5 Simple Tips to Modernize Outdated Furniture and Get Shocking Results

Today I'll show you how to modernize outdated furniture and sell it for a great price OR just update your own pieces to something you LOVE! Join me in the garage!
Lilly Moon Paint Link: shorturl.at/fjqHY
Use code: LEMONS to save 10% (I used the color Ocean Shore on this flip)
The giveaway has ended but you can purchase a mask here: rzmask.com/products/m2-nylon-...
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Watch our matching dresser flip here: • THIS WAS HEADING TO A ...
Products Used:
My Paint Sprayer: amzn.to/48umUaf
Best Paint Sprayer if you do not have a large compressor: amzn.to/456BUbn
Simple Green Cleaner amzn.to/3T83grC
Scrub Brushes to Clean Furniture: amzn.to/3UspZjd
Makita Orbital Sander: amzn.to/3DIwmrM
DAP Wood Fill
HVLP Spray Gun: Harbor Freight
20-gal Compressor: Harbor Freight
Hardware Template: amzn.to/3UspZjd
Lilly Moon Opulent Paint - Ocean Shore shorturl.at/fjqHY
Enter code: Lemons to save 10%
Lilly Moon Gel Stain- Old fashioned and Cork mixed 50/50
Lilly Moon Top Coat- Stellar Shield
You can purchase Lilly Moon Paint here: www.lillymoonpaint.com
Use code LEMONS to save 10%
Citri-Strip (I buy mine at Walmart)
Thank you for being here!
Fun ways to support our channel:
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Surfprep 3x4 Ray Sander:
shorturl.at/hwzB1
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Walrus Oil Link: walrusoil.sjv.io/Lemons
RZ Masks Link: bit.ly/3g8Q5cr
Use Code: LEMONS at checkout for 10% off
*Most of these links are affiliate links of companies that I feel confident supporting. I usually make a small percentage of purchases*

[@micheleaustin794]

I'm nearly 60 years old, woman who is learning how to do projects alone and relay heavily via KZbin for all the great step by step tutorials. I'm so glad I found yours.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

I’m so glad you are here!

[@godisgood678]

Me too! I’ll be 60 in January! We are remodeling our kitchen! So I’m in it, full throttle! Enjoying the ride so far! Ahhh!

[@user-en3kz7bc5x]

I'm 62 and in the same place. You can do it.

[@krisaaron5771]

I'm also female. 76, partially disabled and attempting to RE-restore earlier projects that didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. These videos are wonderful -- they explain what I wish I'd known without the condescension many of us (with female DNA) have come to (if not expect then) justifiably loathe. Rosie the Riveter has returned, armed with tools, knowledge and an attitude! We are saviors of the landfills, goddesses of retail renovation, and... *SISTERS, WE ARE DOING THIS!*

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

@krisaaron5771 this is comment has just blessed me so very much! Thank you for watching 🥰

[@theelizabethan1]

The dresser/credenza is an often-utilized piece in video makeovers. It makes a versatile and functional piece to incorporate into a room's decor. Your choice of color here is quite contemporary and should sell quickly. (Trashing the removed hardware is a thing too frequently done in a disposable economy, but these could instead be bagged and donated to a Habit for Humanity Restore location. There is someone who is looking for such items for their own restoration project.)

[@itzakpoelzig330]

Yeah, I liked the drawer handles. I think they could have looked really cool on a different item.

[@jodiq1272]

Was going to suggest donating the hardware, too. One person's trash ... :)

[@nlh072853]

Brilliant idea. thank you for sharing

[@pamelagipson8488]

It’s sad to think that all the makeovers today take a classic, vintage, quality piece and turn it into a piece that looks like today’s cheap pressed wood pieces.

[@lillieberger2883]

@@pamelagipson8488 she did a beautiful job transforming an outdated piece that everyone has. There are pieces exactly like this in every Goodwill and resale shop. People are just giving them away, or throwing them out.

