Driving 2,000 Miles for the Worst Painted Vintage Dresser | Furniture Restoration

[@MadCityModern]

The first 500 people to use my link skl.sh/madcitymodern12241 will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare! This was a basic vintage dresser, but a very special makeover project! I can't thank you enough for joining me, and for your support. Barry

[@1977NOBODY]

I know this sounds weird…..I suffer from terrible anxiety and panic attack issues,And I came across your videos started watching them……I gotta say your voice is very calming and kind of helps me….Plus watching you work gets me to focus on something interesting.

[@MadCityModern]

This means the world to me

[@kandipiatkowski8589]

I feel the same way.

[@jodidavis6595]

Not weird at all. We all have our issues small and great. I’m so glad for your sake you came across Barry’s channel. He’s the “Goat “ of calmness 😂❤️

[@katsleggsful]

Exactly feel the same! Barry is truly the Bob Ross of the YT furniture refinish/restoration world.

[@SpringerA1984]

Yyyyyuuuuupp!!! 200% get the voice ASMR factor.

[@nickimontie]

In some ways , renovating and repurposing “trash” items is more challenging than working with a higher quality item. Turning an ugly duckling into swan with a second life requires imagination and commitment. You’ve shown you have plenty of both! Great work❤

[@MadCityModern]

Well said! Thank you for this!

[@jakimcmurdo4810]

She s beautiful and deserved the long haul what a transformation 😁❤️🇬🇧

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@katieyoung7271]

That humble little dresser turned into a real beauty! I think your choice not to stain was perfect.

[@MadCityModern]

I'm glad you like the finish! It was a little risky, but I'm happy with how it turned out.

[@roseknott2832]

There are no mistakes, just learning opportunities

[@MadCityModern]

Well said

[@amiachez2644]

You should call yourself the restorer philosopher! You are a real storyteller! Love watching and listening to you!

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

Your story is about Life for us humans. A constant striving to be better, to do better no matter the scale of our progress. Some of use achieve the purpose of our soul life bit by bit, others do it in big strides. We are all doing it as well as we can. Love your work since the beginning. Thank you for being who you are.

[@MadCityModern]

I love this

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Yes, Barry’s wonderful, isn’t he! He’s like your own special psychologist, the way he explains how and why he does things! I’ve been watching him for two or three years now and am always thrilled when I see another posting! Welcome to the Mad City Modern community! Let the sweet and harmonious times roll! Send him a postcard of your town/city and you may see it on screen on the side of one of his cabinets one day❤️😊🦘🇦🇺

[@dennisjacobs7589]

Looks like the dresser is made of birch. From the style and construction, it looks like a 1930s era. Made during the great depression or into World War II, when supplies were limited. The piece looks wonderful. A great repurpose!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for this information

[@auntietara]

You’ve magically made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Wonderful result! 🥰

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much! It was a long drive, but worth it!

[@tinaanderson7283]

I like that you did not stain it. Pretty

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@CaroleOundjian]

I was watching for a few hours a show about con people doing terrible things , I could not take it anymore and for sudden I see Barry ! Ah what a breath of fresh air for me .just listen to you makes me feel better . Thank you so much for your calming voice and beatiful story you tell us .❤

[@MadCityModern]

That means so much to me.

[@melaniearison1209]

I think it turned out beautifully, I am a sucker for the under dog. Many blessings Mr. Barry

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@lauriehill8240]

The end result is not just a utilitarian storage piece - it is attractive! A very satisfying transformation from the painted ugly duckling! I've been following you long enough to note just how far your skills have come in many areas. I particularly like your story telling behind the pieces you choose to make over. Thank you Barry for your perseverance and making that 'u-turn' and continuing instead of hauling the piece to the curb!

[@MadCityModern]

This really means alot

[@lwilliams946]

Love watching your wood working and hearing your stories! Thanks for giving of yourself.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the support.

[@garygerbino3171]

Dresser looks great. Keep up the good work, Barry.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Gary

[@garygerbino3171]

@@MadCityModern I’m a big fan. Based in Wilton Manors, Florida.

[@keithhaggard323]

Another great episode Barry. The piece that you are working on is what I referred to as "first furniture" not unlike IKEA is today. They were meant to be functional and produced cutting corners to lower the price. When I see heavily painted furniture I remind myself that it was repurposed into other lives and the owner was probably proud of the coat of paint they added to make the furniture their own in a new space. What you did was use the shell of the piece and transform it to its new purpose. The fact it travelled across the country during the metamorphosis is really confounding that its story lies in how dedicated you were to finish the transformation. You are correct that your growth in these uploads is your storytelling and recording the process with learning how to present the product in a entertaining fashion.

