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!

Vanity + Dresser Set

I rarely get a sweet set like this dresser and vanity to makeover...so it made perfect sense to push some other projects to the back burner and work these two over pronto!

 

I opted for a more mature and classic color pallet for this set. French Linen. It's a warm, cozy, creamy grey. I'm smitten by how well the detailing pops with the light distressing and dark wax.

After sanding the tops, I stained them with Provincial stain and sealed them with wipe on satin poly. {I love the old world look you get from the wipe on poly, it's not too heavy just enough to offer protection} Finally, I lined the drawers with a coordinating patterned fabric. {I love the little surprise that you get when you open the drawers and see the love birds}

 

 

 

  

  

 

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Darling Blue Vanity

I imagine that when this vanity was new, some young lady was so excited to have it in her room. Probably all giggles and smiles!

Based on the condition that I found it in, it was USED heavily for a number of years. So, I did what I love to do, I rescued this girl from a dark and dumpy barn with plans to make her grand once again!

From frumpy...

to Fabulous!

I painted this piece in AS Duck Egg, I just love the soft blue color! I also lined the drawers for a little bonus and added charm.

 The mirror easily detaches so you can change up the way you use this girl.

 

 I updated the knobs with some vintage glass numbers and they match the adorable glass feet!

   

I used some coordinating fabric to line the drawers for a little special surprise.

 

 With or without the mirror, this is a super sweet piece.

Want a flower that holds its color for a long time? In Minnesota, the sedum blooms in August and last until the first frost for the most part. It's a hardy little bugger and a great flower for cut arrangements too.

Enjoy the day!

Crystal

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