[@brendastraley8829]

Never trash good quality or in good condition hardware. Crafters love to buy those and you never know when you'll need it. store all handwear from the same piece in it's own bag, then store all the bags in 1 place to find easier later. Plus in decants those handwear handles may be in style once again.

[@sheilafae]

I have the before version of this dresser in my bedroom, actually the entire set. We bought it new when we were first married in the 1980s. I’ve been wanting to replace it for a long while - so happy to watch this and see how it could look. Your instructions are clear and give me the confidence that I can do it myself, so thank you!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you @sheilapearson3808! This makes me smile! So happy to hear!

[@beancounter7197]

Me too!! Purchased fall of 1982!! In San Antonio!!

[@olly8]

I have this original with large detachable mirror. Bought it at the Goodwill for $80 in 1986. Too much work FOR ME to re-do it. I actually like both looks. But when I down-size...maybe Someone will want to buy it. It has served me well & still does!! Interesting NEW look. Now...if I could only restore MYSELF as well-😂👍🏻

[@lynnedagg8376]

What a terrific quality update! So nice to see someone who does something other than the normal total chalk paint coverup. I have just updated a couple of dresser and went with a gel stained top along with painted drawers. Love the fact you are homeschooling your children. Congrats!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you so much Lynne! I am glad you found me!

[@tammybrennan2040]

@@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture amazing job 👍

[@sallyhendelman7599]

As a beginner, I love how you show all steps for transforming outdated furniture into beautiful pieces. I love how you show every step of the process in a easy to follow and to do. Thank you for teaching me and helping me with my new hobby 😊

[@Pampnaylor]

Right? She is amazing. Her voice is not annoying. It’s very matter-of-fact and very teachable. That’s probably why she’s an amazing homeschooler.

[@jules8910]

This dresser is SO beautiful and is the style and colors that make me happy; I love the cool colors of the beach look. I’m just back from my hometown where I unexpectedly lost my mother.😢 I now have a house full of beautiful pieces of furniture that have been in the family and many are well over 150+ years and hold so many memories. I cannot fathom selling them all, especially the beautiful buffet. I can perfectly picture it done in a way similar to the one in this video. I just can’t bare the thought of selling it. Thank you for sharing your talents and visions for people like me. God bless 💕

[@azstate94]

I NEVER thought about removing the additional wood pieces! BRILLIANT! ❤️

[@kimberlyskreations8818]

Thanks for showing us 'newbies' how easy it can be to modernize an old outdated piece (which are a "dime-a- dozen" in my area!"). My favorite part is removing decorative pieces on each side. I would have never thought, or even known, you could do that. Thanks so much for all you do!

[@donnablaine4387]

You present these videos in such an easy way for even a beginner like me to follow! Thank you for being real with us!! Beautiful makeover!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you that means a lot! That’s what I do it for

[@barbarailarpenter6815]

This dresser turned out absolutely beautiful! You saved a very ugly, old dresser that would have gone to the dump in alot of cases. You are creative and thoughtful. Thanks for this channel! You're doing a great thing!

[@maryfragain4812]

Nothing is more Beautiful than natural Wood, every piece is unique, not another like it in the World

[@melissamccarter6102]

This was just an amazing transformation! I love the light wood finish juxtaposed with the neutral gray shade! Thanks for mentioning that mineral spirits were needed to de-activate the stripper...didn't know that. I'm a real fan of your channel!

[@lforest11]

You do such a nice job and are a good example to follow. Thank you

[@monicawilliamson7154]

I love the tip to use plastic wrap over the stripper to keep it from dying out. Love your channel and all the inspiration you give! Keep it up.

[@pmelaglover9913]

I use to have this exact same dresser. Given to myself and hubby for a wedding gift. The entire bedroom suite!! I loved watching the entire transformation!! New subscriber here!!!!!

