This stenciled desk went from a piece of trash to a true treasure. Proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a space that you love!
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this with you. This has been a LONG project, and one of my most exciting projects EVER!
The story of my stenciled desk makeover:
Back in September, I got this desk for FREE. Yes, free. FreeCycle is very good to me. You HAVE to check out your local chapter online! I got it from a lady who said it was from her niece’s second divorce. OK. Well, it found a forever home at my house. I was so excited in the beginning, and we took the hardware off, sanded, and primed the drawers.
Dang it. I swear it is gray. You just really can’t tell…it is SO close to white! My original idea was to paint the desk a light muted gray, and then to stencil in white on top. Well, that couldn’t happen with this color. SO, I went to plan B. I figured I could reverse the colors, even though I wasn’t too excited about it. But I just poured some paint in a bowl, and mixed some leftover black paint in with it until I got the right gray color.
Then, I took out my stencil that I WON from Cutting Edge Stencils Woohoo! My first experience with them…and it totally won’t be my last. They were awesome! The stencil designs are beautiful, they’re well-made, come with great clear instructions, and they are so professional! So, I started stenciling:
OK, so this was my first big stencil ever. I definitely made some mistakes when I got too impatient. Because it took a LONG time. And I’m a very impatient crafter. The easy part was the top of the desk. Where I really got frustrated was when I tried to “wrap” the stencil down the desk and around the sides. Not fun. So I ended up free-handing some of the painting in the middle and the grooves, and you can’t even tell! Yay! I used almost the full stencil on the top/right hand side of the desk, and then used a smaller branch from the stencil on the bottom left hand side to balance it out a little:
Then, I pulled out some of this spray-paint for the hardware:
I usually use Oil Rubbed Bronze for metals & hardware, but it was a little too “heavy” for this girly desk. I absolutely love this color! I am now converted!
I put the new hardware in, took a deep breath, and here she is:
Tanya says
Beautiful! Love the finished result. I also won a Cutting Edge stencil and have been waiting for it to arrive! Can't wait to play with it.
Devonay@LumpkinAndMe says
Beautiful! You did a great job on it! It is perfect.
Bobbie says
WOW! That is a transformation! Loved the end result! It takes a special eye to see that beautiful dresser in the before picture! Not sure I could tackle this! You did good job with it
Anonymous says
Patti from Coopersburg…
[email protected]
What a great job on that desk! You are an inspiration.
I have an old wagon that I would like to redo as a coffee table any suggestions?
Kristen says
That looks so good! Great job!
Christine says
Great job!
Ann says
Your desk is beautiful! I have a similar before desk that I picked up at Goodwill before Christmas. Yours is very inspiring, love the stencil.
amberdawn says
Amazing! And I love all the posts below too! By the way…I kept forgetting to ask you if you have ever heard of http://www.shanty2chic.blogspot.com They have great stuff too! You will probably love it!
Mel says
Wow, it's beautiful! Great work on it.
Kristyn @ Good Gravy Crafts says
This is stunning!! What a work of art!!! Thanks for sharing!!
I have a vintage telephone table from my Nana that I have on my list of things "To Do"…you inspired me to get in gear with that! 🙂
xx-Kristyn
Allison says
Christina… this is fabulous! What a beautiful makeover! Thanks so much for linking up!
Megan says
It's so pretty! I love how clean it looks. Stencils scare me, so you've inpsired me to give it a shot the next time I get an opportunity!
I have to confess, I have tried so many of the crafts you've posted about and loved the way they turned out. I have been behind on blogging but when I catch up be prepared, tons are going to be linked to your site! Thanks so much for providing inspiration!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
that looks beautiful!!! i love the branches and birds, and the colors! i will be hosting a furniture makeover party starting tues night and would love for you to join!
TheCraftInMe says
Love the new look, very beautiful!
Chrissie says
What a gorgeous piece. I love the soft colors and the stencil is fabulous. I just finished a very similar piece in red. Its fun to see how many different ways you can make a piece look with paint!
Suesan says
Looks fabulous. Great colors and it goes well in the room.
Meg says
Wow, I love it! The stencil is a wonderful idea! Great job.
I'm hosting an "our nest" sign giveaway! Hope you can join! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com
Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute. says
Wow, that looks great! That desk has such a nice shape.
Your stencil turned out reallllly good.
P.S. I hate priming, too. I wish I could skip that step!!
Cindy @ LeChaiseParfait says
I was on searching for something to do to my kitchen table top and I think I found it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Jana says
This turned out great! I love it!
Would love for you to come link up!
http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/01/glam-party-9.html
lauren@WESTFURNITUREREVIVAL says
THE DESK TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL . GOOD JOB WITH THE STENCILING
Meg and Mum's says
This is just stunning! And what a bargain! I haven't attempted to do a stencil yet. I would like to give it a try although I fear my patience would get the better of me 🙁
Megs 🙂
Tonya says
Ooooh girl…that is one cute desk! Love the stencil!
Allison@FabRehab says
I hope you never, ever sell that! It's perfect!! So inspiring!
Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack says
Oh my gosh… I am in desk love! You did a fabulous job! I would buy that desk in a heartbeat! Thanks for the inspiration!
