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My Vintage Porch

Interior Design, DIY, and Refurbishing

Apothecary Cabinet- Trash To Treasure

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: antique, antiqued paper, apothecary, apothecary dresser, before and after, card catalog, diy apothecary dresser, diy dresser, farmhouse, horse art, horse photo, how to antique a dresser, label holders, laminate wood floors, old apothecary, rusted hardware, rustic, rusting, shiplap, trash to treasure, vintage, wood dresser, wood floors

If you were with me in Instagram stories, you will remember when I found this dresser in the trash pile at a thrift store. There was nothing wrong with it, besides the ugly paint color. I’m not sure why they intended to throw it away. It’s not the most expensive wood in the world, but the drawer fronts are all wood. The top and sides are plywood, but I didn’t mind. I was going to save this dresser from the trash monster no matter what. I had a couple ideas of how to make it alive again!

I started the process by using my hand sander to sand all of the drawers down to bare wood. I first used 60 grit sand paper to remove the paint and then smoothed the surface out by using 150 grit sandpaper.

The top and the sides were being a little more stubborn than the drawers when it came to letting go of the 3 layers of paint. I decided to try some furniture stripper. I applied it and covered it with plastic wrap to keep in the moisture. I left the first coat on for about 1-2 hours. There wasn’t much paint coming off after that. It was also leaving a horribly sticky mess. I’m thinking that some sort of adhesive might have been used in between one of the layers.

After I scraped off the first round of furniture stripper, I wiped it down with mineral spirits, hoping that would take off the sticky feel. It was still super sticky, even after using the mineral spirits, so I decided to add more furniture stripper and leave it sit overnight.

After I let it sit overnight, I went out the next morning and scraped off another couple layers. It took off most of the paint, even the yellowish layer that I thought it wasn’t going to remove. It still wasn’t completely gone and there was a little bit of stickiness that remained. I added one more coat of the furniture stripper, covered it with plastic wrap, and let it sit for about eight hours. That pretty much did the trick! I scraped off as much as I could and then scrubbed the sticky parts that remained with steel wool and mineral spirits.

There were still some tiny patches that didn’t come off, so I sanded the dresser top and sides again with 60 grit sandpaper, and then finished it off with 150 grit, to smooth it out. I literally went through about 30 pieces of sandpaper, because for some reason when I was sanding it, the dust would glob up and stick to the sandpaper. I’m not sure if that was happening because of the type of plywood, or if it was still a little damp and I didn’t notice the dampness. At this point, with as much as my body hurt from the process, I was wondering if I should have just bought a new piece of plywood for the top and sides.

I filled the holes on the fronts of the drawers with stainable wood filler and let it dry.

The drawer fronts were looking so good! I love the wood color that was under all of that paint!

Now, that I had everything sanded down to bare wood, it was time for the fun part…creating the look for the front of the dresser with stain. I wish I would have had some non toxic stain available, but I didn’t. I put a mask and gloves on and away I went. I used three different stain colors to get the look for the dresser drawer fronts.

I wanted it to look super old, so I started with some darker stain and made stain splashes here and there, drips, and markings on the drawer fronts, where I wanted the stain to stand out more. I then wiped on the lighter colors of stain. The three colors that I used were Minwax weathered oak, special walnut, and dark walnut. The wood would soak in the first color (dark walnut) of stain the most, leaving the blotches in the places where I wanted them.

I also used a smaller brush to stain inside the lines that had already been routed in the dresser drawer fronts. I wanted to have the look of an old apothecary cabinet, with lots of drawers. (it was a sunny day in the pic below and the one above it was cloudy, in case you were wondering about the coloring of the drawer fronts…it’s crazy what lighting does to photos)

I stained the top and sides of the dresser with one coat of special walnut and then a second coat of dark walnut. I didn’t use the dark walnut over the entire top, but tried to use it more on the edges and then lightly in the center to get a little variation in the stain color.

To make the top look a little more aged, I used hammers to make marks in the top of the dresser, before applying the second coat of stain. I pounded a couple of old rusty nails into the edges, to add some extra character.

By this time, the sun was going down, but I managed to snap a couple of pics of the front of the dresser, before I added the hardware.

I didn’t mind that the holes for the old hardware were still showing a little. They will be more hidden once the hardware is added.

This is the part of the process that I’m not as fond of. I don’t like measuring and I get really impatient when doing so. I made a template that I could use to make this process of adding 48 pulls and label holders go a little faster, if that was possible.

My sweet hubs was so kind to help me with this process. We noticed that the drawer fronts had been routed a little differently in some places, so we made sure to measure from the top on each one as we drilled. Having them marked off with the template made it easier to have an approximate for each hole that we needed for the fronts.

After we had all of the holes drilled for the label holders and the pulls that I had rusted, I attached each one to each drawer. Wow, this process was long and enduring…and my body was agreeing with that too. If you missed the post where I talked about how I rusted the brand new hardware, I will add it here. The result was amazing! I want to rust all of the things now! Below is a little before and after photo.

