Vintage Dresser Repairs and Makeover | Spring Fling Challenge | Elegant Upgrades

[@deborahmatatall]

This is the most elegant upgrade I’ve ever seen! The colors are beautiful, the top is phenomenal, the decoupage is lovely, the drawer pulls are charming, the rustic stripes in gold are such a wonderful twist, the repairs you did to basically put this whole dresser back together are outstanding, especially your decision to use the original dresser side and drawer bottoms! I really don’t have enough superlatives to describe this little dresser. Because of you, I have the urge to order a bunch of moulds and some casting resin and make a bunch of them so I have a bag of options! Oh, and I love that stencil on the corners. This is just magical, Taryn.🌸

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Deborah! You are always such an encouragement. This one had me on the ropes for a bit, but I’m glad we both made it to the other side unscathed 😂

[@sharonsands708]

Boy you said it well. Beautifully put and I totally agree.

[@deborahdavey1743]

Once again Taryn, you have turned an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. Stunning stunning work. Thank you.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Deborah!

[@conniefortner8750]

You are mega talented! Everyone out there who loves watching furniture makeovers should be watching you. Beautiful job.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Connie! That’s so nice of you to say🥰

[@MicheleLRid]

So many painted pieces become very specific in style or overwhelming. Yours almost always have a subtlety that works with various styles. This is lovely! You are so talented and really create a piece of art with the furniture. Also, watching you blend colors is soooo relaxing! I love watching these videos. 😍😂

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Michele 🥰 I’m so glad you find the blending relaxing to watch- it’s certainly relaxing for me to do.

[@FlipItFurniture]

Wow, you really saved this dresser! This was a serious transformation. I loved watching the whole process. It’s so beautiful, soft and a little whimsical now😍 I love it!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Amy! It was a fun one that’s for sure!

[@CopperCactusDIY]

Love that you carry a saw in your purse. Tape measure here! 😎 Your repairs were worth all the hassle, Taryn. This piece turned out so beautiful. I could watch you blend all day! Super spring vibes 😍

[@elegantupgrades]

Haha! My tape measure’s usually in my jacket pocket 😂 Thanks, Jenn!

[@CopperCactusDIY]

@@elegantupgrades 😆 yesss!

[@nancyclark3049]

So lovely, Taryn! One could never even imagine what this piece started out as! Bravo!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Nancy! These challenging ones are always so much more exciting to finish.

[@cherylcarnes4207]

It's absolutely adorable. I love it. It looks like a granny dresser, and I'm a granny. Great makeover. Thank you.

[@elegantupgrades]

Oh I love that! Granny Dresser!

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

I love the French Country feel this dresser has now. You had a huge challenge! I enjoyed seeing how you overcame each issue (so many)! The front does look like a beautiful water color picture!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@melw7450]

very pretty! I love the color blends and the decoupage paper

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Mel!

[@tinagranados2018]

Everything you did on this piece was truly incredible. He faced a lot didn’t give up and it was well worth it. From putting it back together, decoupage, molds everything it is truly a work of art. You did a fantastic job.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Tina. I really like the challenge of these ones. I do wish they didn’t take so long, though 😂

[@diywithtarnya]

You did such a brilliant job putting this piece back together and that finish! Wow! Love it so much. ❤️

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Tarnya! It was a project, that’s for sure 😅

[@TheMissFlips]

Sooooo beautiful!!! I love your blending skill. Great job!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Marissa!

[@anaduyos9440]

So so pretty!! The decoupage, the hardware, the stencils, the rustic stripes, the putting back that piece, everything a wonderful transformation!!! Thank you for sharing your talent!!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Ana! I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for always taking the time to leave such thoughtful comments.

[@topherjoe1]

Wow, absolutely stunning. Every inch is beautiful. Now. I go back into my kitchen and unclamp my formally split window trim and paint. Motivation! Yay!

