apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I say Craigslist. It's a lot of work to paint something properly (with all the prep work), and if you just don't like them, I think it would be better to sell them and put the money toward something you do like.

I love a good project, so I would say paint and change the hardware. Maybe some vintage-looking glass knobs?

I completely agree with the above post by anmar. These look like good quality pieces, and if they aren't to your liking there is someone out there who would love to have them. Unless you are in love with them, or they have deep sentimental value, don't waste your time trying to make them something they are not.

If you don't feel a glimmer of hope that you will LOVE them, sell them. They are nice pieces and someone else will appreciate them more.

I agree - the wood isn't that pretty, and it appears to already have some sort of weird finish already...

...but I don't mind the shape - I think that if the function still works for you, why not give it a try w/ some primer and black paint. You can knock down the edges w/ some sandpaper to give it a slightly distressed appearance, and get creative w/ some vintage wallpaper for the insides if you'd like. I'd also replace the wooden knobs w/ some that are brass or nickel.

Worst case scenario: You still don't like it and you can sell it on CL.

If an emotional attachment to the pieces isn't holding you back, try Craigslist and then put that $ towards something you'll love. Maybe keep the chair, paint it black and reupholster the seat in a luxe fabric.

Craigslist.

Oh man, I've been DYING for an armoire that I'm not sure that I like so I can try this:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/organizing/element-of-surprise-offbeat-storage-096724

I would cut off those little fan looking things in the corners of the desk and paint both pieces black. Then some teal glass knobs. Maybe even some teal tissue paper or craft paper behind that cool scrolly thing on the top of the desk to make it pop.
I have a hutch my grandfather made for me 17 years ago that I sanded and painted black. Best decision I have ever made for my home.

I say, sell the desk and paint the armoire in one of the shades of teal or aqua that you mentioned. Maybe replace the wooden knobs for some amazing pulls.

Throw something ugly and electronic (say a tv?) or in that sucker or store your clutter there.

I've been DYING for an armoire that I don't love so that I can try this:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/organizing/element-of-surprise-offbeat-storage-096724

Oops sorry for the double post.

I like the little details on the desk/hutch. Both pieces seem like they'd blend in fine with more modern stuff.

I'd paint them. You can go with black, red, or aqua. You could also wallpaper or paint the backs of the shelves (or maybe the details like the trim and knobs) in a contrasting hue. You just need primer, sandpaper, paint, and patience to make it look good.

Of course, if you're not willing to put in the work to do a good job, then by all means, sell them.

I second ksholder. The armoire is fairly clean and simple and super functional. Replace the crown molding with something better suited to your tastes, fill in the carved detail at the top (it doesn't look that deep, and wood putty is easy to work with), paint the whole thing, replace the hardware and voila!

The desk you'd probably use less, so eliminating all the geegaws on that thing and refinishing it may take more time than it is worth to you. Sell it on CL and make enough money to buy some really beautiful hardware for the other piece!

I'm wondering what room you will be using these in.
From the photos it looks like a bedroom, but you post a link to a living room for a style reference. I'm also wondering if the two pieces will be in the same room or different rooms?
Either way....I say paint them, for sure. I doubt you can buy something new, of that structural quality for what you will get on CL.
You express interest in painting "for a funkier look"...I say go for it. I love the link that ksholder posted, that bold purple armoire. It your colors are teal and aqua, paint the armoire one of those in a high gloss paint. Change out the pulls...no need to change moldings....the color itself will change the look dramatically.
As for the desk, remove those little shell things in the corners..the top woodwork will look good once it is painted... but change the hardware. You might consider a two tone paint job (depending where it goes)...paint the chair and change the fabric on the cushion.

check out this link for an armoire very close to yours to see how paint can change it. http://www.casasugar.com/2768697
then check this out for some painting inspiration.
http://www.craftynest.com/2009/07/old-dresser-rolling-tool-cabinet/
you can go to the home page and weed through....
she does some interesting things with paint and furniture.
and this also for inspiration...
http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/before-and-after

I saw invest the time and paint it. Because it's in such good condition, it won't take anything to paint it. You'll be so please after you do. Good luck.

perhaps, I'd paint simply 'white' except those tops of darkish brown colour.

I say keep them. They are quality pieces but you probably won't be able to get a lot of money for them off craigslist.

Can you separate the desk and the hutch? They will be more versatile that way.

I think the desk will look gorgeous painted black. Replace the top with a slab of marble, and change the knobs.

Have you any idea of how hard it is to strip varnish off decorative fretwork? Stripping and painting these pieces will be a mammoth job.

Craigslist the suckers and start afresh.

I would paint them and get nice new knobs. Staining them will be a pain as you will have to strip and sand them, but if you paint them black, and then give the detailing, the center of the chair back, and the back of the desk hutch a contrasting color (teal or aqua?) they will look great. And since it is wood, you can easily get any pulls you like, and just plug the old holes with a dowel (inserted with some wood glue) and wood fill before painting.

I'd say sell and put the money towards replacing them both. Let someone else's child have them.

It's pretty evenly matched here between the "keep" and the "get rid of", so you're probably just as confused as when you started. ;->
To throw my two cents worth in, I'd vote for keeping, at least for now. They look like quality pieces, and like others have said, you probably wouldn't get enough from selling on Craigslist to even come close to replacing them. The Craigslist in my town is filled with people like me - hard hit by the recession and looking to get a great bargain. I've tried to sell a few really quality items, and either get no response or get people offering a few cents on the already reasonable dollar amount I've asked.
I recently looked around my own home and realized that I really don't mind the 2nd hand and/or hand-me-downs, but the differences in finishes is causing some visual clutter. I got a gallon of black paint and will be painting a good portion of the furniture - even the bookcases that my gramps built.
That would be my suggestion, and like someone said above - you can always sell them at that point if you still don't like them.
Good luck!

With most of the nay sayer off the soap box. The pieces are half decent so I'd first look at your options with working with them. If they were beat up and outdated who knows maybe that would change the preference for them, either way you have some decent pieces of Shaker style that the above post nailed about CL but before you sell, see what it would be to replace them with new, you might be suprised! I sell furniture and customers often disappointed at the prices, thinking that they are getting more for thier money.
That said- go for the paint first, stripping is the same whether its one layer or two... out if you want to "see" the pieces (paint a solid contrast color-black, tan, or pink-like the bed?) or if you want to "hide" the pieces (paint the same colors teal/white while highlighting the beading on the drawers, knobs, stenciling at the top and/or facia) and contemplate updating the look by carefully removing the little scollops in the corners and the "I live on a boat" keeper on the top shelf.
If that doesn't fly then go for the stain just match what is in your house.
If all fails there is always CL.
Good Luck!