Amazing friends, it feels so good to be back to working on my own projects! Last week I shared my newest thrifty haul that I’m calling my Winter haul, and I asked what y’all wanted to see done first as far as furniture goes. It was a toss-up between the secretary desk and the Bombay table, with a couple of requests for the china cabinet. So today, I am starting with the secretary desk since I was excited about that one too!
I’m also joining my Furniture Fixer Upper girls today and they have some fabulous furniture flips of their own to share with you! You’ll find links to their makeovers at the bottom!
I spied this secretary at the Salvation Army for $34:
Except when I saw it at the store, it had these tucked inside:
Is anybody missing a brasier and a pair of mismatched socks?
There was a guy sitting in a chair right near where this was sitting and he said I should probably remove them before taking my photo. I didn’t tell him that I was specifically trying to take a photo of them ha ha.
And here is how this cutie turned out:
So much better! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Here’s how I transformed this pretty little lady
I started by giving her a good cleaning with Walmart-brand wipes and filling in/sanding any imperfections with wood filler.
I decided to spray paint the organizer inside first since those tiny cubbies would be too hard to reach with a brush:
This is the only black spray paint I had on hand and it was a bit shiny, but it did the job.
Then I painted the rest in Caviar by Dixie Belle:
Caviar is a perfect, true black. I gave it two coats.
For the front of the secretary, I went to look through my stencils and came across a box with four stencils in it that I had ordered probably back in the Summer. I had forgotten all about them!
This stencil was a perfect fit:
I bought the large size. (They have a ton of great stencils!) This is clearly made to be a sign, but there’s no reason why you can use it on furniture too, right?
I gave the back a coat of spray adhesive first and used a small brush to fill in the stencil with acrylic craft paint, brushing away from the edges as much as possible:
It took three coats for full coverage. I have used chalk paint in the past to fill in stencils, but craft paint washes off the stencil more easily. I just rinse it in the sink and lay it tacky side up on a paper towel to dry.
And here it is after removing the stencil:
The spray adhesive really helps give it those nice crisp lines. That and the fact that it’s a brand new stencil. I usually fill in the breaks in the stencil, but this time I chose only to fill in the breaks in the bottom row using a liner brush.
When it was completely dry, I sanded the entire piece, including across the stenciled graphic, with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old foam sanding sponge.
Terrible, but not to worry! I removed any loose dust with my shop vac and gave it a final wipe down with a clean soft cloth. Then I followed up with a coat of Clear Coat in Satin by Dixie Belle, applied with a blue sponge applicator. (Back in stock!) You can see it takes care of the chalky look right away:
I gave the inside of my desk two coats of sealer just in case someone wanted to use the inside as an actual desk.
The drawer got a pretty new fabric liner:
Check out how I line my drawers with fabric in the video below:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
I found this gorgeous Waverly fabric at Walmart and just had to have it.
And the sides got a little surprise with the addition of this furniture transfer in black and white gingham:
Can you tell I had fun with this makeover??
The addition of the gingham transfer to the drawer sides meant that I needed to paint them white first. I actually used BOSS in white. The rest was painted in Caviar:
The drawer also got brand new glass knobs:
I found these a while back at HomeGoods.
Here is the inside once again before:
And after:
Yep, I gave the fronts of those little drawers the transfer treatment as well!
This transfer set comes with two sheets of the gingham and and two sheets of the check with the red in it. You just burnish it onto the surface with the stick provided.
I’d love to be able to offer transfers in my Etsy shop, but after looking into it, Prima only allows retailers to sell online if it is through their actual website. Boo!
You could easily use fabric, napkins, or regular paper applied with matte Mod Podge here instead.
The insides of the drawer got the same floral fabric as the larger drawer…
How cute are those little drawers now??
I added a little white foam dot to either side to prevent the painted surfaces from sticking when the front was closed:
I really enjoyed working on this one!
I hope you enjoyed it too!
