7.08.2011

The Desk Reveal

Remember the campaign desk I scored on kijiji?

She was is pretty rough shape, but I thought there may a gem hidden
 below that horrible, beat up mahogany finish.








Well, it took a LOT of elbow grease...
and I have to say I panicked a bit when after the first hours of stripping had only got to this stage...







I discovered, along the way, 
that furniture stripping in the sun means that the stripper dries before it has time to work properly,
and that a kitchen scrub brush is the most effective tool you can use!

Eventually we got to this.







Sanded and ready to be oiled.

There is three different types of wood here - 
oak with a cherry inlaid top,
and walnut legs.





I had considered painting the desk, 
but really liked the look of the wood when it was raw,
and wanted to keep it in this state.
But the wood was really dry, as old wood often is.
So I oiled it.

Have you ever done this?
It has the consistency of olive oil oil, becomes really tacky as it dries, and offers a low lustre sheen without changing the color of the wood.
The desk received three coats to offer up a little more protection,
with a day of drying time in between each coat.

And this is the end result:









The brass hardware is slightly burnished from time, and I love the patina it has, so I left it alone.

The only thing left to do is line the drawers, I have something special in mind, show you when they are done.

Not too bad for $150, is it?!

I've been using one of our dining chairs here and actually quite like it, 
so two of the armchairs versions have been ordered from restoration hardware...
perfect because when we have a large group we can pull them into the dining room.

The hydrangeas are from the garden.
Planted 10 hydrangeas out front last summer, 
and now there's heaps of them throughout the house - so wonderful :)

Note I've only shown you the desk from one angle, 
because my bookshelves have yet to be styled and are looking a wee bit cluttered!

The chippendale sofa in the room is being re-upholstered, 
and I'm going to try my hand at painting a sisal carpet for the floor.

 Hope to have it all spiffy shortly, and will share the whole room!

But how about that desk?!

What do you think? 

I think it's a keeper.




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35 comments:

Giulia Doyle said...

This is amazing! Really like the raw wood colour with your teal curtains.

We have a raw wood table we made for our kitchen and I used the cutting board oil available at IKEA to give it a bit of protection and sheen. it darkened it slightly and really pulled out the grain.

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I love that you kept the natural wood, it looks so amazing! A lot of work, no doubt, but it looks like it has paid off in spades!!! It's so unusual, too! Definitely a keeper!!!

Unknown said...

It is absolutely GORGEOUS- seriously couldn't be better- I'm sure it was hard work but so so worth it!!

designchic said...

What a fabulous transformation. I love they style and the bamboo legs are wonderful. So worth all of the effort!!

Elaine said...

Looks wonderful. So warm and charming. way to go.

Mel said...

Gorgeous! You put a lot of work in to it and the final result was well worth it. Bravo!

Kerry said...

Lady - that looks ABSOLUTELY fabulous! I love it and you did a fabulous job! :)

tina / half of what I say said...

What a gorgeous find. Love that you left it in the natural state. You will enjoy it for years!

Layers and Layers said...

Hello gorgeous! Looks great & I too love it raw! Nicely done.

Wendi @ Classic Chic Home said...

Your desk looks amazing. I like your decision to leave it unstained. Looking forward to seeing your next project!

Anonymous said...

This is incredible! I applaud you for keeping it natural wood, it's stunning, and a nice change from the brightly lacquered pieces (as much as I love them too).

laxsupermom said...

Love that desk! I was sure you were going to paint it, but I love it oiled! Just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Heather (love your space) said...

completely gorgeous. I always panic when working with wood and generally shy away from stripper,but this is inspiring me!

Kellie Collis said...

Lovely transformation! Have a gorgeous day, Kellie xx

The enchanted home said...

Absolutely perfect!!!!! Love it, you got it just right. What vision you have...enjoy it!

rachel @ Just a Touch of Gray said...

I mean, wow! That is so beautiful! I love that you didn't paint it... the wood is gorgeous! Love love love

Unknown said...

wow and gorgeous and beautiful don't begin to describe it. it is not only a keeper, but a pass-it-down-to-granddaughter type of thing. LOVE that you didn't paint it. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Cynthia Fox-Giddens said...

I remember your post about this desk and the reveal is fantastic. It looks like a lot of work went into it, but worth it.

Edwina@FASHION+ART said...

WOW! Your patience and dedication is truly admirable. What beautiful and rewarding results!

Choo said...

What a great find, A-M! You really did it justice!

jules @ The Diversion Project said...

oh my freaking word - that is brilliant darl!!! well done you! brilliant eye for potential and what a treasure it turned inot. love it.

xxxx

lisaroy said...

It looks amazing! Nice job with the stripping, especially on the legs! I love that you left it natural. Oh I wish I could find good used stuff here in Dubai. :)

elizinteriors said...

Wonderful....the legs are freaking me out, thats where all work appears to be!

Unknown said...

A-M, could you do a post on how to properly strip furniture?? I have a chair I'd love to fix up! :) Thanks in advance.

Ali said...

Nice work, I just stumbled upon your blog and like what I see. Also, curious to know how you get the background you use on all your photos, I really like that look, makes your blog look very clean and professional.

Anonymous said...

Looks waaayyy better! Great score and you made it beautiful again!

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

I think you've done a fabulous job. It looks so much warmer now, in the natural finish. I'd love to be working at that pretty desk!

Anne-Marie @ 10 Rooms said...

aw.. you guys are the best! Thank you - xxx

Barbara Matson said...

Holy Smokes-that is fantastic! What a score and diamond in the rough!

Sarah said...

She's a keeper! I like that you didn't paint it - she is lovely as is and the drawer handles are great...great job!! :-)

Ramblings of a Redhead said...

Absolutely beautiful! I like the natural look of it. It's been restored to its natural beauty!!!

jodie said...

I love it!!

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

I think I must have missed this post while on holidays or something... What an amazing find!!! It looks gorgeous! Love that you left the wood. I just acquired a table that badly needs re-finishing. Hope I can get to it this summer. (After my kitchen cabinets, which are next on my list...)

Unknown said...

I REDID A CAMPAIGN DESK TOO .. LOVE YOURS. THE BARE WOOD IS BEAUTIFUL
LAUREN

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