Vintage Basset Dresser Before and After


Here is another fun before and after (fun for me anyway)!  I have so many neat pieces sitting around that I have collected over time, I really need to get pictures on my site to let people see what I have and choose their own color.  


I know black, brown and white are very popular "go to" colors but I truly think that a strong color, like a deep shade of grey can be just as neutral and timeless.

I'm really into gold lately and think it's making a comeback of sort.  I'm not saying I am going to change out all of my door hardware or bathroom and lighting fixtures, but for some vintage dressers and furniture pieces, I think it's classic and beautiful.   I prefer to keep the hardware "as is" on most pieces, but these were just not very pretty and after a good scrubbing, looked even worse...so I sprayed them.  I have a very thorough and precise process that I go use when painting hardware, they will last forever!

The below picture looks more "blue" but it is really more dark grey.  So awesome!

I plan on doing posts in the future about paints, primers, fillers, sealers and all different types of products in the whole painting process.  I have done SO MUCH research, investigating, experimenting and the best test of all... trial and error!  Looking for the most durable, "baked on" finish that you would buy from a store.  I have been given samples and used every product on the market ... from water based, oil based, ceramic, different lacquers and epoxies, to hopefully find the "HOLY GRAIL" of paint.  Many people who refinish furniture like to make others believe there is a huge "secret" in the whole process and do not like to share their secrets.  Not me, I have a big mouth and if I find something that works awesome, I love to share with others!!!  So stay tuned...

Secretary Before and After


Hello!  I do have a couple of good DIY's up my sleeve, but in the meantime, I thought I would do a quick post about this secretary update.  I LOVE me a good before and after!!!


First of all let me say... I CAN NOT BELIEVE I am showing my messy garage!  Anyway, Here is the desk before.  I decided not to keep the organizer on the top.  It was so shallow and with computers and other filing systems, just did not see the need for it (truth...I did NOT want paint it:))

 Instead, I decided to use some cork board I had left from another project and cover it in some fabric, which was actually a curtain I found at Target.  I used spray adhesive to attach the fabric.  This is a pretty strong adhesive but not so strong that it will ruin anything if and when you decide to remove it.  The cork was actually cut real tight and only need to be pushed into place, no tacking needed.

 I love the spot for a small computer or cell phones to hide cords.  I wanted to keep this thing so bad!  But could not find a spot for it.  I wish I could keep everything I painted!

Hope you have a wonderful day!!

Adding Detail


I am not exactly sure what I saw in this big box of a cabinet, but thought it had potential for me to get creative and add some interesting detail on the plain front doors.  


It sat in my office (garage:)) after being sanded for a few weeks before I decided what to do with it.  

I have been loving the greek key design for a while and thought it might look interesting added to the front somehow.  Naturally, I forgot to take picture of this process, but what I did was tape out what I thought would be a good size on the front door,  measured and jotted down my dimensions on paper.  After a trip to Lowe's for the wood, I cut to the dimensions and mitered the corners.  


I primed and painted the pieces before I attached them with my nail gun.  I really think I could have just gotten away with just using wood glue, but was planning to actually use these pieces as the hardware, so knowing they would get pulled on, added some nails.  


I love how it turned out! I really like the gold/champagne color with the blue green.

Covering an inlay you don't want

Have you ever found a piece that you really like, but not to sure about the inlay?  Don't overlook it!  You can easily cover it up with a few coats of wood filler.

Here is an example a 2 pieces were the clients were looking for a very modern look on a very "girly" design and I knew the inlay was not going to go with the look they were going for.  

 See the inlays, bottom of the dresser drawers and top of the hutch...

I only took a picture of the first coat of wood filler.  You will need at least 2 coats, letting dry and sanding between each coat to completely camoflage the inlay.

Here are the two pieces after being painted.  Not rocket science, but something simple and easily forgotten about.

DINING TABLE DIY - SIMPLE AND MODERN


It's been a big funny joke, when people would come to my house, they like to see what table does Julie have in her eating area.  Usually I would please them with something new.  I have a problem.  Actually I have 2 problems.  One is that I have a very hard time making decisions on really stupid things and two is that I think I have to try to make everything myself.  


