My challenge for the past several weeks was to create a sophisticated and chic space for a few hundred dollars, repurposing and incorporating as many items from Goodwill as possible! Let’s review what we have so far: An upholstered headboard, a custom bedspread, matching pillows, and drapery panels. This week I’m going to show you how easy it is to freshen-up a dresser while still incorporating our main theme—the embroidered flower.

Design Tip 1: Repeating a theme throughout a room creates continuity and harmony. I used the embroidered flower from the original drapery panel.

When I found this cute little dresser at Goodwill for only $6.99, I knew I had to repeat the flower in some way.

The dresser was in good condition, it just needed a new coat of paint and hardware to bring it into this century!

A couple of coats of pale gold on the front and sides, and a darker gold on the top and the dresser was instantly transformed.

I decided to paint the flower on the drawers.  I traced the pattern from the drapery onto tissue paper…

…then transferred the sketch to the dresser.

Using a flat paint brush and purple markers, I painted the design on the front.

I knew immediately that knobs had to be unique and thought of “valve wheel handles”.  The same handles you would find on your outdoor water faucet.  They look like flowers without being too cutesy.

Design Tip 2: Look for unusual items to use for dresser and cabinet hardware.  Make it truly your own with something original.  The hardware store is a great source for inspiration.

I spotted these vintage handles at a flea market this summer.  I loved them, old paint and all.  My husband used his new sand blaster to remove the old paint and a couple coats of spray paint made them look like new.

A basic little country dresser has been turned into a modern piece of furniture with its own unique twist.

Design Tip 3: The key to successfully repeating elements in a room is to look for a common theme and use it in unexpected ways!

Email me at askmerri@goodwillsew.com or post a comment on our Facebook page.

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