Don’t forget to check out what treasures my friends have turned these furniture pieces into:
Want even more furniture transformations? See all of my Furniture Fixer Upper posts in one place HERE!
And that is my first piece from my new Winter Haul complete!!
I’ll meet y’all back here on Tuesday with this cute little box:
UPDATE: See how this plain box looks now HERE!!
Have a fantastic weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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ColleenB.-Tx. says
Absolutely Stunning
It’s so classy & rich looking
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen!! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wowza!! What a beauty that is now. I love how that turned out. It is adorable. I was so surprised you used black. It turned out amazing! I am excited to see Tuesday’s re-do as I have a very similar box that I have to re-do in my stash. Thanks for the great inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! For some reason, I just couldn’t picture this one any other color than black! Have a great weekend and I’ll see ya Tuesday! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Super gorgeous and the fabric inside just makes it. Great job again and glad for you to be back doing smaller pieces.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I really had fun with this one! And I too am excited about working on some smaller projects for a change! XOXO
Sandy Long says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!! When I saw the before picture I was thinking that this piece would be perfect in black, and it turned out even better than perfect! The black and white check on the drawers takes it to another level. I have an old chest of drawers that was painted white years ago and I’ve been wanting to do something to it to make it special. You have given me so much inspiration with this post. Thank you so much!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandy! I couldn’t imagine it in any other color, and I love that you are feeling inspired by this one! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
So adorably unique! Another success!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! I really had fun with this one! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy this is gorgeous!!! What an outstanding transformation. Love the stencil, fabric and stripes. 🙂
Too funny about the man giving you suggestions about your before photo. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! This was a fun piece to play with, and ha ha yes, I should have just told the man I wanted them in the photo! XOXO
Candice says
This has to be one of my favorite makeovers that you’ve shared! So pretty and creative! I’m filing this one for future ideas! Thanks!
Christy says
Oh I love that! Thank you so much, Candice! This was such a cute piece to start and so much fun to work on! XOXO
Rosie says
Beautifully done! I liked that you painted it in black. Do not see that often in furniture re do Looking forward to the rest of your winter haul😊
Christy says
Thanks, Rosie! I’m so glad I went with the black on this one! XOXO
Wendy says
Absolutely Awesome Christy. I love the color but believe it or not I also loved that chalky grey color it became after sanding. I love secretary desks. They have classic charm and fit in almost any decor. Great Job again. 😉 I so do wish I lived closer to you. We would have so much fun finding and finishing furniture pieces. Of course I am old enough probably to be your mother. ROFL But tons of old lady experience and still 18 at heart. LOL
Christy says
Thank you, Wendy! I love secretary desks also, but they are always priced so high. I got a lucky break on this one! I would love to have your old lady experience to help me ha ha! XOXO
Phyllis says
As usual, I absolutely love this. Your attention to detail is amazing. I always look forward in anticipation to see what you are doing. It is cold where I live and not conducive to painting outside (spray painting). I have been able to paint a few small projects inside because of your inspiration and look forward to warmer temperatures in a few months to paint some larger pieces.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Phyllis! It was in the 30’s here this week which is cold for us and so I moved this one indoors once I sprayed that inside piece. I was able to move back out to the garage once it warmed up a few degrees, but I dared anyone to open the big garage door and let all that cold in lol! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
My favourite of all times! Even if it isn’t aqua! I can see this as a prop in my booth but it would probably sell quickly! Which would be great too! XOXO
Christy says
Yay! I’m so glad you love this one, Cecilia! I do too! This will perk my booth right up…I hope it sells quickly! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh the power of paint! I adore the stencil on the front. This turned out great. Who wouldn’t want it now?
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I had a ton of fun with this one! XOXO
Vicki says
Love everything about this!!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! XOXO
Tammy Ganci says
I have said it a 1,000 times…WHY CAN’T I LIVE NEAR YOU SO I CAN BUY THIS ITEM.
Just beautiful
Enjoy a blessed a wonderful day,
Tammy
Christy says
Aww thank you, Tammy!! I wish you lived closer too! XOXO
Stephanie S. says
Stunning piece. I love it in black. Very elegant.
