Hello there! I am so glad you are here today, since I am spilling all the details and storage solutions of the DIY refurbished dresser I shared a couple of weeks ago. I am so excited to share all the design details, storage solutions and styling options in the newly refurbished outdoor sideboard.
In case you missed it, you can see the transformation of this piece of furniture here {an old, shabby dresser refurbished into an outdoor sideboard}. Today I will go into more detail about the design elements I used to make this into an original piece. I will also share the storage solutions it offers and all the styling opportunities it will provide.
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design elements to set a furniture piece apart
The major design element on this piece is the paint job, converting it into an outdoor sideboard from a bedroom dresser. You can read all about the paint and outdoor lacquer details on the original post.
But it’s the details, which really changed it even more from its previous state. Fun details can change and | or elevate a piece of furniture in easy ways.
Furniture Appliques
Appliqués are a super easy way to add detailing to a furniture piece. They add that ornate, old world feeling to furniture, which I love. If you like sleek, modern, straight lined furniture this might not be for you. BUT if you are a vintage loving gal, that loves antiques and old fashioned feels then this might be a good technique to keep in mind.
I painted the appliques the same color as the paint accents of the furniture relief. I also distressed them with dark wax to age them a bit and give them a grunge look. This is the juxtaposition of using a formal accent like an appliqué, but making it a bit rustic at the same time. The rustic and refined push and pull is a favorite design element around here.
The appliques are centered on each door, which added weight to the bottom of the piece and provided a focal point.
Stripes on the Drawer Sides
Since this will be a functional piece, while we entertain and enjoy the back patio, we will be opening it and accessing it frequently. I added the stripes on the drawer sides to make it fun as we open them to retrieve pieces inside.
The striped paint job is an easy treatment. You just need patience to let the paint layers dry in between. I started by painting the entire drawer sides white.
Inadvertently, I did not get pictures in progress of painting the stripes. I hope my explanation makes sense. Once the white paint was dry, I simply used painter’s tape to create stripes. I let the width of the painter’s tape dictate the size of the stripes.
I used the graphite paint to paint in between the painter’s tape stripes. There was some paint lift when I removed the painter’s tape off the white background. I simply touched any spots that required additional paint coverage. I applied two coats of the white paint, but only needed one coat of the graphite.
Gingham Oilcloth Liners
I used oilcloth to line the two drawers and the bottom shelf. I loved how the black and white gingham design played with the color scheme.
The gingham pattern also adds a bit of whimsy and retro vibes to the piece. Plus the oilcloth is easy too wipe down and keep clean.
I did not adhere the oilcloth liners and looking at these pictures, I think I will use some double sided tape on the edges of the oilcloth to keep it flat.
Gray Glass Vintage Inspired Knobs
The last detail includes the vintage inspired glass knobs. I love that they are gray glass, which blends them right into the sideboard design.
These knobs were a total impulse buy in the Michael’s dollar bins. You know all those bins you stand next to as you wait in line? Yup, those bins. I grabbed these knobs, not 100% sure how, where or when I was going to use them, but here we are.
storage solutions for an organized outdoor sideboard
So when I got the hair brained idea to refurbish this piece, it was with the main purpose to store all my outdoor table top pieces. This freed up some storage space inside the kitchen.
Enamelware and wooden pieces, which are mainly used outside, are right at home in the outdoor sideboard. You can read more about enamelware here {metals III – enamelware}.
See all the glassware in the basket? Those are a thrift store score. I found 14 glasses in the European heavy glass style for drinking wine or cocktails. The heavy glass is more durable and perfect for outdoor use. I bought all of them so breakage won’t be as damaging.
styling inspiration for an outdoor space
This outdoor sideboard not only offers great storage solutions, but it’s a great opportunity for stylings and staging. I love when things are practical and pretty.
I look forward to styling it for different holidays and events. In the short period of time we have had it, I have already used it in various ways. I will actually be using it on Thursday for the Thrifted Goodies series. Make sure to pop in and see what I have to share.
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get the outdoor sideboard storage solutions look
“Every great design begins with an even better story.”
Lorinda Mamo