Here is one more look at the “BEFORE”. I even attached a screen shot of the video where I asked if I should take the dresser from the trash. If you voted no, will the “after” change your mind?

It was pretty yuck, before all of the changes.

I love the way it turned out and I’m amazed at the change! I’ve always wanted an old apothecary cabinet, but every time I see one for sale, they are always $800-$5000. I’m so glad that I found a way to get an old apothecary cabinet/card catalog look for under $100!

I believe I paid around $75-$100 for supplies and hardware. My initial thought was to add wood to the entire outside of the dresser to make it have an apothecary look, but when I thought more about it, I realized that I could just use the existing routed lines on the drawer fronts to give a look of many drawers. I bought the hardware at a thrift store, thinking it would be enough, but when I decided to keep the existing routed lines for the drawers, there were going to be more drawers than hardware that I had. I searched online for some that were the same and happened to find the exact ones on Amazon! Yay!

48 handles and label holders later….Chester is tired too! I love how this amazing horse photo from my friend, Christine at Shutter Tree Photos, looks on top of the dresser!

I made some antique paper to put into the label holders. I even left some of the paper in it’s ripped up state to make it look more aged. Then to give some extra aged character, I did not put the labels into every holder. I also left them without any actual labels to make it less busy. I thought it might be kind of neat to eventually get a number stamp and stamp some faded small numbers into the corners of the papers that are in the label holders.

I was nervous to add the stain because I thought that it might not turn out to be the exact stain color that I wanted, but it ended up being exactly what I was going for.

It’s similar to a lot of the other wood tones in my house and that’s what I was hoping for! I don’t need it to be “matchy matchy”, but I was wanting something in the same stain color family.

I would love to hear if this is the route that you thought I would take with the dresser. It was an exhausting process, but I’m so happy with the way it turned out! Thank goodness for dressers in the trash!

Source List:

Large Horse Photo: Shutter Tree Photos

DIY Shiplap

Laminate Wood Floors

DIY Rusted Hardware And Label Holders

DIY Antiqued Paper

Old Pottery: Etsy, Local Thrift Stores, Antique Shops

Frame: Thrift Store (painted with Dove White Benjamin Moore)

*Affiliate links are used in this post.

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Comments

  1. Joycelyn says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:48 pm

    No, this is not the direction I thought you were going. And I LOVE it so much! Great job!!

  2. LORRI RAUSCHER says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:48 pm

    Wow..Amazing…You cant keep a determined woman down…I love all your old, antique looking ideas..from the handles to the papers…Awesome!!!
    I have left some pieces in some stores that look ratty or curbside.I have say it’s my hubby that usually discourages me…why do you want that??? I will be more diligent…☺️

    • Lorri Duren says

      January 24, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      Lorri, love your name! I had no clue she’d make that dresser look so amazing! It looks great!

    • Wanda Ann says

      January 25, 2020 at 10:33 am

      OMG! I absolutely LOVE this. It might be my favorite project to date! All your hard work (and Chesters) but it was worth it! It just beautiful!
      Wanda Ann ♥️

  3. Patricia Martinez says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    WOW! You are genius…this transformation looks wonderful!

  4. Toni says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    WowWowWow..An absolutely stunning piece, adore it..I think maybe it’s my favourite of yours..????

    And I loved swiping up and reading your blog post..

  5. Jen says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    Holy cow! What an incredible transformation! I love it!!

    • ~Julia says

      January 24, 2020 at 6:06 pm

      I for one, voted yes and I’m so glad I did! This, by far, is one of THE most brilliant pieces you’ve recreated to date. Every step, every process (even every complaint) has been well worth the finished end result. I just have one Q tho: “What was it you were waiting to arrive before the piece was FIN?”
      Truly a Proverbs 31 woman and wife. What a blessing to have been a wee part of this intriguing episode of My Vintage Porch!!! >>}}}•>

    • Staci says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:51 pm

      Wow.. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL… I havr been waiting a long time to ( swipe up ) lol. and see the final reveal ????

      • Kelly says

        January 24, 2020 at 10:43 pm

        Wow! Wow! WOW!!! It it turned out gorgeous. You have so much talent, Natalie! I wouldn’t mind swiping up a thousand times to see your work.

      • Laurie says

        January 25, 2020 at 1:01 am

        Wow Girl!!!! This is amazing. You are so good with wood. I love all the different types of finishes so much.

  6. Tonya says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    This is so awesome!!

  7. Erin says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    ????????????. You NEVER cease to amaze me!!! You should sell pieces, because I would TOTALLY buy pieces you refinish!! I don’t think you have ever done anything I didn’t love!!!

  8. Karin says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:55 pm

    This is awesome Natalie! Unbelievably beautiful!

  9. Kerry says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    I absolutely love this piece! You could turn anything into a treasure!!

    • Cheyenne Marcus says

      January 24, 2020 at 10:16 pm

      Oh my gosh my mouth actually dropped open. This is like only the greatest transformation I’ve ever seen.????????????????heart eyes for days!