[@lisawinfield543]

Just in time to refinish my disabled daughters bedroom set. It’s old and all wood and I originally purchased it for $375 at a resale shop. I could never have anything as nice as the one I’m going to refinish. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I’ve been procrastinating because I wasn’t sure where to start and thought it was going to be more messy. I’m so excited!!😊

[@mchfurniturerestoration]

What i like best is how your tips are so practical and do-able. Oftentimes other channels offer suggestions that are so complicated they don't make any sense or selling you expensive tools or products to adopt. I love how you have both feet in the real world of furniture flipping and are sharing your hard earned experience advice with us, for free!!!

[@cindybunker4918]

Kara, I admire how intentional you are with your pieces, products, techniques and tips. The Lilymoon color is 😍. The quick sale is a huge win! Good luck with the house sale!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you so much! Appreciate you being here!

[@marymaruna5593]

The dresser turned out just beautifully! I currently own the "before" version of that dresser!

[@pamelamccarthy1412]

I have the whole bedroom set. I'm eyeballing it hard.

[@marikiemarie7622]

@Pamela McCarthy it's worth doing!!! I have saved so much money! My hubby is thankful ❤️ lol

[@mhenning18]

You have inspired me. Your explanations are so helpful. This dresser is beautifully updated and transformed. Exactly what I have even searching for. My entire suite is so similar and I have been wanting to update it for ages. Now I feel I’m ready! Thank you!

[@Nicole-gl3us]

I love that you take something old and bring it back to life!! Thank you for always having inspiration for us followers. Great job as usual! Kudos to you for being debt-free!!!

[@kristakayparsley7801]

This is absolutely beautiful! My fav tip is #2, taking off dated details. I’m always so intimidated by that part. I’m always worried I will mess it up and it can’t be repaired. You always inspire me! This is a great flip. I love this video!

[@sharonsage2694]

I liked that too! I hadn't thought of that before!

[@deborahdrake4997]

I probably would have removed the decor that runs under the top along the front as well to give it even a cleaner look.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@cynthiasoruco6942]

Love the practicality of your changes to this outdated piece. With just a few changes you’ve brought a diamond in the rough back to life. Love it!!

[@fionalightspontaneous1924]

This piece transformed beautifully. I enjoyed watching the spray paint application, though I am a brush girl. I love seeing other people's work, creativity, and style. I read comments about the hardware, and it is your upcycling to do as you wish. I am a bit old fashioned and personally like the old hardware, yet we all have different styles. Your followers will either stay or pass through. Keep doing you. Your work is lovely 😍

[@winnidepooh21]

I absolutely love the gel stain color you chose... It is beautiful and compliments the color of the dresser very well.

[@okaasan3]

I like your positive energy and commitment to your family goals. As far as this particular furniture piece, I enjoyed your tips on how to modernize it! Taking off the chunky details definitely made a difference!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank u!

[@rebeccaforbes6755]

That dresser came out really nice! It looks so light. The before piece made me feel as though you'd need 2 or 3 people to move it and the end result gives the impression that one could move it around. LOL, amazing what paint and a the removal of just one feature can do. Nice Job!

[@testymommy]

What I liked most about today's flip is that it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for me. My family is renovating our very old outdated house and we need to strip the paint from our doors and now I know how to start with that. Thank you, and I have subscribed.

[@debbielowry1465]

Love your ideas for updating common dated furniture. It gives me the courage to try it on some of my furniture!

[@laralovesliam]

Hi Kara. I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and have found them to be extremely helpful. Currently I’m trying to start a small flipping business on the side - I work full time and have a daughter so it is hard to find the time but I really enjoy making a well loved piece into an updated functional piece of furniture. You always pay attention to detail in all your furniture refurbishing but I especially loved how the stain and color worked so well together in this dresser. It’s really a beautiful flip! ❤

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Hi Kate! Thanks so much for your support!

[@ReneeCaraway]

Pretty sure I own one of that dresser’s matching nightstands. I just painted it gloss white and changed the hardware, but I LOVE what you did with yours.

