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a dresser, a story and a decision

I find my furniture all over the place.  Yard sales, consignment shops, auctions, estate sales, curbs, thrift stores, friends, family, antique stores…  This one was found on Craig’s List. 

It looked like this when I picked it up.  The shape is gorgeous, but the peeling veneer and missing details had the old girl showing her age. 

Instead of trying to repair and hide all of the quirks, I decided to celebrate them.  This is an old dresser and it doesn’t need to look new. 

A heavily distressed paint camouflaged all of the imperfections and played up the texture of the piece.

I really love how this one turned out.  One of my favorites and I really, really wanted to keep it, but it went to Lucketts.  That seems to be a theme with me, lately.

A funny story about this dresser…I drove out to pick it up along with another one from the same gentleman.  When I arrived, we went to his garage and he explained to me that his sons used these dressers through college and now they were no longer needed.  I was surprised they looked as good as they did for living through college with boys.  I started checking out the drawers.  I always make sure they work or can easily be repaired.  Well, the top right drawer was wonky.  It wouldn’t go in all the way and it was getting caught when I tried to pull it out.  Hm.  The gentleman started fidgeting with it.  He pulled out the drawer and reached his hand back into the recess.  “Um…oh…I’m not sure…what is…stuck…oh no.”  He found the culprit.  He pulled out a bra.  He looked over at his son and threw it at him.  The son gave a sheepish smile. Busted!  I couldn’t help, but laugh.  Well, now that the drawer doesn’t have a bra stuck under, it works swell.  
Now, I have to make a decision.  It’s going to be a last minute one.  I need to decide if I’m going to take this table to Lucketts today.  I sold two dressers yesterday and I need to bring a new piece.  The bird’s eye maple dresser needs a bit more repair work on the drawers, so I can’t bring that one until next week.  The problem is, I really like this table and I really like it in my living room.  It’s kinda too big for the space, though.   

My rule is, if I don’t have the perfect spot for something, I can’t keep it.  I hate that rule today. 

Me and my silly rules.  Stupid rules, really.  Aren’t rules meant to be broken? 
Decisions, decisions…

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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94 Responses

  2. OH that story is funny…and scary. I have two little boys and the teenage/college years already worry me. Sigh. About that cute little table. I am positive you will find another table that you will like even more. Go and make yourself some more money.

  4. I think the table size is perfect, but the height is throwing it off…. so saw the legs down a bit and voila! perfect! no? then out it goes….

    You have inspired me to someday tackle a piece of furniture…. waiting for that perfect first project.

  5. Is the table just to tall for the space? If so, you could shorten the legs a bit, jut to the bottom of the solid piece. You probably thought of that though.

  6. LOVED the story….as the mother of three sons in their 20's …(and two daughters!!)……don't forget the female in the story!
    LOVED LOVED the furniture featured today. Thanks for the fun post. Lori L

  10. As the Mother of 2 teenage boys, I maybe finding a few surprises too. Love, love, how you decided to enhance and celebrate the pieces age instead of camouflaging as we believe we all need to do. It really gives the piece character.

    I know it can be tough separating with pieces we love but It is the name of the business.
    We love em all….last thing we want to be called is hoarders hehe! That is what my minimalist friends call me.
    Caroline
    Caroline

  11. Oh, that's just TOO funny. Imagine the phone call to the son….. Love the dresser!! I would agree that the coffee table is a bit too high- but justthink, that means you get to pick out anoth one!!

  13. I laughed out loud at your story…and could just SEE that young fella's sheepish grin! You've done a BEAUTIFUL transformation…as usual. I'm quickly running out of superlatives to comment on your work!

  14. That is the funniest CL story ever!!!

    Great job on the dresser; can I see an up close of how you handled the missing veneer?

    Love the table but you're right, it's a little big for the space.

  15. I say keep it! It turned out so beautiful. You can always change your mind later …

    That story about the bra cracked me up. You write the best posts.

