Welcome, dear readers, to the unveiling of what can only be described as the dresser of my beach house dreams. For those who follow along on Instagram, you might have caught a sneak peek, but today, we’re diving deep into the heartwarming, sometimes nail-biting, full story of how this exquisite piece found its forever home by the sea. Think of it as a modern-day romance, a tale of persistence, patience, and the undeniable allure of a truly unique piece of furniture destined for a special spot in our coastal retreat.
The Unbelievable Discovery: Unearthing a Coastal Treasure on Craigslist
My journey to finding this captivating inlay dresser began, of all places, on Craigslist. Yes, you read that right – Craigslist! The sheer thrill of this discovery still sends shivers down my spine, a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. It was one of those moments that makes you want to shout from the rooftops, dance around the room, and perhaps even shed a tear or two. Call it a whimsical moment, but I genuinely believe certain pieces of furniture have a destiny, and this dresser’s fate was clearly intertwined with our beach house.
This remarkable find wasn’t just any dresser; it was a veritable steal, the kind of budget-friendly score that DIY and home decor enthusiasts dream of. I managed to acquire it for a mere $400, a fraction of its true value. For context, the exact same dresser currently retails at Restoration Hardware for a staggering $1,829. The previous owner had initially listed it for $650, having purchased it herself from HomeGoods for $1,200. She even provided a photo of the original price sticker still affixed to the back, cementing the authenticity of its high-end origins.
While my admiration for the dresser was immediate and profound, its initial asking price of $650 was simply beyond the budget I had allocated for any piece of furniture for the beach house. Yet, its unique character and elegant blue-gray inlay seemed perfectly suited for the coastal aesthetic we were cultivating. It felt like it belonged, a missing puzzle piece for our evolving seaside sanctuary, even if my wallet didn’t quite agree at first.
The Art of Patience and Persistent Pursuit
Faced with the budget dilemma, I decided to take a chance. I crafted a polite email to the seller, expressing my absolute adoration for her inlay dresser but explaining that it was just outside my current price range. I wished her luck with the sale, adding that if, by any chance, it didn’t sell and she considered lowering the price, I would be absolutely thrilled to purchase it. Her response was gracious but firm: “Not willing to lower the price yet, but I’ll keep you posted.” A small part of me despaired, fearing I’d never experience the warmth of this beautiful dresser’s presence in our beach house.
However, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that I’m incredibly persistent when a certain idea takes root in my mind. My husband, John, sometimes calls this “being in denial,” but I prefer to think of it as “patience” – or perhaps, a touch of “stubbornness.” I simply couldn’t bring myself to buy another dresser for that specific nook in the bedroom. I held out, convinced that the perfect beach house dresser was out there, and I had already found it. I refused to settle for anything less.
Then, after more than a month of hopeful waiting, a true miracle unfolded. An email arrived in my inbox. It was the dresser’s owner, and her message was simple yet monumental: “Ok, no nibbles on the dresser for $650 so I’ll do $400.” My heart soared! This was it – the universe conspiring to bring my dream dresser home. While $400 was likely the most I had ever spent on a secondhand item, I rationalized it easily. A new dresser from a big-box store like Target or Ikea for that nook would cost around $250-$300, and this was an extra-special, solid inlay piece that usually commands nearly two thousand dollars. John, surprisingly, was entirely on board with the logic, recognizing the incredible value of this high-quality, unique piece.
Bringing the Dream Home: Tackling Inlay Repair with DIY Ingenuity
And so, this magnificent piece made its journey to our beach house. While I was tempted to keep it at our main residence, its coastal charm truly belonged by the sea. Yet, our love story with this dresser wasn’t without its challenges. The seller had mentioned a few of the inlay pieces needed repair, and upon closer inspection, it was evident. Though barely noticeable in the Instagram photos I shared, some corners were quite rough, with cracked and shattered inlay. It was a clear opportunity for a little DIY magic.
Anyone who has browsed the “as-is” section at stores like HomeGoods has likely encountered inlay pieces with chips, cracks, or missing elements. It’s a common issue that often deters potential buyers. But don’t let it! A little research revealed that many inlay items use plaster or a similar compound between the decorative tiles. This insight led to a quick mental leap: joint compound, commonly known as spackle, could be an ideal and easy DIY solution for filling those imperfections.
