An Indigo Desk Redo

Hello!

I’ve started taking on more furniture projects lately – both for clients, as well as furniture pieces that I pick up myself to redo and then resell.  This post contains some affiliate links.

I thought you’d enjoy the desk I discovered at our local Salvation Army Thrift Store.  They seem to have more furniture pieces than some of the other local thrift stores, and you just never know what you’ll find.  I actually didn’t pick up this piece the first time I saw it, but it stuck in my head and I went back the next day to buy it.  I’ll admit, I saw another woman eyeing it, and I got a little nervous that I was going to lose it.  But, once she walked away, I went to the cashier and paid for it right away.

So, the lesson from this is if you find a furniture piece that you like, pick it up before someone else does.  

Here it is in all of its “before” glory (with Martin photobombing in the background).  Great size, I like the tapered legs on it, and the hardware is vintage in a good way – totally want to keep it and reuse it.

Plus, it has great details.

Again with the pretty hardware.  It wouldn’t be right to replace these, would it?

The chair has nice detail work too, but the vinly seat was in need of some serious help.

Let’s talk paint!  Normally I try to choose a fabric, and then paint, but in this case, I broke my own rules and picked the paint first.  I used a new paint for this project – Velvet Finishes paint, in a color called “Handsome”.  I had been eyeballing this paint for awhile, and Kellie (the creator of Velvet Finishes) was sweet enough to send me some of her paint to try for myself.

It’s a rich, beautiful blue.  I’ve always been a lover of indigo hues, and lately I just can’t get enough of them!

Velvet Finishes has lots of gorgeous colors – to see all of them, click here.

I started the project by cleaning it with their Ready product, and sanding it (even though technically, with this product you don’t have to sand).  The top of this desk is laminate, so I’m always a bit cautious in that regard.

I read on Velvet Finishes Facebook page, that you could spray their paint (but you need to thin it with water).  I was really excited to hear that, since I spray a majority of the furniture pieces I do these days.  It sprayed beautifully!  (Again with Martin The Photobombing Dog.  I think must be feeling like he’s not getting any attention since we got the new puppy.  So if photobombing makes him feel better, I’m down with it.)

While I could have just stopped here, I decided to add some depth with their Enhance glaze.  It really took this desk to the next level, and gave it some beautiful depth.

Then I topped it off with their Protect product to seal everything since it’s a high use piece of furniture.  

And here it is now:

The seat cushion also got a face lift thanks to Nate Berkus’ gorgeous fabric that I found at Joann’s.  I really lucked out that it matched so perfectly to the paint.

You know I’m kind of a paint snob, but I will say that I really love Velvet Finishes paint.  It has beautiful colors (that can be mixed), and the give you a great finished product.  Did I mention this desk has sold? 🙂 

Let’s do one more before and after comparison, shall we?

So, now I’m on to my next furniture project.  I think I have a desk hoarding problem…

What are you painting right now?  Anything fun?

Linking up:
Savvy Southern Style – Wow Us Wednesday