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Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power

Have you ever heard of a Broyhill Brasilia? You will now. True story: A few weeks ago, I was in a nearby city and was looking for a chair to pair with a vanity.  I had never been in this particular thrift store that had relocated to an old empty mall and had heard it was a great place to hit.

I had avoided stopping there in the past, knowing that my stash was full and it’s so hard to resist a deal, but I needed a chair, right?  You would be proud.  I did so good.  Walked right past an awesome desk, some French style tables, and even was ready to walk back out. Then I saw it.

Draw dropping to the floor with a squeal (I really did squeal out loud and the man nearby looked queerly at me).  Here was what I would not be leaving without, even if I had to drag it home.

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I signaled my kids to find a store associate pronto, but of course no one was to be found.   Sigh…isn’t that always the case?
As the know-a-find-when-you-see-it-mother, I told the older kids to stand by it while I tracked down an associate.  You see, my kids are trained.  Not only did they stay by it, but the circled it with their back facing it, as if guarding it with their life.  Good kids.
Finally found a lady and she told me she had stuck it out. $30.
Sold.
45 min. was the allowed time once you purchase a piece of furniture to pick it up and they would NOT help load.  Problem:  How does one get a dresser that size in their suburban with 6 kids on board and lives a half hour away?
Cram it in!!

STICKERS

Okay.  Let’s pause for a minute.  You might be wondering why in the world am I going nuts at an ugly brown beast covered in stickers??

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesThis, my friends, is a Broyhill Brasilia.  A highly coveted and collected Mid Century Modern line of American furniture designed by Oscar Niemeyer during the 1960’s.  In original condition, it’s valued in the thousand-dollar range.

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesThis purple beauty was my very first custom order for another Brasilia I had in my stash years ago.

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Chest of Drawers Loses Its Flower Power with Makeover by http://www.prodigalpieces.com
So… let’s just say, my gang and I made memories bringing this beauty home.
Obviously, the stickers were the first to go.

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces I cleaned it up and stuck in my onilne store as a custom listing.

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It needed love and it takes creativity to imagine away that wear and tear it had. I waited a week and then recreated the Brasilia how I thought best. I’m so patient. tee hee.

THE REVEAL

Ta da!  With a little sanding and some paint, I stuck it in my shop with a new look and it sold in a couple hours. *insert the song “Happy” here*

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesSee…it’s smiling at me, saying “Thank you!”

Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Loses Its Flower Power by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
Lesson: Don’t look too quickly when you’re out and about.  Look for labels and quality markings. You just might find a flower power beauty of your own.
Thrifted Broyhill Brasilia Chest of Drawers Loses Its Flower Power with Makeover by http://www.prodigalpieces.com

I hope you enjoyed this makeover and my little story to go with it. To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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More Mid Century fun like this Broyhill Brasilia:

Sweet save! This dilapidated sewing desk got new life as a gorgeous Mid Century Modern Desk Set by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Head to prodigalpieces.com to see #prodigalpieces #furniture #home #midcentury #modern #homedecor #vintage #retroSay whaaat? Larissa of Prodigal Pieces found a piece of handmade luggage on the curb and turned it into a Mid Century Modern Nightstand. Awesome! See the DIY details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #homedecor #shopping #furniture

Comments

  1. Acorn to Oak says

    Your vision is amazing! I would never have given it a second look in the condition it was in when you found it. But, it turned out fabulous! I can see why it sold so quickly! Well done! Wow!

  2. Reeves @ The Weathered Door says

    This is so gorgeous! I’ve had a few brasilia pieces in my possession. 2 were in great condition and I sold them after using them for a while, but I still have one that is not in great condition. I’ve always been against painting pieces in this line, but it’s been sitting for over a year and I think it’s time! Awesome job!

  3. Beth@Makemeprettyagain says

    What a score! I also have a 3 piece set. Still waiting to paint them. Love what you did to the white one! Very nice. I’m sorry to say I didn’t like that pinkish one you did. whatever paint you used just didn’t do the piece justice. sorry. But the way you did this one, perfecto!

  4. Marje says

    I have a BR set with the shaping similar that on the top front of this piece. But mine is not Brasilia.It’s mid-century motel.
    I’m trying to put grey where you have the wood, and white where you have white. Have you done a tutorial on painting these sections without smudging the paint where the light and dark meet? If you do, would you give link. I could sure use some help.

  5. upwithfurniture.com says

    I love what you have done. Brasilia is such a great line of furniture and I can see why people prize it. I like the pink one as well.

  6. Debbi says

    Larissa, I so enjoy how you bring life to castaway furniture! Just a treat to follow your blog. I do a few pieces now and then myself, but your vision for these treasures is amazing :0

  7. Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures says

    She’s a beauty, and it’s no surprise she sold right away after her refreshing coat of paint. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.

  8. susan says

    It looks beautiful the way you painted it Larissa! Love the white!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Susan! Those pieces just call my name, I tell ya. 😉

  9. Fran says

    Your always do the most stunning transformations!….No wonder I always open your posts 1st?????

  10. Audra @ Renewed Projects says

    Such a beautiful design on the top drawer, unique and eyecatching. I like how you highlighted the design with paint and kept some of the natural wood for a peek-a-boo effect. I see why it sold so fast!

    • Larissa says

      You are so sweet, Audra. Thank you! I may not have MCM in my home, but I truly love the lines of the era. I may need to remedy that. 😉

  11. Donna Turner says

    Beautiful! I love redoing MCM furniture! Love what you do, my friend!

  12. Cathy says

    WOW! Your transformations never disappoint me. Brilliant re-do!!

    • Larissa says

      Wahoo!! Thank you, Cathy. Painting it was the only way to give it value back.

  13. Grace says

    Was it too far gone to restore to its original look? I can’t imagine painting a Brasilia but it did come out lovely in the end. I want to kick whoever let a kid put stickers on it! Haha

    • Larissa says

      Yes, as I mentioned in the write-up, the stickers and much of the veneer was damaged. I kept telling it how sorry I felt for it. Poor thing…haha.

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