I consider myself a bit of a novice when it comes to painting and upcycling furniture, but nothing gets me more excited than breathing new life into an old piece. There's something magical about rescuing a forgotten gem and turning it into a statement piece for your home. That's exactly what I did with this upcycled Welsh dresser in our kitchen!
The Potential of an Old Welsh Dresser
The journey began at a charity shop, where I stumbled upon a beautifully crafted mahogany Welsh dresser. It was in great condition, with its intricate engravings and pristine wood grain. The only problem was that it had fallen out of fashion, and the color scheme in our kitchen didn't quite match its original charm.
How the dresser looked originally after I had rescued it from a charity shop
Embracing the Upcycling Challenge
Inspired by Welsh dresser ideas I found online, I decided to upcycle the dresser by painting it a trendy gray color and adding a wallpaper background. Little did I know that gray would struggle to hide the stains and grime that come with a busy kitchen. I found myself consistently repainting it to keep it looking fresh.
Our painted dresser in the kitchen. I liked how the Hague Blue wall provided a contrasting background for the dresser.
A Partnership with Dulux
Fortunately, my dresser caught the attention of Dulux, who invited me to work on a Wood Trim campaign. It was the perfect opportunity to fulfill my vision of painting the kitchen units a dark blue color and enhancing the Welsh dresser's transformation. After trying a few sample pots, I settled on Dulux Satinwood in Sapphire Salute, which perfectly complemented the B&Q wallpaper I had fixed to the back of the dresser.
The wallpaper background
The Transformation Process
To prepare the dresser for its fresh look, I removed the hinges and sanded it down for a smooth finish. While some paint companies recommend using a primer on bare wood, I proceeded without one, as I believed the dresser was already well-prepped from its previous upcycling adventure. After a thorough cleaning with sugar soap, it was finally time to start painting.
Using very fine sandpaper to leave a smooth finish on the dresser.
Painting with Precision
Using a wide paintbrush, I started painting the larger sections of the dresser in Sapphire Salute. For the areas around the handles and hinges that I couldn't remove, I switched to a fine paintbrush. The water-based paint dried quickly, allowing for a speedy transformation.
The first coat going on the drawers.
Adding the Wallpaper
Once the paint had dried, I removed the old wallpaper and measured out the new one. I chose a stunning GoodHome Ferula Blue tropical leaves wallpaper, which received the majority of votes in a poll I conducted on Instagram. Applying Gorilla super glue to the back of the wallpaper, I carefully stuck it in place, section by section. The result was a perfect match for the room, with hints of mustard and gold enhancing the blue botanical design.
Very pleased with my B&Q GoodHome wallpaper choice.
Attention to Detail
To complete the dresser's transformation, I realized that the worktop still needed some attention. I used rustoleum paint to freshen it up and added a touch of gold paint to the handles and hinges. These details truly elevated the dresser's overall aesthetic and tied in perfectly with the wallpaper's gold and mustard tones.
Painting the hinges with gold paint.
The Final Result
Stepping back to admire my handiwork, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The upcycled Welsh dresser now served as a sleek and regal focal point in our kitchen. With a touch of creativity, imagination, and a paintbrush, I had transformed what was once an overlooked piece of furniture into a unique statement piece for our home.
Embrace the Upcycling Challenge
Don't overlook the potential of old furniture pieces. With a bit of patience and a clear vision, you can create your very own unique masterpiece. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and patterns. With each upcycling project, you'll gain confidence and bring new life to forgotten treasures.
So, what do you think of my new upcycled Welsh dresser? Let me know in the comments!
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