Well, I’m not a very patient person.  When I get an idea in my head, I have to get started right away.  So, I decided what I wanted to do with my thrift store find.  I decided to keep the white laminate top.  I wasn’t willing to tackle trying to strip that off right now, plus I think it adds to the fun retro feel (and it should be easy to clean).

I opted to paint the sides and legs white to match the top.  I felt like the white would frame out the drawers.  I just gave it a light sanding and then painted it a semi-gloss white.  With a little TLC and some Zap! Professional Wood Restorer, I cleaned up the drawer fronts.  They really have some nice wood grain and color to them.  It mirrors the family silhouette with the chocolate brown framed in white.

I kept the original hardware, partly because I wasn’t sure what to replace it with and party because I like the brass color.  I tend to lean toward silver and pewter accents, a little brass seemed like a fun change.

I’m loving the opportunity to style the top of this piece of furniture.  I put out some of my favorite picture books, some fun things from my travels, and a new retro shaped lamp (see below).  It will be fun to change up things with different seasons and holidays.

Mercury glass lamp – Home Goods
Hand Made Recycled Glass Bowl – Fire and Light
Antique Quill and Ink Holder – bought in Yemen
Porcelain Painted Elephant – Mlesna Tea, bought in Sri Lanka
Basket Tray – bought in Papua New Guinea
Chubby Brown Vase – leftover product from a shop I owned a few years ago (Mango)
Assorted Books – collected over the years

Now doesn’t that look better?  I’m actually kind of embarrassed of the look I had before (or lack of look I should say).