Should I paint the appliques?

its up to you, but its ok to remove them if you are looking for a simple look

It may be very simple to remove them with just a little sanding. Honestly, I would go ahead and keep them and distress the whole piece. Than make the decision on whether or not to remove them.

here is info on how to remove them

http://winnerscircleofnorfolk.com/wp-content/uploads/kbcmo/removing-wood-appliques-for-furniture-2896ca

Depends on what you want. Some folks would never think of painting oak furniture while others want a fresh and clean look. Also depends on what the other furniture in your home looks like to a certain extent but you don't want something to is too matchy matchy.

If you don't like the applliques, remove them. They are likely glued on and can be carefully pried off. Then sand and paint as usual.

If you don't really like them, then yes remove them before painting. Goo-gone might help loosen the appliques to get them started then scrape carefully with a small putty knife.

Why not take some photos of the whole thing and show us - make it a Hometalk project!

I'd remove them. Make sure to get the residue also.

Hi! Most wood appliques/moldings are fairly easy to remove. Gently pry them off so you don't damage the underlying wood. Glue residue usually comes off with some scraping and sanding. Good luck!

I would remove them if you don't love them. They'll probably always bother you. Peanut butter is a great goo remover and it's natural, if there's a sticky residue leftover.

Decide with your gut instinct - if you really don't like them, then remove them first.

its up to you if you hate it just take it off

Do you have a picture. We can help you decide more easily if we know what it looks like

Another vote for removing them. If you’re going to work so hard to make it over you don’t want crappy applicays messing with your finish.

Absolutely remove them.

Another vote for removing them. If you leave them there and have never liked their shape or texture, then take them off. Goo Gone is a great remover.

Since you mentioned distressing the piece, take a look here at some furniture transfers that just might enhance your project:

https://ironorchiddesigns.com/diy/furniture-transfers/

I'd definitely go with removing them...

I’d try to remove them personally. Go slow and be careful so you don’t damage the dresser itself.

I would distress them first or paint a complimentary accent color. If you don't like it after that, then remove.

Thank you everyone

You can do either. If they're too hard to remove you can always paint over them and distress them. They'll add texture and dimention to your piece

Hi Sheila

If you don't like them, remove them, If you don't mind them, but don't want them to be so obvious, - rub them down and paint them to match rest of unit!

Hi Sheila, heat them up with a blow dryer and scrape them off, they will come off easily.