Friday, August 5, 2011

Bedroom update: Writing desk before & after

As you know if you’ve been reading for a while, I’m replacing my matching bedroom suite that didn’t suit my tastes any longer, piece-by-piece.  First I got a new upholstered bed, then I painted a vintage Hepplewhite-style dresser white, and now I’m ready to reveal the third of three newly-turquoise pieces.  The first was a nightstand for The Mr.’s side of the bed, and the second was a faux bamboo chair, and now … here’s the writing desk to complement the chair.


I found it listed on Craigslist as a console table.  Since I seem to use my side of the bed as my office, I thought it would be beneficial to have a writing desk next to my bed in place of the typical nightstand.  And I really liked the lines of this piece.

Here’s the before shot:

 

To transform the table, I started by sanding the entire thing, partly with my orbital sander, and partly by hand because of all the detailing on the piece.  Rather than using a cloth to wipe off dust after sanding, I usually use the brush attachment of my portable vacuum cleaner.  After all the dust was removed, I put on a couple coats of Kilz spray primer, lightly sanding and vacuuming after each layer was dry.  Next I used my paint sprayer to put on several light coats of turquoise paint, again lightly sanding and vacuuming after each layer dried.  I let the paint cure a full 24 hours, then to give the table a protective finish, I put on three coats of Minwax Polycrilic in Satin Finish, again sanding and vacuuming after each layer except the last.

Isn’t it sweet?

 




I love all the intricate details like the scrollwork on the front and sides, the raised designs on the legs, and the claw feet.  And I’m really happy with the clear glass pulls, which I also used on The Mr.’s nightstand, for consistency.

Here is the writing desk paired with the faux bamboo chair.  They didn’t come together, but I think they make a lovely set.


 

Below is what the writing desk replaced.  I think the new furniture is a big improvement!


Coming soon is the next part of my house tour series –- a reveal of the full master bedroom, with all the new pieces working together.

Anybody else tired of your old bedroom suite and looking to make a change?  Or … anybody in the Louisville metro interested in my old bedroom suite -– either as-is or painted any color of your choice?  I am planning to list it on Craigslist soon.  The set includes a king-size bed with headboard and footboard, a dresser, a 5-drawer chest, and two nightstands.  Tell all your friends!  :)

My next furniture makeover will be a bit different, because it won’t be for me.  I’m hoping to start selling from here on out.  I’ve got a few pieces in the queue to be painted, so I just have to pick one to start on, and then choose a color scheme that I think might sell.  White is always a safe choice, but I’m thinking gray, possibly with a pop of color.

The plan is to get started on it next week, but I have to install some “curtains” in my basement work area to block the sanding dust from everything else we have stored in the basement.  I purchased some plastic painter’s drop cloths and a few other materials to use as curtains.  I’ll let you know how it goes!

20 comments:

  1. Aug 5, 2011 10:50 AM
    wow - that desk turned out beautifully!
    Reply
  2. Aug 5, 2011 12:17 PM
    Gorgeous. I'm totally coveting it.
    Reply
  3. Aug 5, 2011 02:29 PM
    I LOVE the color. It looks great.
    Reply
  4. Aug 6, 2011 05:14 PM
    love it! getting ready to do my own turq office!
    Reply
  5. Aug 14, 2011 11:02 AM
    Wow, beautiful! I love the glass pull handles as well - can't wait to see the room in it's entirety!

    And good luck with your new venture! How exciting :) xxx
    Reply
  6. Aug 15, 2011 04:05 AM
    What a beautiful transformation.. love the color and the crystal knobs! HOpe you'll share with my Pink Hippo Party @ http://pinkapotamus.blogspot.com/2011/08/pink-hippo-party-42.html
    Reply
  7. BrookeAug 15, 2011 09:54 PM
    I love the choice of the writing desk next to your bed. You're right, it does have great lines! the color is fabulous too
    Reply
  8. Aug 16, 2011 05:35 AM
    This is fantastic! I love that color! I've got to get painting, as I've been trying to re-do my bedroom for some time now! I'm seeing shades of white, with grey and touches of blue and silver! Yummy!

    Now Following!

    ~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
    www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com
    See my kitchen in the September 2011 Romantic Homes Magazine!
    Reply
  9. Aug 16, 2011 05:41 PM
    that desk is stunning! the legs are so curvy and carved and pretty! and the color is AWESOME
    Reply
  10. Glenda @ Magnolia Bend DriveAug 16, 2011 06:53 PM
    That looks great! I love the curves on the table, and the make-over is bold and beautiful. Thanks for sharing ;-)
    ReplyDelete
  11. Aug 17, 2011 12:45 AM
    This is exactly what I have been looking for....I love that look and wanted a desk in my bedroom too, you are lucky...and that chair perfection..great job!!!
    Reply
  12. Anu@MyDeramCanvasAug 17, 2011 09:14 AM
    You have a beautiful blog. This looks great. I would love for you to stop by My Dream Canvas. Take care Anu
    Reply
  13. Kathryn GriffinAug 17, 2011 11:04 PM
    She's so pretty! Fantastic paint job!! Found you via Primitive & Proper and have become your newest follower. Pop on over for a visit if you get a moment. Tootles, Kathryn
    http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/continuation-of-story-goodwill-and.html
    Reply
  14. Aug 20, 2011 05:41 AM
    what a great color, love the look!!
    Reply
  15. Aug 20, 2011 09:31 AM
    The desk turned out great! What is the color you used?
    Reply
  16. Aug 22, 2011 06:08 AM
    @Sammie The color is Gulf Winds by Behr at Home Depot. I used the same color on the nightstand that sits on The Mr.'s side of the bed, too. It's a peppy turquoise, without being too neon-ish.
    Reply
  17. Aug 22, 2011 05:41 PM
    That looks great and I love your bed.
    Reply
  18. Aug 25, 2011 12:07 PM
    I am loving this writing desk! It's an awesome idea to use it as a nightstand.
    "catching" you this week.
    gail
    Reply
  19. Aug 25, 2011 06:50 PM
    Love the desk. I saw you featured at My Repurposed Life. The color looks amazing. I am your latest follower. I hope you will drop by and say hi. Looking forward to keeping up with your blog.
    ReplyDelete
  20. Aug 26, 2011 03:10 AM
    Saw your desk featured at Gails and had to come by and check it out. I love the color and lines of this piece. Beautiful job!
    Reply

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