[@kimlmiles1]

Taryn … you’re a unicorn waving a magic wand over these pieces. Truly every single time I’m so amazed at where you go with these pieces. That poor little thing was falling apart but you stuck it back together (which I learn something from you every time) and it turned out so beautiful. Once again you have outdone yourself.

[@elegantupgrades]

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me knowing that you are learning something from my videos, Kim. Thank you for taking the time to watch and thanks for calling me a UNICORN!!!

[@beehappystill5917]

Every piece you touch, turns into a work of art! You have so much talent.

[@elegantupgrades]

Wow, that’s incredible kind of you to say. Thank you 🥰

[@CreepDesignsbyTwitch]

wow you worked some magic on that dresser! absolutely stunning

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Twitch!

[@deefaye7336]

Your taent and vision is just incredible! You took that impossible piece and turned it into such an elegant piece. I am in awe!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! It helps that I really love doing repairs 😂

[@foos.998]

So dreamy. Man, you really brought this one back from the dead.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! I tried my best ☺️

[@gailbutler3310]

Oh my gosh, another sow's ear! Such a beautiful silk purse!!! You grow as an artist with each piece. It is a pleasure to watch you work. 😊

[@elegantupgrades]

Oh, Gail 🥰 Thank you so very much!

[@lisakendoll1953]

Taryn, what an absolutely gorgeous transformation of that little dresser! You never cease to amaze with some of the challenges you take on. Always enjoy your videos and learn from them too. Thank you!❤️

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Lisa! I’m so so happy to hear you are learning from them!

[@breimagined2199]

It might have been a process, but it was so worth it. You've turned it back into a piece that anyone would be proud to have in their homes. It's stunning.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! I’m glad we got to where we did in the end 😊

[@suzannestubbins]

OMG, What an amazing job of putting this dresser together before painting it! Impressive!!!! Wow!!!! Well done👏👏👏❤

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Suzanne! Repairs are one of my favorite parts!

[@vickiethompson.3172]

Your skill and talent is amazing. I really enjoy watching the process. Thank you so much for including us.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Vickie! And thanks so much for being here.

[@lindseyg9429]

I absolutely love the colors you used & the top is simply gorgeous 💖 I love how you keep all of her beautiful charm & made her the Queen of the Spring Fling 💖👑💖 She’s stunning, gorgeous & so elegant in all her glory 💖💞💝

[@elegantupgrades]

I’m so glad you like it, Lindsey! She made me put some work in, but I definitely think it was worth it.

[@pattiejones6618]

OMGoodness! This is just breath-taking!! Wonderful!!!!!!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Pattie!

[@creativegirl9710]

Love the subtle stenciling on the top. Probably my favorite part.

[@elegantupgrades]

So glad you liked it! That top just kept giving me trouble 😂

[@creativegirl9710]

@@elegantupgrades It's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

[@juanitadejager6138]

You are AMAZING !! You have this rare talent ...firstly of blending , but also when you're done with a piece I cant imagine any other look for it...thank you for sharing all the tips and tricks and for also sharing your amazing talents

[@elegantupgrades]

Juanita! You are so wonderful! Thank you for leaving such uplifting and encouraging words.

[@teresacunningham7975]

Great job! Love that you showed how to do all the repairs. Beautiful!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Teresa! I’m glad you liked having the repairs in the video. I think they are such an important part of the process.

[@esthercutts4318]

Once again a beautiful creation from you. Its SO totally new looking- totally refreshed and yes indeed, ELEGANT as Deborah Matall said! I really love your style. Very modern, subtle and suitable for any space in a home. DON"T stop doing this work my dear- you are truly very gifted. Many blessings. Love and Light from Downunder. xx

[@elegantupgrades]

Esther! Your comments have been so wonderful today. Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos and leave such encouraging comments.

[@livingcreatively1]

I love how you blend the paint. To me (not sure if you are going for this look) it looks like a blurred version of your transfer. You've inspired me for a nightstand I'm doing for my niece. Thank you 😊

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! And yes, I was blending the paper into it so I’m glad it looked cohesive in the end. So glad you pulled some inspiration!

