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Oak Desk with Industrial Farmhouse Flair

As a kid, I remember my parents taking me to farms and country properties to go to auctions. Mmm…the smell of the outdoor spaces and the thrill of the hunt. Especially for me as I was knee-high to a grasshopper and had the perfect height to dig through the boxes looking for treasures. Sometimes those days lasted long as we waited for the items to come up for bidding. I remember my dad picking me up and telling me to lay my head on his shoulder. It wasn’t long before I was sound asleep in the best place ever.

BACK STORY

My mom knew how to sniff out a deal at a garage sale and also knew how to haggle over prices. She would usually allow me to pick some sort of treasure while on our hunts, and like most garage sailing, sometimes you come up empty and sometimes you strike it rich. Oh…those were the days.

My parents are my treasures that I feel sometimes I have yet to fully appreciate. Do you ever long for a rewind button? My days fly by and it seems time is slipping away too fast. One thing that hasn’t changed is their love for me. Take this oak desk for instance. It could have been cast aside as my dad went through the newly purchased property he had acquired. He’s been a fixer upper long before that title became a household word,  and, I must say, the best one there is. When he asked me if I’d like to have it, I said, “Sure!” I mean…who wouldn’t, right?

Vintage Oak Desk Before Makeover | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

At first glance, the only major issue was with the top. Somehow, one of the boards had been attached out-of-line, and there was the chemical stain damage.

Damaged Top of Desk | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

No problem. heh, heh, heh.

TIME TO START

First, I took apart the top to take a look at why that board had separated from the rest. It looked as though two of the boards had been joined properly and this one was just butted up. Hmm…

Next, I whipped out my trusty sander and gave that lone board a sanding to see if those stains were as bad as I thought. Yep. No can do.

Sanded Desk Top | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I was tempted to run with it and have some fun with that stain by turning it into something artistic like I did with my Farmhouse Desk, but then and idea dawned on me. Flip all the boards and start fresh on the other side. {{head smack}} Oh, and in case you’re curious, I could have easily sealed that stain and hide it with Kilz like I did with these pieces.

NEXT STEPS

Now I had a fresh surface to work with and no fussing with those stains. Yay! Because I flipped the boards, I had to fill some holes with wood filler and make everything look new because this top wasn’t going to be painted. Same was true for the drawers. Sanded those down and even found some fun pieces of history while working, like this text on the drawer back.

Hand Writing on Desk Drawer | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

There was even some text written on the inside of the cabinet frame. I love finding bits to the story. Sometimes it even makes my hair stand up and I get goosebumps to think about the person that put their life into their work.

However, though I had no intention of painting the top or drawers, the cabinet was a different story. Since my favorite way to finish a piece is a paint/stain combo, you know I had to do it. tsk.

First, I apply a fresh coat of Provincial Stain. Then to deepen the color, I used another layer of Espresso.

Staining Desk Top | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

PAINT TIME

While the top and drawers are curing, I tackle the cabinet.

Painting Vintage Desk | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

After adding a bit of whimsy to the drawers with my stencil and waiting for all to cure, the last step is to topcoat it.

THE REVEAL

You may be thinking to yourself that a desk isn’t much good without a chair. Well, that’s when I head to my favorite Craigslist. By golly, don’t you know the first listing I find is the one I want. A 1940’s oak desk chair with a gorgeous patina and a story to tell. Don’t they look fantastic together?

Industrial Desk by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The top came out wonderful and I am always loving that rich dark color of wood.

Top View of Desk by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

The stenciling added that bit of fun to bring more of an industrial twist to the oak desk.

Numbered Drawers on Industrial Desk by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

EXTRA FUN

I even whipped up a little sign with one of my favorite sayings. You can find both this oak desk and sign available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Life is Better on the Farm Sign ~ Farmhouse Vignette by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Vintage Vignette by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

This makeover was fun and got the itch out of my system to see this desk redone. Now, I just need to give my parents a hug and thank them for all they do.

Additionally, I encourage you to pin and share this project so you can inspire others to get out there and DIY too!

Vintage Oak Desk Gets Industrial Farmhouse Style Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While you’re at it, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Also, more projects like this oak desk makeover:

Farmhouse Desk Rescue with Woodburned Top by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comWorn-out Desk Gets Makeover by Teenage Boy by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Sharon Smith says

    Love it! Free is always the best! A desk anyone would be proud to own! Have a wonderful day!

    • Larissa says

      That’s wonderful to hear, Sharon. Thank you! Yes, free is best.

  2. Jamie K says

    What a difference! Wow! The stain color is gorgeous! I’m sure if the maker of this desk could see it, they would be very proud!! Yummm!

  3. Mary - the boondocks blog says

    Larissa I would have given up after seeing the wood piece on top. But of course that is the difference between an amateur and an expert like you. My dad has always been my inspiration too when it comes to DIY so I guess these things run in the genes. Great job and an amazing save!!

    • Larissa says

      It had to be done. 😉 Thanks, Mary, and that’s wonderful to hear your parents were inspiration too.

  4. Marie from The Interior Frugalista says

    Sounds like the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree and now you are giving your children those same special memories. My Dad was an avid DIYer and could turn a lemon into buckets of lemonade, so I can relate to your story. As for the desk – bravo as always!

    • Larissa says

      Yes, both my parents have made me appreciate much. What a blessing! You had awesome parents and it shows. Hugs, Marie!

  5. Louise says

    Fantastic! I never would have thought about flipping the top. Are most held in place with screws? Did you have to glue and clamp funky board? I’m always impressed with your creativity.
    Your sweet childhood memories warmed my heart. Just yesterday I was thinking about how my parents positive influences led me to be the person I am today. My Mom (79) is creative and can fix/make anything, my Dad (78) is a health oriented Kung Fu master. I’m so very blessed and thankful. I hope I have been half as good of an inspiration to my three boys.
    Thank you Larissa for sharing Love and Inspiration. Namaste.

    • Larissa says

      Yes, they were screwed on and flipping them was easy. I just butted up and reattached and all was good. What an awesome set of role models you have. Yes, I’m sure you are a wonderful inspiration to your children. Thank you for the love!

  6. kim says

    Another great project! I’m curious, how do you clean your brushes when you’re finished with them? That’s always a pain for me and I can never get them really clean.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Kim! I’m anal about prompt cleanup, so as long as you use warm water and get at it they will be fine. I also make sure to not get paint up in the base of the brush which causes build-up and stiffness. Sometimes a good scrub brush can be used to help loosen dried paint, just make sure you start at the base and work in the same direction moving down the bristles. You can also soak them in rubbing alcohol to loosen old paint too.

      • kim says

        Great – thanks for the tips!

  7. Sherry Stuifbergen says

    Great “vision” for your projects! What an inspiration you are! One of my favorite blogs to read! Go, girl!

  8. Angie ~ ambient wares says

    This is wonderful! Flipping the top pieces over was a genius idea and now I know to keep that option in mind when looking at/for pieces to redo. Thank you!

    • Larissa says

      Wonderful! It can really come in handy for sure. 🙂 Thanks!

  9. Kimberly says

    Hopefully your vision is starting to rub off on me. As soon as I saw the stain after your first sanding, I said, “Why not flip the board?” 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration as always.

    • Larissa says

      Wahoo! I hope so! I have done that before, so I was kinda like, “Why didn’t I think of that earlier?” Ah well. It worked out for the best.

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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