Are you in the mood for a furniture makeover? This vintage French Provincial desk is in need of an update to fix the broken and bring a refreshed feel. Let’s get our DIY on!
DIY TIME
It’s time for a new look, wouldn’t you say? If you look closely, you’ll see a broken drawer pull, chipped up paint, and a sort of jerry-rigged panel fixed to the back to hold the legs on to the rest.
First, I took off that back panel and here’s what I saw…
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
Yep…a hot mess. Thankfully, though, the desk is not beyond repair. It just needs some TLC and has come to the right place. {{wink, wink}} Next, I used the same wood from my reclaimed wall art in this post and my Kreg Jig to create a tight brace. A bit of wood glue and screws go a long way.
Then, for the rest of the desk to get some lovin’. Oh, and I found a chair to pair with it. woot! It too, needs a refresh, don’t you think?
NEXT STEPS
My end goal in this project is to prime and paint. In addition, I’ll be adding some fun details as we go too. In order to do that, I need to get as clean as a surface as I can. First, I sand down the top with my sander hoping to find wood.
However, I didn’t find wood, but rather laminate. Well, you might say bummer, but I was like…let’s rock this. Laminate is a supremely durable surface, and it can be painted. See my past dining set tutorial HERE.
As for the rest, I just filled in dings and dents with wood filler, and sanded down the brush strokes and drips that were already present. Nonetheless, I plugged the original drawer pull holes with dowel. Then, I drilled new holes for knobs.
PAINT FUN
Next, it’s time to break out my paint and rework this ol’ gal. First, my favorite HomeRight tools come out to play. Why are they a favorite? Well, I’ve had a paint sprayer for about 5 years now and it has never let me down. You can see my first project with it HERE. I can get a project like this French Provincial desk set done in less than twenty minutes. Seriously!
I begin with a stain & odor blocking shellac primer as a base coat. It provides the clean slate I’m after, plus makes for a durable finish. Also, notice how nice the desk looks with just primer.
You can watch how to set up and use this handy sprayer in my video below. It’s not only good for paint, but poly finishes, and stains too. Consequently, you can see all the ways I’ve used it in the past in these posts.
Then, I took care of the drawers and chair. See that purple inside the drawers? After sanding, I found that this was originally a creamy white with that purple on the drawer fronts.
Finally, to complete the set, I applied two coats of a color called Dove White, letting cure in between coats.
FINAL TOUCHES
Now that I truly have a blank slate, it’s time to add some fun details to make it pop. My oldest daughter, Miss C, had a leftover transfer from a drum table she just finished. Secondly, it was just the right detail to add to the desk top. I’m not one to use these transfers often because I like my work to be individual – my own design work. But…I have to admit they are super handy to use as I’ve show in these past makeovers.
Naturally, I always have an audience while working (the best ever, BTW). My two youngest girls wanted to give it a try, so I let them jump in on the fun.
In addition to the transfer, I also added a bit of fun to the sides. Take a peek below.
THE REVEAL
And so after all is said and done, my French Provincial desk makeover is complete.
This set now showcases a feminine vibe with all the shabby chic goodness it can muster. Not only does the new paint make a difference, but the little details give it a story. I’m excited that the linen upholstery I had left over from my French Provincial headboard I turned into a bench with a custom mattress fit the look perfectly.
In addition, those stripes were so fun that I even added them to the sides of the desk too.
Last, for added depth and timeworn feel, I add a bit of gray wax and distressing. Desk is done and I’m a happy camper. In the even that you’d love to make this desk your own, you can find it and much more available in my online shop.
SHARE
Also, pin and share this French Provincial Desk project to inspire others. Not all furniture should be ignored. Most just need some DIY lovin’.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
In addition, more projects like my French Provincial desk makeover:
Those shelter would be great for doing all kinds of projects . It would keep the paint from spraying on to other areas that you wound’t want to paint . They look awesome
I can’t believe the difference in the desk. It’s beautiful. Great job!
yay! Thanks, Karen. This was fun for me to try.
The desk is just beautiful.
Thank you for saying so. 🙂
Beautiful
Thank you!
