May | 2014 | UpwithFurniture

I found this vintage Kroehler dresser on the side of the road. It is hard to believe because overall it was in good shape except for one drawer that needed a bit of planing to make it fit properly. The drawers are all wood inside as is the body of the dresser. The top is one of those wood grain melamines that was popular in the 60’s and 70’s. I guess the idea was that you never had to worry about watermarks or staining.

I have painted melamine surfaces a few times with Annie Sloan chalk paint. She recommends that you put on a thin first coat and let it sit for about 24 hours before you apply the next coat. I honestly have found it no different to paint over top than a wood surface and like all shiny wood surfaces, some of the glossiness seems to come through after waxing. It is painted in AS Antoinette, a lovely subtle pink that has a grey or brown undertone. It is one of my favourite colours and could almost be considered a neutral. I think the colour really suits the clean, modern lines. Isn’t it amazing how contemporary the style looks even though it is about 50 years old. I painted the original brass handles pink as well and added silver to the tips. The knobs are rhinestone from Hobby Lobby. I am sure there must be a little girl or her mother somewhere who will fall in love with the look.