Oh happy day! It’s not often I get an offering of pieces like this. I mean, would you pass up this French provincial kidney desk? The lines alone are gorgeous. Not to mention that it offers function too (not just another pretty piece). Today is all about giving this desk a new lease on life. 
When I received the desk, the original owner said it’s over 100 years old. Well, it definitely is vintage, but not a true antique…yet. It’s most likely from as early as the 50’s because it has the classic faux wood finish to it that was quite popular at the time. Likewise, it is a solid build and far better than most modern furniture today. It’s a keeper.
It has dove-tailed drawers and original brass hardware. However, it does have dents, gouges and wear to the top that will require some tending to.
DIY TIME
Because the wood had a faux wood grain and finish, I am super curious to see what was beneath. So, my littlest and I removed the hardware and began to sand the top. psst…she’s the best helper!
I use my orbital sander to take off the faux finish. However, I am disappointed (but not surprised) to find mixed wood. A mahogany veneer is on top of a pieced poplar top. This is totally normal and isn’t a bad thing. I had hoped to find matching wood, but this is definitely normal for pieces of this era. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still solid, but I had hoped for matching wood for staining purposes. Not to worry, I’m still very excited at this canvas.
NEXT STEPS
First, to get this underway, I pull out my paint.
I apply two coats of this beautifully soft antique white letting cure in between coats. Once that is done, I apply a color called Basketry to the detail parts.
Last, but not least, I add time-worn distressing followed by a hand-rubbed wax finish. This adds a soft glow while also creating a protective finish.
THE REVEAL
Here is our gorgeous vintage lady all dressed up and ready for many more years.
I’m truly smitten with the outcome. I could have went many ways with it in color, but I want to create a subtle beauty that doesn’t need to boast gilded details. Also, notice I left the brass pulls and knobs in their muted patina.
The details took quite some time, but it was all worth it. The accent paint showcases the carvings beautifully, especially on those cabriole legs.
In addition, I’m excited to say that the desk was sold before even listing it in my online shop.
Also, do pin and share my French provincial kidney desk makeover to inspire others to give DIY a try.
Up next, this misfit chicken needs to find a new purpose. Don’t you think? See the new chicken life HERE.
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Also, more makeovers like this French Provincial kidney desk:
OMG; love the style of that desk. Love what you done with it; simply Gorgeous.
At the moment I really don’t have anything to paint; well I do, but it’s just too cold to be working out in my shed with no heat.
I may need to break down and buy myself a space heater.
Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
By the way; you have a darling little helper there.
I am right there with you. I wanted to keep it for my new home some day. It’s curves are funtastic! I’m also with you on the no heat. Working in my workshop in down and layers is no fun.
Oh Larissa I’m in love with this desk. I can imagine sitting there journaling with a cup of tea or writing a letter to someone or oh, writing out my Christmas cards! It’s a thing of beauty! I’d love to have it!!!
How fun! Thank you, Linda. It truly was a fun piece to recreate.
It turned out so beautiful. Thanks for the contest and my chance to win a set of those really great brushes!
You are sweet to say so, Mary. Thank you!
Thank you for the time you take to share your makeovers with us. If I were to win the paint brushes I would paint a dresser that has been waiting for a long time.
It’s my pleasure. Sounds like you have a fun project. 😀
You did an awesome job as usual!!! Love how you accented all the beautiful details of this piece of furniture! I have so many projects that require paint but I think I need to start with something small that can be worked on indoors because it is to darn cold here in my neck of the woods 🙂
aww…thank you! That was a time-consuming part, but so worth it. Same here on the weather. I do enjoy winter, but we have far too much of it for my liking. Our last two weeks have had not a stitch of sun and rain, snow, and hail the size of marble. Enough for me. haha.
I absolutely love how this desk turned out. I have a desk (not like this, lol) I’d like to try this on!!!
Wonderful!! Thank you so much, Felicia. You will love these brushes.
What a beautiful desk. If I won I would a vintage Drexel buffet that is under my tv.
Ooh…love Drexel pieces. Those are built to last.
That desk is amazing. What a great job you did with bringing it back to life. I learn so much about how to handle the issues you run into when redoing your furniture. Thanks for all the tutorials and the give away. I am currently redoing a sewing machine cabinet that belonged to my grandmother. I am still not sure where I am going with it, but get inspired by your work. I would love to have some new supplies to help me along the way.
It’s such fun for me because I enjoy what I do and want others to feel enabled too. Thank you, Susie. I love that you have her sewing machine cabinet, period. So many toss those aside. I hope you have fun with it! 😀
What a beauty, you brought this Grande Dame back to life. 🙂 Beautiful job.
tee hee! I love it! 😀 Thank you, Claudine.
