Hello sweet friends! It’s time for another Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday transformation! Today’s makeover is actually something for our own house, specifically, Brennan’s room.
This is Brennan:
Okay that was about seven years ago. Wasn’t he so cute? My FIL used to have him put his hands on his face like Kevin from Home Alone since he looked a bit like him at the time, so one year, we took pictures to put on a mug for him for Christmas.
Brennan is now 12 and he’s growing at warp speed these days!
Here he is this fall with my oldest, Jack, who’s 20:
He’s fast outgrowing his twin bed, so I have been on the lookout for a larger bed along with a dresser that I could possibly redo for him. I have had no luck though, so since Black Friday was approaching, I thought I might score a good deal on something new!
It wasn’t the deal I expected, but we did save a little and chose a set that I thought would be perfect for his room.
Here is the set we settled on (photo from their site):
I thought it would be perfect as guest room furniture down the road when Brennan moves out. I loved it online but wanted to be sure, so I dragged my sister with me to check it out at the store and it was just what I wanted!
The only thing we needed that they didn’t have to match was a desk. Brennan loves to draw and uses his current desk daily, but the only problem was… this is what he was using for a desk:
Yep, it’s a kitchen table. I bought it at a yard sale about 20 years ago to use in our kitchen at the time. Then it ended up in Jack’s room as a desk, and then was passed along to Brennan. It was fine when he had a twin bed and had room for it, but now it is just too big.
That brings us to today’s makeover!
Before I had purchased a new set for Brennan, I happened upon this very utilitarian piece priced at $24 at the thrift store:
Since I was hoping we’d be able to find a set that had a desk to match, I passed on it.
Then, after I had purchased Brennan’s new bedroom set, I stopped back in at this thrift store and it was still there. This time, it was 50% off!!
For $12?? I figured I would make it work!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Disappointing Delivery Day
I was so excited for delivery day! We haven’t bought brand new furniture in over a decade, so I couldn’t wait to see our new furniture!
Except this is what was delivered…
This is definitely NOT the color it was supposed to be. This was more of a tan color, and I was so bummed! Clearly, the set we had seen was much more white both online in the photo at the top and in the store.
Before the guys were even out of the driveway, I was digging through my supply cabinet in search of my Whitewash Glaze!
I started with the night table to test it out and added a coat right over the existing finish using a brush:
Glaze acts like a sealer, so I assumed it would be find to paint right over the existing finish. It looked so much better!! It was exactly what I was wanting, and you can see how much nicer it is compared to the headboard!
Who takes a brush to brand new furniture??
Me! That’s who! Ha ha!
Here’s the headboard midway through:
I normally would apply the glaze and wipe it back with a rag, but I wanted it to be more white than that method was giving me, so I literally brushed it on with a paintbrush and left it to dry as is.
My plan for the desk was to recreate the same look!
Here is a proper before photo:
It actually looks pretty good in that photo, but it had some issues on the top:
Sand
I used my rotary sander and 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections…
Clean
I vacuumed up any sanding dust with my shop vac, and then I gave it a good cleaning with White Lightning using a terrycloth pad:
I swapped out my water for clean water and wiped it down again to remove any residue.
It was now prepped for paint!
Paint, Sand, and Seal
Because my goal was to finish this desk to match the rest of the set, I chose a color that was close to the color of the rest of the set when it was delivered and settled on Sand Bar.
Then, I lightly sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out the finish. Even if you don’t plan to distress, you will want to very lightly sand your chalk painted finish before sealing. It will make it super smooth!
Then, I sealed with Satin Clear Coat using the blue sponge to apply it:
If you apply the glaze right over the paint, it will soak it right up, so you want to seal it first.
Whitewash Glaze
Then it was time for glaze! I applied Whitewash Glaze with my favorite brush just like I did to the rest of the furniture.
And here it is drying after applying it all over…
I made sure to make my last pass super light as to minimize brush marks. I will note that this will likely work best on flat surfaces.
There was no need to seal again since glaze acts as a sealer also, so that was it!
The After
Here is how this sad desk looks now!
I have it styled pretty, but it is a handsome desk…
You can really see how nice the glazed finish looks up close:
I love how it got down into all the grain also:
The open time is pretty great on glazes as long as you are applying them over a sealed surface, so you can keep going over it until you’re happy with how it looks.
Again, I just brushed it on and did not wipe it back.
The original hardware matches the hardware on the rest of the set perfectly! (Scroll to the top to see.)
