Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Neglected No More

Several months ago, I found a pretty little desk at the thrift store. I didn't really need a desk, but the price was right, so the desk came home with me. I stuck it in an empty corner of the family room. It needed to be painted. It was chipped and dinged and a young artist had carved a pie chart into it. At the time I was going through my "paint everything satin black" phase. But I wasn't sure I wanted it black. And so it sat, week after week on my to do list. Then, after building my door desk, I began to think about that neglected desk. It actually looked quite nice in the corner. But if that were going to be it's permanent home, it needed a makeover that would command attention against the red wall. It need a color that would compliment it's feminine design. I took the desk outside and sanded the top to remove the pie chart. Then I used liquid sander on the rest of the piece. I primed it and gave it two good coats of Heirloom White paint. And for good measure, I gave the top a third coat. Once it was dry, I used sand paper and fine steel wool to distress it. It still needs some hardware. But until I can find something that I love, ribbon handles will work just fine.My little desk is no longer neglected.I think it's the perfect little compliment to this piece of furniture that shares it's space.

64 comments:

Inspired Kara said...

This is PERFECT! I love the ribbon handles idea!

Blissfully Enamored said...

your little desk is so cute!! i have three pieces that i got over the weekend that i am really looking forward to working on! yay!

the undomesticated wife said...

Aw, Joy, I absolutely love that! Great job!

I love furniture too, but I have run out of room for it! I have some antique pieces in the garage that I just can't let go of, but have no room for. That's criminal! ;)

Very cute finish, I like that you made it white!

Darlene said...

No, your little desk is not neglected anymore...she DEMANDS attention!!! LOVE it...you do the BEST-est make-overs!!! It is BEAUTIFUL!

createacraft said...

it is gorgeous..
I love how it came out..
it is not neglected .. it is pampered now =)
I want to paint everything in white =P.. when I read these posts..
loves.. from istanbul

Valarie Lea said...

That looks awesome! I love the distressing on the top :) The handles are so cute with just the ribbon.

Anonymous said...

It looks GREAT!! The ribbon handles are adorable!!
Janae

Unknown said...

Hi Joy,
The ribbon handles are adorable...and fit the new desk perfectly.
Great job!

joelandbecca said...

Oh that is stunning! I love it!

Sue said...

This looks SO GOOD! Love how you distressed the top.

Anonymous said...

How do you have enough space in your home for all this stuff???

Woodard Gang said...

Love, love, love it! You got me started with the satin black spray paint, which I have thoroughly enjoyed rummaging through my house finding SOMETHING to paint! Now, I might try some cream and black color combination too! Look forward to what you have next!

Shannon said...

I love it!! You find the best pieces at thrift stores!

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I love the desk, and LOVE the tin above it! I am so crazy about tins, that at the store I buy them at, they call me the tin lady!! LOVE THOSE TINS!

Missy Wertz said...

Perfect Joy!

Rachel Berry said...

Oh it looks so good! I love the contrast of the white and how it pops against your wall color. Great job do you rent her out? ;)

Michelle said...

Looks like the perfect fit...

Ya'll must have better thrift stores than we do...

Pam said...

Hi I love the desk. I need help in painting something like this. What brand of paint did you use? Mine is going to be a bed and dresser would you suggest putting a varnish on at the end? Also how can I keep it from feeling sticky when I am all done? Hope you don't mind all the questions.
pamc001@centurytel.net
Thanks

Runner Mom said...

I am amazed..again! So, when are we going to see you on HGTV?
Love ya,
Susan

Shirlee said...

Hi ya Joy! I just happened to check my old blog yesterday and saw that you popped by. What a nice surprise, thanks for checking up on me. :)

The desk was a great find and looks very nice painted white. I tried Heirloom white but it goes yellow in my house, even if it's over primer. It always looks so nice when everyone else uses it! Cute idea with the ribbon handles too.

Have a great day!

auntie said...

Ribbon handles?!? You're a genius! I love it :)

Twice as Nice said...

It turne out great. I just love it when you can take an old piece and turn it into a new piece.

Julie said...

I love this desk the shape is great and that is the perfect color it makes it look so girly;) it looks great against that red wall. Great job again! Love it
Julie

Angie said...

WOW! Your desk turned out fabulous! It has just the kind of finish I love!

The Dragonfly said...

I bow down to you Joy! You are the QUEEN of repurposing with style and class!

Katie said...

That is awesome!!! I love it, it would like great in my house, I want it!!(: Great job Joy!!

