Reviving Vintage Charm: The Transformation of a Forgotten Treasure
Embarking on the transformation of a vintage piece always feels like a journey, doesn’t it? I acquired this particular project along with several others from someone who was tasked with clearing out their grandparents’ home, and it sat in storage for what felt like ages. But eventually, the time came to roll up my sleeves and dive in.
The challenge? A vintage chest with four drawers, all equal in size but lacking in height. To add to the complexity, it had a faux leather top causing a bit of a headache. While the top and sides boasted veneer, the back and drawers were solid wood.
Like any restoration project, the first step was assessing its condition, stripping off hardware, and giving it a thorough cleaning. This involved filling in the original hardware inset on the drawer fronts and removing the fake metal brackets, then carefully filling in the holes left behind. Additionally, braces were added under the piece to securely attach the new metal legs.
My process typically involves drawing inspiration from various sources. Pinterest is a goldmine for ideas, and I’ve recently become fond of an app called Milanote for organizing my favourites. It allows me to upload images of the piece I’m working on and brainstorm ideas seamlessly.
Another tool in my arsenal is a notetaking app on my iPad. I love being able to sketch over images, playing with colours and contrasts before making any changes to the piece itself.
Of course, plans don’t always unfold as expected. I had initially envisioned adorning the drawer fronts with a stunning mural wallpaper, only to realize it required full door fronts. While disappointed, I pivoted and found an alternative that complemented the natural wood tones beautifully.
As for the exterior, a coat of black paint transformed the sides and top. The original reddish hue clashed with the rest of the piece, so I opted to sacrifice the veneer and embrace the faux leather top, giving it a chic brown leather look using a mix of paint, hemp oil, and various waxes.
To finish it off, I applied hemp oil to the exterior, creating a buttery smooth finish that begged to be touched. Finally, metal legs were added for both height and a touch of elegance, completing the transformation of this vintage treasure.
