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


HookingupwithHoH shabby creek cottage My Repurposed Life Furniture Feature Fridays The Shabby Nest
DIY Show Off
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia


Home Stories A2Z

19 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

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

Kirsty said...

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

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

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

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a fabulous transformation, love the color you chose.

Tombstone Livestock said...

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.

Tombstone Livestock said...

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.

Art and Sand said...

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!

sheerserendipity said...

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

Laura Turner said...

Fantastic job, Allison! I love it.

Laura from sundayview.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Great transformation! Love your inspiration piece too!

Allison @ The Golden Sycamore said...

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

Helen Matthews said...

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

Lena said...

I think, it turned out fantastic!

Betsy @ Anna Nimmity said...

It looks beautiful! Nice job.

Unknown said...

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.

Pam said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Kolein said...

GOR-GEE-OUS!!!

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

K&B by the Sea said...

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 :-)