A few months ago, during one of my almost-free furniture hauls, I scored this Draper-esque chest of drawers. It needs some TLC, but that happens to be my specialty.
Can you believe dressers with a similar look go for thousands of dollars?
I’m dreaming of where the Draper chest should live in our next home. Should it go in our new living room?
via The Glam Lamb
Elle Decor
I could ditch the gold detailing for a more minimalist look?
David Jimenez
Angie Hranowsky
Maybe in our entry?
via Sunset
via Jordan
Or maybe I could find it a sister and put them in my next office?
OR! Maybe I could use it in my future bedroom, a la Melissa Warner of Messucco Warner Miller. I’m so obsessed with her whole apartment, but this bedroom absolutely sings to me.
image courtesy of Shelter from this month’s House Beautiful
P.S. Once upon a time I was shopping for a client at the Cambridge Antiques Market and I stumbled across a tulip alabaster lamp almost exactly like the ones above, except it was a little smaller. I went back three times to admire it and on the third trip, I was determined to just fork over the $125 (big bucks for our student budget). Of course the lamp was gone by then and to this day I wish I would have just bought it the first time. So, friends, learn from my mistake. If you really really love something and it’s a unique piece – BUY IT! Or you will be kicking yourself for many years to come.
I am so jealous – I love this dresser! Please keep the gold!
keep the gold
please please please don't cover the gold detailing, that's what makes the dresser special. can't wait to see what you decide!
I want to go shopping with you!!
Lucky, lucky girl!!!
Yes! Buy something if you love it! I still mourn my ghost chair that got away!
KEEP THE GOLD!!!! I'm insanely jealous– I adore those. I saw one on some DIY blog where the girl had painted the whole thing powder blue and I just about passed out and removed it from my feed immediately…
Whatever you choose to do, you have found a piece that will live forever in any room! Great score. P.S. Thanks for the jeans advice. My AG skinnies are on their last legs but I am saving for a new fireplace mantel (oh, how priorities change!) and am interested in some new jeans. I got a coupon, am headed to the Gap today.
I want to go shopping with you too!!!
you have the touch!! I am always on the lookout for these. Definitely keep the gold! Makes it special.
you always find the best deals. If you can't find a space for it then I will be more than happy to take it off your hands:)
First, definitely keep the gold! Second, everyone should heed your advice. I recently came across a $29 thrift store french sofa with dated worn upholstery but solid as a rock. Decided to sleep on it – the next day it was sold! Still not over it! Great photos!
I love that thing just the way it is…
So beautiful! It looks like it would go well anywhere.
i am obsessed w/ that whole article featuring melissa…and the fact that she is 30 yrs old and has a sick apartment!! love those lamps too….that kind of stuff happens to me all of the time! love your chest…keep the gold detail :) hope you are doing great jenny!
Ooo I love these, they are so classy. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Yes, please keep the gold! You are one lucky-duck!
I love your new chest! Can't wait to see what you decide to do with it.
I've been scouring CL for a draper chest for table linens in the dining room. I just missed a campaign chest for $30 last weekend- argh. But that's what I love about CL- all's fair in love and craigslist.
In love with this dresser Jenny! I so need to go with you to your next furniture auction!
I so agree with you about not second guessing and just buying what you love.
I went to a thrift store a color of weeks ago around closing time and found a pair of lamps that I had to have. Only problem they were 55 each, which is high for my thrift store budget and I really didn't need them. I just wanted them.
Slept on it and went back the very next day. Oh yea well they were gone. I spoke to the employees apparently an antique dealer showed up about 30 mins before me and snagged them both. He mentioned that they would go for $300 each! I was so mad at myself. Never again!
I scored a real DD chest a few years ago on Craigs List for 124.00- yes 124.00 for a real DD!!!!! I ended up selling it for about 1800.00 and wish I had kept it!
