Earlier today I shared my neat little trick to transform knobs – and this is why I did it: a desk makeover. I picked up this $25 Goodwill find a few weeks ago, then the holiday season kept me from attacking it.
I bought it for the shop – but I had a plan when I found it. She’s kinda sad looking, huh? Oh but those lines…. ahhhh…. She just needed a little lovin’, that’s all!
First I painted her all out in my silvery white Glidden Paint. On my walls it looks more grey – on the desk it looks like a beautiful soft white. I love it either way, though.
Now is when the magic happens! My new sponsor, The Home Depot, sent me some fun stuff to try – Martha Stewart Living specialty paints. Today I used Polished Silver Metallic Paint. This stuff RoCkS my socks! It glides on soooo easily and covers incredibly well. It took two coats to make all those details pop out and grab your attention.
I just painted them free hand with a little art brush, keeping a wet cloth near by to help keep the lines clean.
And a few hours later she was done! I replaced the original knobs after I gussied them up a bit.
Now she’s as pretty as a princess! She’ll be heading to the shop on Friday – I’ll be sad to see this one go, alas I really have no room for it to have a home here.
Disclaimers: Glidden and The Home Depot are both sponsors of The Shabby Creek Cottage, however my opinions, experiences and projects are my own.
HoosierHomemade says
January 5, 2012 at 1:01 amThat desk is adorable! I love the accents on it!
Thanks for hosting Gina!!
~Liz
Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says
January 5, 2012 at 1:08 amThanks for hosting Gina!!! The desk turned out GREAT!!!
XO, Aimee
countrymommacooks.com says
January 5, 2012 at 1:16 amThanks for hosting…..Have a Blessed Day!
Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says
January 5, 2012 at 1:19 amOh my gosh!! I just found the SAME desk. I painted mine white and what used to be gold is now green for my daughters room… I like yours better- waaaa!!! HAHA! great job on the desk (I may be repainting mine now)
Karla Medina says
January 5, 2012 at 1:28 amThe desk looks beautiful.
Anne says
January 5, 2012 at 1:37 amThat’s beautiful! I have a whole set of French Provincial furniture in my apartment, but it’s all in terrific shape, so I’ve left it in its original condition.
Rosemary@villabarnes says
January 5, 2012 at 2:03 amGreat transformation Gina. Love that touch of silver. Thanks for hosting.
Latoya @ The Scott's Crib says
January 5, 2012 at 2:14 amI love the metallic paint, it makes the desk look gorgeous!
NanaDiana says
January 5, 2012 at 2:45 amohhhh…She is SOOOO pretty all silvered up and sweet and fresh looking. She will fly outta the shop! xo Diana
Andrea at Opulent Cottage says
January 5, 2012 at 2:55 amWe have that dresser, now I know what to do with it:) thanks for hosting, and Happy New Year!
Cheers, Andrea
WhisperWood Cottage says
January 5, 2012 at 2:57 amThe white and silver give the piece a fresh feel! Love it!
Kerry Rossow says
January 5, 2012 at 3:01 amThe desk looks great!
Thank you for hosting!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
Ms. Redo says
January 5, 2012 at 3:14 amI love the lines of that desk and you did a great job of making it even more beautiful! Thanks for hostessing today’s party, I linked up a Valentine post and a “Giving Back” post. Hugs ~ Mary
Katherines Corner says
January 5, 2012 at 3:16 amJust gorgeous, when can you bring it over, giggle xo
Allie says
January 5, 2012 at 3:23 amVery nice!! I think my family has a desk very similar to that in storage. I might have to go get it! 🙂
Christie says
January 5, 2012 at 3:23 amthanks for hosting Gina! YOu did a great job! Christie
Linda@Coastal Charm says
January 5, 2012 at 3:37 amHow funny is this? I got that same desk at a local GW a few months ago and it’s still wainting for her makeover…yours looks GREAT!!!
Blessings,
Linda
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
January 5, 2012 at 3:39 amI love the silver on the desk, looks fabulous. Thanks for hosting such a fun party. Hugs, marty
D says
January 5, 2012 at 4:04 amCute desk & I love the metallic paint. I placed your button on my button page. Thank you for hosting:-)
Allison @ Alli 'n Son says
January 5, 2012 at 4:19 amI love how you redid this desk. It’s beautiful.
Molly says
January 5, 2012 at 5:45 amThanks for hosting! My daughter would love that desk, I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for something similar, thanks for sharing
The Minis says
January 5, 2012 at 11:06 amHoly cow! What a tiny change but a SIGNIFICANT difference!
