apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Hmmm. I like it the way it is... and it seems to have nice simple lines that would blend nicely with asian pieces.

If you want it darker... I would try to use a very dark or black stain, (not paint) so that you can still detect the nice wood grain. That way it maintain it's individuality while mixing with your other pieces. THat way it's not too matchy matchy.

It's not really a desk, is it?

I'm going to assume that this is the wrong picture. :)

If the rest of your furniture is dark wood and the other colors in the room are "reds and gold and the walls are about to be painted jade" then I'd paint the desk a glossy black.

Whatever we're calling this piece of furniture, I also vote for black. Goes with everything and is very slimming.

I'm the person that posted the question and that is TOTALLY the wrong photo!
Gahhhhhhh!

That photo is of an entertainment center that I'm getting rid of.

The desk in question is a shabby chic cream colored desk. And it doesn't go with anything. I was thinking of just buying an antique Asian desk to replace it...but still, getting rid of my old desk pains me. Is there a way to salvage this desk to make it "blend" better?

Paint it gold!

sweet pea: post a link to the correct photo?

A coat of paint can drastically change a piece. Imagine what it would look like black... it might suddenly fit in with all your other stuff. But I guess you have to decide which would make you more happy: a beautiful antique Asian desk that matches your decor or a functional desk that you've had since childhood.

Here are photos of my apartment.
Included are photos of that desk I wrote in about.

I think I've decided on just selling that cream colored shabby chic desk and buying an antique asian one.
I'm also getting rid of that entertainment center and moving the tv to the corner.
I'll use that wall instead for the console and a large mirror.
I'm also going to paint the walls jade and do some redecorating!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jencutler/

Any ideas on how to redecorate????
Where to get a cool desk?

P.S. I hate how my apartment looks now!

If you are still undecided, the desk would be awesome in black with chrome hardware. The contrast of shape and colour would be terrific.

Red could be awesome too: but it would have to be an orange based "Asian" red. Not a blue red.

Sand with 100 grit sandpaper to provide a "key." Paint with two coats glossy. If your paint people recommend a primer, use it. If it isn't shiny enough (and it should be glassy) use clear water based varnish over top: two coats.

But be careful: I've hauled around a desk since University and I now wish I was rid of it: except it's too darn functional. (All those drawers! I can't find anything with half the drawer space!)

Don't throw the desk out! it has a lot of charm.

It's bloody awful. Unless it makes you all warm and tearful thinking of your dead granny, dump it and buy something - anything - better.

I kinda like it. Paint it either black or red. Darker stain is good too. Just don't get rid of it!

It's not bloody awful, but it is awfully dwarfed by your computer set up. Before getting rid of it, ask yourself if it provides what you need. If it does, I vote black. If you replace it, I picked up a nice McDowell & Craig steel tanker desk on Craigslist. While it's not antique/asian, the price was right and I couldn't be happier with my new setup. Don't rush - you'll find the right solution.

Sweetpea - I spent labour day weekend redo-ing a pine dresser and bed. I painted them a whitish-grey and love it now. I especially like being able to point at it and say "I made this"!!

This is what I did - Sand furniture (lucky me I had access to a sander - you may be able to rent one from local hardware store, though if your table has lots of little corners, then by hand may be easier, use a high grit sandpaper (i had 180 i think) Paint one coat primer. Leave dry overnight. Sand, Paint another coat primer, leave dry overnight. Paint with paint. Paint two coats if you need. Make sure you leave enough time to dry fully between coats.

The advice I got was to spend more time sanding and priming, and I think it paid off. I didnt do glossy. Since the dresser is a light colour, its already starting to show a little wear, so I kind of wish i had put a coat of something protective on it. I have a feeling thats a project for a rainy weekend.....

I'd say paint it black, replace the chair and replace the handles with something more shiny/fitting. Pretty room!