DIY FRENCH COUNTRY VINTAGE WRITING DESK MAKEOVER. TO TRANSFORM THIS VINTAGE WRITING DESK/DRESSER COMBO INTO A FRENCH COUNTRY CHARMER, I USED FURNITURE TRANSFERS, SUBTLE DISTRESSING AND A BEAUTIFUL SOFT PAINT COMBO.
Hi friends! The deep freeze finally broke and we’re in the low plus’s with rain today. I have to say last week kind of knocked the stuffing out of me. My energy levels weren’t up to par because I felt isolated and housebound for part of the week. It will be nice to get back into my regular routine including my morning walks with Gidgy girl. If you were experiencing that deep freeze weather, I hope it’s warmed up for you too.
So, it’s the month for romance and this vintage writing desk/dresser combo makeover couldn’t be any more sweet and romantic. It’s been transformed from a dark and heavy masculine piece into a soft romantic French Country Charmer. It’s truly amazing what complimentary paint colors and a floral transfer can do!
Here’s the before pic which was filed under December 2016. Wow. Seriously? I can’t believe how fast time flies and how long I’ve had some of these pieces in my inventory.
This was a Craigslist find and the gentleman I bought it from said he used this dresser/desk combo when he was a boy. That was about 50 years ago. He mentioned it was already used when his parents bought it so I’m not sure how old this piece actually is… but what I do know – it’s solid and will last for another 50 years. Gotta love these well-built vintage pieces, right!
When I started painting this flip desk back in 2016, I used Annie Sloan’s Old Ochre and left some wood striping exposed. It wasn’t turning out the way I liked so I lost all interest. Here you’ll see why…
Fast forward to 2019. With a fresh coat of Old Ochre and complimentary Tea Rose accent, this ugguls turned into a French Country Charmer. What do you think? Better?
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Vintage Writing Desk /Dresser Combo – SALVAGED
- Sand Paper
- French Floral Furniture Transfer (similar)
- BOSS Stain Blocker
- AS Old Ochre Chalk Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Tea Rose Chalk Mineral Paint
- Gator Hide Waterproof Topcoat
- Clear Wax
FRENCH COUNTRY VINTAGE WRITING DESK::
Step #1:: Clean & Prime
Because this flip desk had been sitting in my inventory for years, it got a good cleaning. Then I primed all the exposed wood with this stain blocker to prevent any bleed through.
Step #2:: Paint & Blend
I added a fresh coat of Old Ochre and then used my favorite pink to blend into the sides and completely cover the inside of the flip desk portion.
Step #3:: Floral Furniture Transfer
This L’Amour Et Des Reves Floral Transfer by ReDesign With Prima was my inspiration for this piece. I don’t think they are making it anymore but here’s one that’s almost identical! If you’re interested in this easy rub on method, I have a full tutorial on How To Apply Furniture Transfers here.
Step #4:: Topcoat / Protect
The body of this dresser/desk is clear waxed and the top and inside desk portion is top-coated with this waterproof stain blocker. I’ve had many of you ask if you can topcoat furniture transfers. YES, for sure! I’ve applied poly, wax and spray on wax to these types of transfers and they all hold up well.
Step #5:: New Hardware
The wood knobs on the bottom 3 drawers are from Hobby Lobby. The top ring handles are salvaged vintage hardware. Because the top flips down, I had to use hardware that didn’t have screws coming out the other side. The vintage ring hardware adds some variety and interest and I love the look of the rings hanging down when the flip top is opened.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED TODAYS MAKEOVER AND SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! FREE TO CHIME IN AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK … I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
Happy furniture painting my friends!
Denise x
RELATED POSTS::
How To Apply Furniture Transfers
Adding Graphics | Vintage TeaCart Makeover
Milk Painted French Country Armoire
Stop Bleed Through When Painting
Furniture Romance Makeovers
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Hi Denise, I just saw this in your 17 Spring Inspired Furniture Makeovers and am loving it. I was able to find the transfer and already have the AS Ochre paint and DB Tea rose. Did you use tea rose under the transfer? Also is the dresser front painted with Ochre only or did you blend on top with tea rose? My ochre doesn’t have pink undertones like your photos. I have a secretary that needs a redo. This look is perfect. Love it!!!
Hi Sharon! AS Ochre was the base coat and the DB Tea Rose was used for the inside desk and blending on the sides. The transfer was applied over the AS Ochre, and then I blended a little of the DB Tea Rose over the edges of the transfer to blend it in. Hope this helps. 🙂
Thanks so much for the info. This is a gorgeous transformation. Your creativity and vision always amaze.