[@lynnewyattklein6354]

Love this flip! I like how you carefully describe each product and why you like it.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

@lynnewyattklein6354 Thank you! I really appreciate you being here! Hope to see you next time!

[@satiaschwarz1300]

The transformation on this dresser is really amazing! Nice work 👍🏻

[@Lizzardward]

Amazing transformation. Taking off those little trim pieces was a great choice! The color choice was a win as well. 🎉

[@brendabowers2320]

Awesome job on refinishing! I’ve been doing this for 50 plus years and you taught me something! Saran Wrap, great idea!

[@mandisunshinez]

Omg I'm obsessed with the paint color and the gel stain together! It looks so good, modern with beach house vibes, which is my FAVORITE! I love how u took the trim off too. Can't wait to keep watching your channel ❤.

[@darlinedasilva5459]

How many times I see this type of furniture and always say this could be redone BUT how or what CAN it look look like? This is beautiful ❤️ I just can’t say enough about it. I wish there were classes on how to do these flips. I would love to do my “blonde 50’s bedroom set”

[@enna4986]

Me, too

[@servraghgiorsal7382]

You. Might want to use a spatula to apply wood filler to minimize chemical exposure . Also I always wore long pants and SHOES when using chemicals ( WORKED FOR AN ANTIQUE DEALER )

[@sirenatorres8669]

I like that you explain what you are doing and how you link in your materials. You are talented and the transformations are beautiful.

[@jenzupan9782]

Just came across your channel and excited to see your ideas! I don't want to just strip and paint. I like to add my own touches as well!

[@benwischmeier8278]

I love your tutorials, and how you walk us through the entire process, even mentioning names of equipment, what grit sandpaper you use and everything else! Your dog making an appearance was fun! This dresser turned out beautifully.

[@hygqueensav]

I’m so impressed with your work. The dresser turned out great and you have a lot of excellent tips!

[@gennieabalos]

I love the wood and paint combo. The colors are perfect together!

[@allikasterg3021]

What an amazing transformation. Your videos give me hope that my old furniture could be updated to look like something wonderful too. Thanks for sharing!

[@kathywilliams1050]

I love the new look and hardware--I need to update an oak bathroom vanity in a similar way, so the ideas and product recs are so helpful. Thanks for all the inspiration and congrats on the many subscribers.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Did you LOVE the paint color of this flip? You can order it here: shorturl.at/fjqHY Use code: LEMONS to save 10% (I used the color Ocean Shore on this flip)

[@debraschlaht6699]

Qasim¹¹¹

[@denisebattle5008]

I happened upon your channel today, and I’m so glad I did. What a transformation. Please do a video on how to tell solid wood from veneer when thrift shopping. Great job.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

So glad you are here!!

[@annettebryant9882]

You are amazing .I have a table my grandmother gave me. Layers of paint. Now I have you to help me succeed in my project. Cheers.

[@bonniecasner8886]

I went to rzmask site and bought 2 masks and extra filters which qualified me for free shipping. I entered your promotional code and lost the free shipping. I took away the promotional code and it was $5 less costly with their free shipping. I guess I was right on the cusp. Anyway, I really like these masks and bought everything anyway because I need them for projects around our home like this and more. Just couldn’t save with your promotional code LEMONS. Thought you should know incase you get proceeds. Reach out to me if you want to know more. I’m not upset in the least. Happy you approve and recommend these masks. They let seem so much more comfortable than what we currently use. ❤

[@mkirby7815]

I’ve been thinking about getting rid of the pieces I’d planned to redo but you’ve made me enthusiastic again. Thanks for the great information.

[@elis5639]

It’s been a while since I refinished wood. The materials have come a long way. Just decided to refinish 2 very similar pieces. Had trouble with the stripper drying too fast so thanks for the tip! Love the refinish and I will be using those gel stains for future projects. Beautiful job.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

excellent! Best wishes!

