March 22, 2013

Retro Gentleman's Desk

Okay, this isn't really a gentleman's desk.....it's just a desk. However, it is for my brother-in-law Ed and I have been working on it for way too long. I picked it up from Goodwill over a year ago (maybe close to two years ago) and added it to my furniture collection. Ed saw it, needed a desk and I thought it would be a great housewarming gift for him. Well....life happened, clients happened and his poor little desk sat in my basement for a very long time. 

It was worth the wait. Before I show you the after photos please keep in mind that Ed requested manly staging.....not my normal flowers and vases and garland. Apparently to me manly staging means using my daughter's toy dinosaur.   : )





 So manly!!!


I used Cliveden Pasture (at Lowe's) but I didn't glaze this time like I did on these pieces.
I painted the whole thing green and Ed requested I paint the legs and the back brace black. 
No problem.....but it needed something else. I painted the spaces between the legs and the base black as well. 
I used my homemade chalk paint but I did something a little different this time with the baking soda....I will share soon! I sealed with wax and did no distressing. It is a manly desk after all!

This style is different from what I normally do, and I miss my signature flowers, but I'm really happy with how it turned out! 

What do you think? 

Make sure to check out my facebook to stay connected. It's a great place to ask me questions! 



8 comments:

  1. It looks great even if it is not your usual.

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    1. It's good to try new things!!! Thank you and thanks for stopping by :)

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  2. Maybe the encyclopedia of witchcraft and demonology make it manly too??? No proper lady would want that on her desk :) I am in love with the green (and the black). How you managed to do that without distressing is still beyond me since it's a DIY chalk paint skill that i have yet to master. Looking forward to hearing what you did with the baking soda....mix it with water?

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    1. You're too smart. Yes, I water it down now and make a paste. I think it helps when you use darker paint and eliminating the random white specs that might show up. So far, so good!
      I picked up 400 grit sand paper to smooth out the finish without distressing the paint. It worked like a charm!

      I have no idea where we got that book from....I think we actually got it from my husband's great aunt. I'm pretty sure she isn't a witch though.

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  3. I had to come over from the Tater Tots & Jello Link up. Gorgeous redo! I really like the shade of green you chose. I am a big fan of simple MCM style decor so this piece is great!

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  4. Love this. I am in love with green right now as well. I would love to start refinishing old furniture. I hope I can find great furniture like this. I am hosting a link party and would love it if you would share this.

    http://www.ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/tuesday-link-party-11.html

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  5. Hahaha very manly indeed :) Looks great Helen! I love the black contrast

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  6. I came over from Finding Fabulous. I love the transformation. Then I noticed you are a Missouri girl. I am from NE MO and have a friend in your area. I will be moving back to MO as soon as I can. Glad I found you and am now following you. Blessings nancythedove@aol.com

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