| Journal | Olive Green Mid-Century Modern Dresser
Bayberry & Ash— A Mid-Century Modern Makeover
I’ve never tackled a mid-century modern piece before, but I’ve ached to. The lines, the legs, the simplicity—it’s a style I’ve been curious about for years. So when my sister-in-law kindly offered this one my way, I was all in. I didn’t know exactly where I’d take it, but I knew I wanted bold contrast, something moody yet grounded. A piece that felt true to its roots, but with a little twist of me.
Olive Green Mid-Century Modern Dresser
This mid-century modern dresser came my way a while back, and it’s been sitting in my queue ever since. I meant to get to it, but life’s been full. We’re packing up 26 years and getting ready to move back to our roots—part of a bigger family farm transition—and somewhere in the middle of it all, this piece pulled me in. Clean lines, great legs, and just enough wear to make it interesting. I’d been craving something with contrast—grounded, rich, and a little moody. The kind of piece that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.
A mid-century modern dresser like this has been on my wish list for a long time, and when it came my way—passed along by family connected to the place we’re heading back to—it felt like the right time. With clean lines, peg legs, and a no-fuss silhouette, it was the perfect project to take on while packing up our home and shifting into a new season. Finished in a perfectly timeless green, paired with a muted black, it has a grounded, moody look. The original hardware wasn’t doing it any favours, so I swapped it for something with more presence. A touch of floral inside the drawers adds a quiet detail you’ll notice when it matters. Whether styled in an entryway, a cozy bedroom, or anywhere that calls for calm and character—it’s ready to start its second verse.
All products mentioned in this post—and every post I share—are ones I regularly reach for. They’ve earned a spot in my toolbox because they’re reliable and deliver results. Simply what I use, trust, and recommend, shared honestly with you. No affiliate links, no commissions—just straight talk from my whole heart.
Fusion Mineral Paint / ReDesign with Prima
Featuring
These are the products that brought this transformation to life—ones I trust, recommend, and share honestly with you. Select any to explore other projects for inspiration and see where to buy.
Take a Closer Look
My Step-by-Step Transformation
These are the steps that brought this transformation to life—shared to guide and inspire your own project. Learn better by talking it through? Let’s connect for a consultation to bring your vision to life.
- Removed hardware — With anticipation that I would most likely maintain, given it was all intact
- Lightly sanded down top, body and drawers — In preparation for paint application; 80 grit hand sander
- Thoroughly vacuumed and washed — Necessary preparation for any and all furniture restorations
- Applied 2 coats (24 hours between) of Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour Bayberry to the top, body, and bottom 3 drawers — A deep muted olive green, Bayberry is perfectly vintage, it’s stunning on its own or as part of a natural palette; brush application
- Applied 2 coats (24 hours between) of Fusion Mineral Paint in the colour Ash to the top 2 drawers, divisions, legs, and underbelly — Offering versatility and dimension, Ash speaks both softly and boldly, a dynamic tone that never falls flat; brush application
- Let paint dry for 48 hrs and then wet sanded top, body, drawers, and legs — For a smooth buttery finish; 220 grit hand sander
- Was playing around with visual, and decided that the original hardware just wasn't "doing it" for me, thus took steps to prepare for replacement — measuring, selecting, filling, measuring, drilling
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Mineral Paint SFO (Stain and Finishing Oil) in the colour Natural to the top, body, drawers, and legs — a wood conditioner, stain and top coat all in one; lint-free rag buff application
- Decoupaged drawer-sides with Re-Design with Prima’s Dark Floral decoupage tissue paper — A lovely pattern that I felt paired so nicely with this transformation
- Applied Fusion Mineral Paint Hemp Oil to the drawer interiors — For a little quench and refreshment; lint free rag application
- Installed Chartres cup pulls and knobs hardware that I had on hand — a design I adore and was aching to use once again in another furniture flip
One-Hour / One-on-One / $80
Looking to achieve a similar look? Getting started with furniture transformations can feel overwhelming, but with hands-on experience since 2017, I’ve learned so much along the way. I’d love to share what I know and help guide you through the process.
Let’s work together! Whether it’s over the phone, via a screen-share session, or even over a coffee (or wine!), we’ll make a plan to bring your vision to life.
With all my heart and hands
This mid-century modern dresser had good bones and a quiet kind of presence, even before I touched it. But the real shift came in the details—moody tones, sturdier hardware, and a little floral tucked inside where you least expect it. That’s where the personality settled in.
I don’t follow a plan start to finish. I try things. I step back. I walk away and come back with fresh eyes. It’s never about rushing—just about knowing when the piece says, “Okay, now I’m good.” This one got there in its own time, and it was worth the wait.
Solid furniture like this doesn’t need to be flashy—it just needs someone to see what it could be. The clean lines and simple structure gave me a strong starting point, but it’s the layers and contrast that brought it into focus.
It didn’t need to be loud to stand out. Now it has a warmth and depth that feels right at home in a space with character—where calm, function, and quiet style come together. A second verse that’s not trying too hard—just showing up exactly as it is.
Faye Caroline
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