[@Maggysdecor]

Wow you did a awesome job on this piece! Turned out so beautiful 🤩 I’m in love 😻

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! Yours was lovely as well!

[@susanlua1154]

You did a great job! I especially liked watching you do the repairs. Replacing the paneling would have been simpler, but you have kept the character of that sweet dresser!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Susan! I’m so glad you enjoyed the repairs!

[@donnafitzpatrick4379]

It is hard to believe this is the broken heap of wood you started with. It turned out so ethereally beautiful. Looks like a precious family heirloom.

[@elegantupgrades]

These are my favorite pieces to do! I feel like I’m actually doing some good for these old beauties.

[@jojones6191]

Recently discovered your channel. I appreciate not just the finish but the craftsmanship of the repairs.

[@elegantupgrades]

So glad you found my corner of the interwebs! And yes, I show them when I can. Repairs are one of my favorite parts of the process.

[@terrydawson4594]

Wow! What a transformation! Beautiful!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Terry!

[@carol-annskinner4828]

Ethereal! Serene! Beautiful. Thank you!

[@elegantupgrades]

You’re just the best, Carol-Ann!

[@carolinemoore2489]

Beautiful, that was a challenge, I love you’re blending, , so elegant and cheerful , you are so committed to these pieces of furniture

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Caroline! I do really enjoy the whole process- even when it’s fighting me 😂

[@elisayager634]

Wow! This was an amazing upgrade! What a beautiful job you did on this dresser. I have a dresser that needs new life and you have inspired me. Thank you!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Elisa! I’m so glad it gave you a little inspiration!

[@aliferefurbished]

Hats off to you!! So much work and repairs were made. And your piece turned out so beautiful!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Walessa!

[@pamalapeterson5352]

The color blending is so much fun to watch! Good bless you in your efforts!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! You too!

[@leeannoneal4847]

So very elegant! It’s so beautiful. Great work!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Lee Ann!

[@sharonsands708]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Sharon!

[@kayhenry6293]

Just gorgeous! I love the splash of whimsy.

[@elegantupgrades]

I do love me some whimsy! Thank you, Kay!

[@Lamarisoni]

Wow!!! This is elegant! Really great work! It gives me hope. I am going through some health issues and feel just like the “before”, and this video gives me hope to get as fresh as your lovely piece. I would call it “Hope”. Thank you for not giving up. I would not give up neither.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Virmae! This was such a lovely comment. I’m so sorry you are going through a hard time! I’m hoping you pull through stronger on the other side. I’ll send a prayer up for you!

[@furnitureflipbysarah]

Wow amazing flip! I love all the tones and colours!!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Sarah! I still need to watch yours and Holly’s today- can’t wait!

[@coppersundae]

You've got a big talent.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you!

[@hephzibah1966]

Taryn you are just an artist in a class by yourself. Beautiful 🤩

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Caroline. That’s very kind 🥰

[@akmb8211]

Beautiful! Excellent work.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much!

[@memma22309]

Beautiful! Such a process! You are a creative genius!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Mary!

[@mariedrotar3215]

Dreamy!! Such soft lovely colors.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Marie!

[@robincivis9501]

I really appreciated how you honored the age of the piece by repairing the side in lieu of replacing it. It turned out so lovely and has a new lease on life.👍

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Robin! I did try to keep it as original as possible.

[@michellepereira2328]

My goodness you really put a lot of work into that piece. Beautiful!

[@elegantupgrades]

It was a fun one that’s for sure!

[@conniefortner8750]

You are so artistic and talented! Your channel should be a hundred thousand subscribers by now. I love how you always make your pieces so unique.

[@elegantupgrades]

That’s so nice of you to say, Connie. Thank you 🥰

[@2222dw]

I, too,love my pull saw. Now,I want a folding one!

