Classic Drexel Desk + Bench Makeover

This weekend I tackled this desk..and yes, it too is a Drexel. Seems like I've picked up several Drexel pieces lately. Honestly, I search them out pretty heavily because I've yet to meet a piece of Drexel that I didn't love. {sometimes the act of refinishing it makes me questioned my love, but that is short lived} Whether it's a dresser, buffet, side table, desk or vanity they are just so well made that it's really rewarding fixing them up to a more desired and current look.

Here are the details of the project:

This first thing I did was remove the drawers and begin refinishing them.{they were stained so dark you couldn't see the beautiful wood grain and had some pretty harsh surface scratches too}Once they were all cleaned up, I used a nice warm Kona stain and a couple coats of satin poly to seal them thoroughly. The insides of the drawers were in great shape and they slide in and out perfectly.

Based on the nice color on the newly refinished drawers, I decided to paint the entire desk body and the bench with Annie Sloan Graphite. I love how rich Graphite looks with a generous coat of dark wax. I did distress some of the areas to reveal the old dark finish beneath...the effect you get after waxing is my fav.

For the bench, {which didn't actually come with the desk, I picked it up from a good friend a couple weeks ago} I removed the old fabric and replaced it with a nice updated dark grey pattern to complete the set.

Both pieces are really quite stunning!

Here are a few more pictures...thanks for stopping by and happy Monday!

Lane Cedar Trunk {Old Ochre]

This traditional Lane cedar trunk was so average in it's natural state, but after a two tone treatment and an unexpected crackle effect, it's ready to serve as an uber functional storage trunk, chest, bench, coffee table, toy box and on and on and on!

  

Overview on this makeover:

As usual, this story starts with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. This time I picked Old Ochre, a creamy warm neutral color. After I completed the first coat of paint, some crackling occurred...initial thought was pure panic! What was happening? Instead of freaking out completely{which might happen sometimes}, I gave it another coat of paint and it crackled again...but this time my reaction was quite different! The crackling looked so natural and unique. My panic was instantly transformed into pure love! My only regret is that I will likely never achieve the same effect on another piece.

Thanks for dropping by today!

 

Blue Bench {Primitive-esque}

I've been known to pick up free furniture off the side of the road and occasionally pluck some really nice pieces out of dumpsters. Well...that's how this story begins as well. This solid wood bench was in the dumpster on Friday and is sportin' a great new look on Monday!

I tighten the legs up, sanded in down and then broke out the paint brush! I hit s few spots with some intentional white undertones, then a liberal coat of Aubusson ASCP, an aggressive sanding and some antiquing---now you have an updated, solid, primitive looking bench for your entry, porch, hallway or bedroom.

Linking up to:
Beyond the Picket Fence

 

Before