[@n4tier76]

Love how your videos are not “glammed up” but shows us that anyone can fix up furniture and even flip for profit. I’m a CC mom too! My son is Ch3 this year and college is calling. Flipping furniture is one way we hope to help pay for him to go. Thanks for all the great diy’s!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Yes!! I love this comment!! We are ChB and F/E (5th)! BEST wishes to you!

[@lauriemyers8510]

This dresser turned out beautifully. The colors contrast well making it a stand out piece of furniture that looks amazing. I can see this in a foyer, behind a sofa, or even as a buffet. Wonderful!

[@jordanderek]

Well said. I'm Jordan nice words and I like the well your comments were so great so far Laurie!

[@lauriegrube007]

I have a dresser just like this and am excited to try this! Thanks! I love the color contrasts!

[@jeanniemayer2174]

I have some very similar bedroom furniture from the 70's. Thanks for sharing this tutorial! What a beautiful job, I love it!

[@ellenmcrawley]

Unbelieveable difference in before and after! Love the color, I usually stick with white, but this may inspire me to try color.

[@stacysteele6262]

This transformation is incredible! Not sure I would have chosen the natural top, but it really does look very good. Thank you for posting these so people like me can be inspired.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

@stacysteele6262 Thank you! I really appreciate you being here! Hope to see you next time!

[@Seastorm-nh8cv]

You helped me out: I love coastal, so the colors and design of this is perfect! I'm going to refinish an old sewing machine table (with the flip top). Your colors are perfect! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@secondstoryfurniture]

I love watching your videos, and I am also trying to get out and stay out of debt by refinishing furniture! I liked this video because I have a very similar dresser in my garage waiting to be worked on! You give me great ideas, and you get me motivated to start on my pending projects! Thank you!!

[@AdventureIndiana]

Wow! That dresser was like a time warp back to the 80’s and my childhood. It was nice to see this redone and not sent to the landfill!

[@deborahpeevy9610]

So excited to try this!! Furniture bought in the 70s for me by my parent! You were thorough in each step! Can't wait!

[@susanvilagos1598]

Love that you're so knowledgeable about pieces & products. The piece turned out beautiful!

[@joy.jpmercantile1336]

Loved the color selections on top/base, main dresser and the handles it looks fantastic. I’ve just started to flip furniture myself. It started out of need.

[@elizabethcastro3373]

I have the same dresser ,I love, love you're flip.I love that I can do it myself. Thank you so much

[@kathyfreeland6041]

Beautiful Job! You make it look so easy! Love how the dresser turned out! ❤

[@semyprecious]

Looks great. The way you single-coated the top so the grain showed through was my favorite part.

[@jbzjourney]

Absolutely love how easy you make it look, and that the music isn’t so loud that I have to keep changing the volume when you come back to speak. Thanks for taking us along with You. Oh and thank you for the discount codes to help get us along the way to updating our own furniture.

[@barbaramazzatenta9228]

I love repurposing quality wood furniture. Thank you

[@davidblue7102]

👋, how are you doing today; how’s everything going; hope it was a blessed day for you Barbara?

[@OhNightDivine7]

Before and after are so fun! I love watching the results❤

[@teresadarling9790]

I have always wanted to do this! Thanks for sharing, watching you gives me incentive to just go for it and get started.

[@DebraBall03]

I loved this makeover. The colors you chose are stunning and would fit with almost any decor❤

[@laurenbecker2766]

I have the exact same dresser and can’t wait to begin updating it just as you have!

[@DoctorSuezz]

Oh my goodness, what a rich color of blue. Absolutely in love with it!!

[@laurajonas5059]

You make it look so easy I’m looking forward to starting my first piece of furniture!

[@bluegill6997]

Love the gel stained top! Agreed! It does go perfectly with the paint color. Provides contrast and nice to be able to show both color and wood grain.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Yes! Thank you!

