When my hubby and I got married, we gave away his beloved black faux leather bachelor sofas and sold my blue and white girly-patterned sofa. Then we purchased a new gender-neutral sectional, black T’V stand, and eventually, the matching desk. Fast forward several years and he now gladly let’s me make all décor-related decisions. (I mean he did let me chop up our sectional…really you should take a look at that if you haven’t already.) I think he just wants me to be happy, so he doesn’t have to listen to me complain but I really don’t think he could care less.
If you missed my how-to for slipcovering armless chairs the other day, I was talking about how I wanted to lighten the feel of our living room. The slipcovers turned out great and really helped in brightening our living space, but I knew I wanted to do more, so… I decided to paint our monstrosity of a desk. Here is what it looked like before:
I chose this desk for all the storage since it was acting as our entire office. But it’s so large and being black, it was like a deep dark hole that was sucking the life out of that side of our living room.
It took me several days and a dozen Cadbury eggs to get through this makeover, but I finally finished it!
I need to get Mr. Muscles to move it the left a smidge, but other than that I am loving the lighter feel of it.
I didn’t realize what a challenge this would be to paint with all those cubbies and angles. I used DIY Chalk Paint and Annie Sloan’s clear wax. (FYI for those in my area {Southeastern VA}, Delightful Digs on London Bridge Rd now stocks Annie Sloan products. I used to have to drive almost an hour to purchase her products before!)
I used a mixture of glass and mercury glass knobs, mostly because I didn’t have enough on hand to keep them consistent. I am liking the eclectic mixture though.
I only gently sanded the edges and raised areas since this is a newer piece.
I wish I could keep it pretty and clutter free…
But all good things must come to an end, I guess… still looks so much better than before. One of the things I love about this desk is the soft glow of the lights in the upper cabinet area.
Those are some of my photo albums stacked in the cabinets. I have SO many, and I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t ordered prints off my computer in over a year!
Remember my desk chair I redid last Spring? It is one of my most popular posts, probably because the before was so u-g-l-y! It is holding up fantastically!
Another before…so dark
And the so much better after…
This whole side of the room feels softer and lighter.
The only thing that would make me love this more is if it were sitting on my new hardwood floors. Unfortunately we have an outdoor repair that’s costing a few thousand dollars so my floors will have to wait a while longer. In the meantime, paint is cheap…and I’ve already found my next victim. 🙂
XO,
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Paula@SweetPea says
Looks great! I can imagine that it took quite a while to paint this large piece but was quite worth the effort. I love the lights in the top of this piece. I think I’d want a rest after this job! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Paula! I haven’t posted since last Saturday, because this took so long ha…oh well. Hope you have a fantastic weekend! 🙂
Donna Lee says
Love the desk, wish mine was that big and white. I keep saying I’m going to try painting this one I have. Think I’m hoping I can find a cheap white one.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Donna! I kept trying not to look in the direction of my desk as it has been begging to be painted for a while, but I finally broke down and tackled it. Now I’m SO glad it’s done! Have a great weekend!
Ellen, the Bluestocking Belle says
This looks wonderful! A much prettier place to work now. I hope you’re not like me; I cannot keep my desk clear. It’s covered with papers, my calendar, and other ephemera (messy stuff). 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Ellen! I’m the same way…I try to keep things organized, but inevitably things just start to collect there. I couldn’t believe how much junk had accumulated as I started to clear it out to prepare for paint!
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
Christy, It’s amazing what paint can do! The desk was pretty, but now it pops! Awesome transformation!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Wendi! Now if I can manage to keep it tidy! Have a great Easter weekend. 🙂
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says
Looks great! I have yet to try chalk paint but I do have a few items here that could use some freshening up! Be proud – your desk looks amazing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Cheryl! Hope you have a blessed Easter! XO
Ruth Anne says
Love the transformation!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Ruth Anne! 🙂
Sherri S. says
I love it. It really looks like a different desk altogether 🙂 love those vandle sconces as well.
Easter Blessings xo…
~Sherri
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sherri! I can’t believe I waited so long to do it. Glad it’s done. Hope you have a blessed Easter also! XO
Sherry says
I LOVE it!! I am so inspired to do this to my entire office of oak furniture. I just don’t know if I have enough in my energy account to actually finish anything. I imagine it was at least a 9 on an effort expenditure scale. How many hours would you estimate it took to finish.
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you like it, Sherry! This could probably easily be done in a couple of days. I wasn’t able to work on it continuously and it took me three.