[@elegantupgrades]

YES!!! The folding one is so convenient- I’ve been known to keep it in my purse at times 😂

[@sherrymcsherry2984]

This is a stunning piece. Such talent.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Sherry ☺️

[@patriciavavra7375]

Love your technique, absolutely beautiful.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you very much, Patricia!

[@lesliejohnson7247]

Ethereal is definitely what you got! I love it. I also love your use of molds.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Leslie! I’m so glad you liked it.

[@lesliejohnson7247]

@@elegantupgrades I have questions! I want to make my son-in-law a multimedia piece using a poster of the ferry he works on. (It’s actually a poster celebrating that ferry’s 100 year run. It has Seattle in the background.) I started by looking for ferry boat molds, which took so many hours and only yielded one cartoonish ferry. 😳 I’m thinking that a 1/4” piece of plywood might be good. I have nearly every IOD mold, transfers, and stamps. I have JRV stencils decoupage paper. How would you start? I could probably put some birds on and some (muted) flowers on it. I could maybe use a branch stamp to put on cherry blossoms (it’s for his birthday in early April). But as soon as I saw the poster, all my ideas flew right out of my head.

[@elegantupgrades]

Oh wow! That sounds like so much fun! I think it depends on how big your final piece would end up being. If you want it the same size as the poster, then I would start by laying down the poster and framing around it with the moulds and then I would just hope that everything else would start coming together. If you are going larger I would lay the poster down and figure out if I wanted to paint in a sky with it (or maybe decoupage one over it etc.) I mostly just make myself start. Once I start its a little easier to figure out what I want to do next and then hope the project takes on a life of it’s own. I hope that makes sense. I just don’t have any hard and fast rules, I just go with it and hope for the best.

[@SisterhoodoftheTravelingBrush]

So smart on the moulds! Turned out great!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! Yes, it’s certainly nice having so many extra lying around.

[@ondinadixon1875]

Hi Taryn . BOY OH BOY ! You Certainly Worked your Magic on this One ! Just BRILLIANT ❤️❤️IT 👍The Blending and the Colours Are just Gorgeous 👏

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Ondina! It was a fun one that’s for sure!

[@gloriajohnson3626]

You always do such beautiful work. I love tuning in to see what you do. Please keep up the great work.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Gloria! Will do 🥰

[@karanseraph4726]

Using the blocks along with the clamps was a helpful example. I had a desk drawer with a warped, split bottom and I really struggled with it.

[@elegantupgrades]

Glad you got something useful from it! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Karan!

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

What a beauty! It’s such a transformation.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Rebecca!

[@kathleenhernandez3772]

It's absolutely stunning piece

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Kathleen!

[@kathleenwilson1416]

This is truly beautiful.I don’t tend to like farmhouse or cottage country cottage but this I feel could go anywhere I love this great job you are truly talented

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Kathleen!

[@doreennemec8651]

Beautiful🥰 This little dresser was worth saving!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Doreen!

[@laraynekayfes5329]

WOW! That's gorgeous!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, LaRayne!!!

[@ElleBug197]

You rocked the challenge! Awesome work!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! It was a fun one that’s for sure 😅

[@kellihull7600]

I have several brushes, paints, decoupage papers and THAT is the end of my “I should try this!” 😂 honestly that side falling apart after the first attempt would’ve been my last straw! You conquered this masterpiece! WOW!!!

[@elegantupgrades]

Haha! You crack me up, Kelli! Just give it a go! Sounds like you have everything you need…….

[@richardjones8236]

I'm surprised at how well the repairs came out. Especially the side panels. But the appliques were what made this flip a success. I can easily see this as a side piece or in a children's room. Nice work!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Richard! I’m please with it considering where it started 😂

[@lubblyjubblyfurniture]

Love the colours, details and piece, well done, so pretty

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Meg!

[@cassandrasuzannelalonde4758]

Hi kiddo, this is a keeper video. It is going to my furniture rehab file.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Cassie! I feel special 🥰

[@janetpaden8878]

Just beautiful!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Janet!