    • Sarah says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:44 am

      You have such an amazing eye for repurposing and recreating things. Your work is fabulous and I love your style so much!
      I voted yes to grab it knowing your skills would turn into something beautiful, I absolutely love it!!

  10. Rachel Beal says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    Natalie! This is so gorgeous! Glad you didn’t give up on it, I love it!!

  11. Jennifer Nix says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    All that work…it definitely is worth $700.00!!

    • Jessica says

      January 24, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      So glad you got it from the trash, wish I had your creativity!

  12. Kaleigh says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    That’s looks amazing. Really thought it was so ugly before but of course you turned it into something amazingly beautiful!

  13. erin says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Flipping amazing! ????

  14. Kelly says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    Wow! That’s an amazing transformation! Definitely not mid-century modern anymore! Well done!

  15. Tracey says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    This is absolutely amazing!!!! So good, I love it

    • Suzanne says

      January 25, 2020 at 10:36 am

      Not in my wildest dreams could I come up with this! This is amazing! And BTW I wouldn’t find anything if you didn’t let me swipe up! It’s the easiest thing and I don’t hafta go lookin! Thanks for all you do here on IG you never disappoint!

  16. Jodi says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    I can’t believe you made me swipe up! But thanks! Cuz it was totally worth it! 😉

  17. Sue says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    ???? Beautiful!

  18. Sandra says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    Amazing cabinet transformation!

  19. Mary says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:09 pm

    Omg that is sooooo gooood!!! Totally worth the swipe up lol
    You definitely have an eye for fixing up some real ugly pieces.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:15 pm

      Thank you, Mary! And, thank you for swiping up, lol

  20. Tosh says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    Wow!! How stunning! I did not “see” apothecary chest at all before. Love your creative vision!!

    • Carol says

      January 25, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      INCREDIBLE!!!!! I mean WOW-ZA

  21. Denise J says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!????????

  22. Carol says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    WoWzers!!!! You amaze me. Much much better than that mid century modern look – haha!!!

  23. Janie Fox says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    I love it! So good. I’m getting that rust paint!!
    I wonder what the ‘its mid century’ person is thinking now! Lol

  24. Shannon says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    WOW!!! I cannot get over the difference. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

  25. Dana Sanders says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    Amazing! I never dreamed it would look as great as it does. You are awesome at what you do!

  26. Stephanie says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    I can not even believe this turned out so beautiful!! I voted NO! ???? I am ashamed! ???? amazing job!!

  27. Laura says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    Oh my goodness! I was a doubter, and firmly believed you should have left it there. I will never doubt your vision again. This is magical! Well done!

  28. Kim says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    I’m so happy I swiped up. It’s absolutely stunning. And nope. Not at all what I thought it was going to look like 🙂

  29. SUSAN says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    You did an awesome job!! I love it!

  30. Tonya Jones says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    Unbelievable! Absolutely beautiful!

  31. Amanda says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    I love how you totally transformed it! Amazing!

  32. Brenda says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    Ah-maz-ing!!!!! It’s spectacular girl, you outdid yourself this time!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:14 pm

      Thank you so much, Brenda! It was worth all of the sweat!

  33. Jeannine says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:25 pm

    I kind of guessed it was going to have this look after I saw the hardware, but I never imagined it being so beautiful!! Way to go! I also admire your get stuff done attitude. I am stripping a huge dresser (in my living room) and it’s been 3 weeks and I’m still not done. ????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:14 pm

      Stripping is the worst! I don’t envy you! Thank you, Jeannine!

  34. Abby says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    All I can say is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!!!
    You certainly have an eye for treasures!!!! I love it, Natalie!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      Thank you sweet Abby! So kind of you!

  35. Tricia says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    Your creative talent just amazes me! That dresser doesn’t look anything like it did before.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      Thank you so much, Tricia! I’m so glad it doesn’t look the same!

    • Becky says

      January 24, 2020 at 11:31 pm

      You are the definition of creative! Who in the world would think to do all that I’m just a week! So so so pretty and cool! I appreciate the tutorial on blogs. I seriously had no idea:) but I love swiping:)

  36. Terri Holland says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Outstanding! I want it!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      lol, thank you!! Aren’t these types of apothecary cabinets so cool!

  37. Amanda says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    Omg! You must be some kind of secret wizard. You did wonders to that dresser and completely transformed it. It looks so dreamy!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:11 pm

      Aw thank you! I can’t believe the wood turned out as good as it did!

  38. Lilyland26 says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    I just said out loud “WHAT?! Well, that’s f*^#ing adorable!” You did an amazing job. I would’ve never in a million years come up with something even remotely close to that. Wow, just wow! Xoxo

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:11 pm

      lol, I love that you love it too! Thank you so much!

  39. Tamara_r3 says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    Holy smokes!!! I’m beyond impressed…not just for all the work you out into it, but also that you had the vision to pull it off. Seeing the potential in things is such a struggle for me. Well done!!
    PS…I luuurve the swipe up to blogs. Your IG Stories are a hoot, but I’m a reader and appreciate being able to come back to blog posts as needed. Go blogs!!! ????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      Sweet! Thank you, Tamara! I love how blogs offer information that remains for people to come back to as well! Thank you for saying that!

