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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Before and After: The desk I couldn't sell

Happy New Year everyone! I am very happy that 2013 is here. Someone in our family has been sick every day except 2 since December 18th. It was a long holiday break. Anyhooo....

There's a VERY small thrift shop about 1 mile from my house. It's so small, that they need to rent a storage unit next door to store furniture. I recently saw on Craigslist that they were getting rid of the storage unit and I picked this desk up for $30.



I thought that was a steal...but once I got it in the garage, I totally lost inspiration. I tried to sell it on Craigslist several times, but no one was interested. Then I posted on Facebook that I needed ideas...and I got a lot of good ones (thank you readers!). Ultimately I needed those ugly pulls to come off, so I took a hammer to them and they popped right off. I also found this inspiration photo on Pinterest. I can't even give credit because it came from a tumbler account. Edited to add that this desk is by Knack Studios


My desk didn't turn out quite that pretty, but considering what she looked like before, I'm pleased!










This finish was achieved using Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (I think...it was in the mistint bin) and then using denatured alcohol to distress.

~Allison


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19 comments:

  1. it looks awesome! and i love the pink owl, too! :)

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  2. Love it!!! It looks great. Those pulls! And your inspiration desk is by Barb from Knack, I remember the post! Nice job!

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  3. I think that desk is darling now! I especially love those pulls!

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  4. What a fabulous transformation, love the color you chose.

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  5. WOW, that is an awesome change, love the new hardware and the color shows the detail in the leg that is not seen in the original picture.

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  6. WOW, that is an awesome change, love the new hardware and the color shows the detail in the leg that is not seen in the original picture.

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  7. It looks great. I love the detail in the wood. I am starting to look at old furniture in new ways after seeing all the great transformations others are making.

    Enjoy your desk!

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  8. What a gorgeous transformation, I love the color and the hardware.

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  9. Fantastic job, Allison! I love it.

    Laura from sundayview.blogspot.com

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  10. Great transformation! Love your inspiration piece too!

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  11. I love the desk! I have never heard of using denatured alcohol for distressing, but I love your distressing...it looks so natural! It really is beautiful!
    Allison

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  12. Nicely done! I love it. I going to have to try this distressing technique.

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  13. I think, it turned out fantastic!

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  14. I'm amazed how people can seem to easily make this rusty looking painting style. Fabulous job!

    Hopping by and following your lovely blog's FB and Pinterest. I blog @ Getting Healthy with Essential Oils

    I am also inviting you to join Tiddle Diddle Handmade Shoppe's first giveaway event.

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  15. I love the antique, worn look on furniture. This looks great.

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  16. That's beautiful! Please consider sharing at repurposed ideas weekly.

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  17. GOR-GEE-OUS!!!

    It did turn out as wonderful as the other photo! YES, it did!

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  18. Your desk looks great - even better than the inspiration piece :-) I love the combination of the grey paint with the brass pulls. I like that you used two different kinds of pulls - adds character and interest :-)

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Thanks for commenting! My heart goes pitter-patter!