Dressing Up Your Dresser

My most recent refurbishing was for a client with a 20 year old five drawer dresser. My client loved the dresser, but knew it was in desperate need a of furniture face lift overall, the dresser was in good shape. It had a few surface scratches, some chips, a broken drawer glide and a broken base board.

dresser before

Refurbishing it didn't take long and within a week we were picking out paint colors. I always try to advise my clients to find a few shades of a color they like because we all know, but many of us forget, once paint dries it's a slightly different shade. With this dresser we were on the hunt for the right shade of grey, not to blue and not to green. Our first choice too green, but after a few more tests we found this beautiful Benjamin Moore & Co. grey blue Gibraltar Cliffs color.

dresser after (puppy not included)

My client selected these knobs from Anthropologie.  The ones we used have more of a brass finish. The link will show you a zinc finish. Our knobs were found in the store. She wanted the dresser to have a distressed look. We agreed a light distressing detail would be best.

I have more refurbishing projects coming up. I will post pictures soon!

Put Me On A Pedestal

This beautiful ebony stained octagon vintage end table was a fabulous find at my local thrift store. I couldn't find a manufacture date any where on the table, but by looking at the construction of it I would say it was made in the 1960's or 1970's. 
This neglected end table is made of solid oak and has a built in shelf.  The table top and pedestal bottom detach. When I found it, it wasn't properly tightened, therefore, I think shoppers thought it was broken. Or they couldn't see the beauty I could see! Lucky me, right? Overall the table was in good condition; the main damage was on the top. Deep scratches to the surface had damaged this table, but I knew it was nothing a sander and some stain couldn't fix.

vintage end table before

end table before

After some love and ebony stain this table has returned to it's beautiful self! My favorite part is the built in shelf!!

end table after

This newly refurbished end table would look stunning next to a couch in a living room, in between two armchairs or next to a bed. The top measures 23 inches from left to right and stands 22 inches tall.   

end table after close up

This is the same area that had the deep scratches. All of them were sanded out. The wood itself has great character and a beautiful grain pattern throughout.

You can buy this beautiful end table for $150. Shipping will be easy, especially since the pedestal and top detach.

All purchases are made through paypal.

Happy Shopping!

Obsession of the Week...

It seems as though everyday of the week I fall in love with something new! Whether it is a fabric, new decorating technique, a piece of furniture or a newly decorated space I can easily spend hours online or thumbing through magazines looking at all of these things. Therefore, I decided why not share my obsessions with you, whoever you are out there. I can't be the only one falling in love, right?  At least I hope not.

This year at the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair), a new finishing technique for wood was showcased. One of my favorite blogs, Apartment Therapy, refers to it as Metallic & Mirrored Silver. I love it! It's super modern yet on a log of wood I think it looks contemporary with a rugged edge. I have tried to recreate this look three times on a sample of wood and can't seem to get it to be as shiny or reflective as in the pictures. It's really frustrating, but I promise I am going to master this! I don't care how many times it takes me. I have the perfect 1950's retro end table that would look amazing with this finish. So here's hoping!

As soon as it is finished I will post the pictures. Until then if anyone has any tips or advice please share!

Let me help you Refurbish your furniture with Love.

Do you have a piece of furniture you love, but it needs a furniture face lift?  Did you pick up a piece of furniture at a thrift store or flea market, but don't have the time to refurbish or the know how? Did you inherit your grandmother's table, but don't know what to do with it or where to put it? Let me help you refurbish that piece of furniture and we can turn it into a stunning focal point for your room.

Send me an email with a picture of the furniture you want to refurbish along with your contact information, then we can discuss your new Refurbished with Love item!

One man's writing desk is one woman's sewing station

My sewing clutter and machine had taken over my kitchen table. Between the sanding and painting I was always worried it would get dirty. Therefore, I was on the hunt for a desk, but not just any desk, a desk with character. That's when I came across this beauty.  The desk was in excellent condition, good bones and no major damage.

desk before

I decided to paint it the same color as my night stand. I gave it an antique finish, changed the hardware and behold this beauty!

desk after

Now I can finally set up shop with the proper work space.

Say Goodnight to the new night stand...

Like many of you, I started refurbishing furniture because there were a few missing pieces I wanted for my home.  On my list was an armchair, desk, bench and this night stand (or for others an end table). I was lucky when I found this piece because it too had good bones and was free! I knew with a little love and some paint I could turn this night stand into the perfect missing piece to be placed left of my bed.

Rescued from the wreckage

night stand before

After some tender LOVE and care

night stand after

Cane Armchair

My first fabulous find... Scary I know, but if you can see past the neglect you would see what I see. I was walking my dog in Hoboken when I found this chair. I knew how great it was and couldn't wait to come back for it. Later, I picked it up and walked home, along with my dog Mia.



armchair before



armchair after




arm close up





After some paint, new cushions and some love the armchair has come a long way.  Just waiting on the pillow form for the back and some more trim and it will be done! Can't wait!

What started it all...

It was love at first sight when I came across this beat up wooden cane armchair.  Instantly I knew I could give it new life or a furniture face lift as I like to say.  I quickly took a picture on my phone, texted it to my father and asked for his advice. He said "it looks great, you should take it".  After a brief inspection I decided the chair had good bones, a phrase I use a lot. It means the base and structure of the chair is strong and solid with minimal damage.

Like many who refurbish furniture, it began because I was looking for custom made pieces for my apartment. I wanted elegant solid wood furniture and didn't like what I found in stores. I thoroughly enjoy refurbishing. Whether it's a chair, desk, end table, hutch or dresser, immediately I envision the piece of furniture reclaimed with new paint, hardware and/or fabric. 

My first find and my precious puppy mia.