What a beautiful transformation! I love the natural vision you have to see potential in ‘lost’ items!
You inspire me!
A paint sprayer as well as a paint booth are on the top of my ‘want’ (or is it need;) ) list! I just got my hands on a free Telefunken radio cabinet that Im using as my tv stand, it is in great need of a good paint makeover!
You’ve made me smile, Kelly. Thanks! That sounds like a super fun project to work on. Enjoy!
Love the transformation! The hard work was worth it for the end result.
Thank you! Yes, hard work, but fun too. 🙂
I so wish I had your skills. I’m trying my first transfer project today so we will see…
How exciting! You will love it, Amy.
WOW! Desk & chair are absolutely gorgeous. Great job.
We are in process or remodeling our guest bath so sprayer would be really handy.
Thank You 4 this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Enjoy your day; as Today Is A Good Day to Have A Good Day.
tee hee. Thanks, Colleen! 😀 You most definitely will love it. Hugs!
Thank you for being here to teach and inspire us!
Praying still for your health issues.
My absolute pleasure, Cindy. Thank you!
The desk turned out so beautiful. I love how you get your kids involved in your projects.
Thank you so much, Liz. They are my best cheerleaders! 😀
I’m always amazed at your projects! I love the stripes. Your spray painter is a wicked cool tool. I’d think I’d use it first on a small, but deep bedside table. But then, like the mouse and the cookie, I would want a pop up spray tent to go with it!
tee hee! Yes! I totally get it, Becki. So addictive!
What a transformation! You wouldn’t even know it was the same desk. The sprayer would be a welcome addition to my workshop since I still do everything with a brush. What a time saver and professional finish that it provides. Thanks for always having such good give-aways.
It was fun to restore it’s function, but also to give it a feminine vibe. Thank you, Susie. I wish I could give one to everyone! 😀
Amazing makeover!! She’s beautiful now
Thanks so much, Lori! I had such fun with dressing it up.
I love to see your beautiful makeovers!! Thank you for sharing!!!
My absolute pleasure. Thank you for the love, Susan.
Hi Larissa,
Beautiful desk! I’m going to have to get some of those transfers they’re so pretty! Love how you transformed it. My project would be my dining room table. Even though I’m going to get a new table, I would still like to give it a makeover and sell it!
That’s the spirit, Babette! I love your tenacity. 😀
What a wonderful makeover-it really needed it! love the colors you chose and the chair fabric matches so well. This is a HUGE improvement for sad-looking school desk!
I just wanted to have fun playing with it as Mandy did. She and her kids loved it and I did too. Fun to see what inspires folks. 😀
What a lovely transformation!
Thank you so much, Amanda!
Very feminine
What a great makeover! Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway.
Blessings!!
Thanks! You bet. I wish I had one for everyone. 😀
Love your choice of soft pink accents. So pretty, Larissa! Thank you for sharing your process with us.
Thank you, Alicia. These colors are true to the French Provincial style, so I had to give it some props. 😉
Larissa, another wonderful transformation. I love the stripes! Thank you for the chance to win this sprayer. I have been wanting one for a long while. It sure would make my life easier.
Thank you for saying so, Cheryl. I truly had a blast with it. Stripes are fun! 😀 You will definitely love the sprayer.
I honestly can’t say enough about this desk makeover. Absolutely stunning! That sprayer would make such a difference in my life! I’m praying haaaaarrrrddddd!!!!! lol
Woot! You are so fun, Linda! haha. Thank you for the love and smile. 😀
GASP!! What an awesome transformation! Larissa, there is not enough adjectives to describe your beautiful style and work.
aww…thank you so much, Diana! You made me blush. hugs!!
Love how this turned out! I would love a sprayer of my own 😉
Sweet to hear. Thank you, Lorene. You’ll love this sprayer!
Hi! It amazes me how you integrate color into your pieces. They come out stunning. Stripes?! On a desk?! And yet… it’s absolutely that’s finishing touch that brings the whole piece to life! Such a talent, Larissa!
We would use the sprayer for EVERYTHING WE COULD!!! We’d moved into a old house this last July and there are a million projects!!!
