Photo: Courtesy of Homepolish.
It only took one (sneak) peek at this Brooklyn Heights office space for us to see that the folks at Homepolish — the interior geniuses responsible for the streamlined makeover — know what they're doing. Whether it's a total renovation or culling the perfect finishing touches, designers work by the hour to create a balanced space that just works.
Now that winter is in full swing, we thought it the perfect occasion to highlight one of our favorite DIY projects, perfect for a leisurely “crafternoon.” If you’re craving a serious bedroom upgrade, our handy how-to guide will show you how to turn that drab dresser into a gleaming masterpiece without blowing half your paycheck.
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After scouring the city for the perfect dresser and coming up empty-handed — most were either too big, expensive, or overly fussy — Homepolish Designer Casey Debois decided to make her own. Using Ikea’s Tarva 3-Drawer Dresser in pine as a blank canvas (a total steal at $79!), she added a fresh coat of paint and swapped out the hardware. There’s something we love about brass accents against glossy white lacquer, and this dresser is no exception. It's sparked some serious envy from friends and clients alike. "Everyone asks me where I got my dresser now — it's in high demand!" Casey says.
Click through to find out exactly what you'll need to hack an Ikea dresser.
What you’ll need:
1. Ikea dresser (or similar): We used the Tarva 3-drawer dresser
2. Wood Stain Finish in Dark Walnut (we swear by Minwax in glossy or matte!)
3. Benjamin Moore Super Spec Paint in White (semi-gloss finish)
3. Sandpaper
4. Decorative knobs or pulls: Casey chose solid brass knobs from D. Lawless Hardware, but
Anthropologie and Etsy (especially Feather & Wind , DoubleSharp, and House of Antique Hardware) also have great options.
5. Minwax Water-Based Wipe-On Poly (matte or gloss finish)
6. Small brush and paint roller
Clockwise from the left: Minwax Wood Finish, $29.97, available at Minwax; Benjamin Moore Super Spec Interior Paint, $44.99, available at Benjamin Moore; Ikea Tarva 3-Dresser Drawer, $79, available at Ikea; Anthropologie Mother-Of-Pearl Knob, $14, available at Anthropologie.
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Photo: Courtesy of Homepolish.Steps:
1. Assemble the dresser.
2. Lightly sand the dresser and wipe down with a damp cloth.
3. Keep drawers and housing separate while painting.
4. Apply stain to housing using a cloth and rub on evenly — two to three coats should do it, depending on the shade you prefer.
5. Paint drawer fronts with Benjamin Moore Super White Semi-Gloss. It has a built-in primer, which makes application much easier. Casey used a brush and roller so paint would go on very evenly. Apply two coats for maximum coverage.
6. Wait for stain to dry. Apply two to three coats of Minwax® Water Based Wipe-On Poly to protect the stained wood. Let dry for several hours.
7. Once dry, assemble and attach hardware. Casey used brass pulls from D. Lawless, and sanded the front of the knobs to create a slightly distressed, “brushed” effect and tone down the shiny finish.
Et Voila!