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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Stately Drexel Desk: Before and After

I found this piece on Craigslist while browsing one night (what, you don't browse Craig as a hobby?) and sent the link to Shayne. She took care of the rest and brought it to my house later that week. It was FAR bigger than I thought it would be and HEAVY. I looked underneath for markings and saw "Drexel". We high fived each other. I'd never seen a piece like this before...so much storage and such different lines.

Front
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Back
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I decided to distress differently on this piece because Shayne really wanted it "crusty and old looking". While back, I read about distressing with denatured alcohol on Crista's blog, Stories of a House. I tried it on this piece...and I love the look it gives! I also used a paint scraper lightly on all of the flat surfaces to get more worn look without the risk of sandpaper scratches gone awry (which happens to me more than I'd like).I glazed twice to give it a really worn look.
Without further delay, the finished desk:

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I'm in love. This piece will be at Style Minneapolis by mid week!

~Allison

Sharing here:
UndertheTableandDreaming

TDC Before and After




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23 comments:

  1. Very pretty and quite unique - I love what you did!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  2. WOW! Awesome desk! So jealous! Craigslist is literally non-existent where I live :(. Way to go- It looks awesome!

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  3. it looks beautiful! i love the shape- it's so unique. and you know i love me some gray. :)

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  4. Great CL find...a hobby of mine too :) Love the distressing. Windex also works nicely at lifting off paint. I found this out through a happy accident.

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  5. I have never seen a desk like that Allison! And you made it beautiful, as always! ... I look, but rarely find anything interesting or reasonably priced on Craigslist - bummer!

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  6. That is the most unique shape I've ever seen for a dresser! It turned out amazing!

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  7. This is such a unique and artsy piece. I love what you did with it :) I stalk CL every chance I get too.

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  8. Wow what a cool piece!! You can never go wrong with gray!

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  9. what a unique piece you found - and I love the makeover - well done!

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  10. Oh my gosh you are brilliant. The desk is amazing. Thank you for this wonderful post! I would love it if you would share this at our What’s It Wednesday blog party. Hope to see you there.

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

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  11. LOVE THE DRESSER, SUCH A UNIQUE PIECE, AND THE COLOR YOU PICKED IS PERFECT!

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  12. Absolutely love it :-) I would love for you to stop by My Dream Canvas.

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  13. Wow, what a great piece! I love what you did with it!! That would make a perfect crafting desk, love all the little drawers!

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  14. How cool is that!!! Love Drexel furniture and love your makeover!

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  15. What a fabulous piece! I love the color you've chosen and the distressing is just right! Yes, I do browse Craigslist in my free time! You're in good company!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  16. what a unique and fun piece--made better with your touch. Thanks for linking up!

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  17. Wow, just beautiful!! You did a wonderful job on the transformation :) LOVE the new color.

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  18. Great transformation on the desk! but honestly, can I say I don't like that style of desk?
    Your redo makes it much prettier.
    gail
    ps thanks for sharing at catch as catch can.

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  19. I wanna high-five you ,too. Good job on that distressing, and good job on the find!

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  20. I love your blog and I love your work! I'm your newest follower!

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  21. What a really neat looking piece in itself and then you added a bit of life to it with the redo.

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Thanks for commenting! My heart goes pitter-patter!