[@MadCityModern]

This is such great information. Thank you for sharing this

[@StrongopinionsRus]

That’s beautiful, Barry. What a lovely way to transform a more humble piece of furniture. I hope it serves you well for many years.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@carguy4658]

No apologies, I like it. It is eclectic, functional with a generous spattering of whimsy. It looks almost like Midcentury Modern with a nod to Arts & Crafts.

[@MadCityModern]

Love this comment!

[@HungerSTR1KE]

It always turns out so beautiful, no matter how rough the condition when you get it. Your commitment to renewal is inspiring.

[@MadCityModern]

Wow! Thank you

[@Kmi4880]

Both you and the dresser took quite the journey. The dresser found a new home and life with you in your workshop. You had the satisfaction and pride of providing that "low quality" piece of furniture that new life rather than going to the landfill. You also shared this journey with us. I love watching everything your post. Each video provides kindness, hope and a feeling of warmth. Thank you Barry for this wonderful end to 2024. Happy New Year. May you, your family and friends have a wonderful, safe and happy 2025!

[@MadCityModern]

This is such a kind comment. Thank you

[@helenm6732]

Thank you philosopher woodworker.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@fiberotter]

What a charming little Frankenstein!

[@MadCityModern]

I had fun with it

[@pitsnipe5559]

Barry, your craftsmanship continues to exceed expectations. Well done!

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback.

[@janehealy2351]

So glad you changed tack! Something ordinary made into something extraordinary! I love the finish!

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks for the support!

[@joyceclark8476]

Hi Barry, I believe you have done a beautiful thing here. There are so many lessons to learn by watching your video. I took away: never give up , Keep moving forward, one must travel miles before we learn a lesson. I’m glad you stayed with this dresser. It turned out handy dandy. I like the natural wood colors . Thank you for just being you. I appreciate it. ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@MadCityModern]

This made my day Joyce

[@vickiwood9192]

I love how sturdy the piece looks now. Great restoration.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! I was happy with how solid it turned out.

[@polgarauk5606]

I love the story and message you conveyed in this video thank you What I love the most is that you didn't give up on the piece despite it turning out to be a cheap not so greatly made piece. You took it and made it better. What you created was stunning and you brought out the best in it beautifully 😊

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. It was a labor of love

[@ljclo8413]

I like the finished product. The wood shines!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@adriannehamilton2866]

Happy Holidays. I just found this and I'm glad about it. It looks good 👍🏾.

[@MadCityModern]

Welcome to the channel!

[@Carmastrong855]

It came out beautiful! I agree with the clear coat. It looks wonderful.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@cecoya]

I think that with every setback in life we grow stronger for the future. Not always easy to see or realize the tests we go through but in the end well worth it. This piece of furniture turned out beautiful and in the end useful as well. Have a wonderful Holiday season Barry.

[@MadCityModern]

I enjoyed this comment. Thank you and happy holidays

[@joanb7567]

I really enjoy listening to your stories❤❤. Keep up the good work and stories ❤

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@justjulee9135]

Thank you for sharing the stories behind each piece you restore! I love listening to you and seeing you work your magic on these sad, little pieces of furniture. You motivate me to be better 😊

[@MadCityModern]

That's very kind of you to say.

[@diannameyers8163]

Hi Barry❤🎉😅 I for sure think this old dresser deserves all the good treatment you are giving to it. It was in a home and served it's purpose. Thanks for not throwing it away. And you know... Things happen for a reason. I love your stories and what you do to the pieces you work on. You are very gentle and caring. You don't see that very often. It seems like $ and the sale of a piece is the main focus. I'm so glad you are keeping and using this dresser. She even got a great * * makeover * in the process! Great job. Thanks again 🎉😂❤

[@jennylawson1980]

Barry, your voice, your beautiful music choice, and your projects bring myself and my fur family so much joy. Every video of yours is a gift ❤ Thank you for your beautiful video today.

[@devilishtrouble]

As a painter I get this a lot. At times I feel like I just need to paint over what I’m working on. It’s not coming out as I saw it in my head. I end up setting the painting aside to look at later. Over the years I have learned the art takes on a life of its own. I just need time to see it. Looks like you saw that.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for this. My hope was that others would relate

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I don’t know woods very well, but I wonder if it could be birch? I loved the things you said in this video and I could relate to a lot of it. You seem to be very emotionally intelligent and intuitive and I appreciate your perspective. Good work, as well! I usually don’t like the repurposing type projects, favoring the straight restoring ones, but I think you made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear with this one.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate it.