I can not tell you how many tables I have had in this little nook.  Before I built the seating bench, it was a round high top, but the kids kept beating up my walls with the back of the chairs, so I changed it to a rectangular top made out of a door.  Cute, but still not right.  After I had built the benches I must have had 4-5 other tables, but the "need" to make one myself was still lingering.


I had seen the idea a long time ago, of making a base out of pipes, and had stashed it away in the back of my little head to use when I was to make a new computer desk down the road.  I loved the industrial look of it and wanted to mix it into the softer, more feminine decor around the house.


I was TRYING to refinish a table that just ended up not being worth refinishing and most of it needed to be trashed.  The leaves stored inside/under the table were in decent shape, and they happened to be the right dimensions for my nook.

I wish I had pictures of how I put this thing together, but had NO idea I was ever going to share any of my little o' lonely DIY projects:))


Here are a few close up and underneath pictures to give you an idea of the pieces of pipe I used and how it was put together.


I jotted down a picture and list of what I thought I would need and how I wanted it constructed, then headed to Lowe's.  Once piece of advice, DO NOT BRING KIDS ALONG ON THIS TRIP!!  I was there in the plumbing isle for a long time and got a little greasy while trying to puzzle things together.  I ended up figuring out that it was going to be cheaper to have one 8' piece cut down into 4 sections for the bottom legs of the base, so if your trying to budget this, check out all of your options.


This did not end up exactly being a "cheap" project.  I was surprised to spend about $75 on all the plumbing, but it was worth it!  


And I did have to have my husband really tighten the pipes with the wrench when he got home.  I bit of adjusting, tightening or loosening, might have to happen to make sure everything is balanced and level.

No gum under there I hope...

As you can see I attached my 4 planks to 2 other pieces of wood scraped from the old table (screwing underneath) and made sure to have them set the right space apart, so they would evenly and perfectly sit on top and of the plates, brackets, or whatever they are called that the table is resting on, then screwing into place.  

The wood on top had simply been sanded down.  I really liked how it looked as is and didn't want to add any shine,  so no stain or poly, but put a few top coats of Johnson's Paste Wax to seal and protect it and give just a little luster... Can't believe I just used the word "luster".


Even if you don't have any old wood laying around, of course the classic old door with a piece of glass on top would look super cool.  But you could always buy some new wood from the hardware store, more expensive oak or even cheaper pine would work great. But keep in mind that they would take stain differently.  I would do a little sample before you go to town.  These boards come in different widths and can cut down to length.  Maybe beat it up or bit, or not, and throw on some stain!

REUPHOLSTERING CHAIRS


I finally tackled a project that I have been putting off for a few months.  I have been so busy painting lately but I really have to focus on my empty living room that needs serious attention!  


I picked up these chairs a while back.  They were very sturdy, cool shape to them and I thought they would be a good first time re upholstery project.  I have recovered dining chairs and benches before, but nothing other than that. 


For some reason I only took a before picture of one of the chairs, they are identical, but on brown and other cream.

After removing everything, including 8 million staples, I wanted to reuse what I could and the cushions were in great shape still.  I also needed to use the old pieces as templates for cutting out the new fabric.


I didn't really have anything other than a screw driver and pliers to remove staples.  After stabbing myself a few times and scratching the chair up a bit, I got them all out!   


Seriously, you have to be careful!  Work DOWN with the tools and not UP onto the finished wood.    Thank goodness I was planning on painting these chairs so I could patch it up.

Removing the layers

Keep the piles together

I was so glad a took a few before pictures because the chair sat for 2 months in this stage!  I got sidetracked....By the time I decides to finish the project I completely forgot what they looked like put together and referred to my before pictures to remind me. 


I decided on a silvery, metal type of finish for the chairs to go with this pretty fabric I had purchased.  I painted the chairs with Rustoleum paint in Aluminum and did a combo of a few acrylics for the glaze.  I used equal amounts of each glaze, plus a LITTLE water and rubbed on with old t-shirt.  Afterwards I sprayed on 2 coats of satin poly.

Then I started putting the chair back together. 


