Since I began my office makeover several weeks ago, I’ve often compared the project to when I was pregnant with my daughter, Mel. I know this sounds like a very STRANGE analogy, but stick with me, I guarantee it will make sense soon enough.
You see, like my pregnancy-I started this project feeling happy and excited. After all- I’d been in that spare bedroom for almost a year now, and hubby stilled called it my ‘fake’ office. He did so-because there was absolutely nothing in it that room, but an old desk, a chair I borrowed from Mom L, and a book case that was mostly empty, except for a few photo’s. On top of that- the walls were white (and bare) and the closet was stuffed with the overflow of clothes that didn’t fit in our master closet.
Sounds like an inspiring place to do work for eight hours a day, doesn’t it? Well, it wasn’t for me, and that is probably why I spent most of my days, working at the dining room table. But that didn’t always work out so well, especially if I was still working when hubby got home (I usually am), and he wanted to watch TV, which is right in the next room!!! Never mind that whenever it was time to eat dinner-I had to pack up all my work, computer, printer, etc, before setting the table!
Which brings me back to my initial analogy. I was excited about finally having a REAL office, until a bad case of morning sickness started to plague me.
Enter the antique vanity. Charming for sure. Beautiful? To some, yes. Useful? No. At least not for me, who is lucky to have five minutes to put on some mascara, before hubby is honking the horn in the driveway!
And then one day-the idea began to hatch in my brain that this old vanity COULD be useful-as my new desk! The only problem was-the veneer on top was in bad shape, and would definitely need to be removed.
Easy peasy-right?
Wrong! As you can see by my trusty little scraper, who sadly, didn’t make it through the entire process! Poor thing-I hope he is doing well in tool heaven.
Needless to say- I wasn’t doing so well, after three days of trying everything in God’s green earth to remove that darn veneer! A steam iron-wet towels-scraper (I bought a new one)-you name it-I tried it.
As you all know-I am not a patient person, but in the end, that is exactly what I had to be, if I was ever going to get the job done. And I did get the job done. But just when I thought the morning sickness was over, and it would be smooth sailing from here……..
Another plague came over me (in my pregnancy it was swollen feet and achy back) and I realized that all the drawers on the vanity were covered in veneer too!
Since I had already put the first coat of homemade chalk paint on the desk (3 parts Simply White paint-to 1 part baking soda and water), there was no turning back. Those darn drawers had to be dealt with, if I was ever going to get to the finish line. At this point, I had two options. 1. Since the veneer was in tact, I could just sand it down and paint over it. 2. Bite my tongue, and go through the same process as I had with the desk.
You’re going to think I am a glutton for punishment, but I went with option 2. Why? Because the last thing I wanted at this point, was to paint over the veneer-only to have it start peeling off, days later!
After tackling the drawers, I had come to that point in this project,(like I did when I was pregnant), where it wasn’t fun anymore, and I just wanted it to be over! But then I found this stencil that I’d purchased long ago-but never used. It was perfect for my desk-and once I applied it with some black paint-and began distressing the rest of the desk, that old feeling of excitement and elation for the end result, was finally coming back.
By the time I had added the basket I purchased last week at Goodwill (I used one of those Command hangars-so it can easily be removed without damaging the desk), I was over the moon happy!
And all the frustration and hardship I’d gone through, was completely wiped away from my memory, as I looked with amazement in my eyes, at what I had created!
What a beautiful vanity repurpose to a desk. I could spend many hours working at a pretty desk like that…and to have a window in front of it – perfect.
Marie@The Interior Frugalista
Gorgeous! And I love your pregnancy analogy. Every DIY project I take on seems to go like that. But it's always worth it in the end. It looks wonderful, and very inspiring to work at!
Thank you, Marie! I LOVE staring out that window (probably too much) and I will definitely being spending lot's of time in my office now!
Oh goodness, Meridith! Thank you so much! I was worried my analogy would be confusing-glad to hear it wasn't!
This is such a beautiful transformation! I love that you went the extra step with the veneer knowing it will last forever & the graphic just completes it perfectly. Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday Linky Party & we hope you will join us again! Michelle-OurCraftyMom
Oh my word, the vanity is stunning and what a fabulous makeover. I love it. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Thank you, Marty! I love your parties! They are always filled with so much inspiration!
Thank you, Michelle! It was a lot of extra work, but the end result is well worth it! Thank you for hosting such a great party, and I will be back!
beeeeeeeeeeautiful!!!!! Tool heaven…. haha!
stunning transformation. I invite you to share at my hop tomorrow. Hugs!
That is gorgeous! I have an old dresser that has a veneer top, and I'm sure the drawers as well. that I am afraid to tackle! You are my hero. Pinned & Tweeted.
Oh my goodness, Clearissa! Thank you so much! I wish you luck on your dresser! It is a lot of work, but so worth it in the end!!!
Thank you, Katherine! I would love to join your party!!!
Ha! Ha! That's right, Kammy- tool heaven!! Thank you so much for stopping by and for all the love!
Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Bog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo
Oh goodness! What an honor!!! Thank you so much, Katherine! You just made my day!!! 🙂
Hi! Just wanted to let you know I am featuring this beautiful vanity at Merry Monday on http://www.ourcraftymom.blogspot.com. Thank you for sharing & we hope to see you again this week! Michelle
Woot! Woot! That's awesome news! Thank you so much, Michelle! I'll be back this week with more on the office makeover!!!
Gorgeous! Pinned. We appreÂciÂate you being a part of our party. I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. We love to party with you! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
Happy MonÂday! Lou Lou Girls
Gorgeous! I'm honestly blown away at how beautiful this desk turned out. I wish I could have it! 🙂 You did a wonderful job!
Kelsey @ the Vintage Storehouse & Co.
PS- Would love to have you share & link up at ReLoved Fridays! The link party is open until Monday!
You rock, Kimberly! Thank you so much! I'll be there with bells on, and ready, as usual, to be inspired!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Kelsey! What a wonderful compliment! If I don't make it today-I'll check out your next party for sure!!!
Featuring this on Trash 2 Treasure today. 🙂
YIPPEE!!! Thank you SO much, Kammy!!!! 🙂
Wow…what a Cinderella moment for that piece!!
So happy I stopped in!!
That is beautiful! stopping by from the party … your newest follower.
Wow, a lot of hard painstaking work, but much like a baby, so worth it! lol! Really love the stencil and that added rack is a great feature! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Just hopping back to let you know that I will be featuring you at SYC this week.
hugs,
Jann
Love the transformation. Looks so soft and pretty.
Mary @ Orphans With Makeup
I so want to do this for my daughter. We are going to redecorate her room with a Paris theme, and this would be perfect! 🙂
Stopping by from the Share Your Cup Thursday Link Party
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai @ lifewithlorelai.com
Thank you so much, Jann! I am truly honored!!
I SO appreciate your kind words, Mary!!!
How wonderful, Lorelai!!!! I'll be checking your blog to see how it all turns out!
I have a question about the transfer that you put on the desk, its beautiful and how did you get one that big and how did you transfer it on the desk?
Thanks and your desk is gorgeous