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
It’s so pretty, love how it turned out!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jen!! XO
Pamela says
What an amazing change. I really love it.
*Smiles*
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Pamela! I’m so happy with it now. 🙂
Shanna Gilbert says
That had to have been a beast to do, it was totally worth it though! It looks fabulous!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Shanna! Yes, it was a beast indeed! SO glad it’s done. 🙂 Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter! XO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That is just beautiful Christy! I totally agree with the whole black hole thing! What a difference!!
Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! It’s been sitting there mocking me forever and I finally decided to just tackle it already! Hope you and your hubby have a blessed Easter too! XO
JP says
Nice change, Christy! And your chair re-do is fabulous…one thing that I’m seeing though is the addition of some white paint to the hmmm… “tubing mechanism”??? whatchmacallit under the seat….it’s a little distracting to your otherwise gorgeous chair re-do!
Hugs & Happy Easter
JP
Christy K. James says
Thanks, JP. That black piece is actually a plastic cylinder thingy that moves up and down. It wasn’t as noticeable when my desk was black, but you might be right. Might need to touch that up a bit. 🙂
Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says
Whoa! What a difference white paint can make! Now I’m encouraged to makeover our very dark office with something light and bright!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Ashley! This certainly lightened up this corner of the room! Hope you and your family have a happy Easter! XO
Mandy Hank says
Great transformation! ! Really makes the room bright! !!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Mandy! It really does lighten this corner up! Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter! 🙂
Andi says
It’s beautiful! And I LOVE the lighting in the upper cabinets. And you have quite a nice selections of knobs there. 😉
xoxo
-andi
Christy K. James says
I knew you would love my knobs 🙂 Hope you and Philly have a happy Easter! 🙂
Janice says
Wow! What an improvement. It looks great white.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Janice 🙂
robin says
The desk looks awesome!!! and it’s inspired me to paint my computer armoire. I know those things are out of style but I have to keep it because I work from home and need to be able to close things up. I can’t wait to get started painting it. Thanks for the inspiration
Christy K. James says
Awesome, Robin! I’m so glad you feel inspired! XO
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
This is a glorious transformation, my friend! I’m getting ready to do a desk makeover myself, so this is MAJORLY inspiring for me. P.S. Where did you find mercury knobs? Did you spray them with looking-glass paint yourself? I’m in love!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Lauren! This desk has been silently mocking me forever, so I finally broke down and painted it. SO glad it’s done! The knobs came from Hobby Lobby last year. The closest one to us is two hours away, so we took a trip specifically for hardware and bought a bunch. Love me some mercury glass! Hope you and your hubby have a happy Easter! 🙂
Ms. Mike says
I love your make over. What a weight challenge for you. Glad you some muscle.
Christy K. James says
Thanks! And yes, I couldn’t have done it without him. 🙂
Cindy@Diybeautify says
Another amazing transformation!! This was quite the tackle… not many would be brave enough to take it on. It looks so good and I love how it brightens that corner!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cindy! I am so much happier with it now! Hope you guys have a wonderful Easter! XO
Holly McCall {McCall Manor} says
Love it!!! You did a great job on this piece. The knobs are just icing on the gorgeous cake!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Holly! 🙂
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Christy!!!!!! My goodness this is beautiful. I LOVE it!!!
Your still my idol. 😉
Xoxo
Denyse
Christy K. James says
Aww Denyse, you are so good to me! 🙂
Nancy @ A Joyful Cottage says
Fabulous makeover, Christy. And now I’m off to see that desk chair post. I’ve been wanting to do something like that with my chair. Keep these great projects coming! ~ Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Nancy! 🙂
The Style Sisters says
WOW!! Amazing transformation..I have a black Entertainment center that I so badly want to paint white and this just makes me want to do it now!! .Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share this post with us http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/04/centerpiece-wednesday-beautiful.html
Karin
Christy K. James says
This one has been taunting me for some time and I just decided to get it over with! It’s so much lighter in that corner now. Thanks for the invite, all linked up 🙂
tara says
found you on Liz Marie’s linky party….love this makeover, love your style!! You appear to be a neutral addict like me….looking forward to following you!
Christy K. James says
Yay! Loved your blog too…left somewhat sappy comment lol XO
Katie says
Ummm … this makeover is FABULOUS!!! I am SO not a fan of black furniture (even though I had a bunch in college). The white is perfect. Those knobs are so fun. And I love that you distressed it!! Oh … and that chair is also great!! Thanks for linking up last weekend at DIY Sunday Showcase. I’m featuring this beauty tomorrow! Have a great rest of you week!
