Monday, March 29, 2010

Monday Jackpot: Craigslist Booty, Before and After, and a New DIY.


I spent the first few days of this year reading blogs that were new to me. First, I stumbled upon Brooklyn Limestone and read every post in her blog detailing the amazing transformation of her house from haunted to hubba-hubba.

If that didn't make me feel like a founding member of Underachievers Anonymous, I started reading Little Green Notebook. This young designer mom with two toddlers and a newborn kicks DIY ass and takes designer names on a weekly basis. Talk about feeling the need to step up your game.

My first project of the year was a small DIY of recovering the kitchen chairs with faux croc from JoAnn fabrics. Then I moved onto the project of making roman shades from mini-blinds as found on Little Green Notebook combined with a real roman shades project from Martha Stewart. I never realized how simple (if time-consuming) it is to make roman shades.

But when I saw the photo above on isuwanee and the project below from High Street Market, I fell in love and knew I had to get me some faux bamboo.


Here's how she found it:


Then when I saw this black version on 1st Dibs for $4500, I began my frenetic search.

So, I scoured Craigslist until I found this in Boston - a full set of Henry Link Bali Hai circa 1972 or so:


After weeks of waiting for its delivery, it is now mine. I really only needed the dresser or chest for our bedroom but I can use the rest around the house or at the beach. I also found a shipping company that will ship items up and down the eastern seaboard for reasonable prices. Email me if you'd like the info because I just noticed a dresser and chest on Craigslist in High Point, NC (apologies to MFAMB for getting dangerously close to her territory).

So, now I just need to get a power sander and get to town on this project. Either the dresser or chest is going to go in the Imperial Trellis project bedroom. What do you think: Dresser or chest? Black or white?

48 comments:

preppyplayer said...

Black! It looks so rich.

Scot Meacham Wood said...

Ooooo . . . black!

erin@designcrisis said...

Black, but not sure if you need the dresser or chest -- depends on your space. I'm voting for nightstands :)

Also, do you have to powersand? That sounds hard. Why not just spraypaint and do the wipe on poly treatment (which I totally stole from LGN, who IS a crazy overachiever).

Raina Cox said...

What a find!

hello gorgeous said...

So far, it's sounding like black!

E: I have space for the dresser but I like the shape of the chest. Although I got a mirror from eBay for the dresser...

Also, I prefer nightstands as well (no offense to Skirted Roundtables everywhere :-) but there's a radiator that takes up so much room on the other side of the bed that I can only fit a small tripod table. It's also why the lamps don't match.

Oh, I will definitely go look at that LGN recommendation.

Holly said...

I am on my way to High Point... that set is fabulous. One black, one... hot pink? And MFAMB has a terrific hardware source too... she put some hot stuff on that bar cart she brought back to life.

A Perfect Gray said...

great finds. please let us know how you treat the top. I have lusted over pieces like this but didn't know what to do with the formica-type top. will it sand down?

sketch42 said...

Hahaha!! You think you are an underachiever!! Thats laughable! Your DIY was the best ever. EVER.

Black. Dresser. Send the rest to me.

David said...

I love me some faux-boo, what a score. And how great that you got multiple pieces you can sprinkle around the houses.

I'm going against the grain and saying white. Or your wall color.

We'll need photos before/during/after the transformation please.

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

how fun! I looove LGN! She's always on it! And with 3 girls! I definitely think BLACK!

Nikki said...

I think nightstands too! But in white. Black seems like it would be too heavy in your space, but what do I know ;)

Marija said...

What a find! Does it have to black or white? Can you do a warm dark grey? I'm thinking that could look amazing against your (sick - as in bad - as in killer) trellis project! Marija

ps- hinsdale :)

MFAMB said...

i think black too...although you have so many pieces you could do white in a bathroom or in the hall...entry..wherevs! bamboo and rattan are easy finds on craigslist.


hearts HG

The Bee Charmer said...

Black. Definitely black.

autumn said...

so, so jealous.
i know you will make them look even more gorgeous than they look now!

Lila said...

I want to say White! I have all dark bedroom furniture so maybe it's the saying, "You want what you can't have..."
Lila Ferraro
Queen Bedroom Sets

Sassy Cyster said...

BLACK!!!!!! and I too, fell into the lovely world of reading DIY bloggers, and started with Brooklyn Limestone. My mind is spinning but it's so refreshing to see others who are thinking, creating, and decorating. Good Luck!!!

deliciously organized said...

Wow, I saw this on craigslist too. So you are the one who scored it! Amazing deal...can't wait to see what you do with it.

vicki archer said...

Fantastic find....I'm liking the black idea. xv

Tammy@InStitches said...

What a score ! I think it would look great in black.

hello gorgeous said...

Holly: I have that resource saved in my favorites. ;-)

A Perfect Gray: I don't think it really is linoleum but that may be why High Street suggested power-sanding.

Jill said...

I linked to you today.

Shoot the Nuts off the Pope!!

Anonymous said...

Thank so much for stopping by my blog! Why haven't we chatted before? :) And oh my god, what an amazing find. These are such great looking pieces I think they'd look good in any color. I can't wait to see the after pics.

Dumbwit Tellher said...

You scored huge. I was lucky enough to find a buffet on ebay and have it shipped. Boy do I love it.Your booty was big!

I was going to say chest & white, but if tartanscot said black, I'm think he's the man! xx

Unknown said...

OMG! Score! Chest! Black! Hope you are working on this right now...dying to see!

Splendid Willow said...

Ahhhwww! If you feel like an underachiever what does that make me look & feel like....!