Step-by-Step Inlay Restoration: Spackle and Paint
My theory was simple: spackle is sandable, allowing for a smooth finish, and it can be painted to match the existing design. It was a budget-friendly and accessible approach to furniture restoration. Here’s how I tackled the repair:
- Filling the Gaps: I carefully applied spackle to all the cracked and missing inlay sections. The goal was to build up the areas to the original level of the surrounding inlay.
- Sanding for Smoothness: Once the spackle was completely dry, I gently sanded the patched areas until they were smooth and flush with the adjacent inlay. This step is crucial for an undetectable repair.
- Color Matching: Next came the challenge of matching the paint. I used existing paint colors we had on hand. A crucial tip for color matching: paint always dries a shade or two darker than it appears when wet, so always aim for a slightly lighter shade when mixing.
The blue-gray tones were surprisingly easy to replicate. A mix of the dark blue we used for our tub and our soft sand wall color yielded almost a perfect match. However, the missing inlay piece in the front right corner, which had a subtle yellow hue, proved more challenging. Lacking a suitable yellow paint, that particular “tile” initially looked a bit whiter and rougher, as you can see in the photo below.
While not absolutely perfect at this stage, the method clearly worked. Knowing this, my plan is to bring yellow paint on our next trip to Cape Charles to create an even closer match for that area. I also tackled a missing inlay circle on the side of the dresser, which will also receive a touch-up. I’ve since realized that spackle tends to shrink slightly as it dries, so a second “plaster coat” followed by another round of sanding and a final paint touch-up will ensure an even smoother, more seamless finish. Even with these minor pending adjustments, the transformation is remarkable. The busy pattern of the inlay design is incredibly forgiving, making the patched areas virtually unnoticeable unless you’re specifically looking for them.
Creating a Coastal Oasis: Styling the Beach House Bedroom
With the dresser beautifully restored, it effortlessly became the focal point of its designated nook in the beach house bedroom. To complete the serene coastal vibe, we hung a familiar mirror – a piece you might remember from our second house’s guest room – directly above it. Complementing the scene are a stylish sconce and soft, flowing curtains. These are Lenda curtain panels from Ikea, simply modified by cutting off the tabs and hanging them with ring clips. With these thoughtful additions, this front bedroom is nearing completion. We even have coat hangers in the closet! (Though perhaps don’t scrutinize the art in those frames just yet; they’re still housing the stock photos!)
I adore the airy atmosphere of this room. It strikes a perfect balance, offering visual interest through the high-contrast bed frame and the dark curtain rods, while maintaining a soft and soothing quality thanks to the abundance of textiles. The linen-like curtains, plush bedding, and inviting rug all contribute to a comfortable, lived-in feel. Small but impactful details, such as the spool legs of the side tables, the intricate geometric pattern on the lamp base, and the commanding large framed art piece, add just enough character to prevent the space from feeling flat. The bench at the foot of the bed and the cozy blue blanket further enhance the inviting ambiance, creating a truly relaxing coastal retreat.
art / headboard / rug / blue blanket / side table / lamp
Ultimately, credit must be given to the inherent stars of this historic beach house. The gorgeous heart pine floors, which we lovingly sanded and clear-sealed, and the original doors, stripped back to their authentic, rich wood color, provide a beautiful foundation. Their warm, natural tones create a stunning balance with the cooler, beach-inspired colors we’ve introduced into the room, grounding the entire aesthetic and honoring the home’s unique heritage.
Just look at that solid wood knob and the delicate keyhole beneath it. It’s details like these that truly tell a story, invoking a sense of timeless charm. And yes, seeing such preserved beauty can indeed bring a tear to my eye!
Beyond the Dresser: Your Beach House Resource
This entire experience – from the thrilling Craigslist score to the satisfying DIY repair and the final styling – has reinforced my belief that with a little patience, persistence, and a willingness to get creative, you can achieve a truly personalized and luxurious look without breaking the bank. Our beach house bedroom now stands as a testament to embracing unique finds and making them truly shine.
P.S. Curious about the paint colors we used throughout the beach house or where other specific items were sourced? We’ve compiled a comprehensive source list right here for your convenience. And if you’re eager to see more photos and read additional posts about our ongoing beach house renovation journey, we’ve shared dozens of updates and insights here over the past year.
*This post contains affiliate links*