Walnut to White

It's no secret that around these parts, second hand is second nature. I especially like finding inexpensive mid century design furniture with straight simple lines that I can lug home. I lugged this dresser home, not recently, I've had it for years. I'll have to let you imagine, I don't have a before shot. It was a typical walnut {not heirloom quality} high boy dresser, no hardware, just these little finger grooves under each drawer and simple legs.

So far, this is what I've done to it over the years: painted it green, added hardware, and replaced the legs (keeping the originals) until I saw this picture:

(Source Unknown, but if you know please comment!)

EDITED: Image via Decorpad

I love everything about this inspiration photo, from the trellis design on the wall down to the metallic heels, and especially the squirrel! The sideboard is fantastic, the ring pulls are great and I love the nail detail (if that's what it is).

Now while my dresser is obviously a different shape, I knew I could take the elements I liked from this sideboard and apply them to my little dresser. So it got a coat of white paint, new sleeker pulls, and I changed the legs out {again} because I wanted this as a side table in the living room and needed it lower. Can you guess what I used for legs? You guessed it, fence finials, all I will say is, have you priced bun feet lately? Ouch.

She was looking better already. Continuing with white in the living room since the fireplace face lift, white has been an on going trend, and I'm really liking everything. So white was a natural choice.

Next comes the nail detail. I had some upholstery nails left from my inspiration board project, and I used every last one for this. I will tell you I was nervous about it, but if you could see it in person, it is worth the stress! At any rate, it would be easy to patch any holes.

I love the detail that it added, while still staying modern looking, and even though it's still a little taller than the sofa, it's going to make a great side table, with the bonus of storage. It was super simple, the upholstery nails went in the wood just like nails...just a combination of a little measuring and eye-balling. Bun feet would probably get it down to the right level, maybe I will invest in some.....

Time to accessorize. Fall is creeping it's way out and neutrals making their way back in. My spray painted ginger jar, painted faux antlers, and painted Wal-mart tray....I don't think I told you that I spray painted a second round tray green, so I have an orange one (for Summer) and a green one for everyday.

I hung my Mothers mirror over the dresser, I will never do anything differently to this mirror. It's from when my parents got married in 1963, and it hung over the sofa in the living room for my whole life. I did put additional hardware on it to hang vertically. I love it.

The lamp is super mod, love that mixed with the old pieces, finishes it off!