I didn’t need to do anything to the drawers because they looked great inside…
And this was a nice quality piece too as you can tell by the dovetail joints…
It was really nice having an easy piece to work on for a change!
I left some parts unpainted like this part…
And also the underside where the chair goes.
I may go over just the top with a coat of Gator Hide for extra protection, but I’d like to test the durability of the glaze first.
Here it is in Brennan’s room without all the fluff:
And here is the bed for color comparison…
I couldn’t be more pleased with how well this desk matches the other pieces!
That was $12 very well spent, and I love having something to share that is also something we needed to do anyway!
Don’t forget my T2T girls have more makeovers for you to check out today!
I’ll be back on Thursday with my Furniture Fixer Upper girls where we’ll be sharing our favorite Fixer Upper makeovers from each of us this past year!
UPDATE! This was my favorite Furniture Fixer Upper:
See what I did with this beauty HERE!
I hope to see you then!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Wow you are one brave girl to take a paint brush to new furniture. I love that you did though, because it turned out great!! Brennan is so lucky to have you as a mom!! Those boys are so handsome, but I can’t believe how much they have grown up! What a steal that you got the desk for!! I am sure that Brennan will enjoy his new furniture and his new desk!
Christy says
I know, right? My husband looked at me like I was nuts ha ha! I’m glad I did it too…it is just right now. Thank you so much, Mary! They are growing up so fast! Have a fantastic week! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
You’re an awesome mama to put such love into your son’s room. The desk looks perfect!
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! XOXO
Niki says
Wow, that is a fantastic color match Christy!! How nice for Brennan to get a grown up room, I bet he is thrilled. The color on that new set was ridiculous. I would have probably done the same- too much hassle to send it back and hope for the right color. I hope B enjoys it for a long time, and draws a lot of great things on his new desk.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! I am so glad it worked out!! It really would have been such a hassle and the style was just what I wanted. Brennan has already put it to use! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Wow Brennan looks just like Kevin; he could have played the part. What a pretty bedroom he has now and the desk looks so great with it. He’s a lucky boy but don’t we always give them the best we can; that’s the joy of having kids (and grandkids). Great job again.
Christy says
Doesn’t he? Ha ha! Thank you, Janice! Jack has a hodgepodge of our old furniture and I was going to give that to Brennan and get him something new, but he didn’t want to give his up lol. XOXO
Gloria says
Brennan’s room is so handsome and the desk is a perfect fit under the window. Great job using the glaze, as usual.
Christy says
Thank you, Gloria! Brennan has already tested it out lol! XOXO
Janie says
I love it.
Christy says
Thank you, Janie! XOXO
Denise Cox says
It’s lovely!!! And… what a terrific match to boot!! Only you , Christie….Only YOU…😉
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise!! I was telling myself how crazy I was the whole time I was glazing that brand new set ha ha! XOXO
Gail says
That scenario sure brought back memories! Our first, brand new bedroom suite was delivered….in a pickled oak finish….NOT what I thought I ordered! I checked my records and it WAS their mistake so had to wait on another new delivery!
Loved how this turned out but, yeah, I could never bring myself to repaint a new piece of furniture. You are so brave! I’m sure the pretty flowers and staging didn’t last long with a teenage boy! LOL!
Christy says
Oh no! What a bummer that must have been…luckily it was their mistake! This set did not come in a “tan” color, that was just the color, so I had at it lol! And yes, Brennan wants nothing at all on his desk ha ha! XOXO
Gayle Stewart says
Your post was oh so serendipitous today! I just received delivery of a new living room chair yesterday. Despite months of looking and then waiting 3 months for delivery, I am not over the moon. And this was a $900 chair (I know, not a lot by today’s standards, but a lot for me!). The chair sits wonderfully and is tall enough to get in and out of easily. But something is off in the room. On paper it should work. I have narrowed the problem down to the dark legs that are more exposed than I’m used to. Obviously I can’t shorten the legs or the chair will be too short. I had already thought about staining over them with an off white paint. You have given me the encouragement to try. Thanks again, Christie, for your continued inspiration! Merry Christmas!
Christy says
What great timing this was then!! Yes…go for it, and I bet you will love it the way it was meant to be loved! And I think $900 for a chair is a lot lol! XOXO
Ashley says
Christy! love everything you’ve done in this post. Desk is gorgeous. TY, too, for sharing pics of your boys.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ashley!! I don’t share them too often these days, so it was nice to have a reason to include them today! XOXO
Eileen Wilcox says
Could this whitewash be used on kitchen cabinets?