My pleasure and thank you!💕
Love this piece – the pink is so ‘soft’ and ‘pretty’ and with the added flower transfer makes it very feminine and love that you’ve put it on the side too.. Another beautiful piece you’ve created. In fact, I must confess that I have spent most of the evening browsing your website and am still ‘at it’ – lol 🙂
Hi Denise! Working with these furniture transfers are fun and glad you like it. And ya, browse away 🙂 … it’s nice to have you here. 🙂 Btw, I like the faux marble effect you did on those few pieces. That’s something I’d like to try!
I couldn’t find this exact transfer on the link. Can you tell me the name? Thanks! Ok
Hi Debbie! The exact design is L’Amour Et Des Reves Floral Transfer by ReDesign With Prima. When you click through, it will look different because I cut out the florals and only used a little of the text to wrap around the side. I’m looking forward to using the rest of this transfer on another project. Hope this helps. 🙂
So sweet! I want one of those desks sooo badly but havent found one at a good price yet. Dont even know where I’d put it but I love that style.
They are charming, aren’t they?! If you keep your eyes peeled I’m sure one will pop up and I don’t know about you, but when I reeally like something, I always find room. 😉
And is that a DIY IOD mold on the bottom? I spy with my little eye! Love this subtle detail.
Can’t get anything past you my friend! You got it…lol 😉 They’re fun to have on hand for these little details!
The color combination, the floral placement, the hardware,, just perfection. Can’t think of any more superlatives! What a soft, feminine exquisite piece.
Aw, thanks Tracy. I have to say I loved turning this dark piece into something sweet and feminine. XO
Such a beauty! And the transfer is the perfect adornment! Pinned this to my furniture board. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Debra!! 🙂 Thanks so much and thank you for the PIN! woohoo 🙂
Another stunning makeover, Denise ❤️ One would never believe this once was in a boy’s room. So soft and feminine and I love how you placed the floral transfer. Pinned 🙂
Yaaay! 🙂 Thanks so much and I appreciate the Pin my friend. XOXO
Such a feminine piece! You really changed the look of this desk – who would’ve ever known a man used to use it!
Thanks so much Cindy. Love your work btw. 🙂
You are an inspiration! You turned an ugly duckling a blooming beautiful!
Thanks Kellee. I MUCH prefer it now too. 😉
Hi Denise,
Just wondering if you could post a photo of this gorgeous piece after you worked your magic but with the top flipped UP? I’d like to see how it looks closed 🙂
I’ll see what I can do for you Suzy. 🙂 … I think I took an image with the top closed.
You rock ugguls like know one else. 🙂
LOL… thanks Roseann! 😉
Hi Denise. I don’t know how you do it, but EVERY piece of furniture you salvage and upcycle I want to own. I just love the soft colour combination and the gorgeous flower stencil you used. .And wrapping the stencil around the side adds extra interest. Beautifully done!
That’s a huge compliment, thank you! Sometimes I have a hard time selling these pieces because I want to keep them too! hehe. 😉 Have a beautiful day my friend. XO
Feminine and lovely Denise! Love the floral design!
Thanks so much Nicki! x
Oh, Denise!! Breathtakingly beautiful!! This just says romance and would look great in any home. I want to try the stenciling on a piece of furniture but not sure how to do it. Love the knobs and little flower embellishment at the bottom too! You outdid yourself girl!!
Aw, thanks Cecilia, appreciate it. I can tell you’re a romantic at heart. 😉
Wow Denise, just so feminine and beautiful. And very functional too. Love the pink, and the floral transfers. PERFECT
Thanks Julie! And can I just say the textured piece you recently (liked it on Facebook) WOW, WOW, WOW! Gorgeous girl!
Love the colors and transfer! BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks so much Sue! XO
And it’s another home run by my talented friend!!! This desk is just lovely and a true example of your ingenuity. Standing O!!! XOXO
Aw, thank Susie – big compliment coming from you! You always put a big smile on my face. 😀
Lovely Denise! Soft beautiful colors and I love the florals.
Thanks so much Do! Hope you had a great weekend and I’m looking forward to pinning this to your group board. 🙂
Beautiful, I just can’t find the words how truly beautiful this looks! 😍 😍 😍
Thanks so much, Lorin! Much appreciated my friend. XOXO
Gorgeous Denise ! I love it !
Hi Cynthia!! 🙂 Thanks so much. XO