Fantastic find! You rock!

My vote: Black (or dark royal blue!). And the chest.

Now, I am off to check out my local Craigs List.

Cyber hug, Mon

Mrs. Limestone said...

Oh i'm loving that dark one...maybe a very rich charcoal color? Im sure it will be gorgeous either way.

Anonymous said...

If the finish is smooth, don't sand it! Just prime it with a good purdy brush and primer. Then paint it, black, of course. You could go back and touch up the bamboo ridges w/ gold or silver, I've seen that done and it looks pretty sweet. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I have a faux bamboo nightstand and dresser very similar to those. I'm in the process of refinishing mine now. Today I sanded down the top and stained it walnut and I'm painting the whole rest of the dresser white. I'm doing that with both pieces. Hopefully it will be finished by the weekend.

I say the nightstand in white, but I love white furniture.

Unknown said...

I got me a houseful of vintage bamboo pieces.....on one side of the bed, a black three drawer chest as a nightstand and a black writing desk on the other side...both black bamboo! also found the most fab YELLOW faux bamboo armoire, with the door panels knocked out and replaced with chickenwire! Unbeleivable--not lemon yellow but a kind of antiquey yellow. Will redo it someday but its the best! I love me my faux bamboo!!

Unknown said...

After seeing the blog I decided to re-do the collection of vintage bamboo Henry Link Bali Hai that was in a vactaion home we just bought. I am repainting it now in white. Two coats on and one to go...it is looking fabulous. I used the Diamond Hard paint. I have a second set that I have no place for and I need to sale if anyone would be interested post a comment and I can email you some information.

Sharyn said...

I'd love to know the reasonable shipper you used for these pieces. Can you share?

sharynmraz@gmail.com

Robin said...

Just found your blog and have added it to my daily visit list. As I scrolled down I couldn't believe the faux bamboo and how great it looks painted. Then I couldn't believe you purchased the exact set I still have from my childhood room, the Henry Link yellow set. Please please please post pictures of what you've done with yours so I can get inspired!

Lewis Trimble said...

Just up front I'm the owner of the black polished lacquer faux bamboo chest of drawers, it's in my shop right now! :) so the first tip I have for you is there's stuff called liquid sander... two coats of this and then there's an oil based paint called fine paints of europe brilliant. Use 2-3 thin coats as it runs easily with some light sanding in between... great stuff, not lacquer but for a diy'er it's almost better...
thanks for posting my chest!
Lewis Trimble

Julie said...

I am so hooked...I just bought a 8 piece set in Ohio. It is a "green" color rather than yellow to me. I am so torn...part of me likes it how it is, but the other half of me wants to paint it white...I love white furniture for a girls' room. I would love more suggestions on refinishing...it would be a pain to sand. Does the liquid sander really work? I do have access to a professional spray painter...

Stephanie said...

I have 2 pieces from the Henry Link Faux Bamboo - Bali Hai Collection, a low 6-drawer dresser- two rows of three drawers (50" wide, 19.5" deep and 32" high) with a mirror and a high 6 drawer dresser (34" wide and 46" high) that I unfortunately I need to sell to make room for mom moving in...Houston area greghooger@earthlink.net Pictures available

Lori from So Cal said...

Donna- do you still have your set available? or part of it? please contact me at knapplj@verizon.net! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I'm completely torn now. I don't know what to do. I have a full set I was about to sell but all of your ideas are fantastic- I really like the dark grey. I have a twin headboard, desk & Chair, hutch, mirror and 2 dressers....If anyone is interested in the headboard let me know I don't have a use for that. It's all wood not caning.
critter440@gmail.com in Ohio

Monica Horn said...

Love this set! Love the pic of it in black. I have the armoire with glass front doors in my bathrm. I want to try to make my plain-old sink vanity base match (sort of) by painting and glazing each the same mahoghany color. So before I start, I'm looking for faux bamboo trim in the same width that is found on this Bali Hai collection. Anyone know where I could find this? Not having much success online-- so far only found trim in 2" width.
hornsix1@gmail.com
TIA

Dayka Robinson said...

I'd love the info for the shipping company--would you mind sending me an email : daykarobinson@gmail.com

thank you! (and i found the long 6 drawer dresser on CL last year--it's still in my garage, but it's mine!) :)

nonna said...

Would you please share the reasonable shipper info with me - antoniamorrow@aol.com

nonna said...

Would appreciate the info on the reasonable shipper. antoniamorrow@aol.com

Anonymous said...

How did this turn out and how hard was it to prep. I just found a lingerie chest on cl and when I googled it your site came up!

Anonymous said...

I have the 9 drawer Henry Link Bali Hai dresser for sale in Seattle. In great condition. E-mail me to request pictures. Denise - caldenliz@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

Attention Everyone!! I have the same beautiful Henry Link set. My husband repainted it to an off white and it's absolutely stunning. We have the desk, desk hutch (has a light), desk chair, dresser and night stand. Email me for pictures. We live in Cary, NC. Taking serious offers. lpkerrigan1@yahoo.com (put Henry Link in subject line) Thanks!

Ann said...

Love this! I just scored a Henry Link Asian inspired armoire, but I can't find any info on it. It's so cool though.

Anonymous said...

I am looking for a drawer pull to replace on my dresser like the ones you replaced on this piece (the original hardware) If you still have them please email me at jesleigh.thompson@gmail.com and I will purchase it from you. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Hello. I have a henry link bali hai faux bamboo vanity with mirror, goes with the collection. Its for sale if your interested. Sixstarsemmy@msn.com
Thanks.

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