Have a great night!
~Michelle
Upscale Downhome says
Great job! When I first saw the title of the post before I saw any pictures I wondered if the stenciling would look out of date. The way you positioned it on both sides made it look very up-to-date and modern. Love color choices, too.
Jill says
HOW FANTASTIC!! Well done for getting a round to finishing it! definitely worth waiting for! and I can't believe how cheap it all was!
Thanks so much for linking to A Round Tuit. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://jembellish.blogspot.com/
Colleen @ MuralMaker&More says
What a fabulous job! I love your choice of colors, the placement of your art and the hardware. It turned out just darling!
Would love to have you link it up to Passion for Paint this weekend!
Catherine says
Wonderful! Love it! The hardware is so beautiful I'm glad you didn't replace it 🙂
Its So Very Cheri says
Cheri AGAIN–
You should enter this in our party that starts tomorrow. Krylon is one of our sponsors.
This is adorable.
Cheri from http://www.itssoverycheri.com and http://www.thediyclub.com
Michelle L. says
So so so so beauteous! Your blog just keeps getting better. Happy 2011!
Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden says
LOVE this! That stencil makes it look so pretty! I'm glad you kept the hardware. It looks just perfect repainted.
Thanks for sharing at My Backyard Eden!
Claire says
I adore this-the stencil is so perfect, feminine and delicate for the sturdy desk-the hardware is the finishing touch-I'm your newest follower!
Sue@Uniquely Chic says
Wow, what a difference. The stencil really makes it awesome. The hardware color too was spot on, kinda coordinates with the stencil. NIce!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
That stencil is so cute on your girly dresser!
Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says
So great! Cutting Edge Stencils are great! You should link this up at the monthly contest over at thediyclub.com!
Cassie says
This is gorgeous! Perfect color for the heardware!
Amanda Dale says
Gorgeous!!!
Erin says
What a stunning piece of furniture!!! And WOW on the price!!!! Amazing! 🙂
Brambleberry Cottage says
Christina that turned out fabulous! Your idea for the stencil design was perfect. It's definitely a keeper. 😉
Thanks for linking to my party. Keep those super projects comin'!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com
Samuel Eldred says
Hi!
My daughter told me about your blogsite yesterday, and I've just check it now. She was telling me that she wanted your stencil desk design idea, but for her walls. We're planning to make a little make over for her room this month, then she finally made her decision for her room's theme, which is stencil art. Some of her stuff we're thrown, except for her cabinets, bed, and carpet. A cleaner that we hired do carpet cleaning (Addison-based). Thankfully he did a good job for carpet cleaning (Addison IL). Thanks for sharing you stencil design idea. It really help us to make a plan for my daughter's room.
Kim @ Second Time Furniture says
The desk is just fabulous! I love the stencil on it, and the original hardware is awesome! How fun to pick out the exact color of paint that you wanted! 🙂
Paige (Final Clothes-Out) says
Found you via the Just A Girl link party! This is one of the best furniture transformations I've seen. Seriously. I saw the thumbnail and said, "Shut the front door!" out loud to myself in my cubicle. Awesome work!
Orange it Lovely says
Gorgeous!!
Tana
Kaysi says
Looks great! Glad you liked the stencils you won!
Kristen @ ladybug-blessings.com says
looks awesome!!! Love what it looks like!! If you have a chance come link up to Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings next week! http://www.ladybug-blessings.com
LambAround says
This is so gorgeous! I love the design you chose. If you get a chance tomorrow, I'd love for you to stop by and link up to my blog hop 🙂
Nicole @ Black Cab Designs says
I love how it turned out and you can't beat FREE! I think I need to get busy stenciling something. Thanks for the inspiration!
Tyla says
Really very pretty. Thanks for sharing. I actually have a desk in my garage that is STILL WAITING to be repainted for my daughter's room. I may have to try using a stencil on it. Thanks again.
Steph @ BirdhouseFamily says
Stunning! I love the desk and the stencil.
Inspired by you says
Doesn't it make you giddy to get something for free?! You really transformed the piece. Love the stencil!
Amanda M. says
WOWEE! This is so gorgeous. We have a free desk, too, and I think I just might use this idea very similarly with ours. What an inspiration! This is so awesome!!!
Sherree says
My grandfather had a desk like this one and I so wish that I could have gotten it, now looking at what you did. I love the stencil work. I am new to your site, but will be back often.
Amanda says
I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I linked to this post today from the Home & Garden channel at Craft Gossip. 🙂 You can see it here
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/stenciled-desk/
Thanks for the great idea!
If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/
Becky Fisher says
Love it!!!! I got here from Craft Gossip 🙂 I am inspired by so many creative blogs! I just started a new one yesterday about our adventures in selling the house and going on the road in our RV — I hope mine can become as good as yours 🙂
Joyce says
beautiful! I love pretty re-do's and this one is awesome!
Alberta says
Gorgeous job. Your efforts weren't wasted. Definitely something to be proud of. Well done!