Anonymous said...

I love it~!! The white really pops against the red walls.. Now, if I could find a desk like that~

Lara said...

I love the way you re-use things. It saves so much money! I tried your letter craft check it out on my blog www.heizzyfam.blogspot.com. Thanks for your inspiration!

Mrs. B said...

What a beautiful little desk! I love its curves. The white looks so nice against the red wall. That armoire has been one of my favorite pieces of yours since the very first time I saw it.

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

Love the shape of that desk & the ball & claw feet! By any chance did you use polyurethane on it to seal it? I've never spray painted furniture always rolled or brushed the paint on. Is it easier to spay paint it?

Mrs Anne said...

Each day you amaze me.

I can't wait to have a garage to facilitate my desire to constantly be "refurbishing" different pieces of furniture, etc.

I hope you have a fabulous day!

Sweet Simplicity said...

What a GREAT find! I love all the little curves on it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joy! Wow it looks like it was purchased with the large entertain center! The white was perfect choice!! Sincerely, Jeannette

AJ said...

I love the details of the desk! I would have a heart attack if I actually saw a piece of furniture this nice in any of my thrift stores! It turned out great-perfect spot!!

Lincoln and Alisia said...

I sent you another email.... you should read it.

Lady Dorothy said...

Ribbon handles! How ingenious! I don't think I would have ever thought of that!

The desk is beautiful!

Unknown said...

It looks great!

Kacey said...

Looks awesome and I love the idea of the ribbon handles. Great thinking!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Great makeover, Joy! I love these simple changes in furniture.

Ashlie said...

This looks amazing! The white paint and distressing give it a whole different character! And it really brightens up that corner! Great job! I love your work! (I know I say that every time I comment but I really do!)

Southern Fried Gal said...

You amaze me - everything you do is simple and gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration.

Robin @ The Rendered Nest said...

Your desk looks sooo much better white than before. Great job! It looks great against that red wall!

edie said...

Oh, Most Beautiful!

Trixi said...

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Looks great! It really does take some motivation to get those pieces (in the garage or basement or wherever) turned into something you are proud of. I have three pieces that are awaiting my attention in the garage right now, but they keep getting pushed to the bottom of the pile. You are inspiring me to get moving! :)
Carrie

Shell in your Pocket said...

That is so perfect! You are amazing with a can of paint! I love it!!! I have a piece of furniture that I bought at a garage sale and it's sits and sits...I am scared to touch it or paint it...you inspire me to try!
-Sandy Toes

The Berry's Patch said...

Wow, turned out nice. Love how you distressed it. Great job!

Virginia said...

It turn out Fantastic! It looks perfect in that corner.
Blessings, Virginia

Christine said...

I have gone through several of your journals here and I am so hooked! I am always in awe how gifted people such as yourself can take such ordinary things and make such treasures out of them! Thank you so much for sharing your gift!

Being Honest said...

Beautiful! You're amazing!

Ms. Tee said...

so very pretty and perfect with your other furniture. I love the ribbon handles, too!

momof4azkids said...

I too am trying to decide between black and cream for a piece I have. It will probably be a couple more months until I reach a verdict. I LOVE how your desk turned out!

cherry said...

Very cute. Love the distressing. I have ran out of areas for furniture...sigh. cherry

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

The desk is wonderful and you certainly do have the perfect spot. The pumpkins looks sweet on it:)
Deb

Shannon @ Silver Trappings said...

I love your desk. Your distressing looks perfect! Distressing/Perfect - is that an oxymoron?

Shannon

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Your treasures are amazing, and this piece is not exception! Jackie

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Just stunning, yet again! GREAT job!

Laura said...

Love it. To think ribbon handles... you're amazing!!!

Mimi Sue said...

You rock. Definitely the queen of paint. Which DI do you shop? You get the best stuff!! Mimi

Anonymous said...

Ahhhhh. much better....love the ceiling tile hanging above it too!

Anonymous said...

I think you need to open a little shoppe so we can all come buy your pretty little pieces. You know your house can only hold so much.... then you will have to share with us all, smile! I only wish you lived next door to me. Then I could talk you out of some of that great stuff...hehe

Blogger said...

Gorgeous, I needed one of those...but now I filled that space up with something else...so I guess I'm good, lol. We'll see....

So pretty, love what you did with it!

Bella

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

As always, it is perfect. I think I shop at the wrong place.

Cathy said...

Great find and love it painted!

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