[@sam08330]

Absolutely beautiful…love what you did with the furniture piece…great video

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much!

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Your work is unique and well done. I am starting on a dresser in the new year thanks to you. Happy new year Barry

[@MadCityModern]

This is amazing. Would love to know more about it

[@estherkeim-x1q]

thank you. happy new year

[@MadCityModern]

You’re welcome! Happy New Year!

[@myraholmes8702]

I enjoy your stories, Barry. For me they have inspired me to do something I'd left behind years ago because of some life trials. Now I have a brand new sewing machine and renewed plans to create the fashion ideas that I can still enjoy. Thank you 😊❤

[@MadCityModern]

This made me smile today.

[@joannjukes9140]

As with all your other furniture pieces, you've done an amazing job on this cabinet Barry. Has anyone ever told you you have the perfect voice to narrate nature shows. It's so calming to listen to.

[@leslieblackshear802]

So glad you did this piece. It shows that so many are worth saving and usable. Lovely grain on this

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks, it was a tough journey but I’m glad I did it

[@barbannco]

I love the different woods in this cabinet and think it was well worth the effort to strip and clear finish it....Its lovely

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@phyl5502]

What a nice looking, and functional, addition to your workshop. Glad u picked it up and challenged yourself to use it.🎉

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks for the support!

[@monicalundy4400]

I think it turned out really well.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@carolynledford6484]

Sometimes we have to accept things warts and all; and try to make things better. You sir I believe have done just that.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@texanasimmons1761]

A true craftsman uses what he has and is satisfied with the job of creation, on its own. I love how this turned out, thank you.❤

[@MadCityModern]

Great feedback. Thank you

[@loafandjugrestoration]

Looks great! I need to practice my routing so i can one day do drawers like that, I really like the look with the practicality of the larger drawer.

[@MadCityModern]

You can do it

[@Kingofnoodles]

I've been doing modern woodworking for a couple years now, and I've never seen the saw guide you use at 12:08. I think it's actually really cool you both have one and actually use it, instead of a modern one. They both do effectively the same job, but it feels appropriate given how poetic your videos always are.

[@MadCityModern]

I found it for $20. I hope to restore it at some point

[@cathyfield4765]

Well done, Barry. Watching you bring this old furniture new life is rewarding. It's like a mystery being solved. I hope that your vision of potential in a worn item will continue to inspire you.

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Hi Barry, seasons greeting to you and yours from Melbourne, Australia❤️🎄😊 I had no idea how emotionally attached you could get to “a lost cause” like this one! But, may I say, you did a fantastic job on it! And you now have all the skills required to turn its life around, from a slum to a Manhattan Penthouse, (if you know what I mean!) YOU ARE DA MAN !!!!!!!!!! ❤️😊🇦🇺🦘

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much 😊

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

You made it better than the original! It turned out SO GOOD!!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@DigsRetro]

Well, whatever wood that is, it's beautiful. Great transformation.💗

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@kbreckan]

Beautiful job as always!! I love that you didn’t give up on this piece. Every bit of furniture you repurpose is one less item that ends up in a landfill. I think it is a very handsome dresser!!

[@MadCityModern]

So many lessons learned from this one. Thank you

[@rufusbayne2230]

It may be a $10 thrift store dresser but you've made it look like a million bucks! It's testament to your skill and devotion to details. It's a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@kathyk479]

That dresser looks like it could be an early arts and c4afts dresser fron early 1900! Very nice! The arts and craft furniture were inexpensive but nice and affordable!

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks for the history lesson. I had no idea!

[@VeretenoVids]

Art historian buttinski here... The great irony of the Arts and Crafts movement is that because of all the attention to hand wrought details, the furniture was out of reach for many. (See, e.g., Stickley, Greene and Greene, etc.) That said, once Sears started manufacturing kit homes and furniture to go into them using machine-production methods, there were less expensive options. At any rate, the decorative curves at the bottom are not typical of the era. As someone upthread proposed, it's more likely to be 1930s Depression Era, possibly into the 1940s. OK, I'll stop being a know-it-all jerk now. 😉

[@Givulinovich]

Barry, I enjoy watching your videos since your start. This might be my all time favorite because of the story you shared.