[@791chastity]

Love,love,love this furniture flip, the quality of your finished piece far surpasses any ready to buy furniture,

[@dittohead7044]

First time watching. Very nicely done. Old furniture is so well made but it is dated. This gave me lots of hope I could update better pieces and trash what I do have. So disappointing that the newer furniture we’ve bought over the years just don’t last. Thanks for the video!!

[@sharonking458]

Wow! What a difference!!! The new hardware looks perfect!

[@pattibarry9627]

Awesome job! The removal of the two small side pieces really modernized the piece!

[@Audrey-km9in]

Hi there - I just found you this morning & I am exceedingly thrilled! You arrived at the perfect time as I have several outdated pieces that need attention. The dresser is nothing short of stunning. I had never heard of the paint & stain products you used. Intrigued, to say the least. Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@carmell51]

You did a beautiful job on this piece! I appreciate the way you introduce products as you use them. I love the mask. I have the old mask and I wear glasses, also!

[@mmmchocolate140]

Wow! That looks great. Another homeschool mom here looking for a way to keep staying home, definitely learning alot from you. Thanks. Lindsey

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

I am so happy to hear that Lindsey! Glad to be helping!

[@ranaedownard-wooden857]

Glad I came across your video. I've been wanting to redo my old dresser & 2 night stands. U were great in explaining what I would need to accomplish this.

[@rawsunnata829]

This old hardware is timeless!!!

[@bonniegreen5112]

I decided last night to redo my husband's grandmother's desk that matches that dresser exactly. My thought was the ugly handles had to go too. Love your color choice.

[@arodnap2]

Seeing your channel for the first time. I am so grateful. My heart is being pulled toward "wood crafting". You are inspiring me.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

I’m so happy to have you!

[@donna92821]

I'm amazed at the differences in all you do with the different pieces.

[@scottiajohnston8025]

I enjoyed seeing you do this flip and the products you used. It turned out lovely.

[@falkonladi8]

Gorgeous makeover!! I really appreciate you sharing this for older style furniture! I have a few pieces that will make good projects and the attention to details is really helpful. Love the paints!!

[@falkonladi8]

I like removing the old hardware and the beautiful paint color.

[@lenalouman2776]

Great job, fellow DFWite! Thanks for making this video. i have a couple pieces of furniture that need updating. It makes me nervous, but this boosted my confidence and inspiration. Yay!!

[@WeddArt11]

This is beautiful. We just bought a dresser that looks just like that. Now I know how to fix it. Thank you!

[@pamsego4926]

I really like your ideas on saving the lives of furniture that might've gone to a dump!

[@swiftyandvegas]

I like how you explain the products. My favorite is your staining method.... Now I know to dampen the wood. Thanks.

[@elizabeth79547]

I have the same dresser but mine looks new. I love what you're done . Looks beautiful.

[@byjollieherz5968]

Absolutely love the colors you used for this project ❤

[@daughteroftheking4001]

I just subscribed as I need to learn how to refinish old furniture to save money. Love your videos! Huge difference it makes.

[@sangesings]

Great transformation! Love that you left the top and bottom natural.

[@tammietinsman3398]

Love seeing old pieces come to life 😊

[@kayjay2588]

Lovely job! If you have a computerized robot vacuum, you KNOW floors must be accessible, thus new furnishings are elevated on some sort of legs! Couches or weight-bearing furnishings might need extra framing support and legs. Make sure your floor clearance, including rugs, will fit your robot vacuum.

[@NancyHafler]

Wow! That's almost exactly my furniture...even the bed headboard and rails! Its great to see what you do with it!

[@idaniafernandez9285]

I love your videos. I love how this dresser turned out. Is beautiful 🎉

[@bernadinemcpherson2363]

I just found your channel. I love what you did with that dresser! I have one that is very similar and I would love to see it restored!

[@dajw7540]

You do such a good job. I’m not a fan of the gray, but you did it so well and I’m sure someone loves it.