Christy says
Thank you, Stephanie! XOXO
Kathy says
Love love it, I would have never thought of painting in black…just beautiful!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kathy! XOXO
sharon austin says
Turned out great! I have a handmade secretary that’s a family heirloom and I can’t get over how the inside looks almost identical to mine! The shape is close but not the finish. Anyway, I would love to do this to mine, but at the same time, I don’t know if I could bear changing it. Time will tell!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! XOXO
susan says
This is so stinkin’ cute!!! Those drawers 🤩 Thanks for the inspiration for the one I have lurking in my garage! I was considering black but I’m leery of sanding over it. Yours turned out so well! Might give it a go. I have problems when sanding over a stencil in a color, especially black or navy. It smears all over the white. I’ve had to repaint countless times. Any tips? Also, thanks for the tip on the foam dot! I’ve had that problem before
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! Yes the sanding is a little scary, but the sealer saves the day ha ha! As for the stencil, I only use Delta by Ceramcoat craft paints, and I’ve never had any issues with smearing. I have with other brands though, so give them a try next time! Also, I don’t know if the grit of sandpaper has anything to do with it at all, but I use 220 grit. Hope that helps! XOXO
kandice Kullmann says
this is so darn cute! You always have the prettiest liners for inside the drawers too! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Kandice!! That fabric was love at first sight!! XOXO
Mimi Meadowsweet says
Oh my goodness, she looks amazing! With the beautiful fabric drawer liners and the the check drawer fronts, not to mention the inspired sides too! The paint has such a glorious depth to it, I love it and so will your happy buyer. Best wishes from The New Forest UK x x
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mimi!! I really loved working on this sweet piece! XOXO
Marie says
How pretty is this secretary desk! You always add that special touch to your pieces, Christy. The gingham and floral fabric are such a pretty surprise and Iove the stencil you used too.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my sweet friend! This is the first project of my own I’ve worked on in a while, so I really had fun with it! XOXO
LORRI RAUSCHER says
Absolutely beautiful….The person that buys this desk is going to be so lucky.❤
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Lorri!! XOXO
Norma says
WOW!!! This is gorgeous! I love everything you do! ❤️
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Norma! Thank you!! XOXO
Jackie C says
So pretty! I know I sound like a broken record, but you are my favorite, in part because of the step-by-step instructions you give, along with links to find the supplies. It sets you apart from everyone else. I know it has to be hugely time consuming. I’m sure I’m not the only one that GREATLY appreciates it.
Side note: the number 1 link for Petticoat JUNKtion is broken. The dreaded 404 not found. I couldn’t find it on her page either. Just FYI.
Jackie C says
Sorry I meant for salvaged inspirations
Christy says
Ha ha I knew what you meant! 😊
Christy says
You are the sweetest, Jackie! Thank you so much! It can take several hours to put a post together, but I’m used to it and I am so glad you find all the info and links helpful! Thank you for letting me know about the 404…I think she must be having server issues because it has been working off and on all day! Have a great weekend!! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I live love love it. I need a stencil like that. I love that fabric for the drawers too. Thank you for the inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I’m so glad you like it! That fabric was love at first sight! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
This is one of the cutest pieces you have ever done! Would that Windsor chair work with this? I can’t tell about the scale by the picture, but if the scale is right it would look so good together.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Ellen! And yes, I bet that chair would be perfect with it!! Good eye!! XOXO
Robin says
So cute!!!! Love gingham and floral together. Did you remove the dropdown hardware bar before you painted or did you just tape it up so that the paint would not get on it?
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I didn’t do either LOL. I just painted very carefully around it. Normally I would have removed it…I’m not sure why I didn’t this time! XOXO
Addie says
WOW!!!!! I LOVE all the fabric details. Just added so much “pop” to this piece!!!! Nice little surprises!!! You done good!!!…..GREAT!!!! I am sure it will sell fast. It was not to cute to begin with….but now!!!! WOW!!!!! XX00
PS…..can you tell I really like this one!!!