[@holly5791]

This turned out so pretty from where it began. I think most people would have trashed it because of all the repairs that were needed. That would be a great little nursery piece. Great job! 🙂👍

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Holly! Yeah, it was a little rough. These ones make me the happiest because it feels like I’ve accomplished a feat.

[@diytainment]

Very impressive makeover! What a beautiful piece!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you! So fun to do with challenge with you!

[@diytainment]

@@elegantupgrades 🙂 can’t wait for the next one!

[@jeanarock6233]

I havea piece salvaged from the trash similar to this, so thank you for your ideas!

[@elegantupgrades]

That’s awesome, Jeana! So glad you saved it!

[@marquitachurch398]

Just wow! Such a job, I love watercolor. You did a magnificent repair on this. I love everything about it and I'm more of a MCM lady, but not today my romance side came out. I love your personality also!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you to say ☺️ MCM is definitely a favorite for most right now. I always feel like the odd man out.

[@ellenkelley8416]

Amazing transformation. Thanks for sharing.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Ellen!

[@SusynStecchi]

The top that you fought with for so long was actually pristine on the bottom. I have seen a lot of your colleagues flip the tops over and use the original bottom side as the new, undamaged top sides. Just a tip you might want to try next time. You do such detailed, awesome work, which I admire your skills at.

[@elegantupgrades]

I have done that before, it’s a great tip! This one had the large screw holes on the underside and at that point I still wanted to keep the natural wood and I would have had to fill and then blend them in. But had I known where it would have ended up I could have just flipped it 😂

[@alentrevor]

and Mrs T SOOOOOOO well done great result

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@janebrowning4992]

Beautiful job, very talented and love the colours.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Jane!

[@ChicAntiquebyHolly]

Pretty! Gives me fairytail princess vibes.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Holly! 🧚🏻‍♂️

[@siriusgodstar]

gorgeous colors and exquisite decoration

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much!

[@donnawheeler7358]

That is adorable!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Donna!

[@candelasresanocrespo7032]

De nuevo sacaste un cisne bello de un patito feo. Felicitaciones.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you to say.

[@suer8545]

Wowwee girl that took some work!! You're like a little Tinkerbell spreading your fairy dust on everything you do. Well done Taryn 💚

[@elegantupgrades]

Haha! You just made me so happy, Sue! I’d love to be Tinkerbell!

[@vickichavez9956]

Absolutely beautiful

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Vicki!

[@debehmann8791]

Wow! I love it! Beautiful!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Deb! I’m so glad you liked it!

[@ashleyosborne6239]

W O W, Taryn! What a transformation! This poor little dresser was just a hot mess when you got her and probably headed for the landfill. But now she not only has a second chance at life, she’s beautiful and elegant.💜

[@elegantupgrades]

🥰 Thank you, Ashley!!! She was a bit of a mess 😂

[@sheliaware1183]

It is beautiful! Great job!

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Shelia!

[@cookinginthecabin]

You are a true artist! It turned out beautifully! So elegant 😊

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, friend!

[@blancavr1]

You are amazing! I've learned so much from you. Thank you

[@elegantupgrades]

I’m so happy to hear you’re learning from my videos! Thank you so much!

[@nancypisar8854]

Beautiful

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Nancy!

[@whynotredesign]

Beautiful, elegant redesign. Glad I found you via the challenge.

[@elegantupgrades]

That’s so nice! Thank you, glad you found me as well!

[@kimberlyakers5923]

such a pretty dresser.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much, Kimberly!

[@Lola-wb3vh]

You definitely worked your magic!! It’s beautiful!! Drue:)))

[@elegantupgrades]

Thanks, Drue!

[@angelsmith4467]

I think it turned out so beautiful 🤍💛🤍

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Angel!

[@ellenmcgrath8241]

You do amazing work. It is so lovely.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you so much! And I’ve seen a couple comments from you and I just wanted to say an extra thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it, Ellen.

[@rosemaryshores433]

It looks great.

[@elegantupgrades]

Thank you, Rosemary.