Secretary Desk Makeover
I don’t often buy furniture at thrift stores anymore. They are often overpriced, and the quality is meh. Once in a while I get lucky and fin a good quality piece that has not sold (overpriced) and the price has dropped dramatically. I found this very country style secretary for a song. I was so excited for this Secretary Desk Makeover.
This Secretary was definitely was singing a sad Country ballad. Country is not my thang. I removed the faux desk supports from the front and the wavy scrolly thing on top. Then I painted the entire piece in a base coat of CeCe Caldwell’s Virginia Chestnut. 
I let this dry overnight so I could do some serious distressing and not worry about going past the brown. I painted the entire outside in CeCe’s Nantucket Spray. I used both a 320 grit sandpaper and a wet rag to distress and let that gorgeous Virginia Chestnut show through.
I used CeCe Caldwell’s Minnesota Lady Slipper Pink for the interior and the drawers. I love this color comboThe drawers went pink as well.
I used mismatched knobs that purchase at 50% off Hobby Lobby. I love that store!!! 
What a difference! We went from Sad old style country to updated chic, in style Country! No twang included. Now this Secretary Desk has a completely new look.
Sharing my Secretary desk makeover with these lovely parties
![The Scoop_thumb[5]](https://redouxinteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/The-Scoop_thumb5.jpg)
What a big difference a makeover can do.
I don’t think that kind of country is anybody’s thang! So much better!
It is gorgeous! I can see why that piece didn’t sell at the thrift store–the before is hideous. You made it into a show stopper.
This is so pretty with the pink interior, what a good idea.
What a amazing transformation! I’ve never seen a desk like that before and probably would have passed it by, so glad you didn’t 🙂
Karen – Great makeover. Removing the scrolly thing just brought it to a new level. Love the new look.
The transformation is wonderful!
Oh how pretty now! The country style really wasn’t doing anything for her. Love the pink drawers and the hardware too!
My husbands secretary needs a makeover too. Her wood is a bit dingy and cheeks are not in the pink. She is still pretty sturdy, too sturdy in fact her girth has doubled since he first brought her home. I won’t even mention the size of her drawers.
Boy, I really like this desk Karen! I love the colors you chose. Definitely pinning this one!
I might have actually passed her up with the “Country Twag”. Great transformation. What is happening to Thrift stores around the country, the prices are much higher than ever before. I guess they think they’re Ebay.
Karen
There is so much furniture here in Montreal like that for sell – ( we call it French Canadiana ) and I always pass it up )
Should think twice – this turned out gorgeous !
XOX
What a beauty! It’ll be gone before you blink!
Catherine
Great job and quite a transformation! Love the pink color!
You have a wonderful gift to be able to see how making a few changes can transform this piece completely. It’s inspirational!
I love how you refinished this Karen!!
Hi Karen! I love this secretary and am going to feature it on my blog tomorrow morning for my ‘weekly wonders’ post. Thank you for sharing! ~Lisa
This looks so much better! Like crazy amounts better. And I totally agree w/ you on thrift store pricing lately…Insane.
Angela @ Number Fifty-Three
Yeah the country one was a but um, ugly. Your redo is GORGEOUS! I love it. Can I have it? heheh 😀
GORGEOUS!!! Love that piece and you made it up so pretty!
what? you don’t love a good ol country twang? te he, me neither… LOVE your makeover and the oh so cute different knobs!
Thank you Debra! I have to say, Country in general is not my thang. But I am going to Nashville next week for a business related event. Go figure! I have actually always wanted to visit, but I might have to dig deep for love of country music 🙂
Oh wow! I happen to have one of those in my garage! Mine is built like your made-over rendition….with no twang! lol. Seems I remember priming mine with grey primer and never touching it again! Haha! Yours is truly inspiration! Thank you for reminding me that it really can be cute! Love the pink inside, btw!
Thank you so much Kendra! I love adding the “pop” of color inside things!
I love this! The finish on the outside is just beautiful.
I have been saving a pic of this on my computer for quite some time for inspiration. I’ve had a secretary desk in my garage for 2 years and finally decided to revamp it. Thanks to the inspiration of your piece mine turned out great. It’s white with a pop of turquoise inside and on the sides of the drawers. I took it a bit further and painted some numbers and a scripture on the front of it! 😉 OH I wish you could see it!!! Will you please go take a look at it? I would be honored. Thank you for sharing this one! The one I did is on my facebook posted a few days ago. http://www.facebook.com/designsbykendra !!
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