  40. Kris Day says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    You are so inspirational! This turned out just awesome! I have also been looking for one of these, and had no idea, you would or could do this with this dresser!! Just amazing!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      Love how the drawers were already routed that way! Made it a little easier on me! Thank you, Kris!

      • Jamie says

        January 24, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        Holy Moly! I knew it was going to be incredible!

    • Christy says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      I voted yes to get it because I wanted to know what you would do with it because I thought it was terrible. I am in love with the results. It is gorgeous and I love apothecary tables too! I too love the swipes up to your blog to see the process! It’s fascinating !!

  41. Tanya says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    I was one who thought you should leave the dresser on the curb…but when I saw that you nabbed it, I was like “of course! She’s a stinking genius!” And I knew that’s what you’d do. However, my jaw dropped when I saw the final product…way more beautiful than I ever thought it would turn out!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:09 pm

      Thank you so much, Tanya! I’m glad that stripping the paint process is all finished…for a while there, I kind of wanted to throw it back in the trash, lol.

  42. DeAnna says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    I just love your talent! This turned out absolutely amazingly. I surely swiped up!! ????????

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      I’m glad you swiped up to see the result! Thank you!

  43. Maggie says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Your mind is amazing! I’m in love with this transformation!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you so much sweet, Maggie!

  44. Lynn says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Fabulous!!!!! Also, I believe that people are not happy with their own lives so they need to comment on EVERYTHING!!! They have no regard for other peoples feelings, etc. Basically, they are all jealous!! Growing up my mom always told me you can’t please everyone and at the end of the day when you look in mirror and you like the person looking back, you are a good person. Keep up the good work and keep healthy.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      such a wise statement from your mom, Lynn! Thanks for sharing! I love that!

  45. Kristyn says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    I am absolutely in tears at how beautiful this turned out from the time you picked those little handles up at the OPT To you dribbling the stain in your stories on Instagram. it is completely amazing I am and awe

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      Thank you so much, Kristyn! I love that you followed along the whole process!

  46. Anna-Marie Barker says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    Honestly Natalie, I am speechless. This is my favorite thing I have seen you create and my fav thing in your house now. It is truly spectacular. I bow before you Queen!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      haha, now that is one sweet comment! Thank you, Anna-Marie! You made my day!

  47. Andrea says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    Wow! To see that in the trash and be able to picture it completely different!!! That is an amazing talent to have! God has blessed you. Also, I totally understand why you have us swipe up on Instagram, and I am obviously willing to do it! 😉

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      Thank you for your love and support, Andrea! It means a lot to me!

  48. Lucille says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Unbelievable!!!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      Thank you, Lucille!

  49. Melissa says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    NATALIE!!!!! I would offer you a billion dollars if I had it ???? I mean wowzers!! I cant even….???????????????? ok, I think you know I love it. I’m in awe.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      I love that Melissa! Thank you! I might take a billion dollars for it, lol

  50. Donna Singleton says

    January 24, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Natalie you never cease to amaze me! This is fabulous!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      You are so sweet, Donna!

  51. Peggy says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    I had no idea it could turn out like this! It’s fantastic!
    Also, it drives me nuts that people use the anonymity of the Internet to say things to people that are just rude and mean.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      January 24, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      Thank you so much, Peggy! I’m so happy with the result! I think sometimes people just speak before they know they whole story.

  52. Renee says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    I voted yes to get it from the trash. Firm believer in taking advantage of free stuff. I had no idea where you would take this, but, as always, you outdid yourself. I love this. Always wanted one myself.

  53. Tina says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!?! That is crazy beautiful. did NOT think that was the direction you were going in! I love it so much!

  54. Codie says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    This is amazing!!! I wish you could come teach me how to repurpose and create such awesome pieces of furniture!! You have the best style!

  55. Lori Millham says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    The dresser is AMAZING! I just cannot believe the end product! You have such gifts and talents! The vision you have for your pieces is unbelievable! Thanks for sharing!!

  56. Jennifer Anderson says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    Wow! It’s amazing! You have such good ideas for creating all the little details!

  57. Chris says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Holy honk!!! You are amazing, girl! I don’t know where you get your visions for projects, but this one takes the cake. In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have guessed what you were up to. This is gorgeous, and so worth the wait (not to mention the swipe!) Kudos!!

  58. Susan says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Talent beyond your years. Your work is stunning.God has blessed you with an abundance of ability♥️

  59. Diane says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:15 pm

    The results are amazing and worth the wait, Great Job Natalie!!!

  60. Michelle Murphy says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:20 pm

    This is like slap your momma amazing…I mean don’t really slap a mom I’m just… never mind it’s just beautiful ❤️

  61. ELLEN kelly says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    Omg, it actually took my breath away, I’ve always wanted a chest like that. How do you know it was good wood under all that ugly paint? You got talent girl ❤️

  62. Tiffany says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    Hooo-leee crap! Are you kidding me?! Unbelievable. That is truly incredible. I can’t quit zooming and staring! You, my dear, are so inspiring and so dang talented. You have such an amazing gift. Definitely my most favorite project of yours to date. You are a true gem and the most real, genuine person there is on IG. I will forever swipe up for you! ????????

