Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Antique Desk & a Tutorial

I practically drooled over this desk/vanity when I first saw it in person.  Sometimes it's really hard to keep my excitement in check when picking up a piece, but I do my best so I don't freak anyone out or have to pay full price. ;) 

She was a steal and I couldn't wait to get to work! 

The drawers were stuck tight so I actually had my hubby run them through the table saw to shave them down cuz sanding just wasn't going to do it for these puppies.  *I do not recommend running objects, like drawers, through a table saw if you have no experience.  It's dangerous.  Really.  Craig uses the saw all the time and knows what he's doing and it's still scary!


 Before



 After

I chose this soft gray/green because it's casual, neutral, and pairs beautifully with the dark wood top.
*color is Oyster Bay from Sherwin Williams and I did the undercoat in Retreat off the same color chip. It's very subtle under the parts that are distressed a little heavier.





 I picked out the lovely details in a soft white again.  They are still subtle but noticeable. 








 I absolutely love mixing textures, so I wanted something a little more elegant, but still with that antique feel to go with the distressing and the color.  Aren't these knobs fabulous?!  The ones on the desk weren't the originals so I didn't feel too badly about ditching them. ;)


The detail piece running down the side was actually missing parts.  Here's the tutorial on how I fixed it.



 I couldn't get a good pic from the front with the chair, so this is it. :)  I love the soft graphic in this print and lined the drawers with the same fabric. 



 So lovely!!



 The top was in fabulous shape under the old varnish so I sanded it down, gave it two coats of stain, and 3 coats of poly.  It looks blotchy in this pic because of the lighting but it's not. :)






This is my happy place when the degrees are of the negative kind! :)



This vanity was featured by:
Karen @ Redoux
Maryann @ Power of Paint

Thank you! :)

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23 comments:

  1. {sigh} Lisa, Lisa, Lisa....how do you do it?? And not only that, where do you FIND the pieces, and where do you find the time to finish them all?? Also, where/how do you sell? Are you strictly an "ad" girl, or do you have a booth? OH! And did you get the pic I emailed of the chipped veneer on the buffet? I was reading up on what you use for wood filler. :) Happy New Year!!!

    xoxo
    -andi

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  2. As always, I'm drooling all over your after photos! What a beautiful piece in a lovely color! Happy new year Lisa!

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  3. Love this piece! Those knobs paired with the paint colors and the wood top are amazing! :) Knocked it out of the park.

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  4. OMG. It is absolutely AWESOME I love love love love love that desk - well done, it is perfect!
    HAPPY NEW YEAR!~!

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  5. How beautiful! I love all the lovely details, beautiful!

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  6. Perfect Color choice. It's so soft & pretty. Beautiful work, Dee from My Painted Stuff.

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  7. Wow, you really saw the potential and went for it! It looks fabulous and I, too, love those knobs. Since it's in the negative degrees around here (Illinois) I haven't been painting much. Hopefully when things start to warm up a bit I can get back into repurposing some furniture. (Where do you paint? it must be cold for you, too!) I found you over at Common Ground, now a follower! xoKathleen

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  8. Found you on The Shabby Nest~ lovely work! Very inspiring~ makes me want to redo my coffee table ;) glad I found you!

    kelly @ cowboy's daughter design

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  9. It's just beautiful, I really love the color you chose, perfect with the dark tones of the top. Great distressing job, too. Featuring this on my Link Party Features Pinterest Board. Thanks so much for linking this and the lovely vanity to my History & Home Link Party, I hope you'll join again! -Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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  10. Holy cannoli... it's GORGEOUS, Lisa! Can't tell you how much I love this color. So pretty. And I love the subtle color layering with your weathering...the fun is in the details! Thanks for linking up with us. Pinning and sharing on FB. Loves!

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  11. Wow, it's gorgeous! I love the color and the natural top. Found you over at Coast Charm and I'm happy to be a new follower:-)

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  12. You have done a fantastic job on this desk! I'm such a fan of the light blue color and have used it a few times myself. The blue and white look fantastic with the stained top. I just love all the details of the desk and how you emphasized them with the white paint. Amazing!

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  13. Lovely and inspirational! Pinning!

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  14. What a beautiful piece! I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already said. You did a great job. Ann Marie @ Iris Abbey

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  15. Wow! Love this! You did an amazing job! :)
    xo!

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  16. Wow, Lisa, your attention to detail is incredible. What a lovely and unique piece. I'm with Belle - it's gorgeousness!

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  17. I have to share this too!!!! I always forget about that clay!! I know a few furniture gals that do that where I work. What a very valuable tool. This desk is GORGEOUS!

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  18. I love the color of this desk. It goes really well. LOVE!

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  19. What a gorgeous desk! You've been featured on Sunday Features {Give Me The Goods} and will be on my FB page today too ;)
    Hugs,
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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  20. That is beautiful!

    Thanks for linking up at our Twirl and Take a Bow Party. Hope to see you again tomorrow!

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  21. Love it! Is that an Aimee Weaver sign? Looks similar to her work? She is awesome.
    Kendra at www.designsbykendra.blogspot.com

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