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the bedroom, commenter Angela suggested I change up this dresser into a tangerine chevron dream. Now that this seed is planted, I'm a little fixated on it although I'm not sure if I want to do chevron or some other pattern. ( i was thinking ombre until some readers pointed out that its not a great piece for that treatment due to its design) I love the idea of it but not sure if it will be too much of an attention grabber to the wrong area of room.
What do you think? 
There is no shortage of people have already rocked a chevron pattern on their dresser.
a tutorial from
a step in the journey + another from
michaela noelle designs
another from
tommy and ellie + a great take from
a little glass boxI definitely like these but i'm not sure if I'll get sick of it too soon. Maybe I should try another pattern?
Have you chevron'd a piece of furniture? Do you still love it?
I love the piece the way it is! It looks like it is in great shape and it will still be classic and beautiful long after the chevron craze has passed.
ReplyDeleteOnly my opinion - I know when I get an idea in my head it's difficult to talk me out of it!
Laura
www.happyroost.blogspot.com
Could you chevron it with some neat wide masking tape? I think the wood being part of the chevron could be dreamy!
ReplyDeleteThat is a tough one! Chevron will always be a great pattern but you're right - we've seen it over and over again on furniture makeovers. If you go the chevron route, I would do a twist on the pattern like a herringbone (like the photo above from little glass box) or maybe a wilder flame stitch pattern.
ReplyDeleteOther things to consider - oversized polka dots, leave the frame natural and paint the doors white, install a glitter-y shell tile on the doors (like the new-ish west elm wood tiled 3-drawer dresser)
Hope it helps! You're fantastic at these things so anything you do will look great.
I do love chevron and I usually declare 'paint it' first but I would either keep it the beautiful shade it is now or go solid tangerine. It isn't screaming chevron to me.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a chevron pattern, however, I totally get that you may not want that as the focal point since you have that fabulous fish artwork above your bed. The first thing that struck me was possibly doing a very subtle chevron using the same tangerine shade for both the darker and lighter opposing stripes, going a very slight shade in either direction. It would read almost like a shade on shade straight on, but at an angle or depending on the time of day, you could also see the subtle variation of color. This can also be done by the type of finish you use, by using the same tangerine color in both eggshell and satin as the opposing stripes, or some variation of finish. But again, the glossier finish could potentially read "look at me, look at me!" Finally, I like the last photo's interpretation of chevron. I think it would be interesting to start at opposite corners of the bureau and meet in the middle, using the whole piece as your canvas, versus individual drawers. Sort of like a V. But this could possibly prove to be very labor, time intensive (I've never done chevron)? I can see so many options in my mind's eye and I could go on and on! But, I'll shut up now! Hopefully that didn't add any confusion.
ReplyDeleteWhat about a softer chevron more like a wave pattern. It is a beach house after all :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still obsessed with the world pattern on the dresser-turned-sofa table in your living room. I love the tone of this piece right now but it does look super dark against the navy walls. Maybe paint it white, or light blue, or verrry pale orange sherbet... and I love the idea of tangerine lacquered drawer pulls on this and the bedside tables? Then you could do some kind of pattern on the top the dresser.
ReplyDeleteBut its so pretty the way it is. Why not leave it as is?
ReplyDeleteOkay so I already want to punch myself in the nose for saying this, as I am the farthest thing possible from a wood purist, but I kinda like the dresser in its current state. It looks nice in the photo (which I realize means nothing). And there are plenty of other ways to add color to the room. Paint the chair? Add color to the curtains with trim or a neat treatment? You are far more of an interior decorator than I am and I know whatever decision you make will be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious; what is it about this piece that makes it unsuitable for ombre? (A different tangerine shade on each drawer with a light shade on the frame looks beautiful in my head. I am thinking of doing a similar piece in grey ombre and would like to know the pitfalls before I start!) It seems like a simple paint treatment like ombre would allow its beautiful lines to show.