  63. Catherine says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    You have great vision!! I think it turned out so amazing.

  64. Vicki Schubert says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    It turned out so well! Love seeing you put your vision into action. Those rusted handles are a fun accent. I love rusting things too!

  65. Kathy says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    Wow, your vision is amazing. Beautiful work.

  66. Michelle says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    I can’t stop looking at the final result, it’s absolutely beautiful

  67. Liza says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    My mind is blown to bits! You have such a gift for seeing the potential in everything.

  68. Mallory says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Oh my gosh!!! I was SO not expecting that and I’m totally obsessed. Where do I find my own ugly dresser in need of a makeover? ????

  69. Sheila says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Oh my WOW! That is amazing!!! I will be saving this tutorial for when I find a dresser like this ????

  70. Julie says

    January 24, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    I was one of the people that voted “it was junk.” I have never been more wrong and now I wish could find an “ugly” dresser. You never cease to amaze me.

  71. Krickett says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    Wow you have so much talent!!!

  72. ELIZABETH says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    I always enjoy following your projects! Your artistic creativity at work is amazing and inspiring!

  73. Santa W. says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    Omg. This is not what I expected it is a million times better. And lemmie tell u I had HIGH expectations :))))

  74. Jessica says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Wow!!! I was not expecting it to look like that! So so amazing!! You are amazing!

  75. sammye thacker says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    I am not believing this! I thought you were crazy!!! This is amazing. I am truly at a loss for words. What an inspiration you are.

  76. Keri says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Holy moly I can’t even believe that is the same dresser! You are so talented. It looks amazing!!

  77. Cathy Kern says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Wow, that is awesome. Wish I had your vision for decor.

  78. Becky Fischer says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    I am so impressed. It is amazing the vision that you had for this dresser that the thrift store considered to be garbage. You turned it into a masterpiece. I sure wish I had your vision and adventuresome spirit to do such wonderful works of art. You have a fantastic gift from God and I thank you for sharing it with us all—we are privileged to see what you create.

  79. Lori Harmon says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    OMG! That came out amazing! I had no idea of what it would look like! You’re time and effort paid off!
    Lori

  80. Rachel says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    Just what? This is amazing! I’m so jealous! Way to go woman!

  81. Erin Prohaska says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    Happy to have been in the ‘take it’ camp but couldn’t imagine it could be that amazing! ???? You knocked it out of the park (as always)! Loved the side tutorials that came along with it too. That sweet dresser went a long way in content and so fun to watch all the way! Thank you! ❤️

  82. Vickie says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    Your vision for transforming furniture is amazing! It looks like a million bucks!

  83. Mari says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    I love how you can make something you found in the trash to something so beautiful. I LOVE IT!

  84. Michele says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    That is unreal!! It is phenomenal!!! Thanks for sharing, and giving us the opportunity to learn the whole process by swiping up to your blog! Lol!! Love following you on the gram!

  85. Linda says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    You did it again! You absolutely amaze me at your vision for seeing and making something incredible from “trash.” It’s perfect. On a side note, I’ve been using the block option lately. You keep being you!

  86. Susan says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    You are a visionary! I can hardly believe you saw what it could be except I’ve seen you do it before so I should have believed you could make it beautiful!

  87. Sassha says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:52 pm

    Oh wow! You did an absolutely beautiful job on that piece of furniture. Just beautiful!

  88. Karen says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    Fabulous!

  89. Mary says

    January 24, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    This is AMAZING! I am so impressed and I awe! Love your posts!

  90. Lena Schlabach says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    Mar,
    Wow what a translation. Your so flipping inspiring. Thanks for sharing the details of this transformation.

  91. Alicia B. says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    Ahh I knew it! The moment I saw those lines in each drawer, I knew you’d make it into an apothecary cabinet! I LOVE how it turned out!!!

  92. Amy says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    Amazing! I admire your ability to look at a piece and imagine what it could be. I never anticipated that you’d do this with it. Now I want one!

  93. Susie McC says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    This is AMAZING!! Never would have thought it could look like this, great job!!

  94. Dena says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Amazing. You have a great eye and ideas and skills!

  95. Alissa says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    You are flipping Ah-mazing!! I would have never looked at that piece and seen that in it. Soo good!!

  96. Ronnie Tosoni says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:24 pm

    YOU ARE SO GIFTED! IT LOOKS FANTASTIC. BRILLIANT IDEA NOT ISING EVERY LABEL HOLDER. WELL, WELL DONE NATALIE. IT’S A BEAUTIFUL PIECE, AND I LOVE IT DIDN’T COST $8000! BETTER THAN RH!

  97. Monica says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:24 pm

    Absolutely WOW!!! Just wow!!!! ❤️

  98. Kim says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    Totally wasn’t expecting that, what a great job! It’s gorgeous

  99. Mary says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    SO. ABSOLUTELY. BEAUTIFUL!!! You are amazing! Keep up the great work and I will continue to swipe up???? Love ya!!!

