Coming up in January, the readers and editors of Apartment Therapy and Blueprint/Bluelines have the opportunity to jump in and get a project done - together. We're hoping that with the support of the community it will be an easy road from "Before" to "After".
For my own January Jumpstart, I plan on tackling a project I've been wanting to do for quite a while and just never seem to get around to (we know everyone has got one of those) - a redo of this little desk.
I really like the size and Chinese-y details of this piece but the very red wood just doesn't work in my place...I plan to go with a shiny, lacquer-like paint finish.
Before really getting underway in January I need to:
- choose a paint color - white? black? yellow? turquoise? hmmmm
- research a good paint to use for the finish I want - we've heard good things about sign painters enamel
- pick up the supplies somewhere local - Sappanos? Pearl?
Suggestions and tips welcome on all of the above!
If you'd like to join us and complete a project around the house in early 2008 (and possibly win a prize in the process) you simply need to:
- read all the details here
- pick your project
- take a before photo or two
- get your supplies together...and we'll all be ready to go in January.
More to follow on my desk redo project (as well as projects from other AT editors and the readers joining in) in the New Year...
Nice desk, Janel! What about a midnight blue/navy?
view aaron's profile
I definitely have a project! Actually I have several. Please let me know what info you find about lacquer-like paint finishes.
view petworthdc's profile
Great table. Where is it from?
view ggoodno's profile
I also LOVE the desk! Let your other styling considerations lead your colour choice. Is the lovely blue & white porcelain staying? Then Aaron's suggestion is a good one. What color are the walls? Other major features in the room? Is there an element in your scheme that needs balancing? This would probably be a great opportunity to tip the scale. Can't wait to see the after--good luck!
view ChrisToronto's profile
aaron : oooh - navy is an interesting idea...but I have black floors in my bedroom and it might move in there. not sure how well that combo would work.
petworthdc - will do - i'll be blogging the project as i go.
ggoodno - thanks! i don't have much info about it other than that it's from hong kong - my in-laws got it there years ago.
view janel's profile
Hi Janel,
May I ask where you got the desk from, and how much it cost?
view jenniejenjen's profile
Oh, and my advice is get it professionally sprayed . . . there's nothing like a professional spray lacquer job and the price is usually surprisingly low, at least it is up here in Canada.
view ChrisToronto's profile
jenniejenjen and christoronto-
thanks and see above...simultaneous commenting was happening!
christoronto - tempting to go pro - but im gonna try the diy in honor of the january jumpstart project...fingers crossed!
view janel's profile
Black and Navy is a great combination, especially if the blue is really intense. Super chic!
view aaron's profile
ChrisToronto, who do you use in Toronto? I'm looking for someone to do exactly that and would be grateful for a reasonably-priced recommendation.
Thx,
Snoopy
view snoopy's profile
I've used One-shot sign enamel on furniture and it's worked extremely well. I just went over the piece with liquid sander first.
view martha's profile
Also, that desk would look so great in vermilion.
view martha's profile
Hey Snoopy,
The only way to go is Benjamen Refinishing, 104 Kenhar Dr., Unit 11, Toronto, ON 416.745.2559. He's fast and very reasonably priced, typically about $100 for a large piece like a dresser, less for smaller chairs, stools, etc. He's done lamps for me at $25 per. He's the guy Sarah Richardson uses on Design Inc.
view ChrisToronto's profile
Thanks for the info ChrisToronto.
view snoopy's profile
Ooooh! ChrisToronto - thanks for the suggestion. I'm sure I'll find something that needs to be sprayed!
view kiwi's profile