona x

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