Christy K. James says
Oh I ‘m so glad you like it, Katie!! It’s been taunting me forever! Thanks for the feature 🙂 🙂 🙂
Susie says
Awesome! What a great makeover. If only I could convince my boyfriend to like white furniture then I would probably do the same thing… maybe someday!
Christy K. James says
Oh the BF…that IS an obstacle! My husband does not like my light colored furniture, but he prefers a happy wife! Maybe yours will come around 🙂
Krista @thehappyhousie says
WOW! Such a transformation. Love it… I have slowly been painting all my old black pieces white now… such a pretty fresh feel. Have a fabulous weekend!!
Christy K. James says
It’s funny because when I bought this, I liked the lines of it and in the back of my mind, I was thinking it would be pretty if I painted it ha ha. I am so ready to lighten everything up and make it more “me”. The black was a compromise. Now I know my hubby would rather have a happy wife 🙂
Kathi Riemer says
Boy, what a difference a coat of paint makes! I love your choice of color for this desk. The knobs are totally perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Kathi
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kathi! XO
Jodee Weiland says
I really like what you did with this desk. I especially like the material used to cover the chair and how something you did a while back goes so well with this desk now. Love it…thanks for sharing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jodee! I’m excited that both pieces go together so much better now too. 🙂
Suzanne says
Such a transformation! It’s amazing how the color change really changes the look of the desk. Love it’s new lighter style and the mix of hardware is wonderful too!
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Suzanne! Just shared it at your party…have a great weekend 🙂
Trish says
The desk looks amazing. I love that there is just hints of distressing. It adds more character to the piece.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Trish! XO
Amber says
I LOVE the desk. Can I ask where you got it? It would look so pretty in my house if I can find someone to paint it for me!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amber! I purchased it locally at Haverty’s about five years ago.
Lana says
Wow!!! So beautiful. I love the mix of knobs too. Thanks for sharing.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Lana!:)
Jess says
Wow, this looks wonderful!!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jess. Thanks for taking a minute to leave a message 🙂
Peta says
It’s amazing what a layer of paint can do. No rally, it’s amazing. All the ugly furniture I ignored. I deliberately go looking for ugly furniture now & like to kid myself I’m the only one who knows the secret. Just paint it.
Christy K. James says
Yes! Paint is amazing…and you can paint just a bout anything these days to give it a new life! 🙂
Lisa Bertolini says
Looks amazing, Christy. The chair is the perfect addition to the new look!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Lisa! XO
Trina O'Neil says
Wow what a difference. I have been wanting to do something different with my desk even though I have only had it for 2 years. This post gives me hope. Thank you for sharing. I found your site by way of Abby over at Justagirlandherblog. I am super excited to see what is next with all the makeovers you all are doing. I have an office I have been dying to make over and this gives me hope.
Christy K. James says
So glad you found me, Trina! I was really on the fence about painting my desk since it was only a few years old, but I am SO glad I did! It really opens up this corner! Come back and visit soon! XO
Alissa says
Great job! I love posts like this because I’m encouraged to go garage sale-ing and find a piece I like and fix it up to use it in my own house. A desk like this would be perfect in my living room.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Alissa! This desk is the most used spot in my living room. It allows me to be at my computer, but still be near my kids 🙂
Alissa says
That’s what I have to do also. But, I need to figure out a way to make it for 2 computers as my older kids have to use the computer for most of their homework. I’m trying to figure out a plan… maybe have my husband build a double desk/bookshelf. I’m not sure. I’m still working on it. Thankfully there’s Pinterest and others like you who share. 🙂
Betsy @ Happily Ever After Etc. says
I just love your desk make-over, it really transforms the entire piece! Great Job!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Betsy! That whole corner is so much lighter and brighter. I don’t know what took me so long! 🙂
Fabiola Garcia says
What a beautiful transformation, you gave me a great idea, I don`t like clutter in a desk, so I need to get a piece of furniture like in the top of your desk that will hold all my stuff. Lol. Thank you, it is really cute.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Fabiola! Yes, a hutch to sit on top would add a lot of vertical storage. 🙂
Theresa says
It turned out gorgeous!! I so love that it is so light and elegant!! Great job!!
You’ve inspired me to get rid of all my black furniture!! haha!!
Smiles and hug,
Theresa
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you like it, Theresa! I sure wish I had a space for it. 🙂
Christy K. James says
Ha ha I thought you were referring to a more recent piece I made over, but had to sell! I just realized you were referring to my desk! I loved the black, but painting it light made this side of the room so much brighter!! XO