  18. LOL! That us hilarious about the bra. What we have to look forward to, hopefully not!!!! That green dresser us so stinkin cute- I wish I could come see your Luckets space! The table, hmmm… I'm not sure on that one.

  21. Too funny about the bra. At least it was an easy fix for the stuck dresser drawer!
    I vote that you keep your little table. You're right..rules are made to be broken! I really don't think it's that bothersome where you have it but if it bugs you that much you can find another spot for it.

  22. Haha. Good laugh. I love all of your pieces. The table is great, but I agree it may be a little too big in front of the couch…anywhere else you can sneak it in?

  23. I love the parlor height of the table…but you will know best!
    And yes when it comes to decorating ..break the rules…
    Lovin the green dresser bra story!…boys will be boys!

  27. The dresser is wonderful, as are all the pieces you do!
    If you want the table, I hope you keep it until the perfect piece comes along. You know,,,,, your rule is sort of funny since you, of all people, play up the imperfections in all of the wonderful old furniture. You never expect the furniture itself to be perfect! Allow yourself the enjoyment of a piece for awhile and then replace it down the road! There is my old lady wisdom! 🙂

  31. Hello… I would keep it for a while and then replace it when you find something equally as beautiful, or that makes you want to break the 'rule'. Remember there are no furniture police, you can do whatever you please.

  32. What a great story! HA! Anyway, it's probably too late, since you probably already had to make your decision, but here's some advice my mom always gave me when we were shopping. If I saw something that I thought I wanted, but was undecided, she'd always tell me to pray about it, put it back and walk away. Then come back later, and if it was still there, in my size, then it was meant for me and to get it. You could do that with this…take it, if it sells consider the way you were able to bless someone else with it, and assume God thought you needed the money from it more. If not…then it's all yours and take it back home and enjoy! 🙂 (I know, I know…that may be 'over spiritualizing' such an every-day life thing, but I think God enjoys us asking for his input even in the little things!) 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!

  34. Oh my, you made me laugh out loud! I say keep that dresser and give the table up! I love it!!! I have a dresser I dread redoing, (not my thing) but seeing what you did with this one makes me want to redo mine! Tell me what colors you used please, chalk paint?

  35. My husband says rules are just guide lines. If the speed limit is 55 then you can go faster or slower if you want. It's your choice!
    Love the dresser…

  37. I'm glad the son was there to witness the discovery – so funny! That is a rule that I have also – the exception is small tables (really!) which are so useful for so many things. I have a similar table that I love and have ended up using as the night table between two twin beds. You can store lots beneath it in baskets or whatever. Will your boys need it in their room for the time being?

  38. HA! i love that you shared this awesome dresser story. it's not scary to me in the slightest since i have one college boy and one still in high school and have seen and heard it all!

    i think you're doing the right thing letting go of these pieces–even the table–sometimes we feel we'll never come across something as charming, but guess what? we DO. not to mention that it's the hunting and the time it takes and the discovery that makes it so much fun.

    i love your spirit, MMS.

  40. Great story about the dresser. Do you think the bra was returned to the proper owner 🙂
    I'd say sell the table. You will be able to find one that fits your room perfectly.
    Good to hear that Luckets is going so well again, although I am not surprised your stuff is gorgeous.

  41. Your rule is sound. I vote to stick to it and you'll always have your answer.

    Now if you DID keep that table, how about shortening the legs to coffee table height? Perhaps the tall doesn't allow for it to fit?

    There! I left you a loophole. Happy decision making. 🙂

    Donna

  42. Loved how the dresser turned out and the story behind it!
    I think you should brake your rule for now and hang onto that beautiful table for a while longer.If you love it that much you will find a perfect spot.
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

  43. OHHHH – I so love what you do – In fact I want to move into your house so I can look at all your amazing stuff all the time. Please open a store here :O)
    A xxx

  44. I giggled at the dresser story. It is an absolutely gorgeous piece. You have a good rule going there and I do LOVE that table, but considering you find the coolest treasures in your hunts, I know that if you give this one up, you'll find one that is PERFECT without having to trim the legs. Remember your dining room table? You ended up finding a piece that love even more. Whatever you decide, you'll make the right choice because yes, rules were made to be broken.