Thank you for your continued efforts to put up this blog while struggling through your personal trials. That is not easy, and I sincerely hope you take all the rest and space you need. We would appreciate you even without your amazing projects! You are a gift!
You are so sweet, Kaleria. Thank you for not only getting my design choices, but also how it is for me on the personal side. I’m happy to share. And…congrats on the home! 😀
What a transformation! I have an old dresser that I’m in the process of stripping to remake for my grandsons to use. I’ll be sanding next but it doesn’t look like I’m going to find wood to stain it like I had hoped. Using a paint sprayer like yours would insure that I can give it a perfect finish for them.
Thanks! Sounds like you have a sweet piece to work on, Nancy. This sprayer would be a blessing!
This piece is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
My absolute pleasure, Lori. Thank you!
Yup! This desk definitely needed a makeover! Makes me wish I still had my childhood desk. Although I’m not a pink girl, this looks terrific and I’d gift it to a gal in a new york minute! As usual, PERFECTION, Larissa!! I’d love the sprayer for a dozen projects I have to do. First would probably be a table I found on the side of the road. Painted blood red, I think it needs to be a flat black/charcoal to cover it up. More tables and chairs in line behind it! Thanks for always doing your best. Hope you are getting good news and you’re feeling good !
Tee hee! Thanks! There are certain colors that are true to French Provincial style and this rose pink is one of them. I had to do it up fun. 😀 I know you’ll put the sprayer to good use.
Wow! What a beautiful improvement!❤️❤️❤️
Your words mean so much, Michele. Thank you!
OMGorgeous makeover! Love the striping on the side and the matching fabric on the seat!
happy dance!! Thank you so much, Doreen. 😀
WOW Larissa! I don’t know that I would have tackled that desk, thinking it had seen better days. You have a gift my dear…this was an absolutely amazing transformation!! Took my breath away when I scrolled down to see the “after”…wow! Love the stripes…everything about it. Thank you so much for your inspiration. Makes me reflect on the work of transformation God does in our lives! 🙂 I have an old dining set with chairs…I think a sprayer would work so well on the chairs, but even the trundle table legs…I’ve always used a brush but watching your use of the sprayer, I am convinced it is time for me to learn some new skills!
You got exactly what I see in something…the way God sees us…never a waste, never too far gone to save. Thank you! Yes, sprayers are a lifesaver with chairs, especially. I hope you win!
This is one of your most amazing makeovers ever. You are not afraid to tackle anything, you’re fearless !
haha…or am plain crazy! 😀 Thank you so much, Jo-Ann.
Wow! There was a lot of beauty hidden under that crazy pain job. Looks great!
I’m so thankful Mandy thought enough to let me have some fun with it. Thank you!
This desk set is exquisite…absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to try using the decals…the rose happens to be my favorite. I would be so happy to win the spay shelter! Thanks for the opportunity.
Such fun words to read, Dale. Thank you. Yes, roses and French anything go hand-in-hand, don’t they?
Amazing makeover!
Thank you bunches, Valerie! 😀
I love the coordinating stripes!
If I win sprayer, I’d use it on a farmhouse table I got for my family.
Thanks! That is a sweet project to tackle.
Well done! You did the French provincial justice!
woot, woot! 😀 Thanks so much, Tess!
I just redid a pair of nightstands and I sure could have used this sprayer!
I’d paint some night stands that neeed a makeover.
I hope you enjoyed my work today. 🙂
I have 2 dressers to paint and I think the sprayer would be so much quicker than a brush.
I hope you enjoyed the work I shared today.
Love your transformations. I have several pieces I want to redo and feel sprayer would make job much easier. I have been checking some out and checking reviews but have to get new brakes on my car so can’t afford sprayer right now. Guess it will have to stay on wish list for now. Look forward each week to see ur new projects. Thank you for sharing your fantastic work.
Thank you for the kind words, Clara. It’s the best sprayer I’ve ever owned and I have several of their styles from heavy duty to the Super Finish Max.
I love the way your project turned out. I would paint my coffee table.
Thank you. Sounds good.
Wow! What an amazing difference. I love the desk and chair. I’m on the hunt for bedside tables and that’s where I’d use the sprayer.