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
oh my gosh, I LOVE this! The colors are perfect and the stencil is beautiful! Great job, Christina!
decdiva1 says
very pretty! i just love the soft grey and the branches and birds are always a hit w/ me! stopping by from utt&d
The Homemaker says
Lucky you! You won't even know it's just $3. Very pretty 🙂
One in the SAHM says
Wow – it's beautiful!
Young and Crafty says
This turned out beautiful! I LOVE the stencil detail! How awesome that you got it for free?!
Thanks for linking up to Free for All!
Hannah @ http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com
Meredith @ Welcome to Heardmont says
Ohhhh this piece is so beautiful! Great job!!
diaryofadomesticgoddess says
What a stunning project! I love the finished desk – so pretty. 🙂
danielle brooks says
Beautiful job! You look like an expert stenciler : )
amybluestar says
This is gorgeous – wow, I love it!
Anonymous says
I am in awe, What a beautiful piece! Great stenciling. I like the idea of reusing or repurposing items. Thank you I am new to your site but will be back often. Denise
coolmama72 says
That is beautiful! You did a fantastic job on it!
I have a very similar desk (to the original here) that I use for scrapbooking. I'd love to do something with it now that I've seen yours … but I know I won't find the time. However, maybe someday… your desk definitely inspires me.
And freecycle rules. 🙂
loribethswan says
Love it! You did a fantastic job! This is my first time visiting your blog, but I will be back!
Robin says
that is truely amazing! such a good job you should be proud!
April says
That is AMAZING! I'm going RIGHT NOW to find my local freecycle!
The Reluctant Blogger says
This is soooo pretty! I am going to be doing my desk this month…thanks for the inspiration!
Kathy@ Gone North says
Just Beautiful!!! Great transformation…
I may just try to do something similar.
(stopping by from Better After)
Jana says
I saw you on Better After.
This desk is absolutely gorgeous. You did a great job. I give it a 10!
Korrie@RedHenHome says
Very, very, very pretty! The stencil truly makes it a show-stopping piece!
Sunshine and Shadows says
This is one of the best afters I've seen.
Laurie Jones says
Your desk is beyond beautiful!!! Great job!
Jena @ Involving Color says
Christina, your desk turned out beautiful! I love the stencil design. So glad I came across your blog. I'm a new follower.
Holly says
So pretty! I have that same stencil and I love it! It is just beautiful the way it wraps around the desk.
Judith @ Creating Balance says
Awesome job. My a.d.d. can't handle any kind of stenciling! you go girl! And I likey the caramel latte. I'll have to try that soon.
Holly Austin says
oh.my.goodness.
I love it! It's so gorgeous and the colors are perfect. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says
Christine – Love what you have done with this piece. The Krylon on the hardware is one of my favorite colors! Amazing job – very pretty! Thanks so much for linking up to The Sunday showcase party – I have featured this today. Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Hope you have a wonderful week ~ Stephanie Lynn
Bonnie@Creative Decorating says
Just stopping by from the paint party!! I just love how this turned out! Isn't it amazing what you can do with paint and hard work? Great job!
Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says
What a gorgeous transformation! I'm putting your desk in the Spotlight at The Power of Paint Party (PoPP). Thanks for linking up.
Jenni says
Your desk is gorgeous! I love the stencil you used, and think the gray on white is beautiful! You did a wonderful job on it. 🙂
Blessings,
Jenni
{Beautiful Nest}
The DIY Show Off says
Holy cow – what an awesome transformation! You did a fantastic job, it's gorgeous!
Roeshel
Its So Very Cheri says
What a fabulous makeover.
I love the old pulls–so glad you kept them.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri says
Congrats on making the TOP 10 Post and be sure to check out EXCITING CHANGES at THE DIY CLUB post as well–REALLY EXCITING!!
Cheri
Belle & says
Hi again!
My sister and I would love to feature your desk on our blog this week! I would like to include a picture with a link to this post in the feature post, as well as on our sidebar for the week! Just let us know!
I see you made the top ten! Congratulations on this~ that is so exciting! You deserve it, hands down! 🙂
Blessings,
Jenni
belle & sparrow {beautiful nest}
Jenni says
Oh no, I was signed in with the wrong name/wrong link! I'm the comment above asking if we can feature your desk! If you click on my name, it will take you to the right place! Thanks! 🙂
~Jenni
allenaim photography and design says
absolutely adore this! Go freecycle!!!
Maleriet fargehandel says
I love this!
mvh Heidi, Norway.
Sam @ The Junk House says
I love this desk so much I featured it as one of the inspiration desks for my future office! You did an amazing job. I love the stencil work.
http://thejunkhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/office-inspiration.html
CherishedHearts Vintage says
Love this desk! Thank you for sharing the source of the stencil and the brand/color of spray paint.
Shannon Foster says
Interested in selling? Email me at [email protected]
Kindra-At Home With K says
Somehow I missed this makeover. Found it over at the CSI project. Very cool Freecycle find! Love all the details!
Kelly says
This is so elegant. WOW!! visiting from the CSI project
Michele in IL. says
wow, amazing! Fantastic job!! Love it!!!!
Kelly @ The Creative Chickadee says
So cute. Found you at CSI!
Kelly @ The Creative Chickadee