Christy says
Hi Eileen! I don’t see why not! I might follow it up with a tough sealer like Gator Hide after. I can’t yet attest to the durability of it just yet though, but reach out in a few weeks and I’ll let you know how it is holding up. So far, it seems really durable! XOXO
Marion says
As well as being the mom of two handsome boys, you are an amazing DIYer! Love this project – thank you for sharing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marion!! That means so much!! XOXO
Vicki Bray says
Brave! Turned out really great!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! I know…I was scared for about five minutes ha ha! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
OMG I think you just solved my problem! I bought 2 media consoles last year and when delivered they weren’t as white as I thought-not even close, more of an ecru than white. They’re literally the color of the new dresser you bought. I think that whitewash glaze might be just what I need! And not as much work as repainting. I love the way yours turned out, so Yay!! Thank you!
Christy says
Oh awesome!! It was SO easy too!! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
Brennan’s room looks wonderful, and how well you matched up the finish is perfect. (Can we see the rest?) I can’t believe the hardware is even the same — I guess the gods were smiling on you that day! I really do love the Gator Hide for furniture tops. It is the best, most durable sealer I have ever used, and I am planning to put it on several pieces that I didn’t even redo myself. I used it recently on my dressing table that I repainted, and did not put the glass back on to see how well it would do with makeup, etc. getting on it. It wipes right off, good as new!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ellen! What you saw in the photos is about it besides the dresser lol. It’s a small room. Still looking for some wall art which we may make. Gator Hide is amazing for sure! XOXO
Denise says
I totally admire how brave you are! You never cease to amaze me. The bedroom is gorgeous. I love it all, but the desk — wow!. You have two very handsome young men and they have grown up so fast right before us. I wish you a beautiful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise! You are so sweet! And yes…Brennan was only two and Jack was 10 when I started this blog…they are growing up so fast! I hope you too have a wonderful Christmas!! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
Your sons are so handsome! And the desk and headboard, fabulous!!! I’m sure Brennan is super happy with his “new” desk!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Denise! And yes he is…although he wouldn’t have cared if I redid it or not lol! XOXO
Suzan Oxenreider says
I love that you used this product. I have some in my stash that I have not used yet so it was good to see how the actual product works! I also have the gold shimmer glaze. Have you tried that one? (I actually have about 4 glazes that I have never even opened!)
Christy says
Oh good! It is fantastic! Here is another project where I used it like it is usually used (applying and then wiping away the excess) that you may like also: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/applying-whitewash-glaze-to-furniture/ I haven’t yet tried the gold shimmer one! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Who takes a brush to brand new furniture, indeed! 😂 I would have been on the phone, telling them to come take it back, but not you, Christy. And it worked out really well. That desk was very sad looking in the store, but brightened up in the driveway. Of course, now it looks brand new and it’s a perfect addition to the set. I hope Brennan appreciates your exquisite taste 😉 and that he enjoys it for many years.
Christy says
Ha ha me… I do! 😀 If they had just made a mistake and delivered the wrong color, I would have called them to take it back, but this was supposed to be the only color it came in, and honestly, I just didn’t want the hassle! Glad it worked out thought whew! Brennan could probably care less, but I like that it matches ha ha! Thank you, Marcie!! XOXO
p says
WOW ! You are so brave to refinish brand New furniture.
It turned our perfect. 🙂 Nice that you have such talent.
As always your tutorial is sooo helpful. Painting the desk the ‘mismatched’ color first was so smart. I’ve not tried glazes – but looks like a good option to get a nice natural ‘wood’ looking finish.
It all looks great together now.
Thanks for sharing !
Have a wonderful Holiday Season with your Special family.
p
Christy says
Thank you so much, P! I am so glad it worked out lol! Enjoy your holiday as well!! XOXO
Lizzy says
So much better! It’s really cute. Also, as someone that doesn’t celebrate Christmas, I’m glad that one of this week’s projects wasn’t Xmas related!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! I’m glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
And me!!! Haha!! I do too!! (take a brush to new furniture lol) And oh my gosh, look how grown those boys are! Wow!! So handsome. Oh and love the new desk and room, they look great together too!! xoxo
Christy says
Ha ha yes!! Thank you, my friend!! They are growing up so fast!! XOXO
Nancy says
The desk was a great find–and price–and your update made it a perfect match. I understand the disappointment of reality not matching the online picture! A few years ago I ordered a new side chair for my living room. The online description didn’t really explain the wood finish but it looked like the color would work in my room.