[@MadCityModern]

Can’t tell you how much your words touched me

[@GeorgeWTush]

A beautiful project and a beautiful man. It's always a treat to take a break from the world and spend some quiet time here. Bravo, Barry. Well done!

[@emilyschneider9150]

I purchased a pair of MCM end tables at Black Dog Salvage last year! Im a Wisconsin native, but lived in Roanoke most of 2023!

[@MadCityModern]

Wow! That’s awesome. They are so friendly there

[@rachealsmith5138]

I love this! I always enjoy your stories and projects…. They personalize you and your channel! Glad you persevered, it has allowed me to acknowledge and work with my mistakes! ❤😊❤

[@MadCityModern]

This is special

[@MsAcpaul]

Hi Barry, I love your inspirational videos, your history lessons on the pieces and other things you do in your channel. You show not only your flaws but also your triumphs as well. Keep it up. I am sure a lot of your wisdom has helped many and will help more to come.

[@MadCityModern]

This is a special comment. Thank you

[@kathypendergrass6701]

You are awesome Barry. No other way to say it. Love your videos, beautiful work, and your beautiful stories.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. I do my best to

[@hickorygolddoc]

I totally appreciate your stories. And then I see your finished piece here…that was just as you had accurately stated as an old not so well built, not such a wood as walnut… and yet you go through a process of reassessing…and end up with a really wonderful and useful piece that I see as amazing! Always enjoy your story lines and process as it really makes one think. And I for one appreciate that. Thank you!

[@MadCityModern]

I’m glad you understood my message. Thank you for sharing this

[@Ms._Purple_Apple]

Hi Barry, isn’t it amazing how you have your mind set on what you’re going to do on a piece. Then just like that you switch to something different that, in turn, you are amazed by it. I’ve been there by being inspired to create something and it turns out differently and it gives me such a great feeling. And that’s what it’s all about. Keep doing what you’re passionate about and keep doing what you do. 👍⭐️

[@osgeld]

I did something similar (not with furniture though) where I jumped both feet into something that would never be, made it the best I could and still managed to turn a tiny profit with a whole new of knowledge in a hobby I have been doing for decades, so everyone got a win, I learned, the buyer got a top notch job for a deal, and I saved something that is getting rare from the dump (it did suck for a couple days when I realized my mistake though)

[@MadCityModern]

This comment made the video worth it

[@fidgetshouse]

You achieve emersion in every video.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@sugarsnap1000]

Great job, lovely finish

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ritacollins8666]

This turned out really pretty. Great job as usual.

[@MadCityModern]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@vdussaut9182]

Brilliant work!! Absolutely love the natural color and all the finishing work you did. Watching your latest videos always feels like opening a little gift ✨😊 Happy New Year, Barry!

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks, it was a fun project!

[@MarkADavisAZ]

Barry, nice project and story. Keeping up a long-distance relationship is tough.

[@MadCityModern]

Very tough. Thank you for the compassion

[@dawnWilliams-f9m]

Barry, your little piece of furniture is quite stunning. Someone thought wrongly to paint it, and you have brought it back to life, giving it a quiet dignity, it does not matter one bit what you use it for, as long as it has a purpose.

[@alibobo2009]

I skipped to the end to see it finished. I like it. Very nice job. I'll watch the whole thing later. Have a good one

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the full video.

[@zaranea7920]

I was CRIMINALLY early to this! Thanmks for the message. Sometimes it pays off to push trough but alsoooo We can not forget that skills are something that grows and also there will always be phases where what we concider our taste and skill level is gapping from what we can actually achieve. But it is important to push through an dovercome the plateaus :) And you did a good job here, also no abandoning it :)

[@MadCityModern]

I love this! Thank you for sharing

[@Sharon-bo2se]

The old lady looks much more loved in her new life. I enjoy the storytelling and philosophical outlook whuch are quite a relief these days.

[@barbarakloise6790]

That really turned out beautiful. The shellac was a great choice and the finish looks really really good! The whole look is great. You should be very proud that you turned that into a nice looking piece of furniture with determination and patience! Good for you!❤

[@Wildcreekranch]

It is a very special memory Barry ❤️ thank you.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@suemedeiros]

Barry, the little cabinet looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing your memories with us, it does me a world of good to listen to you. I hope you had a nice Christmas and that your new year is full of joy. Best wishes from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

[@MadCityModern]

It’s a blessing to have others listen to my thoughts. Thank you

[@lauramorris3409]

Thanks for not throwing it out. It's a wonderful transformation and a useful piece.

