5 Simple Tips to Modernize Outdated Furniture and Get Shocking Results

[@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!

[@UserLovesJesus62]

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 🥰

[@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.

[@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@@pamelagipson8488 she did a beautiful job transforming an outdated piece that everyone has.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.

[@maryfragain4812]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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 💕

[@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

[@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-😂👍🏻

[@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!!😊

[@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!

[@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!!!!!

[@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

[@jaaustin500]

It’s so funny - I keep adding more trim to my furniture to make it look older! I find more distinction in pieces with more details. They are more interesting and beautiful. That being said - gorgeous job!

[@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!

[@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

[@winnidepooh21]

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

[@landstclair]

wow....glasses not fogging up is such a plus.....I like the hint to use Saran Wrap to cover then use to scrape off the stripper......and Wow....the final product is beautiful.......

[@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!

[@teresaholland4790]

Thank you for sharing that she did a great job also thank you for not wearing a cut off crop top for make up high heels and spandex while you’re doing this you keep it real thank you

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Always keepin’ it real girl! Garage life is not always glamorous! 😂

[@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!!!

[@sandyschneider6792]

I was searching for a proper mask to wear with my glasses. I inherited a house from 1898 and loads of furniture to flip. Am learning from your channel at 65 years old! Thank you! The piece you modernized is silar to one piece I have to do! Inspiring. LOVE the color choice!! Thank you😍🎉

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Wow! What a great comment! I am inspired by you! Very best wishes!!

[@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!

[@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 ❤.

[@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!

[@gardenrose264]

Lovely complementary colour on top. Nice to see something different from dark jel..

[@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.

[@frantarver3367]

I like todays flip because I have that same dresser. I comes from the town Hall collection sold at Value City Furniture about 20 years ago. It is still holding up. I had no idea how outdated it was. Thanks for the update.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@kylakurian360]

You are a talented lady. Personally, love natural wood with earthy stain rather than paint and a more traditional look. But I know some one will love this piece. We hate debt too. Great way to address it! All the best to you.

[@azstate94]

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

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

I used chalk paint to refinish a couple of these dressers. I actually kept the old hardware and on the blue paint they really pop and look gorgeous.

[@debbielowry1465]

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

[@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!

[@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 )

[@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!

[@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

[@margaretsteppe7183]

I love how you change the style with the removal of the extra wood and also the drawer pulls

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you!

[@satiaschwarz1300]

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

[@juliadavis3607]

I never redone my dresser but I'm glad I found your video. I'm going to redo my old dresser. It looked so easy 4 me. Thanks for showing the products you use. Most go to fast and I can't see their products. Keep trucking ms. Lady.

[@Lizzardward]

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

[@galemccahill3635]

Good to see creative, enterprising people. This is the first time I've seen ur channel. Congratulations on ur step up toward 1 million viewers. Love, as obviously many do, ur extra comments and tips for success on using products. And that u explain what u use and have a discount link. Good for u, for us, & for the mfr. Very inspiring. I do agree, I cringed when u said u were throwing the dresser hard ware away. Liked that u had a container to put everything together, no fuss, no muss.

[@OnlyOneTruth25]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@karenbrauneis4290]

Beautiful update on this dresser. I have a number of items I am donating, so I would just include the hardware with that donation. I appreciate all the time you take to go step by step and explain your process. I am disabled and in my mid-60s, and have a number of pieces from the 50s that I want to update. I love tools, and am always looking for ways to make my life and projects easier, so thanks your for listings. Love the shots of your dog! I had a Shar-Pei mix years ago, and they hold a special place in my heart.❤️

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

thanks for watching Karen! Yes, we rescue that breed specifically. I just adore them! I can not live without the little snore noises! lol

[@karenbrauneis4290]

@@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture They are wonderful!💖

[@cristylo5000]

At 2 am here in NY, and couldn’t sleep. So here I am learning something new. This is awesome because I was going to curbside two pieces of furniture. Thank you

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Awww thank you Cristy! I’m happy you’re here! Hopefully you got some sleep!

[@julie4js]

I have my mom's dresser like this, i love oak and seeing the beauty of the wood grain. I think i might change the hardware.

[@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 😍

[@swiftyandvegas]

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

[@amberdaniels4761]

This video was great and helped to inspire me to redo some furniture from my grandmother's house! On a side note, we're Shar-Pei people too! Your pup is GEORGEOUS!!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching! I sure do love my pei-pei’s

[@taratodd9259]

Just cleaning it changed it so much. Crazy how that works. You did a great job! I can't decide what to do to mine with a similar style

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@kcn4649]

The DAP plastic wood works awesome to fill holes for old hardware. I always use it.

[@davidblue7102]

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

[@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!!!