Yay! Thank you, Toni.
Larissa, this is fabulous! I wish you lived closer to me. (Chagrin Falls) There is always so much furniture put out in the trash, it is unbelievable!
Yeah, it can be so heart-breaking to see. So many folks with a need and just need the willing spirit to try.
WOW, you are a miracle worker for sure. Beautiful.
You are kind to say so, Terri. Thank you!
I ~love~ your project! What an impressive transformation. With this tool, I would first tackle the interior doors of our house. Several of them look like they have seen better days… because they have! There are just so many layers of paint, and whoever lived in this house before us did just a hasty and awful job. We’d get so much use out of this sprayer!
Thanks so much, Ann. Sounds like you’ll put the Super Finish Max to good use. 😀
Such a pretty, feminine and impressive makeover!! Although it’s not exciting my wood garage doors have needed a new paint job for ages and the sprayer would make that job SO much easier!!
Thank you bunches, Sara. It was fun. 😀 Yes, garage doors can be a beast and this would be perfect.
Your project looks great! I would refinish our kitchen table if I win this amazing sprayer.
Thanks! That sounds perfect, Heidi.
I have a couple of outdoor side table I picked up at an auction. This would be great to rejuvenate them.
You did an awesome job! I have an old dresser I’d like to do.
Thank you, Anthony. That was fun!
So nice!
Thank you, Jody.
The transformation of that desk is absolutely stunning. I have a dresser that needs a redo and the sprayer would come in handy.
Yahoo! Thank you for the smile, Beth. You will love it!
Thanks for the great giveaway! Love how the desk turned out.
My pleasure, Dianne. Thank you.
So cute!
Thanks!
Great project! Would love this re-do kitchen chairs!
Thank you, Meghan. It will save you oodles for sure.
Would repaint our outdoor furniture.
Wow – did that ever change the look of the desk! I didn’t think you were going to pull this one off. It is really beautiful! I could really use that sprayer! I paint everything I do by hand right now and I would love a sprayer to do furniture with. I have so much furniture stuffed in the back room of my basement! I think I would start with my grandmother’s table. I would sand and refinish the top. The bottom, I would spray a soft ivory. It has beautiful legs on it and a lot of them. I would rather paint them with a sprayer than hand paint them!!!! Thanks for the chance!
Yeah, baby! 😀 I’m so glad you like it. Sounds like you definitely need this sprayer. I love to paint by hand in some instances, but this saves me oodles!
I would tackle a wainscoting project
I have a kitchen table that we are going to refinish, I think that would be my first project.
I have a small bookcase that my grandfather made that I would love to redo
I would use this on two old end tables in my bedroom.
Talk about a trash to treasue night and day transformation, my friend. Love the rose stripes that echo the ticking fabric on the chairs.
Thank you, sweet Marie. I just loved that fabric from before and felt it suited it well.
Loved your project choice: I enjoy seeing people be CREATIVE and CHANGE things around them. As far as my project, well a couple of days ago I would have said I would refresh my bedroom. Repaint and renew. However, today I would saw what is most important would be to RENEW and REPAINT the brick fence that now has GRAFFITI.
Always something new.
Yay! You are a kindred spirit, Geena. Thank you! You go girl…
I would spray paint my Garage door.
I am renovating an older RV and would love to use a spray gun to paint the walls.
I need to spruce up my outdoor furniture. It really is in need of an ‘up-do’ and this sprayer would make it doable for this ole gal.
I LOVE your new project. The first thing I would tackle is a desk that I bought at a garage sale last year.
Thank you, Wanda! 😀 Sounds good.
Woah, that is a huge upgrade!! I absolutely love the end result!! The first project I would tackle is painting my kitchen cabinets. 🙂
yeah, baby! 😀 Thanks so much. The sprayer is THE BEST way to paint cabinets for sure.
I think this looks so wonderful! I would love to use this for some tables I have.
I have a patio set I would like to refurbish.
That is a stunning transformation! What a beautiful job on that desk. A sprayer would be awesome.
my new cabinets i think this machine will do the job quicker for me
It looks amazing. The first project I would tackle if the old iron bedstead I had as a child and painting it so it looks nice again for my son.