I was really disappointed when I saw that while the chair size and upholstery were perfect, the wood finish was very weathered looking and it looked horrible with my other furniture finishes. Before I put the chair together, I added dark wax to the wood. Problem solved!
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! I’m so glad you were able to make your chair work! We even went to the store to confirm and ordered it there. Glad we were able to make ours work too! XOXO
Cecilia says
I would have cried when I saw the new furniture and it wasn’t the right color! Good save. Then to take a desk that was so far from what the other pieces looked like and make it match – genius! It all looks great!
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! I was so thrilled that I was able to make it match…I was literally doing a happy dance ha ha! XOXO
Roger says
Obviously your son inherited his artistic talent from you!!! You are my muse for redoing furniture and other items!!!! God kissed you and your children on the cheek and blessed you with all the colors of the rainbow 🌈!!! You go girl!!! Love the desk!!!!
Christy says
Awe thank you so much!! You are so sweet, and we feel very blessed indeed! XOXO
Marian says
Christy,
You got a perfect match. Great job! You are a blessed Mom to have those handsome boys. I hope you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year.
Christy says
Thank you, Marian! I was so excited that I was able to get it to match! And I do feel very blessed, thank you! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Bev says
Funny how those boys grow so fast. I have 3! & Thanks for the permission to paint new furniture! I have experienced the same thing and not had the courage. I will do so the next time this happens!
Christy says
I know!! They are growing way too fast for sure, Bev! And you are so welcome…I felt I just had to deal with it and deal with it, I did ha ha! XOXO
Petra says
You’ve done a really great job on all the pieces, loving the glaze 🙂 and yes I have been known to paint something that I’ve bought brand new if I don’t like the original colour but I like the piece itself 😀
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Sometimes you just have to do it! I felt the same way…I really liked the style, so I set out to fix it! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!! What a story! Oh my word you made the new stuff look perfect!
And that high quality desk? BRAVO! It’s perfect too. What a nice new bedroom for your cutie. And he looks much like his mama. Gotta love those stunning blue eyes!!!! ♥♥
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! I’m so glad it worked out in the end, and it really is a nice desk! Brennan has already tried it out! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! It came out so pretty. I mean handsome. Lol. I would have never thought to use white glaze on new furniture but it came out perfect. Is the desk real wood? I ask because I usually pass if it’s not real wood but this turned out so pretty that I may not be passing up this type anymore.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I believe it had a very thin veneer on just the top, and it was heavy, so I am guessing it may not have been solid wood on the top. XOXO
Patty Kennedy says
Oh, Christy, you are an amazing woman!! The furniture turned out perfect! And those sweet boys of yours – nearly brought me to tears, they are so handsome and look so grown-up!! 🙂 In my minds eye – they are still little. As usual, thank so much for sharing. So love seeing the results and getting new ideas.
A paint question – if using Silk paint do you ever need to add extra top coat protection? For a cupboard used in a kitchen and a chest used in an office. If using the top of the chest for a lamp and decor items, how long should it dry before using? Wish I lived closer to you!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Patty!! My boys are growing SO fast for sure! If you have a piece that gets a lot of handling, you could certainly add another coat of protection if you like, but once it cures (about three weeks), it’s pretty tough. Maybe use it for a bit and see. I would let it cure for about seven days before putting anything on it. I hope that helps! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
What a steal! It looks fantastic and I’m sure he LOVES his new room! (And gosh, I cannot believe how grown up your boys are now….) xo
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jen! I know, right?? I say the same thing when I see your boys on FB…especially your oldest! SO grown! XOXO
Marietta Walker says
I like it! Painting brand new furniture: That’s a new concept too!
Question, where did you find/buy the bookcases? I need some just like that. I am having a hard time finding any matching ones around here, so I am thinking I may just have to buy them. After finding all my furniture that is going into my new little building, I would hate to pay full price for anything!
Christy says
Thank you, Marietta! I found the bookcases at Target. They are only around $35 or so. Not the best quality, but they do the job! XOXO
Kim says
Everything turned out amazing! I’m sure your son loves his new bedroom. Great job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kim! He is really enjoying it so far! XOXO
Peggy says
Desk looks brand-new!!!! Love the lines on it. Also, love the photos of Brennan! (AKA Kevin) 😊 Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Peggy!! I was so excited that it worked so well with his new furniture, and it has held up great! Ha ha Brennan was always a good sport about humoring his papa! XOXO