[@donna92821]

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

[@dragons8822]

When i 1st heard what you planned I thought you were crazy since those pieces of furniture are very heavy & couldn't see what could be done with it. But by the end of the video when I saw the before & after shots i was totally surprised with how great it turned out & became something I'd like to have just for the top & bottom colors alone tho would like the gray just a hair lighter or the whole piece in the top color. Either way i really like what you did with it. Thanks for making me see an older piece of furniture a new way.

[@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!!

[@tammybugg9805]

I like the stained base. It adds a bit of interest.

[@davidblue7102]

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

[@TheOnlooker65]

I must say you did a super job on this chest of drawers (,in UK a dresser is generally in kitchen and has a top with plates etc)

[@nancyanneberg403]

You are pretty careful and thoughtful in your changes. I can use thee five change on a chest of drawers I just bought. In great shape basically. Thank you from Pa.

[@monicalundy4400]

I’m working on a dresser very similar to yours. But mine is in horrible condition. Love what you’ve done with yours.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Good luck! Thanks for watching

[@PeggyWirick]

I am old school! And I do love my words! Appreciate the top and the base of this piece! Congratulations on your milestone!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@Auntbibbit]

I have an old dresser. I can't wait to try this. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. 😍

[@davidblue7102]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@superlove.6797]

Are use beyond paint all in one pewter gray on my dresser and he came out Fantastico

[@dianerose121]

Way to go! 🎉

[@livingtheretiredlife3061]

I have this dresser set. My parents “invested” in this set. And my mom cherished it. She would always say that it was all heavy real wood. I’ve never liked it but I sure miss my Mom and Dad and it sure tugs on my emotions.

[@denisef3228]

I love the color of the dresser…the blue gray. It is my kind of color. I am new to your channel and I am absolutely in love with it!

[@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.

[@AliseL22]

Really enjoyed this and love how it turned out. May I ever so respectfully suggest you wear protective eye wear - it is amazing how one little oopsie can get in your eye and cause a world of problems.🤗

[@gailrhodes2859]

I love the new look! That blue color is my favorite and I love the color of the stain!!

[@toniswyatt9999]

Great tips. I threw the drawer pulls out when I refinished a chest of drawers.

[@GiGi2x2Boys]

Great video and inspires me to really try to update all of my pine furniture. I'm not sure it will go as well as it did with you, but you have given me the steps to follow that might help me be somewhat successful!

[@robinbirdj743]

It attached at all to the hardware yet please give it away. No need for metal to become garbage. Love that you re-use and also use Simple Green. ❤

[@kathyreynoldssteinbrink5285]

The striping is so satisfying! I love watching the transformation of the pieces. ❤

[@ellenmcrawley]

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

[@sangesings]

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

[@791chastity]

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

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

*Real wood* 👍 This is better than going to buy something new if you have no idea to check if the furniture is authentic wood or engineered wood. Engineered wood has a functional use, but it's not really something you ideally want for really long lasting furniture (that can be redone later if you want). It's somewhat disposable compared to real wood. I ❤the result!

[@lindalatourelle4227]

I love the color choices for this piece. I will use your gel stain tips to refinish a headboard in my newly painted guest bedroom. Thanks!!

[@davidblue7102]

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

[@amandataylor6434]

Beautiful work. I must admit I prefer the old style that would be refinished with stains and not paint. But still - your work is lovely and inspired.

[@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.

[@CharlesWilliams-c9n]

Amazing video … you make it look so simple. Appreciated your tip about using saran wrap.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickk567]

I think we have the same exact furniture -- this will be a winter project for us. Thanks for sharing.

[@lauraandmert]

Great video and love that you are taking a outdated piece and redoing it and updating it, I was sad to hear that those hardware pieces went to the trash there are many people out there selling vintage handles like those and others on ebay ect for some good money, if you did not enjoy them and they did not work with that piece I get that for sure, but donating it so a salvation army or habitat for humanity store or to anyone for free who maybe could use them on a project would be a good idea next time I feel, just as that chest of drawers was someone trash and they donated and you made it ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS someone else has the vision for old outdated handles, the more we keep out of our landfill sites the better, just something to think about next time maybe...???? Having said all that LOVE LOVE the job you did on that furniture definately watching more of your videos....THANK YOU...

[@carollangley7358]

Just found your channel today. I almost didn’t even watch because I usually do not like the final result when people redo old furniture, but this is beautiful! I’m looking forward to watching more of your work!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you Carol! I’m happy to have you!

[@teresahechenbleikner2080]

I am Sooo Excited. We just moved and I have been wanting to refinish furniture we have inherited.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you tuning in! Hope to see you next time!

[@brendabowers2320]

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

[@DoctorSuezz]

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

[@rita3604]

Watched for the first time today. Love the mask have not seen it before. Thanks for these techniques will enjoy trying on a small piece of furniture I have. It sure needs help! Thanks again.

[@cathleendangelo185]

I actually loved those trim pieces you took off. They were not overwhelming at all , a lot of character actually.....

[@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!