A timeless, circa 1960, “Malacca Modern” dresser and nightstand set produced by Hickory Manufacturing Co in Hickory, NC.

This is a statement piece. And by now, it’s relatively one of a kind… seriously, search the internet for a full set!

When I acquired this midcentury modern and atomic piece, as much as I appreciate restoring furniture to its original essence, I was inspired to leave its blonde finish back in the 60s. Here’s how the dresser looked when I received it:

As I approached the restoration, I wanted to prioritize the rattan openings on the cabinet doors. To do so, after stripping the original finish, then sanding and repairing the damage to the veneer, I used a fruitwood toner from Mohawk on the door fronts and the bottom rails, which blended colors nicely with the medium walnut toner across the rest of the 100% mahogany piece. Then, for protection, I topcoated the entire surface with greater than ten layers of sprayed lacquer, then I rubbed it out for a glossy sheen with 0000 steel wool.

A Note on Hickory Manufacturing Co (now Hickory White): as one of the first furniture manufacturers in Catawba County, they furnished substantial portions of the Biltmore Estate. To this day, they remain a high-end, custom bedroom and livinag room furniture manufacturer. When I called them, searching for more details about the Malacca Modern collection, no one on staff could locate information on this collection. It’s that old!

You can check to see if it’s been sold by viewing it’s listing on my Instagram.