ReplyDeleteI would worry that it is too nicely shaped to be hidden under a chevron pattern. (your chevron examples all have very simple lines in the dressers, and were much improved by added interest. Your dresser doesn't seem to need any fancying up, although I am only seeing a picture, so what do I know?)
For DIY painted furniture inspiration, you have to check out ofallthefish.com . The girl can transform anything.
ReplyDeleteThat dresser is too nice to paint. The examples of painted dressers needed help. This one doesn't. Nice piece. Classy the way it is.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep it the way is now, It is too beautiful to cover with paint, There is furniture that needs paint and pattern to distract from its ugliness, but this piece is a gorgeous classic that needs nothing done to it!
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative that you will certainly be able to come up with a great design. As much as I love it, I'm thinkin' chevron is being overused. By the way, we just got back from Argentina this morning, and it was great. You would/will love it.
ReplyDeleteI've seen really cool dressers where people took an image or a stencil and used that instead (For instance: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/seriously-awesome-dresser-makeover/)... Which could be really cool, if you can think of a theme for it.
ReplyDeleteIf not, I think the chevron would be nice on that particular piece... and let's face it, if you hate it, you can just strip the paint off or repaint it! :) No big deal, right?
3 things:
ReplyDelete1) I usually paint everything - I am no wood purist, however I surprisingly kind of like this dresser as is.
2) I love chevron, but I dont think it will work with the curved lines of this specific dresser. If you do want to paint the piece, I think something more solid color would be better in general (whether neutral or a pop color).
3) I'd add chevron via pillows, a large dresser-top tray, or something else.
Personally I am over chevron patterns. They are so overdone and I'm starting to forget who has what. It all runs together at this point. If you're against keeping the dresser in its natural state, what about a chalk paint treatment?
ReplyDeleteI agree with those who say that it is a beautiful piece as it is, but I know it's hard to see it against the dark wall. My first thought is to move it to another room where it would show up, and try to thrift a piece for this room that you would definitely want to paint. If you do decide to paint it, why not try a very subtle tone-on-tone stripe effect? I saw a dresser with chunky horizontal stripes in two shades of grey, and it was beautiful. You could always add the tangerine with some bright knobs!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful piece as is. Chevron is completely overdone, in my opinion. I think right now, the more original thing to do is to leave it as is. I have a sneaky suspicion that very soon we will all be sorry we've painted so many wood pieces.
ReplyDeleteThe bottom yellow piece that is more like herringbone is my favorite of the bunch, but I'd still have a hard time painting that beautiful wood!
ReplyDeleteIts already a thrift store piece and I don't like the reddish tone of the wood so Im not worried about it being saved as is. Its in nice condition but its not anything worth savoring either.
ReplyDeleteIts a craiglist find and it wasn't expensive so Im not too worried about refinishing it. If it were a different room I might leave it but its just too dark against that wall so I have to do something - just not sure what.
ReplyDeleteThat link didn't work. Can you repost?
ReplyDeleteThanks Janette. Ive been to Buenos Aires already and I did really like it.
ReplyDeleteIts all subjective of course but its not particularily beautiful to me as is. That reddish wood tone does nothing for me.
ReplyDeleteThis dresser has a bit of trim between drawers so you can't have the colors flow nicely from one to another.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the four examples in the post are using bow front dressers so I dont think that is much of an obstacle. Just not sure if I love it enough to stare at it all the time :)
I'm with those commenting that the current state looks pretty good - possibly heirloom quality. But I also think those dramatic walls need more contrast. Is there another piece in your home that this could be swapped with?
ReplyDeleteAgree I can add color in other ways but I feel like this dresser is too dark against the dark blue wall. Plus I just don't like its current color to begin with. Not that I hate it - it just very bleh early 90s red tone wood to me.
ReplyDeleteYea, you pretty much summed up my dilemna. I dont want to make it a focal point but I dont want to leave it as is either. Decisions, decisions :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the polka dot idea (something mod like the dwell polkdot pattern) but then I was concerned it might look too much like a kids room. The dark walls, white furniture and whimsical pattern might scream kids, no?
