Today I am proud to introduce a driftwood-esque hand painted dresser named Nerissa.

On the surface, this little gem wasn’t in bad condition. Inside though she needed some work. The drawers didn’t open and close very well and her wooden castors no longer rolled (it was more like they hobbled along). So I had a local professional woodworker repair and replace the drawer bases, runners, slides and castors. It’s important for my pieces to be fully restored and functional.

My initial design plan was to paint her in a neutral color. I hit a stumbling block when none of the knobs I had felt right. Thankfully, my husband and I were getting ready to head out for a weekend alone. As soon as I found the vibrant blue glass knobs everything just fell into place. Date weekends are important!

After the repairs, she was hand painted in two different custom mixed colors in a style reminiscent of driftwood. I then gently distressed the piece all over and sealed it in multiple coats of satin poly. To finish off my little “catch from the sea” I lined the drawers with lovely blue and gray circle paper to compliment the knobs. Sometimes opposites attract, but this time I wanted consistency.

Nerissa means “of the sea” in latin. With her driftwood-esque color and the beautiful blue bubbled glass knobs Nerissa makes me think of the sea. A calm, relaxing and peaceful sea.

Since grade school, I’ve been blessed to visit the ocean fairly often. I have fond memories of watching dolphins swim by in the early morning, sand filled bathing suits during the day, and throwing glow sticks into the ocean at night while little white sand crabs scurried over my toes. I don’t know if there is anything more soothing than a trip to the ocean.

I think Nerissa is meant for a beach house or a home with coastal style. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she’s no slouch either. She exudes a soothing confidence. I can also see her in a home with varying shades of blues and neutrals. Or maybe you have more vision that I do…where can you see Nerissa?

Nerissa is now available for sale in my Etsy shop.

Meg