If you're anything like me, you wait all season for the quarterly Restoration Hardware magazine package to be delivered to your mailbox. You know the one I'm talking about, right? I refer to it as the RH phone book. It weights at least ten pounds and takes up your entire mailbox. On the days they arrive, my calendar miraculously will clear up, and I proceed to spend the rest of the day curled up on the couch hovering over these catalogs. It's slightly embarrassing to admit the level of intensity at which I scour through those pages and obsess about the new collections. I earmark pages, create idea boards, and by the end of the night, I have a brand new furnished dream home. And then I add up how much this newly furnished home is going to cost me. And then I cry.
Photo courtesy of midlifeattheoasis.com
It's no secret that Restoration Hardware doesn't fall under the discount furniture store category. For that matter, any furniture that is made with reclaimed wood isn't going to be cheap. It's super trendy right now, and it requires a specific type of wood. I remember a thing or two from my Economics class, and I'm pretty this is a good example of Supply & Demand.
Just because my checking account may not allow for a brand new, fully furnished home from Restoration Hardware, doesn't mean I can't get it...to some extent anyway. If you look on Pinterest, there are dozens of different examples out there of how to create your own reclaimed wood inspired furniture. Everyone seems to have their own technique and process. I think every time I come across one of these examples, I pin it, however, it was only until now that I built up the courage to actually try this technique on my own. I went with the following combination of products:
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Old White
- Minwax Stain - Classic Gray
- Annie Sloan Dark Wax
Here is how the dresser started out.
I'm telling you right now, if you're a perfectionist, this may not be your thing. This is more of a 'just go for it and hope for the best' kinda process. I started by applying a light coat of the paint. I dipped my brush in water each time before dipping it into the paint to create a thinner coat.
As you can see, it's pretty streaky and uneven. I know, you perfectionists out there are probably noticing all the spots I missed. Don't worry, it's ok! Next, I wiped on the stain with a rag. I did this step just when the paint became dry to the touch. This step also took a bit of the paint off, which blended the two layers together a bit. The final step was wiping on the dark wax. Again, I did this sporadically over the piece, just to add another layer of depth to the dresser. Sorry, I got a bit caught up in the whole process that I forgot to take pictures of each step. Anyhow, after all that...here is the way it turned out.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. No matter how hard I may try, there is no way I will be able to replicate this dresser exactly. But that's part of the beauty of it...it's uniqueness. Something you may not find at Restoration Hardware!
Every time I look at the dresser, I'm drawn to a different section of it and notice some new color variation.
It definitely gives off a rustic, industrial vibe, but I really think you can use it with so many different decorating styles.
I updated the pulls with these oil rubbed bronze cup pulls from D Lawless Hardware. Their simplicity compliments the dresser without being overpowering.
The original casters give the piece some character. Not that it was lacking in that department, but just to really drive home the point.
Even the sides of the dresser are interesting to look at!
This was definitely a different style for me, and I had a lot of fun experimenting with something new. So much fun, that I might just try it again! But until then, I'll just sit here waiting for that phone call from Restoration Hardware asking if I'd like to partner with them! :)
Linking to:
Sunday: Finding Silver Pennies | Dwelling in Happiness | DIY Showoff | The Interior Frugalista
Monday: Between Naps on the Porch | The Crowned Goat | Making it in the Mountains | Coastal Charm | Craving Some Creativity
Tuesday: Cedar Hill Farmhouse | A Stroll Thru Life | Elizabeth & Co Vintage | Knick of Time | Just a Girl and her Blog | Pocketful of Posies
Wednesday: Savvy Southern Style | The Turquoise Home | Ivy & Elephants | Common Ground
Thursday: Imparting Grace | Canary Street Crafts | The Curator's Collection
Friday: The Painted Drawer | French Country Cottage | Patina Paradise
Saturday: Life on Lakeshore Drive