Good Design

Re-create and Re-purpose

Deciding on a new vanity can be a daunting endeavor. There are many choice's and styles available but they all seem to follow the same box like shape with maybe a different coloured counter top and one of a dozen or more different drawer or cabinet fronts. For something truly different we choose this chest of drawers we found at a used furniture store. It's in great condition and still retained all its original drawer pulls.

Because it will be the crown jewel in its new home it needed some protection against water and steamy moisture from showers. It could of been cleaned up and shot with a fresh coat of clear, but this bathroom is in the basement with a small window and we wanted the room to pop and be bright and cheery. The surface was lightly sanded and prepped for paint. Two coats of polyurethane primer was applied. We opted not to adorn the top with marble or granite. To protect the surface the primer coat was prepped and then two coats of polyurethane automotive paint was applied to keep the wood dry. 

The drawers where treated the same way and top coated with two coats of this sunny yellow. The original drawer pulls where cleaned up and once again adorn the fronts.

The contrast between the different types of wood is stunning. The beautiful grain of the wood struggles to survive through the heavy pigment adding subtle soft texture to the piece and ultimately to the room.

Natural wood is always beautiful but the paint really brings out the subtle details and beauty in this piece of furniture. The shadows, shades, and brightness of the pigment bring this chest of drawers to life in a way the natural wood seems to hide.

It was delightful to have found a piece with all it's original drawer pulls. The quality, detail, and simplicity of the design surpasses any modern pulls available for purchase today.

To top it off this beautiful porcelain bowl shaped wash basin will give this chest of drawers a bit of old school charm. The next step will be to finish the renovation and I will be sure to share the final out come.

Good design may not always be an original idea. It can also be a collaboration of old and new. With thought and insight and bit of knowledge on how things work, it's inevitable to create good design.