    Hugs,
    Jami

  45. I say BAH HUMBUG to rules..yes ma'am, rules were meant to be broken. If you love it, keep it. Personally, I think it looks so dang awesome there in your pretty room….
    Excuse me now, i am going thrifting…:)))

  47. Then again, if you trim those legs down, you can use the turned wood salvage to make candlesticks. Just flip them over, drill a hole in the middle and you get to enjoy a two-for-oner.

  48. I love the way your dresser turned out. Most would have thought it to be a lost cause. I also love that table! I wish I had room for one like that in our little place. I would trim the legs and place three little wooden, white-painted children's chairs around it for our little granddaughters, aged 1, 2 and 3. And I would allow them to eat and color at it!

  49. Release the table and let something even better come and live in that place.

    I am so in love with the – is it 'rug'? Or mat? Anyway, I want one so badly.

  50. Glad to see this dresser. I'm still on hold on my peeling veneer dresser. (I've got two chairs to reupholster first.) I like the embracing the imperfection and focus on the bones idea!! Looks fabulous!

  52. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE what you do to furniture. That last piece where you have the "rules" of it having a spot….if you cut the legs down, you could make that into a coffee table. Then she'd surely have a spot. If not…its sure to find a great home very fast.

  55. I think you will need to keep a list in your workshop for the items you find inside your furniture. As for the table, let it go. You need inventory, and someday you will find the PERFECT piece for that space. You know that dressers and tables turn up again and again. If you are selling two dressers and other things every week, can you keep up with the demand? I think you need to get an intern for the summer to help you with the heavy lifting and you can just put the finishing touches and waxes on your pieces. At some point you will need to start building a backlog and right now you are just keeping up. Exciting! How about an American Flag bureau? I am ordering waxes and brushes this week to embark on a household wide wax marathon. Maybe I'll even get some paint. Ann

  56. Love that dresser…LOVE it…and I was cracking up at the bra story…goodness, if I ever find one of those in my boys' dresser when they grow up they will have to answer to Mama, that's for sure! Haha! Have a blessed day!

    Blessings, Grace

  57. Personally, I would saw down the legs and make it work….or move it to a better place.

    All in all, you "gotta do whatcha gotta do."

    The bra in the back of the dresser is priceless!

  58. I would love to be your summer intern, just so I could watch you work! The dresser is beautiful. You are the master at knowing how much distressing a piece can take. As for the table, if you are having doubts, is it perfectly perfect?

  59. Too funny on the drawer story!! The chest is spectacular, one of my favorites you've done…..so feminine and yet not frilly. What color did you use? I Love it! As for the table. I agree with your assessment of the size and would let it go too. Another giveaway, you are so generous, thank you. I would love one of each but since I must choose, bummer, I would pick the sand dollar plug-in. The scents I'd like to try are; French Lavender, Coconut & Lemongrass & Simply Irrisitible just because it was!! Take care, VBg

  61. Sell it and you will find the perfect one. I think change is good! Plus money is good this time of year so make it while it's selling. There may be a time when it slows down and you can find that perfect table but until then go for it.
    And as always your taste and work are wonderful!

  62. Gorgeous table Marian and the dresser is beautiful too!
    It must be so hard parting with all those beauties!
    Have a great weekend xo

    Deborah xo

  63. Great story……from a Mom of two college sons!! I am also doing the Lucketts show!! We come all the time for just a day trip!! I will have to find you!! Great Stuff!!! Pam-Through The Garden Gate

  65. as precious as the table is, if it's not absolutely perfect for the space, i say take it to Luckets for someone who will find the perfect space for it. i have a feeling you'll eventually run across a piece that is 100% perfect for you =)

