We do a lot of vintage furniture makeovers. A lot of them. I love it because we’re all about sustainability and we’re all about the budget. Plus, it’s just fun! You feel like you’ve really accomplished something when you look at your beautiful handiwork after it’s all done. One of my favorite inspiration blog stories comes from Jacqueline Clair at  York Avenue Blog gives us a short tour of her A Vintage Vanity makeover process and also gives some tips on styling.

Everyone loves a good furniture makeover, am I right?

And this was one piece that was simply screaming for a makeover! Wow, right? Seriously. I know.

But my Mom has great taste, because she could see the potential in this baby. She picked it up from a thrift store along with a matching mirror, bookcase, and dresser. If you can see past the unflattering green color (which for a long time I definitely could not), you’ll notice that the piece actually has some very nice “architecture” on the bottom of the legs and the front of the drawers. Plus it’s all well made, since it’s vintage. All it needed was a coat of paint and some new knobs from Anthropologie, and ta-da!

Pretty, isn’t it? You’ll notice we added the amazing matching mirror, which for the longest time was sitting all by it’s lonesome in our attic at home. I LOVE the little finials on top! I used the Rosy Knobs from Anthro in white, and they really add a bold impact. Something as simple as switching out hardware can really liven up an old piece of furniture. I love Anthropologie’s selection of drawer pulls so much that I switched out the knobs on my desk, my dresser, and my closet as well!

Anyway, after I so lovingly created a beautiful vanity for myself, I quickly realized-I don’t use a vanity! I do my hair and makeup in the bathroom. Hello, reality check! No matter though, I made over the inside of the drawers and turned them into jewelry storage. I used this tutorial from Young House Love to line the drawers with this pretty paper from Paper Source-it matches that little box you can see on the vanity which I got from Neapolitan Paper+Home on Etsy.

After lining the drawers I just put little plastic boxes in that I got from Amazon, and voila-instant jewelry storage. It works well because I can see everything at a glance and nothing is hidden- that way I don’t forget to wear what I have.

This project made me so happy because I was able to re-purpose an old piece of furniture and give it new life, while also saving money by not having to buy all brand-new furniture for my apartment! Plus it’s fun to have something that’s basically one of a kind.

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The Rosy Knobs from Anthropologie are no longer available, but I found these Ivory Rose Knobs with gold edges at Pier One that would also work.

This scented paper from The Master Herbalist would be a sweet substitution. It’s a William Morris ‘Pinks and Roses‘ print and the liners are in a Sandalwood fragrance.

And this pretty handpainted jewelry box from Essenziale at Etsy to sit on top.

I like this Expanding Acrylic Drawer Organizer from The Container Store because it customizes to the size you need.

Give a well loved but well worn piece of furniture a new look with some paint and new hardware. You’ll be so happy you did!

xo Jennifer