Christy says
Yay!! I’m so glad you love this one, Addie!! Thank you!! Can you tell I had way to much fun redoing this one?? XOXO
Kim says
Adorable-what a difference! I laughed when you called that a brassiere-my grandmother always used that term and I still do! Have never heard anyone else say that! 😆
Christy says
Thank you, Kim! I thought that was a funny word to use because that’s what I would call an older bra, and it definitely looked like an old lady bra ha ha! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
This makeover is adorable Christy! I’m smitten with the checks on the drawers and that fabric liner. The icing on the cake! Gorgeous my friend. XOXOX
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! This was a really fun one to work on! And that fabric was love at first sight! XOXO
Mikki Gilmore says
This turned out beautiful! But, I have a question… Why did you need to paint the sides of the drawers white? Would the black bleed through the transfer? If so, wouldn’t that have been just as nice? Obviously, I haven’t used transfers before. LOL! Love your work! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Mikki! The transfers are super thin, so any areas that are white will show the paint underneath coming through, and I wanted the white checks to be nice and bright. I hope that answers your question! XOXO
Mikki Gilmore says
Yes! Thank you. I’m looking forward to spring when I can start trying out all your ideas! It’s WAY too cold now. 🙁
Debbie says
That is just so cute!! Love everything about it!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! XOXO
M. Constance Colvin says
Hey Christy (-; Awesome job as per usual! Do you have any additional tips for getting such crisp lines with a stencil? No matter how careful I am, I seem to ALWAYS get some bleeding!! Thanks…….also, does not the spray adhesive make your new paint ob sticky? Thanks!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Connie! The spray adhesive really helps stop the paint from bleeding. I also apply my paint with a small brush, brushing away from the edges as much as possible. The adhesive doesn’t leave any sticky rice residue. Because I’m only spraying it on the stencil and not on both surfaces like you would if you wanted to have a more secure bond, it is only tacky, not super sticky. XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
This little desk got the entire menu of spa treatments! Someone is going to be so happy to have it now.
Christy says
Haha it sure did! Thanks, Marcie!! XOXO
Carol says
This is very cool.
Christy says
Thanks, Carol! XO
Marian says
Christy
I love, love, love it. I want to buy it and ship it to Ca. You are amazing!!!!! You know just what every item needs. That desk is amazingly perfect!
Marian
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marian!! XOXO
Marian says
Chrisy,
By the way, I think the bra and the socks added some panache to your photo.
Marian
Christy says
Ha ha! 😂
Stephanie Chatterjee says
Love that desk!!
Christy says
Thank you, Stephanie! XOXO
Darlene says
It turned out beautiful, love the black and the fabric in the drawers. Well done! I love all your work!
Christy says
Thank you so much, darling! I am in love with that fabric! XOXO
Christy says
Ha ha that should have read Darlene! 😊
Estela says
You are a creative genius! I admire you so much, anything you do is fantastic. This creation is out of this world, so very cute!
Christy says
Oh my goodness, you are so sweet, Estela! Thank you so much!! I really enjoyed working in this one! XOXO
JANET SCHEN says
The desk looks sophisticated in black! It’s just perfect!
Christy says
Thank you, Janet! XOXO
Dianne Noffke says
Oh Christy, you are my inspiration! I love this. I love the black and the way you dress up the drawers. I want to try that and I bought the cutting mat but that is as far as I’ve gotten. You and Nancy really outdid yourselves this week.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Dianne!! The rotary cutter set makes cutting the fabric for your drawers so much easier. And I love what Nancy did today too! Take care, my friend! XOXO
Krystine says
This is so beautiful! I actually have a secretary desk I need to redo and love this color. May I ask what price range you would think of selling it at? I ask because I have no idea what I would sell mine for after it is finished. Thanks again!
Christy says
Thank you, Krystine! I am thinking somewhere around $250.
