apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

replace all the hardware- maybe glass knobs? and paper the inside or paint with a bright fun color.
nice piece- lots of potential!

Painting it black and switching out the handles is a great idea. Although I would paper the back panel of the desk instead of the front. it would make for a nice little surprise when you open it up. And the desk light would set it off perfectly.

Perhaps changing the handles and painting or papering the panel inserts.

I would also change the spikey fifties feet. But that's me I hate that retro look. If you are too attached to that almond color which I think is rather lovely, you could paint the panel a color that would go with the rest of the place to tie it in. Looking at the photos, everything looks neutral. If not black then an accent color to spark it up. Aqua blue with that almond and steel or Lucite/Bakelite handles might work.

Black--YES!

oh my goodness, please keep as is. the white pairs with that wood inside so well. I think if you just change the hardware you'll be surprised at how differently you'll look at the piece.

I agree with changing the hardware, but would keep it white and paint the inside a bright color (pink? teal-y blue?)... I like the idea of a nice surprise when you open it up. What a great piece to have inherited! Love your place too.

I agree with the idea of paper inside. On the outside, it could also pale out with the sunlight over time and end up an ugly blue-ish colour. You could also just cover a part of the inside, if you do, think about the wear if you use the flap as a desk for writing. I have firends who repainted a similar desk bright red.
The drawer handles look rather plain, but the upper handle seems original. If its metallic, it could stand out on bright red.
The inside with the light is nice.

If it were me, I'd consider painting it a muted, vintage-type color that will bring some color into your space without making it look so heavy as black would. Also, I think the details would be lost in the glossy black. I'd also replace the hardware with something a little more vintage-mod looking (not too contemporary- those legs look retro to me) and save the pattern for the inside.

Leave it alone!

I think it would look nice with different hardware. Something just a bit less granny-looking.

I would do an antique black, with new hardware...I'm undecided as to what kind of hardware and leave the inside that natural, wood. That would look really sharp!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I am leaning towards painting it * something * but maybe not black, as I agree it may be a bit heavy.

Does anyone have a good source for bejeweled/glass/antiquey hardware except for anthropolgie?

I love the idea of going deep and dark for the outside. Maybe a deep charcoal and then the trim in a very light color or white. The japanese paper inside would be fab. Go for it. Do not change the legs. Congrats on the new project. Just start on it and it will come to you.