ReplyDeleteMost definitly NOT an heirloom. I got it from craigslist and while its perfectly fine its most definitely mass produced typical furniture. Nothing to be protective about. I dont HAVE to use this dresser if something else would look better but I also feel no need to save it for something else.
ReplyDeleteWould you be able to post a photo of the dresser against the dark blue wall so we can see how it blends in? I think it looks great as is, next to the light wall, but we can't see what you see :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, call me old-fashioned, but I LOVE it the way it is and would totally buy it from you just like that. Ha! I feel like chevron is everywhere right now, and not necessarily in a good way. I love the way chevron looks, but I wonder if you'd get sick of it.
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to change it, maybe just do something solid?
Girl! If anyone can work in an ombre, you could! I'd love to see how you could make it work. I love ombre on everything. Furniture, cake, hair, flowers...hahaha
ReplyDeletehttp://leeanderin.blogspot.com/
Its hard to see b/c its dark on dark but you can see it in this photo: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6932945033_2ab106c9a6.jpg
ReplyDeleteI do love the color it already is but if you decide to paint it my vote would to paint it cream or white, distress the edges just a tiny bit (very subtle). Then do a few fun frames that sit on it, perhaps with a tangerine chevron frame. Or a lamp with an orange base... but I think doing chevron on that especially in a tangerine color is going to scream for attention.
ReplyDeleteI love me some painted furniture but this appears to be in lovely shape. I'd leave it as is (don't mean to be a party pooper).
ReplyDeleteI'm not crazy about the way it is now, and I'm not crazy about doing a chevron pattern on it either. I agree that it would look way to dark against your wall and that you should paint it. Maybe a solid color would be best and then you can punch up the patterns elsewhere. Weren't you thinking patterned bed/ curtains anyway? That might be a lot going on with a chevron dresser too.
ReplyDeleteI think the chevron paint would be too trendy and unoriginal. I wouldn't do it, you'll be sick of it before the paint dries.
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to find a wide stripe or chevron comforter (not duvet!) to save my life so thats where the idea of adding pattern in this comes in. But its not an imperative.
ReplyDeleteI gotcha. It is hard to see wood quality/tone is pictures. If you are not worried about preserving then I say go for it. You could always choose a more neutral color if you are worried about it being too distracting. I like the idea of herringbone to.
ReplyDeleteWhat if the chevron pattern was a bit "off" like this tray?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.designsponge.com/2011/12/gold-zag-trays-from-up-in-the-air-somewhere.html
Or the dots were more confetti like?
http://www.mintlovesocialclub.com/2011/08/diy-confetti-art.html
Or you could just paint it white, use these chevron drawer liners and call it a day.
http://shop.hammocksandhightea.com/products?search=drawer+liner&search-submit=
I feel the chevron trend will be out by this time next year. Since you hate the color just paint it another color.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this is what you are looking for because it is thin striped chevron: http://www.thecompanystore.com/LoftHome-Chevron-Duvet-/-Comforter/CY92,default,pd.html
ReplyDeleteMy two cents is the dresser is too dark against the wall and needs something whether that is a new stain or color. I vote against the chevron because I think you could do better than that and agreed it would get tired after just a short time. Maybe do something fun on the top and kepe the bottom solid?
I love the idea of using some tangerine on the dresser. What about a two-tone look with white and tangerine, following the lines of the dresser?
ReplyDeleteEither way, the room is coming together nicely!
The lines of that dresser are simply gorge. Why the hell can't I ever find gems like this on my thrifting adventures?! I know some peeps think it's a sin to paint wood but some wood tones just might not work in certain decor situations so to each their own.
ReplyDeleteHow about a simplified chevron pattern like this pillow (less zigzags)?http://tinyurl.com/7rpv2fn
But of course in any color you wish like tangerine. And if you hate it or if the chevron craze is too much, it could just be painted over.
