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Curbside find to dramatic showcase furniture with paint!

There is no high quite like the "curbside find" high. I recently spotted this massive, solid wood unit on the side of the road and just knew I couldn't leave it there.


It had amazing bones—heavy, sturdy, and those unique wood bars on the front gave it so much character. However, it was sitting flat on the ground, looking a bit dated and heavy. It didn't need a minor fix; it needed a total personality transplant.

This is the start!
This is the start!

The Game Plan

I wanted something moody, sophisticated, and a little bit "secret garden." Here was the checklist:

Step 1: Raising the Bar (Literally)

Clean first! I use White Lightning for tough grime. Because the piece was flat to the ground, it felt a bit like a block. To give it some breathing room and elegance, I painted the base and added a set of feet salvaged from old Art Deco hardware. The change in silhouette was instant—it went from "basement storage" to "designer statement" before the first coat of paint was even dry. Bonding Boss is needed to prep for my finish to be solid. Two even coats and wait 24 hours before paint!


Want to see the video of me adding feet? Click here!

Step 2: The Power of Acadia

I coated the entire body in Acadia from Dixie Belle. It’s a gorgeous, deep shade of green that feels timeless. To highlight those fun wood bars on the front, I went in with a ton of gold gilding wax. The gold against that dark green? Pure magic. The brushes I use? Only Dixie Belle!

Step 3: The Midnight Garden

For the back of the piece, I wanted a hidden gem. I used a stunning rice paper called Midnight Garden.

Pro Tip: To get a perfectly smooth finish with rice paper, apply your satin clear coat, lay the paper, and then use a piece of plastic wrap to smooth out the bubbles. It allows you to slide your hand over the surface without tearing the delicate paper! Watch this to see the steps!

The Final Touch

I sealed everything with a Satin Clear Coat for durability. To keep it from looking too "new" and shiny, I added a layer of wax over the top to dull the sheen and give it that buttery, hand-rubbed feel.

The Reveal

I am absolutely in love with how the gold wax catches the light on those front bars. What started as roadside "trash" is now the crown jewel of the room. I added dark wax to age the edges a bit.


Love this makeover? I post every day on my YouTube channel - watch here!

Thanks for joining me on my painting journey! See you again next time, happy painting! For the full tutorial on this piece click here!

Need more ideas? Click here to join my Pinterest! Melissa

The Top Drawer RVA


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