  100. Carol says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    You are truly AMAZING!! I watch your videos all the time! You’ve got my kind of sense of humor and love for older looking things! I couldn’t believe you MADE me swipe up!!! Lolol! But in all honesty that dresser went from trash to treasure for surely! But I have a question? I didn’t get to see how you did the front bc I was away and missed it! Can you tell me how you created the little drawers on the front? I saw you wrote in supplies flooring. Did you use it to put on the cin the front and somehow make cuts to look like little drawers? I want to try this! Please explain it
    If you would or send me a link to click on to watch it or read it please! Thank you so much!!! Thank you for being YOU!!!! You are my favorite!!! Xoxo love ya!

  101. Jeni says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    Oh wow! So, so, so great!

  102. Karen says

    January 24, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    Two words AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!

  103. Bev says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:00 pm

    Omg this is an absolutely stunning unexpected transformation. Congratulations it’s a beauty!!!

  104. Corena says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    Wow! You did an awesome job! And I was one of the nay sayers! Now wishing it was right over there ( in my home)! ????

    Glad I “swiped up” ????????????????????????????????

  105. Susie says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    Holy smokes! I would have never seen your vision, in fact I’m pretty sure I gave it a ???????? I’m ashamed to say. What a visionary you are, I’m learning so much from you. Oh I checked out your staircase re-do, I was considering doing the same…..oh heck no, not now thank you!

  106. Thelma says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:20 pm

    I swiped!! I love the dresser! Looks amazing!!!! You’re amazing! My anxiety has gone down now that I’ve seen it! Lol

  107. Sally says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    Wow! I can’t stop scrolling back from the before to after, what a difference!! You truly have a gift for turning trash to treasures.
    Keep the swipes coming!

  108. Melissa says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    Natalie – the dresser is fantastic. Oh my word!!! I’m in love!!!!!!!

  109. Tyler Wetzel says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    That was not at all the direction I thought this project was going. It turned out amazing.
    Commenting to show my support for all the time you put in. Trial and error and showing us the behind the scenes process with glimpses of your family. The time it takes to swipe and scroll to see the after is so small compared to what you put into every project. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

  110. Sami says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    Obsessed!!!! This has got my creative gears turning away now!

  111. Carolyn says

    January 24, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    Wow wow wow one ugly duckling made into a beautiful swan! Girl you had some AMAZING talent. I’m always amazed what you can do with a piece. Your home is gorgeous. You seem to have the sweetest family and loving husband and I’m so happy for you. I love everything, you have that magical touch, whatever you touch turns into something everyone want(even if we don’t have a place to put it)(lol). Girl you Should open your own little shop…thanks for always sharing all your hard work. I love rust details they just put the finishing touch on this wonderful piece. Thank you for Always sharing & the swipe ups ????

  112. Pam says

    January 24, 2020 at 11:00 pm

    It turned out so good! I refinish furniture too and I saw your vision for that piece but I’ll admit it turned out so much better than my expectations! The process for the aging of the hardware is such a terrific tip and I think added so much to it! Thank you so much for sharing this project and all the others. You are such an inspiration!

  113. Catherine says

    January 24, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    I am so not gonna lie, I didn’t want you to get the dresser it was horrible looking. Wow, wow, wow! If I remember you’ve been looking for a piece like this for a while and it’s amazing congrats on how it turned out you did a wonderful job I’m so jealous you have it in your house.

  114. Maggie May Hanson says

    January 24, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    Jolly good job !!!! I love it !! I’m going to start looking at garbage in the alley’s 🙂
    The dresser looks 100 times better !

  115. Judy says

    January 24, 2020 at 11:41 pm

    Impressive

  116. Rhonda says

    January 25, 2020 at 12:02 am

    Wow!!! You never cease to amaze me!! I really wasn’t sure where you were going with this and as soon as I started going through your blog … YES!!! She got her apothecary cabinet!!! You did amazing, the dresser is amazing and you are amazing!! I will swipe up for all your blogs! Hugs to you!! Love this ????

  117. Lisa says

    January 25, 2020 at 12:56 am

    I am SO impressed, this is beautiful!!!

  118. Gina Reed says

    January 25, 2020 at 1:04 am

    What a treasure it looks great.

  119. Leah says

    January 25, 2020 at 1:36 am

    You nailed it, just like every other project you’ve done. I love this SO much! I had no idea what direction you were going with it, but you hit it out of the park! If I didn’t know, I would think this was an authentic apothecary cabinet.

  120. Tish says

    January 25, 2020 at 2:55 am

    Girl this is STUNNING! Now I’m on the hunt for an ugly dresser since I have to do everything you do????! Love ya!

  121. Sandra says

    January 25, 2020 at 3:26 am

    Totally gorgeous!! You have amazing vision to see the beautiful potential in an old ugly piece of junk.

  122. Angela says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:42 am

    Wow! Totally not what I was expecting, but it’s brilliant! And beautiful! You really have the eye for turning trash into treasure.

