Monday, May 23, 2011

Desk Before and After

I had been seeing lots of cute desks on the internet lately. I thought something like this:








or this would be so cute in C's room:







The only problem, where to find the desk? My neighborhood had a garage sale a few weekends ago and I found two perfect desks...but, they were already sold! I was so disappointed. So, I hopped on Craig's List and found this beauty:



Look at those legs:


I knew I had to make her mine. I never pick up Craig's List items on my own, so I waited till Big K got home and then we loaded the kiddos in the car to pick her up. The place we got her was a little strange. I had to endure the kids making comments like, "EWWWW, what's that smell?" (pot, I think) and "Somebody really lives here?" Who are these children? I swear I didn't raise them to be like this.

Decisions, decisions...what color to paint. I thought a baby pink would look cute in C's room, but she was determined to have turquoise. I wasn't too sure about that until we came across a gallon of oops paint at Home Depot in turquoise. I love a bargain, so of course we bought it.

Painting commenced the following day. First up, primer:


Looking better all ready! I use Kilz no-odor spray primer. It is so easy to use and worth a little extra money. Just be sure to use light coats and shake the can a lot, or else it can get kind-of bumpy or have a sand-paper like texture.

Don't forget to prime the hardware:


So fun to paint with a 2-year old (insert sarcastic tone):


Even Mr. T, the dog, had to get in on the action:



Spray painted the harware with some gold paint I had on hand:



Here's the final product:







You like???

The bad news, C has nothing else in her room to match this desk. Looks like more redecorating might be in our future.

Linked here:

Somewhat Simple







Photobucket



vif187

27 comments:

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

I'm lovin' it...I especially liked the part in the story where you had to temporarily disown your children (c: Seriously, sometimes I think about it...mwah haha...but the desk turned out so fabulous! I really like it and you...so as a result you will have to put up with me following along on your escapades from now on (c:

Rhiannon said...

it looks great! and i love the photos of your dog and kids, makes my life feel more normal!

Unknown said...

C and I are birds of a feather. When I saw the desk I thought, "That would look awesome in turquoise!"

nickys nook said...

oh this turned out so pretty- i love using spray paint on old hardware it makes such a difference

Cassie Bustamante said...

loove the bright blue! and it looks perfect with the brass pulls!

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

Your desk turned out awesome! Loving that blue :)

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

What a fun project for the whole family! It turned out great!

Kristen said...

I love it! Beautiful!

Kristen
www.decoratingdiy.blogspot.com

Sandi Sharp said...

Very, Very, cute. I love the lines on the desk. Great job.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a huge difference! great job!

Found you via the Finding Fabulous linky party.

http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/

Olga said...

I like! Very pretty and a great excuse to do more spray paint project ;)
Visiting from Remodelaholic.

Kelsi said...

Yes, definitely like! And you are a brave soul to paint with the kids. I wait until bedtime (since naptime is non-existant). Probably explains why I am way behind on my list of things to paint/fix up. I'm a new follower. Would love it if you could stop by and say hi, or link up to Memory Mondays Blog Hop!
Kelsi
ModernMomRedefined.blogspot.com

Ches said...

I love the turquoise color witht he gold hardware, I think you did a wonderful job. It will be exciting to see how the room evolves to include the new desk.

c.w.frosting said...

It's beautiful & though I haven't seen the rest of C's room, I'm sure the desk can stand on its own! Love that you let the little ones paint =) Future refurbishers?

-caroline @ c.w.frosting

Unknown said...

I love all 3 of the desks! What a tough decision on picking a color! The blue turned out beautifully!

DIYbyDesign said...

It looks great. I've been looking for a desk on Craigslist forever and haven't found anything yet. Love the color. If it doesn't match anything...that's good news...more redecorating. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog and follow me back at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks so much.

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

This is so pretty!! Love the color.

Nina said...

Great color and the love the shape of the desk. And loved seeing the blue blob on the dog. LOL

Anonymous said...

My kids are grown but I have a Golden Retriever, Jennie, that likes to give me a helping hand in everything I do also. Sometimes I wish she cleaned bathrooms and would help with the laundry too. Your desk looks great!

Allison@FabRehab said...

Love it, love it, love it!!

Unknown said...

Yes I do...turned out great

Too funny what kids say to make us uncomfortable...they just are so honest
KAT

Debra@CommonGround said...

What a great color, kids definitely have their own color sense! Glad you didn't go without your hubby. there's a lot of "strange" out there. Thanks for sharing the inspiration!
xo Debra

Katie @ Wildwood Creek said...

Beautiful color!

Mindie Hilton said...

So glad you saved it, beautiful

I would love for you to link it up to my party that is running now. Any linky goes.

http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/06/any-link-goes-party-running-now-summer.html

Come strut your stuff.

At The Picket Fence said...

What a fabulous transformation! You did a great job and the color choice is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
Vanessa

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Super cute desk- I love the color - it's so fun! Thanks for sharing this makeover at Feathered Nest Friday this week! :)

Mindie Hilton said...

Thanks for linking up at Bacon Time. Wow for a first party I can't believe we had over 300 links. Can't wait to see what you share next week. I have a special give away planned just for the linkers at the party. Thanks for grabbing the button too, you rock!

Love your dog helping too!