Starting with the back "BACK" of the chair, I used the old material as a template, cut it out and stapled into place.  I kept and reused the bit of batting from the first time around and laid it on the inside of the back like they did before.  If I was really cool, I would have taken a picture of it, but I'm not that cool:(   


Next came the back of the chair, the part you lean against.   Here I wanted to put buttons the back of the chair again, to make it look a bit more elegant.  


This fabric was SO thick.  After my 3rd trip to JoAnn Fabrics that day, I finally found the only buttons that would work.  They are a little bigger than I originally wanted but the only ones that would allow me to tuck all that thick fabric into back.

It was nice that I could reuse the old "insides" of the chair.  I knew right where to put the buttons and the holes were already in the cardboard inside.

I stapled the back into place.  Like all the stapling.  I like to start in the center and work way to each end, pulling tight but not SOOO tight it appears unnatural.

After the back, I covered the seat.  The original seats where kind of in two parts and had buttons.  

Call me smart or lazy...I decided to make it one big fat comfy cushion.  And I did not feel that the seat needed buttons, so this seat became real easy real fast!

After putting the 2 layers together I added a layer of batting and stapled the fabric in place.

Here is one chair almost complete.

Last came the double welt cording.  I can not explain how much I disliked this part.  It was my first time doing a db cord and after watching a few tutorials and purchasing a zipper foot, and a third attempt,  it finally worked out ok.  At least now I know how to do it!  


I glued on the cording with fabric glue.  I also sprayed the fabric with scotch guard, hoping to help keep little dirty fingers from ruining my hard work:))


Here is the finished project!!  I am so happy with them!
Peter likes them too:)

MID CENTURY DESK (kinda:)- BEFORE AND AFTER


I am getting better at remembering to take my before pics.  Usually I forget.  Even if I do remember, I can't find my camera or the memory stick is still in the computer and the battery is dead!  Always something, and by then I am over it and ready to just start sanding.  I'm really trying though:)


I have been doing a lot of desks for people lately.  Generally I would love to get my hands on a real live DESK, but I have been seeing a lot of awesome mid century sewing tables lately and have been thinking, these things are so unique and built so solid, there is no reason they could not be used as a "desk".


Here is an example of one that I just refinished and am putting in the "shop"...


It had a seam or two that needed to be filled in, and the top needed to pin nailed down, but with 4 functional drawers (even a cool "hidden" shelf under front apron), really not much different than any desk!  

I am a little obsessed with grey's right now, as is the rest of the world...but it is such a wonderful, rich, and versitile color.


I LOVED the original hardware, but 2 handles were missing.  Seriously!  I understand this desk is like, 60 years old, but WHY ARE THERE HANDLES MISSING!!!  I'm sure I will get over it eventually.


I did manage to find some antique handles that I think look great though.

ANTIQUE DESK UPDATE


I thought I would share a quick before and after of a desk I picked up on Craigslist.  Evidently she had a handful of interested people, but they quickly ran the other way when they saw the condition it was in.  I guess I was up for a good challenge.

The veneer was not only a complete mess on the top, but along the sides and on many of the drawers.

I used a lot of wood glue and clamps.  I originally was thinking of just taking off the top veneer layer by scaping and using my belt sander, but realized it was going to be WAY more work than being patient and doing a few nice layers of wood filler.

Not to mention I did not think this would be a good "practice piece" to try out the belt sander I borrowed from my father in law:)

I am so glad I stuck with this project!  After a few coats of primer, spraying on high gloss paint and sealing it, I think it turned out so pretty! 

I reused the original handles, which I really like to do if possible.  You like?

WELCOME!!

I am excited to be able to share my passion of painting, transforming, making and sometimes completely messing up projects!  My husband and I are definitely "project" people and we have renovated and built a few homes during our 13 year marriage, doing most of the work ourselves.  We are currently in the middle of renovating our mid-century home, room by room.

I have always loved to paint and transform furniture, as well as just about anything I can get my hands on.  It has been recently that I have had the confidence and time to take that passion to the next level, which is custom painting pieces for others and creating my new website SIMPLE REDESIGN.

This website is just a place for me to display my past projects, list my current items for sale and talk about some DIYing around the house.  Because I have always enjoyed and appreciated tutorials from other sites, I would also like to include some "how to's" ranging from painting furniture to DIY projects.  I love to share my knowledge of what to do (or what not to do:) and learn from others as well.