I missed your original post, but I really like it just the way it is. I love the color, and I really really like the hardware.
ReplyDeleteI have a big armoire in my bedroom that I'm thinking about painting, but chevron seems like a lot of work for something that will inevitably become passè before too long.
I love the way it is. I could see a glass or mirrored top cut and top it with some gorgeous lamps. I am a bit tired of the old chevron. I think the wood looks in good condition. I love it as is. The shape is stunning.
ReplyDeletepve
Really, you're going to paint that?? OMG it looks so pretty like it is, is there damage you can't see or something? If you are going to paint, I would skip the chevron because I think you will tire of it, and we all know it's not exactly fun to paint furniture. Can't wait to see what you do :)
ReplyDeleteI agree! Chevron is a fad that will pass and the piece is beautfiul. Maybe a solide color or wash is a better option. The one pattern I do really love is painting the british flag on in it the red/orange/tagerine color tones.....Looking forward to your decision!
ReplyDeleteOh no!! Here's the original post instead, so it works out better:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flor.com/blog/reverse-stencil-dresser/
I like the chevron. I say go for it. You can always repaint.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of painting it a solid color or more of a herringbone, like the last piece. I think chevron is a little overdone, in my opinion. Good luck! I know whatever you decide, it will turn out fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThat dresser is gorgeous, the lines, the finish, love it. My 2 cents, I love to paint furniture, but leave the top natural wood if it's in good shape, which this one is. I think leave the sides, top and main structure natural wood as it is now - but just paint your design on the drawers only. It will give you the visual punch, but a bit more subdued. I adore chevron, but am starting to wonder when I"ll be sick of it! Here's a dresser I did with diagonal stripes, love it.
ReplyDeletehttp://mash-upchic.blogspot.com/2012/03/dying-for-diagonal.html
Trish
My vote is to paint the frame tangerine and the drawers either white or cream, keep the pulls.
ReplyDeleteno chevron!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe shape of the piece is not modern. So if you plan to keep this in the shore bedroom with the dark blue walls which do look nice, keep the base color lighter than dark & maybe use a stencil or a decal so you can change it in the future easily.
ReplyDeleteone link to keep you thinking
http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/kitchen-projects/bold-kitchen-makeover-budget/#page=3
Or visit www.missmustardseed.com > before and after to see older pieces to see what colors are being used on vintage pieces.
Loved the blue low cabinet with the world map you did a while back!
Good luck
That makes sense. What about a whitewash (greywash)? It would lighten it up and look a little driftwoody and add interest against the other painted pieces in the room. (example at link) Maybe too casual for the look you're going for.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.designsponge.com/2010/09/before-and-after-basics-whitewash.html
Painted chevron is a little DIY to me, you know? If it was a veneered chevron or even stained it might be outstanding. Could you do an ombre treatment that's more fluid instead of so graphic...like you would ombre a piece of fabric? Solid lacquer gloss would be nice or even a lime wash for that weathered casual look?
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of chevron, it will add a bit of sass to the traditional piece. Also, its just paint and its only on the drawers so if you hate it down the road just paint over them :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'd get tired of the chevron quickly. I think it's so overdone and expected now that everyone will be tired of it next year (hopefully, cause I've been tired of it for a while!). I think a solid color would be nice, or maybe even silver or gold leaf? Or vertical wide stripes? One big solid stripe down the middle? I love the hardware so I hope you'll keep that!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty new to the all of the DIY stuff, but I'm not new to having opinions. I desperately hope that you do not do a chevron pattern. Currently, I'm in love with anything displaying in any way, shape, or form a quatrefoil pattern. It would certainly be more time consuming than a chevron, but it can be as subtle or as loud as you'd like, depending on what colors you'd use.
ReplyDeleteWhat if you painted it all one color and did a simple design on the top (geometric or Greek key) in a different color?
ReplyDeleteYou’re considering it… cool! Whatever you decide will be fab! Can’t wait to see it. The furniture piece is classic alone. I say jazz it up to your liking :).
