Foyer Makeover

Our foyer was in desperate need of a makeover. It was decorated for some occasion or another and when it was over and decorations were taken down, I was left with the sad entryway pictured in the “before” photo.  I couldn’t even remember what I had displayed previously, so I knew it wasn’t worth putting back!  I wanted a quick and inexpensive fix that would spice it up a little. I looked around the house and Pinterest for inspiration and decided on lots of blue and white pieces (since I already had some) with a pop of color.  But first, my antique dresser needed a little TLC.

I found and fell in love with this dresser at an antique store in upstate New York.  It was on sale (just my style) and I scored it for under $100.  I loved all the details and the sort of old-but-edgy feel of it.  I typically buy old furniture and give it a complete makeover with new paint and pulls, but I actually liked everything about this piece already. It just needed a quick sprucing up.

First, I removed all the pulls and went over the wood with some Old English Scratch Cover.  I love this stuff and always keep a bit on hand.  It’s a super simple way to mask scratches and discolorations without getting all serious about it.

I then broke out one of my other favorites:

If you don’t already know about this glorious product, let me introduce you.  Rub n’ Buff is legit.  I do not get paid to say this, but if that is possible… then, Heeeeeyy Rub n’ Buff 😉 If you share my love of metallics this is a great (and many times better) alternative to paint.  It is a metallic wax with a genius name – you simply rub it on and buff to a lustrous finish. That’s it.  No drying time, no crazy fumes that force you to use it outdoors, you can even apply with your finger.

Because I love me some gaudy gold, I went with the Grecian Gold for the drawer pulls. This is before:

I didn’t want to lose the detail, so I used a Q-tip and rubbed a thin layer on the raised sections and buffed with a cloth.  I also used some on the outside of the keyholes.

It is a subtle change with a big impact.  I then arranged the blue and white dishes and vases. I threw the middle vase on a cake stand that I found on clearance at HomeGoods (I didn’t even have to paint it!).  The branches I had in a closet leftover from another project and the fuchsia flowers on the wall sconces really liven it up.  I love my quick and cheap entryway refresh!