Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Inexpensive Doesn't Equal Easy

I thought I'd go back into my archives of finished projects to see if there were any projects I hadn't yet shared since I am just now finally gathering myself together post holiday. Am I the only one that is clicking my heels together with excitement at the idea that Christmas 2011 has come and gone? I think not based on what I have read over the past few days in blogland. It seems it caught us all a little off kilter this year.

Anyway, in my traipsing around the photo folders I came upon these photos of a french provincial desk/vanity that I picked up awhile back. It was the typical white with gold trim. I picked it up for $20 with plans of renovating it in black to match my teenage daughters room.


I didn't realize until we got it home that the drawer fronts were made of plastic. The piece was solid, but even after a couple coats of primer I just wasn't liking the way the paint was going on. After much frustration I got it covered pretty well, but it was too shiny for my liking. At this point we decided it would be finding a new home since it wasn't really working as we had planned for my daughter.


On a recent trip to one of my favorite stores, Home Goods I had noticed several pieces that were accented by canvas on the drawers. This seemed to be the answer to my problem...I could cover up the curved, shiny drawer fronts. Originally I planned to put nail heads around the edge, but again the plastic proved to be a problem. The nail heads would just ricochet across the room every time I tried.


Alas, I used some heavy duty spray adhesive to adhere the drawer fronts that I had created using a Home Depot drop cloth stenciled in black. It turned out pretty well in the end but I don't think I want to bother with another piece like this again...even if it is only $20.






Linking up to these lovely ladies:
                                                       http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

                                                     http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/
http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/fab-not-drab.html

12 comments:

Annette said...

Well it looks like a great peice now and I bet your are proud of it. xo

Southern Junk Chic said...

It does look great! Very shabby chic! Love the stenciled cloth.

Perfect Imperfections by Jeanne said...

The desk looks great! I love how you overcame your obstacles and got it done. Good job!

kt said...

That looks great! Funny I repainted a side table that was the EXACT style, same drawers (but not plastic?)and same exact trim/edge along the bottom edges.

Melodee said...

pretty desk! love your blog, love your family pics on the side, looks like they're from a special event:) following you now from Debbie's party

STARDUST said...

Carrie, the redo is gorgeous! Bravo to you! Just followed you! Visiting from Debbiedoos newbie party! Hope to see you over at my place too!
Love, Olga
www.stardust-decorstyle.blogspot.com

Kammy's Korner said...

Wow, that turned out fab! I've done a waterfall desk very similiar to that - black with stenciled drawers... anyways, I'd totally love if you'd link this up over on Kammy's Korner for the weekly Trash 2 Treasure Party! http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/2012/01/trash-2-treasure-tuesdays-13.html

DIYbyDesign said...

That looks awesome. Great idea to add the stenciled drop cloth. I'd love you to join my party that opens tonight at 8pm EST with this post. Hope to see you there.

Lori said...

I'm so glad I found you! I love finding new creative bloggers. Love the desk, and I'm a follower so I can see more of your great ideas. Stop by anytime and visit, Lori

Rebecca Scott (aka Otter) said...

Well, it may have started off frustrating but now it just looks beautiful! I love the idea of using the fabric to help cover those front panels. Such a lovely piece with the swirling design. :)

Mandy said...

Your desk is beautiful!

Our DIY Diaries said...

This is gorgeous! I have to say I'm a little jealous. I've been looking for french provincial pieces with absolutely no luck. Great job. I would love for you to come share this at our Fab not Drab Fridays link party!
http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/fab-not-drab.html