~Cathy
shari says
January 5, 2012 at 11:43 amlove the desk. thanks for hosting. I’m your new follower (3 week here). I linked up some yummy treats: gingerbread, chocolate cake truffles and baked brie. enjoy shari@myjudythefoodie
How to Nest for Less says
January 5, 2012 at 1:22 pmThat desk is GORGEOUS!!! Great job! And thanks for hosting again. Always love linking up 🙂
Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says
January 5, 2012 at 1:32 pmThe desk is gorgeous!! Thanks for the party!
Melanie @ Whimsical Creations says
January 5, 2012 at 1:38 pmWhat a beautiful transformation!!
rachaelk says
January 5, 2012 at 2:05 pmLOVE your blog! Linked up and just became a follower! Thanks for the party!
~ Rachael
Kathy says
January 5, 2012 at 2:06 pmThis desk really takes me back! That’s the style of furniture my sister and I shared when we were kids! My girls had the same type of set – now it’s divided here and there – my daughter would love your redo! Fantastic,
thanks for hosting!
Kathy
Eclectically Vintage says
January 5, 2012 at 2:23 pmThat’s my old desk when I was a kid! It’s still at my parents house (may have to kidnap it and make her look pretty again)!
Kelly
Curtains in My Tree says
January 5, 2012 at 2:44 pmI really like the desk so much better now and I have some silver paint I painted an old table need to show it
KJ says
January 5, 2012 at 2:54 pmMy daughter has this desk and I have been wanting to redo it for some time but wasn’t sure how. Thanks for the inspiration! Love how the knobs look now. This will be my next project. Thanks for sharing!
Michele Alger says
January 5, 2012 at 3:05 pmBeautiful! I had a bedroom set like that when I was little. I LOVE what you did with the desk. So fresh and beautiful!!
Drama Mama Lori says
January 5, 2012 at 3:58 pmLove the way the desk came out! I’m working on a sister piece, a tall lingerie-type chest and you’re is quite an inspiration! I also just linked up. Thanks for hosting!!!
Jan@southernjunkin' says
January 5, 2012 at 4:07 pmThe desk looks wonderful! I’m going to try that metallic paint!!
Although I didn’t link up this week I’ve enjoyed visiting with others! Thanks for hosting!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
January 5, 2012 at 5:38 pmIf you need another one similar to this — it is at the thrift store for $25. Or was yesterday. 🙂 Gorgeous! 🙂
Shabby Marilyn says
January 5, 2012 at 6:52 pmSorry, I need you to delete #371 I will redo my linky. I linked to my blog and not my post, not good for starting the New Year! I will check back, thanks for Hosting!
Shabby Marilyn says
January 5, 2012 at 6:58 pmI love your French Provincial Desk, I also did some dressers and vanities, I love the drawer pulls that come with them, thanks for your tip.
Richella says
January 5, 2012 at 7:03 pmShe does look like a princess! Better than new! You have a steady hand, for sure, but what a good idea to just go for it freehand, keeping a wet rag handy. I should be more like you!
Thanks for hosting, Gina. I think I’m your 379th link–isn’t it amazing how large this party has grown? But it’s always a good time. You’re a great hostess.
Happy New Year! May 2012 be full of blessings for you.
Crafty Mischief says
January 5, 2012 at 8:26 pmYour desk is lovely! Thank you for hosting! I hope you’re having a fabulous New Year! 🙂
Serendipity and Spice says
January 5, 2012 at 10:20 pmLove the desk! I used to have a dresser and a chest that matched that exactly… kinda wish I still had them so I could update the look like you did!
Thanks for hosting the linky party… I’m building my own blog and would LOVE to hear your feedback. Please stop by if you get a chance: http://www.SerendipityandSpice.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says
January 6, 2012 at 5:39 amAMAZING! Love the meatlic top 🙂 Thanks for hosting enjoy your weekend 🙂
Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says
January 6, 2012 at 8:16 pmLove the desk. Metallic paint is so very fun. Thank you for the hosting of the party this week. Have a wonderful New Year.
Rob Hunt says
January 7, 2012 at 4:48 amThanks for hosting. I am working on an dresser with details something like the one you have on this post.
Marie DeForest says
November 11, 2017 at 7:46 amSo i’m about to do this with my old desk and dresser for my daughter’s nursery, but I was reading that the thick plastic top can be hard to paint. I was wondering if you had any problems or if the paint adhered to the plastic well? Otherwise we were just going to leave the top finish as it is.
Gina Luker says
November 11, 2017 at 1:01 pmIf you use a paint and primer all in one you should be fine 🙂 Good luck!
Marie DeForest says
November 12, 2017 at 12:36 pmThanks!
Jamie says
July 21, 2020 at 9:41 amBeautiful!
How did you take the shiny coating off the top? I have the same pice of furniture and have been scared to mess with it because of the top hard shiny finish.
Gina Luker says
July 22, 2020 at 10:20 amI just painted it with a metallic paint, easy peasy 🙂 Good luck with yours!