New England Beachcomber Welsh Dresser

This lovely Welsh dresser has quite the journey behind it. Originally made in South Africa during the 1960s, it came to the UK in the 1980s when the family moved to a new life in Yorkshire. We found it years later in the wilds of Yorkshire, still full of charm but in need of a refresh.

Stripped, sanded, and seaside inspired

We began by stripping back the wood, giving it a deep clean and a thorough sanding to bring out its natural beauty. Then came the creative bit.

Using a custom blend of Frenchic paints, we gave the main body of the dresser a fresh whitewashed sage green finish. It’s soft, subtle, and completely transformed the look of the piece.

Beachcomber style with a New England feel

To build on the beachcomber theme, we highlighted the rest of the wood with white wax, giving it that lovely sun-bleached, washed-out effect you’d find in a New England coastal cottage.

We swapped out the old hardware for rustic rope handles, which perfectly suit the seaside vibe and pull the whole look together. The carved scalloped details across the drawers and cupboard edges soften the structure and add even more charm.

The Result

This piece is the perfect blend of old and new. Its history is still present, but it now brings a calm, coastal feel to any room. Whether used in a kitchen, hallway, or dining space, it’s a real statement piece that’s also beautifully practical.