DIY Before & After: Restoring history

I can't help wanting to breathe new life into old things.
Okay, it may be because I'm a broke young-profesh wanting to save a few bucks but hey, I've found some resourceful ways of making (free) old, outdated, furniture look new fresh and chic.

I start the "Before & After" restoration collection with a craft desk.

I was given by my step-mom, Valerie, this dainty wooden desk. I snatched it up knowing the simple lines and structure were exactly what I wanted.

First things first, I took off the wooden knobs and roughed up the glossy finish with sandpaper. I have to admit I was tempted to leave it like this --  the rough, worn in look kinda rubbed me the right way.






Next, I bought Rustoleum oil-based paint in grey and cream, and applied the grey first.

Tip: Unlike latex paint you can't clean your brushes with water. You'll also need to buy  paint thinners to clean your brushes after paint application. Or, just use disposable foam brushes, though not recommended because of their flimsy construction.

Jose and I applied the grey (which turned out looking chicly greyish blue) to the entire desk, making sure to go with the grain of the wood on each section. I started underneath the desk to avoid sneaking under there with wet paint above me. These are the times having a petite frame comes in handy!


It took about 2 coats of paint and 3 anxious days of drying time to perfect the grey layer.

Next came the nautical stripes, and boarders to the drawers. To do this I used painters tape, a ruler or measuring tape, and a pencil. Carefully, I measured, marked and taped off the stripes and borders. Then, got to painting! Again, it took several coats.

Tip: Make super sure the bottom layer is dry! I made the horrible mistake of being too eager and some of the grey peeled up when I removed the tape after the cream stripes.




Now, more waiting.

After about 2 days I slowly peeled back the tape and squeeled reveling in my restoration project. Finally, I finished the piece with classic glass knobs from a local antique shop, only about $1 each!

Voila! My new sewing and craft storage desk!

As my dad's one-year wedding anniversary approaches, I recap the last couple years of my life as a complete wirlwind. Cue the Anchorman scene when Ron Burgandy is stuck in a "glass case of emotion."

Through several disagreements on what to do with my mom's things, and who has more rights to them, me or Dad's wife, all while trying to stay cordial and understanding of them both (having lost the loves of their lives in the past few years) was draining to say the least.

Though changes to my family's home for over 300 years is tough to witness, I'm thankful Valerie has welcomed me to take various furniture and nick-nacks as of late. Am I crazy for wanting possession of them knowing they're "safe?" As if they're my children. Maybe it's my undying loyalty to my family, feeling lucky to have been adopted into such a tight-knit bond, or being simply afraid centuries of history will be thrown or given away.

Either way, let the restoration begin!