[@adriannehamilton2866]

I've always been on the channel, I just haven't seen it in my newsfeed/ timeline... It's the outcome of the projects, but for me, mostly the stories. Thank you.

[@MadCityModern]

That's very kind of you to say.

[@nosemellon]

You are an inspiration to all of us… thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us

[@MadCityModern]

Wow, thank you

[@georgiacoker8166]

I’m impressed with how well this turned out considering what you had to work with. Glad you are able to turn situations into something positive even when it doesn’t look like that would happen. No mistakes, just learning experiences.

[@malcsurfleet3888]

Hi Barry ,I really loved this project you have made a wonderful job of this piece,I think the reason it was made in that way is cost , the thought was cheap wood were it doesn’t matter,I hate old furniture that has been painted,but not every one thinks the same obviously. You revitalised this piece. Malc UK.

[@MadCityModern]

I really appreciate this

[@annmariepetrochko5288]

Thank you for sharing your work, Barry.

[@MadCityModern]

I love sharing my passion!

[@angelazguric4944]

It’s saved from landfill so well done you - merry Christmas 😊

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@mistygeller3193]

That is absolutely gorgeous!! I was just thinking tonight, that I need a similar storage solution for my small home…. then all of a sudden here you are!! Thank you so very much for sharing, not only the beautiful project, but also the amazing story and thoughts behind it ❤️❤️

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Barry you are so delightful on many levels. I could listen to you chat all day. I love the calming effect of watching the paint peel off. The end result is always magnificent and often a surprise. The stories you tell are the cherry on the cake!! Happy happy new year, be safe⭐🌟✨🫶❤❤

[@michaelblayney9873]

Barry! You did it again! That sad little dresser , looks like a million bucks! You are truly a very talented craftsman ! Continued success in life, and in your work shop ! God Bless! Michael , from Fresno ,Ca.😊

[@chrisjones-ys5zg]

a very graceful turnaround barry... i appreciate your sentiments very much... wishing you and all the viewers peace love health and contentment... in gentleness and friendship for the new year... much love xxc

[@trudyeby464]

You made it beautiful and efficient! Well done!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@kmazzit]

I have enjoyed watching your videos evolve over time and the stories that you tell I discovered you initially about 2 years ago when my husband and I were traveling through Madison and I was inspired then by the work that you did. We traveled through again about a year later and stopped by the antique store where you sell some of your products and had a great time talking with the owner. I don't watch your videos very often anymore and I'm not sure why but today's video was definitely an inspiration on introspection and perseverance❤

[@MadCityModern]

This comment really made me smile. Thank you for sharing this

[@pamsheets632]

Turned out really good! Especially like the finish and the drawer pulls suit perfectly! I related to the story you told very well! Your videos are always informative and inspiring with life's knowledge! Thank you Barry for sharing your insight and your amazing talents with us! Looking forward to seeing what you do in 2025! Happy New Year blessings always! 😊❤

[@MadCityModern]

I really appreciate this. Thank you

[@julianneboys4062]

Thank you once again ❤😊

[@MadCityModern]

I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@JAResto]

Great idea Barry! It came out great.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it!

[@maidendragonfly]

Lovely. The different wood grains are gorgeous. This reminds me of a Secretary desk my younger brother inherited from our grandmother. It has about 5 different types of wood too. I stored that desk for him for a couple of years and when he came and got it, I missed it so. Imagine my excitement when I found a desk much like his at Goodwill for $12. It was dull and one of the 3 drawers had the piece of wood holding it up unattached. I shined her up and still need to fix that drawer guide, and i love it.

[@VeretenoVids]

Your goal has reached its target with me. I really enjoy watching you go through the process, perhaps even more so when you show us how you resolve unexpected problems. (That flat file in the background is a wonderful behemoth!)

[@JeriBond-r6v]

Thank you for sharing this Barry, I enjoy your stories!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@CoverediCake]

Lovely project. It's so nice to see how you choose to see the value in something that would be considered trash.

[@richardpfefier1171]

what I have found, in life, mistakes and misjudgements can either be a source of blame seeking and recriminations, or it can become a path for new directions, fresh challenges, and unexpected destinations fueling our growth. You did an incredible job taking this old, originally inexpensive piece and moving it forward to something new, useful and beautiful. Nice Job!!! Hope you had a good holiday!!

[@MadCityModern]

I really needed to see this today. Thank you!

[@richardpfefier1171]

Any time