  123. Shelly says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:45 am

    Beautiful! I love your vision, it’s a great gift!!

  124. Nikki says

    January 25, 2020 at 5:20 am

    This is so beautiful! You have such a vision and talent. Thank you for all you share and all you do.

  125. Megan says

    January 25, 2020 at 6:29 am

    Holy cow!! It’s amazing!

  126. Dani says

    January 25, 2020 at 6:50 am

    All your projects are amazing but this one is over the top WOW!!! This is a perfect example of trash to treasure!!! I love it!!!!

  127. Jamie says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:03 am

    WOW! I cannot believe the transformation of that dumpster dresser ???? You are amazing and very talented at what you do, keep it up

  128. Lynette says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:07 am

    I absolutely love this! Your talent and vision is inspiring!

  129. Robyn says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:08 am

    Natalie, there are many reasons why I follow you, love your content with your family and sweet Chester, but your vision and talent with your projects remain my favorite part of your blog. Absolutely incredible job on that ‘piece of trash’ ????
    Blessings,
    Robyn

  130. Jessica Sharp says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:19 am

    NO WAY. This sounds so mean probably, but every time i think “ehh i don’t know that ones pretty ugly, not sure this ones going to turn out how I like it” And every time i realize how selfish and small minded i am. Ha! You have such an incredible vision for these pieces. What a gift. The Lord has surely blessed you!

  131. Michele says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:23 am

    Say what????????? Natalie……this is insanely beautiful. I love it so much!

  132. Shireen says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:23 am

    Wow! That piece is amazing, you definitely have amazing talent to see that dresser and think to make it into what it transformed into. I love your projects!!

  133. Diane says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:33 am

    What?!! I can’t believe this is the same piece! It looks awesome.

  134. Pat says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:33 am

    Natalie!

    I’m speechless….

  135. Marcy says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:41 am

    So pretty! I love it!

  136. Kelsie R says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Oh my goodness! How gorgeous! Natalie, you have such an amazing creativity. The bonus of this not actually being an apothecary cabinet is the drawers are a size to actually store most things (instead of 48 tiny drawers). But, you could have fooled me – your staining technique is mind blowing. Thanks for the inspiration!

  137. Carissa says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Love!!! So worth the wait. I’m learning so much from you Natalie!

  138. Suzelle says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:57 am

    Get the heck out !!! Freaking amazing !!!!

  139. Kasandra says

    January 25, 2020 at 8:17 am

    Honestly your ability to have such a creative vision for pieces like this is what blows me away!! Love it!

  140. Tena says

    January 25, 2020 at 8:26 am

    This is so beautiful ????!I absolutely love it you are amazing at what you do!

  141. Lena @House_On_Morrow says

    January 25, 2020 at 8:29 am

    I LOVE it!!! You did exactly, down to the paper tags, exactly what I told my Husband I would do. The different stains to bring age and depth couldn’t be anymore perfect. My Hubby said, “That came out great and what a huge difference!” I absolutely agree. You inspire… It’s beautiful! You took someone’s trash and gave it new life. It’s perfect!

  142. Ellen says

    January 25, 2020 at 9:17 am

    Wowie!! You have such a creative mind!! I would have never been able to see the end result when looking at the dresser as you found it. So flippin cool! Great job!

  143. Melody Jones says

    January 25, 2020 at 9:34 am

    It looks so great!!! This is my first blog comment! Solidarity from the comments on your IG. We’re here for you-❤️

  144. Beth says

    January 25, 2020 at 9:36 am

    Had no idea what you were going to do with it, but knew you would make it awesome, but this is amazingly awesome!! You continue to ahh us!
    Well worth a “swipe up” and more ! Thanks for all your inspiration!

  145. Tracy says

    January 25, 2020 at 9:54 am

    It is amazing! I wish I had your vision for these recreations. What a treasure you have now! Thanks for sharing.

  146. Charity says

    January 25, 2020 at 10:19 am

    The progress pictures are perfect and it’s still so crazy to believe you could take the starting piece of furniture and turn it into such a gorgeous work of art! The attention to detail with stains, aging the hardware and labels are next level. Thank you for sharing your awesomeness!!

  147. Stephanie says

    January 25, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Oh my gosh this dresser is fantastic! Your vision floors me! I mean look what you did with that dresser, I just love it!

  148. Monica says

    January 25, 2020 at 10:46 am

    WOW!!! It’s amazing. And i voted junk…what the heck do I know. Lol. Such beautiful creativity. And I didn’t mind swiping up. ????

  149. Autumn says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:04 am

    It’s so dang good Natalie! My thumbs will forever bleed for swiping up on your blogs but I don’t care! Yes woman!

  150. Angie says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:17 am

    NATALIE!!! This Is so gorg!!! You always make everything so Beautiful! Even trash. Thanks for sharing this!

  151. Michelle Harville says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:18 am

    What an amazing gift from our Lord you have been given!!! Its a beautiful picture of the restoration process. I love all the pieces you’ve shown in your home. I love to draw and would so love to be able to use it on walls and furniture.

