Q: I just scored this sweet nightstand on Craigslist. I love the shape. I don't love the shabby chic look though. It looks like it may have been painted white once...? It is some combination of wood, plastic and maybe tin so it isn't fancy but I see a lot of potential. I'm still figuring out my bedroom decor but I generally like organic colors and shapes. Any ideas for sprucing this up on the cheap?
Sent by Anne
Editor: Leave your suggestions for Anne in the comments - thanks!
• Got a question? Email yours with pic attachments here (those with pics get answered first)
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I kinda like the funky patina. How about just painting the drawer front insets, the side panels, and the top inset?
Painted white, with a chocolate brown wash over to bring out detail. Or you could go totally postmodern and paint it orange.
Pick two colors out of your favorite bedspread, and paint it those. Could mean painting it turquoise and doing a purple wash over it, or beige with an orange wash, but find a way to make it work. That really is an interesting piece!
The shape is called "bombe" and comes from the French Regence period. The shape is influenced by Asian design and these chests are often notable for very detailed hand-painted designs.
I'd suggest starting with looking at pictures of "authentic" bombe chests for inspiration.
If this were mine, I'd decoupage the sides and drawer insets with with chinoiserrie fabric (hello modge podge!!) and spray paint the top and drawer fronts with a high-gloss lacquer-like finish. You could also replace the pulls with some simple knobs and add brass corner embellishments.
Try Googleing 'french regence bombe' and select the Images option in your browser. You will get lots of hits to peruse. I tried it and created a Pinterest board (with your project in mind) which you can access here: http://pinterest.com/mandala123/french-regence-bombe-for-anne/
You have a great piece - have fun and send AT an update once you have the 'after' shot.
I actually really like it. I do realize that it may look slightly different than in real life, but I would leave it as is.
If you absolutely insist on a makeover, I like urbancricket's suggestion of a chinoserie decoupage.
I wouldn't do a thing. Okay, maybe I would add a glaze to protect the finish. It's quiet but elegant, and the grey/silver will go with many different styles. Sit with it for awhile—you might find that you like it as is.
I like it the way it is.
I say gilt that sucker. It'd be time consuming but imagine the end result!