Just to clarify – I am definitely planning on keeping the gold. I just wanted to show that picture with Draper shape and no gold detail. I always for more gold than less! :)
Or maybe you could give it to me… hehe… I like the gold.
You always score the best finds – and make the best transformations out of them so I guess that's fair ;) Love how that chest looks in the entryway.
LOOOVE this! That last image is great! Love the black and gold.
I love it , but with the gold and maybe not such a high gloss.. the one that looks a little less plastic/shiny appeals to me more.
It really is a wonderful style, how it goes in any room.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the dresser- hadn't caught my eye until you posted {although I recognize some of those photos}.
I'd say to keep the gold detail…and I'll be anxious to see what you do with the hardware replacement/repair. Fantastic deal & great ispiration photos!!!
Thanks, Jenny! You were just what I needed – I found a reporduction draper chest that had been painted a hideous gliver all over and hemmed and hawed about buying it (but it was only $185). I read this post and called immediately, luckily it was still there and now it is all mine! Yippee!
Cynthia
PS – I love the chairs from Sheila, just need to find the right spot for them! Thanks…
Please share the details of the revamp of your dresser. I have two of them – the wider version, which I bought in DC years ago. I didn't know what I had at the time so I got rid of the big ring handles! I have recieved quotes on having them relacquered. The quotes are ridiculously high. So…they sit and wait for me to take the plunge. Would love to hear your approach.
Well if you have trouble finding a place to put it I know a place in Indianapolis that it will look perfect in!!
Oh this is lovely! I think you should definitely keep the trim..I might just switch it up though and make it white instead of gold. :)
Bre @ http://theredbungalow.blogspot.com
very nice. love it!
Beautiful piece and lovely inspiration photos. I totally agree with your advice and follow that myself.
Great find! You are so lucky! And, I agree with some comments about keeping the gold.
Don't get rid of the gold detailing!! That's what makes this piece so beautiful! What a wonderful find. Makes me want to go shopping…
Alaina
Oh just saw your comment where you said you will keep it… hah ok, I am happy again!
Lucky girl! I'm obsessed with Melissa Warner's LA apartment. I know what you mean about not grabbing something you want. Regret sets in quickly. Then later you see something similar in a magazine – just rubs salt in the wound!
I vote to keep the gold, too! Have you ever been to the Greenbrier hotel in VW? I went last year and am going again soon. Wall to wall Draper. TO DIE FOR. :)
What a beauty.
Unbelievable find! It's hard to imagine someone NOT knowing what they have, and nearly giving it away – how do you keep a straight face? Do think keeping the gold trim is a must, though…
I completely agree with buy it if you love it and can afford to buy it!! I once saw a wonderful piece of artwork and passed and have been trying to find it ever since. Oh well…Live and Learn! Janell
What a gorgeous find! Keep us posted.
jbhat
I love it! I'd keep the gold. I always think it would be so awesome if you painted it completely different colors, but you seem to want to keep the integrity of the original piece, which I understand, so I'd keep the gold!
oh, I am so jealous! great find!
great find! Keep the GOLD! So glam and gorge!
WOW..Ive wanted one of those for ages…I feel like just taking a road trip to visit as many Antique Marts to see what I can find. Anyone know where the BEST Marts are??
Jen Ramos
madebygirl.blogspot.com
Don't get rid of the gold trim. That's what makes this piece so fantastic. I am really jealous of it right now.
AMAZING find! Wow, where do you spot this stuff??? Incredible! I think the feel of the room you're putting it in will determine whether you get rid of the gold trim or not. Either way, you will of course make it beautiful! =)
Love, love, love the dresser! What an amazing find!
Great post! I'll have to keep my eyes open for a dresser like this! I have a design question for you…I am struggling with what size rug to buy for my living room. I have a 9×9 L-shaped sectional that sits against one wall and the back side floats. Should the sofa sit all the way on the rug or should it just cover the section of floor under the coffee table? Thanks in advance, I love reading your blog!!
What a great find!