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add there’s some tangerine chevron fabric available online. Maybe you can get a duvet made if you decide against the dresser.
ReplyDeleteI also like the piece the way it is, but it sounds like you have paint on the brain. I think the chevron will date really quick-what about a more classic single colour?
ReplyDeletecheck out this image: http://meganyoungdesigns.com/portfolio/#east-71st-living-room-bar
I love this chest!
Good Luck
What about a beautiful harlequin pattern in white and grey? I don't think you'd tire of it and it won't become a focal point but will look fantastic. I can't take credit for this idea as a friend did this to a similar dresser in her foyer and it looks AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the curved shape and detail on the piece maybe isn't suited well for a chevron pattern?
ReplyDeleteI think it looks lovely now, but maybe if you need a punch of color just paint it a solid color?
I totally agree Evita. I'd go solid tangerine or leave it as is.
ReplyDeleteIn the book called Design Sponge I noticed a dresser that has an ombre wave pattern on it that you may like...
ReplyDeleteOhhh I love chevron... wouldn't get old for me... the funky pattern has been around for decades! I say go for it! :)
ReplyDeleteMy vote would be for putting the Chevron pattern on the top, and leaving the drawers/front a more neutral color. Might be easier to change if you ever did tire of the very "now" Chevron pattern.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be sad to paint this piece! I prefer to paint pieces that are no longer attractive in their natural wood finish, but this piece is lovely!
ReplyDeleteDepending on your decor, how about script paper on it? I love that look...Little bit more subtle than chevron, and more classic?
ReplyDeletehttp://thedecoratingdiaries.blogspot.com.au/
http://townandcountryliving.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/aunt-marions-tables-get-makeover.html
I agree that it needs to be painted - although it is a pretty piece, but if you didn't pay much for it, then I would. Looks like all the other pieces in the room are white, so it does kinda fade into the wall. But I think the tangerine would make it too much a focal point - what about white and cream/beige subtle chevron pattern? Everyone is mentioning you may get tired of it, but if you do, you could always paint it again!
ReplyDeleteAlso, just saw this online, you may get some inspiration if you haven't already seen it: http://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/2012/03/herringbone-hutch-transformation-meet-anne-marie-from-twice-lovely.html
Hi there, get some Anne Sloane paint and go to town. I have seen some real beauties after being painted. I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog
ReplyDeleteis. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now
following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you
would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs,
Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/
Hi If you want to give it a pattern why not go for something more subtle, like this herringbone pattern
ReplyDeletehttp://www.perfectlyimperfectblog.com/2012/03/herringbone-hutch-transformation-meet-anne-marie-from-twice-lovely.html
it would give interest but not so much that it would scream LOOK at me.
don't paint it! It's in way to great of shape to do so.
ReplyDeleteHello - so interesting to read all the replies, so I feel the need to chime in too. :) What about a stenciled pattern? Either tone-on-tone or with a white background. MIght be a good pop of color in the room without such a linear pattern as the chevron. There are some interesting examples on pinterest if you search for stenciled dresser (which you might have already done!) Good luck! I agree that it is much too dark against the dark blue wall. Cheers, Gena
ReplyDeleteI am probably alone on this but I love this piece as it is. It is classic and would look lovely in your place. I am not a big fan of painting old classic pieces unless you are aiming for a vintage old french look like burnt oak or a darker wood or black.
ReplyDeleteI love the yellow one. Really sunny and cute!
ReplyDeleteIts classic but not in a particularily good way for what I want to use it for.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of doing it a "Miss Mustard Seed" look?or oil paint it black or white?
ReplyDeleteThese rock!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like the reddish wood then you should change it. But I'm definitely not getting a 90s vibe unless this is a reproduction. My furniture from Post WWI - early 1930s has this same finish - although a little less shiny (from age and major wear and tear) and a little less red. Your chest also has the same scallop detail on the bottom as mine!
ReplyDelete