  66. Hi Marian
    Lovely table. Just cut a couple of inches off the bottom and it'll be right!

    Good luck with it.
    Anne-Marie

  67. Amazing job on that awesome dresser, Marian. Seriously!!! And that sweet table? I'd have a tough time giving her up, for sure. You could cut the legs down a tad to make it a great coffee table…??? Oh, and may I ask where you got your vintage clay pot carrier on the table? I LUV it!

    xoxo laurie

  68. The story about the bra stuck in the drawer is hysterical..I would keep the table and cut the legs down some and I love, love, love that dresser..I wish I lived closer because I do have the perfect spot for it..LOL

  69. My goodness – such a quandry!! I love your blog – you are so funny and even more talented.
    I say keep the table – it looks great as it is!! You could always use it for a "sofa table" too if you wanted to put it behind your sofa.

  73. My eldest (a daughter) is going to college, in about three months. I mentally can't take it. Stories like that make my stomach churn.

    On a better note: "I sold two dressers yesterday" – You are my idol!! Great job!

    -Trish

  74. Thanks for sharing the funny story. The dresser turned out absolutely beautifully.

    As to your quandry, I think your rule is great, but it doesn't sound as if you've included a time requirement. I agree that beautiful table fills up the room just a wee bit too much, so live with it there until you feel ready to let it go. When the time is right, you'll send it along to a new home.

  76. I love your living room floor!!! Do you share how you did that? (or is there a post about them somewhere??) {{I love the dresser story!}}

  78. I love the table Marianne, but to me it looks to tall in that spot – would love it in a kitchen though -good luck with the decision 😉

  79. It would be hard to part with these two! The dresser and table are so pretty..but you know, you'll find another piece just as lovely in a week or two. As usual, great job! JenT

  82. How do you keep wood and stain showing so beautifully w/out marring it w/ the distress job? It was suggested you put a wax on few choice spots then paint. Is that right? If so,what kind of wax?

  83. First time viewing your blog, it's great! I keep reading the word distressed a lot. When you say that, do you mean you sanded the paint to reveal the bottom color beneath… right? Or you added a dark wax and that means distressing? Just wondering..

    here is my email- alyssamegan@gmail.com

  85. If I were you and liked the table as much as you say you do, I'd cut the legs shorter! It's just too high, right?

  86. I think the table looks perfect there…I would love to see more of that blue cupboard peeking out in the mirror!!!
    The dresser is so beautiful! The color makes me happy!!
    Oh how I wish I lived closer!! Or wish you could have a booth in my shop! You have the exact style and enthusiasm I am looking for!
    keep up the beautiful work!
    Natalie

  89. that story about the bra is so funny! I love the coffee table there. a friend of mine found a table she loved and just cut down the legs. I think you should do that! Keep it for yourself. you work harder than anyone I know!

  90. Good morning Marian,
    I just want to say thank you for your inspiration and all your work….spoke with Virginia this morning to order the Ann Sloan Chalk Paint…can't wait to use it on my furniture pieces for the shop. You amaze me with all you do. Keep up the great work…and enjoy that beautiful family too. Best regards, Deb

  91. I LOVE that dresser!! What color paints did you use on it? AZ is too far away to hire you to redo my kitchen table.. I guess I will have to attempt! Would love to get details/

  93. I also would like to know the color(s) used on the dresser, i looove it. I am so new to the blog world that i don't even know how to become a follower! (embarrassing, i know).

    I managed to find your blog, however, and have been spending a lot of time looking at the different color combos and techniques you've been using on your furniture and getting very excited to make some slipcovers…and have been inspired to get creative in my home again. thank you.

    m_herst@yahoo.com

  94. Hi Marian! I recently found your blog. I know you are probably thinking where has she been? Anyway, I went back to the beginning of your blog so I could get caught up and I am now at this post in your archives. The story about the bra was hilarious and I absolutely love the dresser. Whoever ended up buying it was a lucky duck. I know it has been quite awhile since you worked on that dresser, but wondered if, just by chance, you remembered the name of the paint color(s) you used. It is/was a beautiful color. Any info would be great. Thanks!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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