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
I love the stencil and all the little extra touches you added, Christy! How funny that we were both thinking black for our makeovers this month! xo
Christy says
Thanks, Jen! I thought the same thing when I saw yours today haha! And we hardly ever use black lol! XOXO
Joanne says
I missed a darling roll-top desk a few years back at Goodwill for only $20! Plus it was senior day (another 10% off!). It was distressed black, perfect size. Why-oh-why didn’t I buy it??!?!? I would buy yours in a minute! You are the best! Regards from Wisconsin.
Christy says
Oh no! I guess it just wasn’t meant to be! Thank you so much, Joanne! Stay warm up there! XOXO
Jerri says
Absolutely adorable! Totally transformed. I love the fabric liner with the plaid transfer. You never cease to amaze me!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Jerri! XOXO
Becky says
Beautiful! I love the way you always finish the insides of all your projects. You always get the size of your graphics just right too – not too big or too skimpy. Well done!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Becky! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Marietta R Walker says
OK, you got me. I literally gasped when the ‘after’ picture appeared! Stunning!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Marietta! I’m so glad you love it!! XOXO
Alicia @thediyhomemaker says
Christy,
I love this!!! Repurposed projects are my favorites and this turned out amazing.
Christy says
Thank you, Alicia! XOXO
Debbie says
Hi Christy, I’m new here. I absolutely love your transformation from the choice in fabric to the color of the desk and I love the stencils you put on it too. You’re are so talented and creative I’m looking so forward to seeing more of your work you are definitely an artist! I just inherited an old antique school desk and chair that’s stained a really dark ugly brown I wish you were here to give me some inspiration as what to do with it. Thank you so much for sharing 😊
Christy says
Thank you and welcome, Debbie!! I am so thrilled to have you following along with me! I have done a few kids tables…take a look through my project gallery and maybe something will spark an idea for your desk! XOXO
Petra says
I’m rather late in responding to your beautiful refurbish of your bureau that’s very similar to mine as I’ve been away 🙂 . I was not expecting black but I just LOVE it 🙂 . I love the script and the fabrics you’ve chosen too. Well done on such a beautiful job. Now I’m thinking I might have to do mine in black 😀
Christy says
Thank you so much, Petra! I hope the fires didn’t drive you away and you and your loved ones are safe. When I was reimagining this piece in my head, I couldn’t see it in any other color than black. Funny how that happens! XOXO
Allyson says
Wow, amazing makeover!!! You would think the thrift store would have looked inside to see if there were any valuables ~ that’s too funny. Visiting from Create Bake Grow Gather.
Christy says
Thank you, Allyson! Right?? Ha ha it was good for a laugh for sure! Thanks for stopping by! XOXO
Kerryanne says
Oh Christie, I might be a shabby gal at heart, but I do love black furniture too and this piece is exceptional. I love the added touches of the gorgeous fabric drawer linings and gingham sides.
Thank you for sharing this post at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be sharing your amazing secretary make-over at tomorrow’s party and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kerryanne!! I appreciate it, my friend! XOXO
Scarlet says
I love the secretary desk makeover. It is perfect for farmhouse decor style now! So cute.
Christy says
Thank you, Scarlet! It was a really fun project to work on! XOXO
Sue Patterson says
Wow! What a talent you have to take this plain secretary desk & transform it into such a stunning, unique piece. Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! It was a treat to work on this piece! XOXO
Shirley says
Gorgeous! I am so glad you are the one that rescued this! That before picture has to be the ugliest secretary desk I have ever seen and what you did with this was fantastic!
Christy says
Aw thank you!! It was pretty darned ugly before lol! My Mother-in-Law has this piece now, so I can visit it anytime I like! XOXO
Ryn says
Just saw this post on the makeover of the old secretary. Wow! Beautiful job and so creative! I love what you did with it! I’m enjoying looking at your posts that I’ve missed.
Christy says
Thank you, Ryn! I’m so glad you are enjoying catching up! XOXO