Mauve Mallard

Eh-hem 🫢…. Well, hello! Here is the “after” of the “before” I posted about 10 years ago 😅 I had planned just to take a couple weeks off at the holidays, and then hit the ground running like gangbusters come January. But instead, I fell ill the day after the New Year, took a good while to recover, then took another good while to get re-motivated. But here I am 👋🏻

This is a vintage dresser from Olive & Myer Mfg out of Dallas, Texas. When I discovered this piece, it had the original finish, which according to the stamp on the back, was called “Silver Mist.” It was a light greenish, brownish, grayish cream color some might call baby poo that was badly damaged and failing (photo second to last).

I chemically stripped it, not knowing what I would find underneath the paint. I was excited when I saw that it was made of solid wood. Like every part of it. I took it to a local woodworking shop to see if they could help me identify the wood species. They told me that it looked like Butternut wood, also known as “white walnut” as it is a genus of the walnut tree family. But the wood is lighter than regular black walnut, hence the name.

I ended up redoing this dresser THREE TIMES! before I was satisfied with the results. The drawers and bottom are finished in an oil-based stain called Candlelite from General Finishes and the black is a rich, warm black with brown undertones called Off Broadway in an alkyd enamel from Behr.

The style of the piece is called Streamline Moderne which came between Art Deco and Mid-Century. The sleek, smooth style reflected the motifs of industry: steel, cars, trains, curves and movement (example in last slide). That’s what I was trying to capture with the accent stripes (in gold and deep teal).

So this is FOR SALE! Located in Austin, Texas, $500. If you’re local, come check it out. If not, we can discuss shipping options. Thanks for looking!

Have you ever used black paint, but out of the can it is grape purple? 😅 No worries. Seven coats later and it is the deep, off-black with warm undertones that I wanted. It perfectly compliments the stain I chose for the drawers.

Why does this happen? Dark paint colors are mixed using a “deep base” which is actually clear. That means that with dark colors, you are applying pure pigment which requires more coats for complete coverage. Conversely, light paint colors are mixed in a white base, which provides opaque coverage and needs fewer coats for coverage.

This vintage Olive & Myers dresser is Coming Soon! Stay tuned 😉 🎨

Oh my gosh! This poor vanity looked like it had been sitting out in a cow pasture when I got it! 🫢 Nothing a little glue, wood filler, and bondo, plus a fresh coat of paint and some elbow grease can’t fix. 😅

Did you know that filler primer (in a spray can for cars) is a great way to seal particle board? Yes, this had some particle board in it’s construction. I don’t work on those anymore.

Austin, Texas
$225 SOLD!
Paint: Vintage Charm by Behr

SOLD!

This French provincial dresser is one of my favorites. I really love the curved lines and the way it can be dressed up or down, but is always classy.

This has solid wood construction and a veneer top with original hardware. What a beautiful shade of muted green called Lichen.

Austin, Texas $400
Paint: Lichen by Fusion Mineral Paint

Check out the before and after of this MCM walnut beauty!

The original finish was failing, dark, and dreary. I stripped all that off with QCS and hand oiled the veneer to bring the beautiful walnut grain front and center. Coal Black accents were added to enhance the natural wood tones.

This dresser is constructed of solid wood (no particle board here!) The drawers feature dovetail joinery and all function properly and slide easily. The original hardware is stunning and really gives off midcentury vibes. Manufactured by Ward Furniture in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

This is for sale and available for local pickup in Austin, Texas. $550

Take a look at this walnut MCM beauty!

This is a circa 1960-something Ward Furniture Manufacturing tall boy manufactured in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The walnut veneer was stripped of it’s original dark and dreary brown finish, sanded, and hand oiled to bring the natural walnut wood grain front and center. Coal black accents were added to enhance the natural wood tones, along with some new legs to lighten the look.

This dresser is constructed of solid wood (no particle board here!) The drawers feature dovetail joinery and all function properly and slide easily. The original hardware is stunning and really gives off midcentury vibes.

This would make a beautiful addition to your bedroom or even den.

Measurements:
47” tall
36” wide
18” deep

$550

Come see it for yourself! Located in North Austin (Parmer/Mopac area). Cash preferred.

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