We have featured Barb's creations from Knack Studios on AT before and this is a perfect time to highlight another piece that she has refurbished. Her amazing furniture remodeling work fits perfectly with our DIY month. Hopefully it will bring you some inspiration if you are still looking for ideas.
Before and After: Barb's Desk on Design*Sponge
This vintage desk that needed some serious work caught our attention when looking through the Before and After section on Design*Sponge.
The classic symmetrical design of the desk, with its nice details on the drawer fronts, make this a great piece for restoration. The finish needed the most attention in the process of bringing it back to life. We love the modern, simple look and the golden knobs are a nice touch. If you like the lamp as much as we do, you might want to check out art & light gallery.
In the interview with us Barb said that "proper tools are key" in the process of furniture restoration.
Here is her list of what the right tools are:
• Sherwin Williams contractor series 2" and 2 1/2" angle sash brushes for latex paint
• Foam rollers
• Sanding sponge
• orbital sander
• belt sander
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
• Chip brushes (for applying waxes and stains)
• Lint-free cloths
For larger scale repairs, she is not afraid to use her 12" miter saw, skill saw, nail gun, and a compressor. Check out more of her work on the Knack Studio's website.
Photos: Design*Sponge
Comments (12)
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inspiring.
view LoriSF's profile
the white top isn't my thing, but it's still wow.
view foodefafa's profile
More nice wood ruined...
view bromelia's profile
thank you so much Monika for featuring my work ! It makes me giddy to be featured here, as I am an avid AT fan and reader.... xoxo
view Knack's profile
Monika, how did you get that white top? I have a desk almost exactly like this that needs some serious work, and what you've done is terrific.
view madampince's profile
Sorry, not Monika -- Knack!
view madampince's profile
OMG I just bought a desk EXACTLY like that from Craigslist this weekend! It's still in really good condition for the age so I'm still not sure if I am going to paint it or not... but GREAT job! Very inspiring. Makes me want to paint mine LOL. But I will hold off until after my trip and see if I still want to paint it then.
view lindsclou's profile
Madampince,
Thank you very much!
The top is actually done with wallpaper ! You can use whatever kind of paper or pattern you wish.
view Knack's profile
"Restoration" implies that you are restoring the piece of furniture to a previous, maybe original, state. I doubt there was ever a previous time when the piece had wallpaper on top and dark wood stain.
view HillE's profile
Great job!
view jooly's profile
Nice- looks really good.
view EileenB's profile
HillE, maybe the use of "restoration" means they restored it to usable condition, not ORIGINAL condition. eh? Perhaps you'd prefer "salvaged"?
In any case, very nice job -- I probably would have a dark top, maybe with a piece of glass cut to fit, for a hard writing surface, but that's just another option...
view SherryBinNH's profile