Windgate Lane: French Provincial Dresser to Green Console

Now in a house full of testosterone, most of the pretty furniture I refurbish ends up becoming a Lady:) This one was no exception!

A great friend of mine wanted a console/buffet in her long hallway and was in love with this one from Ballard Designs- but as most of us are in love with all things Ballard Designs, we are not in love with the price tags... so as I can not turn away from a challenge I began the Craigslist hunt for her. It took a few weeks but finally we hit a jackpot- patience is the name of the game with Craig- they were asking $125- I offered $100 and she was ours:)

This was my husbands new favorite project by the way- due solely to the fact that I was spending someone else's money!

Now she was a little rough around the edges- but I saw her potential- great feet- great bones! after picking up some paint samples and some new hard wear we started to really see the vision of what my friend was wanting- so I came home and dove in!

This was fun because I got to use my new sander- so after taking off the old hard wear, I sanded it all down and then sanded again using a finer grit to make it very smooth. I used a damp paper towel to wipe it all down and make sure no dust was left.

Then I used my favorite primer of all time- Zinsser! This stuff is just amazing- sticks to anything and really leaves you with a smooth coat.
And then the fun part- as the inspiration picture showed- she wanted a moss green- and then in my head I saw either distressing or wiping on some stain to give it some character.

I got a couple of coats of pretty green on- and then decided to just go for it with the stain- I just used a rag to wipe on a small amount in a small area- and then pretty much immediately wiped it off- no real science to it- just did it until I felt it was pretty even and looked good:) and I think it really made it more of a unique piece and also let the gorgeous architecture of it stand out more!

Then the pretty knobs from Hobby Lobby went on and the pulls from Lowes and this Lady was ready for a night out on the town!
I told my friend I had visions of doing my own version of Extreme Home Makeover- and hiding the dresser behind my car, and then saying... Move That Ford Escape!!!! and then the whole neighborhood (who would of course have gathered) would cheer and cry and carry on... I'm not dilusional... I swear... just might be the fumes of the stain...

So... cost break down- The one from Ballard Designs- $1200- plus shipping
Ours... Dresser $100
Hobby Lobby Knobs at 50% off x 7= $10.50
Pulls from Lowes= $12
Paint and supplies $20

Pictures don't really do her justice- and the color is kind of different in each pic- but you will get the idea:)
And Here She Is (Get ready for Picture Overload):