Here’s what I started out with:
First, I removed the wooden knobs, because I knew I wanted to replace them. I also decided that I would remove the doors to the armoire for some open storage. I kept the doors though, just in case we want to put them back on in the future. We also removed the mirror from the dresser. We figured we'd have no use for it in the nursery since we’ll be using the top of the dresser as a changing table. We kept it too, in case we want to add it back onto the dresser once she gets a little older.
Next, I knew I had to do something about this leaf pattern that was on both pieces. It just looked dated to me and I wasn’t a big fan, so I had to come up with a way to cover it up!
They were so thin that I could easily cut them to size with an inexpensive snap-off knife.
I didn't record the exact price, but they were about $2 per strip.
Once I had the balsa pieces cut to size, I used Gorilla glue to adhere the strips to the dresser.
Look out if you’re using this glue! It expands to 3 to 4 times its size while drying!
To fill in the small space left between the balsa strip and the dresser, I used white all-purpose caulk which I had on hand.
Once I let that dry for the recommended amount of time, I primed the dresser and armoire with Kilz Clean Start Zero VOC Primer. I ended up doing 2 coats since the pine had some dark knots that I worried might bleed through. For the paint, I did 2 coats of Harmony Zero VOC in Extra White (off the shelf) from Sherwin Williams. I wanted to finish off both pieces with Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic but since it’s not VOC free, my wonderful husband volunteered to do it for me!
After the paint was dry, I lined the inside of the drawers with this pink contact paper that I found at Michael’s.
I knew I wanted to do something cute and fun on the inside of the armoire since it would be open. Originally, I had bought some pink damask fabric for it, but then I came across this perfect wrapping paper at Michael’s!
For the hardware, I found these at my local World Market and I think they ended up looking great on the furniture!
I found perfectly sized baskets to fit inside the armoire’s cubbies at Michael’s. I plan on putting things like newborn mittens, headbands and hats in these for easy access.
Here are some side-by-side before and after's:
It looks really great, love the idea of leaving the doors out looks so much better.
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ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you like it!:)
Wow, great job Rach! I love the knobs and paper you picked, it is perfect and is going to be so helpful with all the storage.
ReplyDeleteThanks Genevieve! Hopefully I'll be able to keep that open storage area nice and neat once baby is here!:)
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, Rach! So, so cute. And you are genius, I would never have figured out how to cover up the pattern in the wood like that. You need to be on HGTV. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, thanks Tara!:)
ReplyDeleteGreat makeover! It came out so cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex! I'm glad you like it:)
ReplyDeleteI second Tara's comment. Can you help me decorate my home? Seriously!! I live in the vicinity of the Fairfax Homegoods store.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nikki! Send me an email! rachel@rachelsnest.com!:)
ReplyDeleteGreat Job!!!I love it
ReplyDeleteI just found this post to get ideas on making over an armoire. I loved your armoire and wanted to find one similar. I found the SAME EXACT ONE!!!! How funny is that. They're asking more than I'd be willing to pay, though, so we'll see if I can talk them down. Here is the link to the Craigslist ad where I found it. You can see it's the same as yours ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://daytona.craigslist.org/fuo/4116897953.html
Love it! Can you please tell me which finish you used in the paint- flat, eggshell or semi-gloss? Thanks so much.
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