Meet my secretary

2/23/2011 01:54:00 AM

I bought this at Sulit, Philippines equivalent to Craig, but it doesn't even come close! I tried to find those pieces with lots of potential and amazing shape I see people find on Craig, but we just don't have it with a fair price. At Sulit, amazing piece = HIGH price! Cheap price = old beat-up item. (most of the time)
Such as this:
pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

My very beat-up secretary desk
pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

It's old, dusty, very heavy desk, with lots of dents and wobbly drawers.
pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

But some prettiness is on its way.
I painted it a very pale grey, but I find it too flat.

pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

So I draw a faux moulding, dry brushed some white paint for a little texture, and added a peek of pink on the handles.

pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

I used a sharpie to put dotted moulding on the desk. Dots are so much easier than trying to have perfect straight lines.

pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

The inside got a special treatment too. Soft pink paint and a matching floral paper.

pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

I can't wait to start doing some work on this desk.

pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

I just hope (for the love of pink!)  that I can keep the crap and mess to a minimum. My desk is always disorganized, but this cuteness will be my motivation for organization. (very lame attempt to rhyme, haha)

pink secretary desk, grey secretary desk

Now if only I could find people to haul this up my room! When I say people, I mean lots! This sweet looking desk needs tough people to move it, it's that heavy!

 *******************
UPDATE: The desk is now up in my room. FINALLY.
See more pictures here.


25 comments

  1. What a darling secretary! I love the pink inside, such a sweet touch!

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  2. I think this is a great find! I llluuuooove the transformation. I never thought to draw/polka dot molding. Very cute!

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  3. Elle, I love it! The florar paper in pink is lovely :)

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  4. The pink on the outside is sucha great addition. I LOVE it :0) Old secretaries are some of my favorite furniture types second only to vanities. Hey, Im kinda surprised you went with muted colors this time! lol

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  5. You made it look soooo cute! I LOVE the pink inside!

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  6. Eeeehh thanks everyone! Not perfect, still got some wobbly drawers there, but at least it's cute! haha...

    @Michelle, gotta stick with my moodboard, hence the pale gray! :)

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  7. I think it turned out fabulous. Don't feel bad...about not having Craig's. Craig's List is terrible where I live. Nothing good and everything is WAY over priced. I am amazed at what other's find in other cities. I don't know why people think they should get full retail price for a 1980's dining room set but they do.

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  8. I just love the pink inside and the paper you chose. I love all your projects. You are totally inspiring.

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  9. I love the whole thing. Great job. So pretty, so feminine.

    Deb
    http://dejarenew.blogspot.com

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  10. Elle! That's adorable! I think dry brushing it with white paint was an excellent decision. Also, just thought you'd like to know that I recently started a blog and you are on my Good Reads page. ^.^

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  11. omg! this is the cutest renovation ever! i'v been looking for a secretary desk like that for a long time, but couldnt find anything affordable, so instead got a tiny little desk. im planning to redo it to, so this post was a huge inspiration for me! awesome job! and great blog too!
    <3 mk

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  12. Thank you everyone! Reading all your comments really make my day! REALLY!! :D

    and thanks Christina for including me in your good reads. Much much appreciated. :)

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  13. That's so awesome! Thanks for all the inspiration on your blog.

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  14. When in doubt, use a Sharpie. I like it! Then again, I'm very partial to grey.

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  15. I love that desk! I bet you fit a ton of things in there! Nice transformation!

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  16. You did an amazing job!.....smiles.

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  17. It turned out beautiful. I have been looking for something similar but with no such luck. I'm your newest follower. I would love it if you linked your project up to my link party.
    More The Merrier Monday.

    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

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  18. Really great job. The work you did is amazing, love the surprise color of pink on the inside. Well done.

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  19. I am in love with what you did to that secretary. I especially love the inside. It looks amazing. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog and follow me back at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks so much.

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  20. This is ADORABLE! I love taking an old piece and giving it new life. What a sweet thing you did for that furniture. I bet it is so grateful for your creativity :)

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  21. Hi Elle! i love your works! Hope you can post instructions/guidelines on how to makeover a furniture. :)

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  22. love this transformation! I got reminded that I have a similar cabinet that needs a makeover too! Would you have instructions/step by step guide on how you transformed your darling secretary?

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Thanks for dropping by. I'd love to hear what you think! :)

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