I picked up this dresser at a garage sale a couple months ago and it was in need of so much repair I just let it sit in my basement for awhile. Then, a couple weeks ago I had two women interested in buying Esmeralda, and when one bought it almost immediately, I offered this empire dresser to her! She was saw the potential and character of it and I got started with the repairs and painting!
As you can see there was chipping veneer everywhere. I worked some magic with wood filler, had to reattach the top, and fix the drawers. The drawer bottoms were missing, all the joinery needed to be glued and clamped, and there was some other major work needed to get them to slide in and out smoothly and evenly.
But you can see, it was worth it for the great curves, cute keyholes, and that awesome empire shape.
I decided to photograph this dresser a little different. Instead of indoor, staged with home decor, I went outside in search of some texture and visual interest that could surround the dresser and possibly tell a story.
I found some castle ruins.
I’m not certain it is a REAL castle. But it looks like a small one and I know it dates to pre 1900s, so THAT is pretty cool. And it is just down the street from me! 🙂
I decided to give this one some cute knobs that were turquoise-y teal-ish colored (the larger ones have more green in them). The green and blues just looked gorgeous together, and I couldn’t resist.
I love the way Antibes can change the way it looks in different lights. It’s not too yellow and not too blue, but has that perfect depth and richness of color, especially with the dark wax.
Corridor shot.
Linking up with:
Beautiful job Rachel! I love Antibes as well. It photographs so nicely outside too….brilliant idea. I’m going to share this on my FB page this week if you don’t mind!!
Melody
My Passion For Decor
I would love that! Thanks so much Melody!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dresser! IT turned out great! The photography is gorgeous, too! Thanks for doing this for me! You are spectacular!
You are quite welcome Pam! You are awesome to work for!
Wow, not only is your dresser beautiful, but you sure know how to stage a piece! Beautiful photos! I hope you come by and link up, I’d love to share this!
Such an amazing dresser! I love the color and your photos are beautiful.
Stunning, love your photos. Jo 🙂
What awesome photos! Love the dresser. I’ve never done green on any furniture, but this looks so darn pretty I might need to give it a try too 🙂
this is stunning and i love the staging! so fun!
Such a cool photo shoot for such a cool dresser! Thanks for sharing, featuring tomorrow, I just love this!
Visiting from Miss Mustard Seed’s blog – I just love the way you photographed this dresser! It looks lovely refinished, but photographing it in the ruins really takes it out of this world 🙂 I’m so jealous that you live somewhere with access to an old “castle”!
Popped over from MMM. I love the Empire shape…..LOVE that Antibes! And that setting with the stones to die for. Nothing could be more perfect than that setting for a photo shoot. Couldn’t you just see a bride and groom photographed there!
Small House / Big Sky Donna
White Oak Studio Designs
Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture Transformations
BLOG: http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
FACEBOOK: donna.allgaierlamberti@facebook.com
So pretty and I love antibes! it is a great color. Your dresser looks lovely amongst the castle! Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays. x
nice piece & refinish. How lucky to have such a cool place nearby!
What a gorgeous color! I love it! And gorgeous scenery!!
straight out of a magazine!!! wouldn’t you love to go back to the original garage sale and show them a picture now, their mouths would drop!
What is that color? It is beautiful!