I have a really old table I’d like to do over.
Redo my dining room chairs
I have my grandmother dresser that I would love to do
My husband gave me a 3-mirror vintage vanity for Christmas. I love it but I could carefully remove the mirrors, sand it and use the HomeRight Super Finish Max Sprayer to make it look gorgeous.
Nice job on the desk . I have a kitchen to paint if you and the kids eravel .Lol
Thanks so much. Sounds fun!
Love the transformation. I have an old dresser that I would love to redo with this sprayer.
Thanks so much, Catherine. Perfect project piece.
I love the details on this piece! I have a similar set I got from my Dad’s house that I’d love to do in a bright color combo: maybe orange accents on the desk and a bright tropical floral for the chair seat.
My chair
Hi Larissa, What a mess this piece was, ugh! You really helped her look beautiful again, m,y favorite being the stripes that you added to coordinate with the fabric used on the chair. This is so feminine and pretty.
Your desk and chair are gorgeous! I have an antique dental cabinet that needs a refresh. That would be my first project if I’m lucky enough to win your contest.
Thanks! Ooh…sounds like perfect potential.
So beautiful! You are so creative taking furniture from trash to treasure!! I have a few tables that could use a makeover and a sprayer would make the job so much easier. Thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway!
I love what you did, HUGE improvement!! If I had that sprayer I would put a new coat on some wood furniture I have laying around!
Sweet! Thank you, Jennifer.
I would refinish a dresser
I think I would tackle one of my dressers first and then one of our tables that we use in our sun-room.
I’d tackle the kitchen walls. They need a good repainting
I have an old bureau I would love to give a make over!
I found you on YouTube and love your website and Youtube! Spring is beginning to peek through and I can not wait to work on my worn out furniture using the HomeRight sprayer if I win it!
Your projects inspired me to tackle a bunch of small projects of my own this winter. I am praying for your health and complete healing.
Yay! I’m so glad you found me, Tracy. Glad to have you! I can’t wait to see who wins this awesome sprayer.
I would tackle my daughter’s dresser!
Love your style & have been dreaming of a Finish Max forever! I’d start with some rattan I have..
aww…thanks! Rattan and sprayer are an awesome winning combo. 😀
You have done a beautiful job, I have an old bedroom set that I would love to paint
Thank you, Betty. It sounds like you have a big job that this sprayer would help you immensely on.
So pretty! Love the transfer!
Thank you! 😀
The projects look great! We just bought a vintage house and instead of filling it with new furniture, I plan to go garage sale and estate sale hopping to find pieces that match the 1940’s time frame of my new house and give them a facelift. Vintage piece with modern paint!
That will be so fun! Congrats on the new house.
Sooooo much better! I love how you added the stripes on the side of the desk to match the seat cushion.
I wanted to be as true to the original design a possible. Thanks!
What a transformation! Beautiful.
I would use the sprayer on my new front door
Thank you, Connie. 😀
Your project is beautiful. The first project that I would tackle would be my outdoor furniture, especially my Adirondack chairs. I have a bunch of projects, but with warmer weather coming, these would be on top of my list.
Thank you for saying so, Rachel. 😀 Yes, warm weather is bliss!
I just used a transfer for the first time, it was so essy. Thanks for the inspiration! I would love to redo dining room chairs and a sprayer would definitely make the job easier.
Right! 😀 You bet it would.
I would repaint the dresser set.
I hope to refinish a really old bedroom end table for a guest room
Wow, what a transformation! My first project would be a cubby set that was in my great Aunt’s kindergarten classroom. I put casters on it and made it into a bench. It’s going to be amazing with a new coat of paint.
Thanks! I bet it will be.
I love all the details you put into your projects.
Thank you, Donna. I strive to put a unique touch on each one. 😀
I would love to repaint my coffee table and end table in my family room.
I like your new project.
I would tackle the vanity set with the HomeRight Super Finish Max Sprayer.
Thank you.
My daughters headboard needs to be redone and re paiinted
Amazing what you can rebuild and make pretty again
Thank you, Jan. 🙂