  152. Tina Moore says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Wow!! Is all I can say… I had no idea that hideous dresser could look so stink in’ cool!!! You really have a talent and your vision is amazing! Thank you for sharing it with us!

  153. Debbie says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:28 am

    OMGosh!! LOVE this!!!! You are so talented! This is exactly what I’m looking for but buying one that already looks like that is so expensive. I’m so not a DIYer, but I may have to try this.

  154. Deepfeif says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:38 am

    NO WAY! THIS IS NOT THE SAME DRESSER!!!
    Wow, just wow…. your talent is amazing, well done!!!

  155. Monica Hall says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:46 am

    I am completely fascinated by your vision and ability to see the possibility in this dresser. Wow!!! Amazing!! My vision was stuck in that 1970 version, lol. I have shared this blog absolutely fascinating!! Well done!!!

  156. Kimberly Bellefontaine says

    January 25, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Unbelievable what you can do !! I see things like this, too, for free or for very little on FB marketplace, and I always have great visions ….. but when it comes to actually DOING it, that’s often a different story :(. I need some of your motivation ! What a beautiful piece this is now … wow.

  157. Kathy M says

    January 25, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    Oh my goodness!!! You are a furniture genius….again and again!! It’s is amazing!

  158. Beth says

    January 25, 2020 at 12:18 pm

    One of my favorite transformations! I couldn’t see it at the beginning but it has perfect lines for an apothecary piece. You did such a great job with hardware too. I’d buy this piece in a heart beat!

  159. Lisa says

    January 25, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    I seriously gasped out loud when I saw the end result!! Incredible work! Just wow! ( I was one of the 56% LOL!)

  160. Molly says

    January 25, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    You certainly have an “eye”
    Not everyone could have pulled this off. Very nice job.

  161. Karen says

    January 25, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    This looks amazing. Totally different then the original.

  162. Tara says

    January 25, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    I can’t believe this is the same dresser!! Looks amazing!

  163. LaDawn Starks says

    January 25, 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Wow that is amazing. Not only do you have great vision you have the skills to pull it off. I don’t have the words to even say how much I love it.

  164. Shannon says

    January 25, 2020 at 2:41 pm

    My favorite piece you’ve done yet!! Amazing????????. Now please sell it to me I live in phx and will drive down to Tucson tomorrow ????

  165. Meredith says

    January 25, 2020 at 2:57 pm

    WOW!! It looks soooo good! I was one of the people who said it was trash but you definitely changed my mind. I love it! Great job Natalie!

  166. Trudy hesse says

    January 25, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    Wow! Just WOW!! And… you rock!

  167. Tracey says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    Wowww!! I never would have guessed that this is how it would turn out. It’s so so beautiful. You are so gifted.. truly. ????

  168. Paula says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    I can’t believe that’s the same dresser! Looks fabulous and I love the hardware. You are amazing!

  169. Katrina Schmitt says

    January 25, 2020 at 5:31 pm

    Natalie!

    This is incredible. You are so talent
    ????Katrina
    PNWFarmhouseDesignCo FarmhouseDesignCo

  170. Anne Danielson says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    I LOVE this so much. I am going to look for a smaller piece and try the staining technique. I have used nails and bolts in a sock and hit the wood and it makes “worm” looking nicks and holes. You are my FAVORITE story to follow on Instagram. You are truly an inspiration. A beautiful person inside and out. Thanks for sharing ????????????

  171. Cindy says

    January 25, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Natalie!
    This turned out AMAZING! I absolutely love the way it looks. Great job!!

  172. Susan T says

    January 26, 2020 at 5:19 am

    AMAZING VISION AND BEAUTIFUL TRANSFORMATION!!!! LOVE WATCHING THE PROCESS OF THIS PROJECT UNFOLD. WELL DONE????????????????????

  173. Denise says

    January 26, 2020 at 6:14 am

    BEAUTIFUL… Wow, great job, complete transformation. Love all the handles and tabs.. o love your eye for projects.????????????

  174. Aneita says

    January 26, 2020 at 6:23 am

    Love the way you changed the entire look of this dresser! On a side note I’m now wearing a finger splint after swiping up????.

    • Jenny says

      January 26, 2020 at 6:33 am

      GURL…WOWIE!!! Amazing job and loved how you made a something outta a nothing! You have a great insight and an eye for all the things! Bravo ????????????????????????????????

  175. Kristy Wicks says

    January 26, 2020 at 9:30 am

    Wow wow wow!! This piece is beyond amazing Natalie.. I’m blown away by your talent! ???? Thanks for the inspiration as always. You ROCK! xo

  176. Angie Ash says

    January 26, 2020 at 3:18 pm

    It looks beautiful! Wow, so glad you could see the potential in this piece!

  177. Leandra says

    February 5, 2020 at 6:57 am

    Natalie!!! This is amazing!! It came out so good! I just saw you posted on the gram, so I had to see the after, but after work (or maybe at my desk later, hahha) I am reading all the steps so I can take things out of the trash and turn them into masterpieces too! Xxooxox
    Leandra

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