I love the way the desk turned out! It is so romantic! I would love to try the Zibra brushes on a side table that I have been thinking of painting.
I like your description as it suits what I was after. Thank you, Lisa. I have know doubt you’ll love these brushes too.
Really cool makeover. And I think I’d love using that fan brush.
Thanks! It’s seriously the most amazing brush for many uses.
Absolutely beautiful! I love the colors and the time you took with the details! I’d love to have Zibra brushes too!
That makes my heart happy, Amy. Thank you. I’m all about making those details shine instead of blending in.
I’d use the brushes to paint some baskets I bought at the thrift store.
You do have the most adorable helpers!! And what a fantastic makeover!!!!!! Just gorgeous! It’s a good thing it sold right away… I’d have been tempted to try to make a place for it!!! And what a lovely way to celebrate such good fortune. You inspire in so many ways. Thank you!!! ?
I second that, tee hee! Thank you. I was debating on keeping it to, so I’m equally happy. 😀 Thank you for your kind words, Rebecca.
You did a beautiful job on that desk, and your helper is adorable 🙂 I would try the new brushes out on a jewelry box if I should win. Thank you for this opportunity.
She makes my work fun. Thank you for the love. I have all the faith you’ll love the brushes too! 😉
Oh my God, it is stunning. Loved how it turned out.
Beautiful! I would love to try my hand at bringing a waterfall ? dresser back to life. It was in my mothers house for as long as I can remember. Thank you for sharing and teaching us all how to do it. I also have several headboards that are screaming at me to make benches. Would love to use great tools to make these dreams come true.
Those are lovely pieces and are some of my favorites to do too. 😀 You sound like me!
Your work on this desk is absolute perfection!
aww…thank you so much, Sheryl. 😀
Lovely! The shape is so graceful!
I couldn’t resist it! 😀 Thank you, Amanda.
VERY nice!!! Just Love, love, love what you did Larissa! And your little helper should get some of the credit too! 🙂
Thank you, Cate. She definitely got her props. 😀
Beautiful job, as always!
Thank you, Kim.
I really want to paint furniture but I have absolutely no place in my home or property to do so. So I’ve taken to painting vintage frames and wall decor. I would love some good brushes.
It does take so much effort to paint at home. Glad you found an outlet!
such a beautiful piece of furniture and the details with your paint job make it usable! it turned out really nice!
I’m so delighted you think so, Gwen. Thank you.
Just loved the desk. Growing up my sister and had “Sears” French provincial furniture. Now with a granddaughter I can’t wait to get a few pieces for the little guest room she uses!!!
The desk turned out gorgeous. And the donation you made due to the sale….blessed! Thank you for all that you do.
I am so excited that this worked out that I could help them. yay! Thank you so much, Deanna.
I’ve already won one of your wonderful give-aways, (so I am not entering) but just wanted to say how delicious this desk is! Soft and subtle, a beautiful job and a beautiful piece of furniture! Another wonderful job Larissa!
Thank you bunches, Sue. I had fun!
Excellent color choice!
It’s one of my favorites. Thank you, Becky.
I love that desk style. Makeover is nicely done.
I do too. Functional and beautiful. Thank you.
This desk makeover made my heart sing! I would love to find something like that. However, as a novice T2T/furniture makeover person, I would be nervous! This inspires me to keep going on my little pieces that I find (and are quickly filling up any and all nooks and crannies!). Thank you!
How absolutely fun to hear, Cindy. Thank you! You can do it!
Very pretty! I would paint the buffet in my dining room…
Thank you, Audra. I do love buffets.
Would love to try those brushes!!!
You will love them, Peggy.
Gorgeous is the perfect description. Great find and beautiful work. The first thing I will paint with Zebra brushes is the wall fold down desk in our kitchen. It will need an upgrade when I have finally finished painting the kitchen cupboards. I am anxious to try the fan brush.
You are so kind to say so, Sonja. I really tried to revive this piece and give it justice. I just know you’ll find the brushes a delight to use.
The desk is gorgeous! I have a few pieces that could use a makeover… a fireplace mantle, a bench made from a bed frame (I picked up on the curb – free!) and I also have some barstools… where do I start? LOL
Thank you, Denise. Sounds like you’re a twin. haha!
you always find great pieces…that looks fabulous…
I tell ya, they find me! 😀 I don’t look much and folks bring them to me. Thanks!
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the two tone paint job. The details really stand out. Fantastic job. 🙂
Thank you. I totally wanted to draw them out and feature them.
Stunning makeover! Once again, you hit it out of the park! The details show off beautifully . Seems like those brushes really help make your vision come to life. Thanks for the inspiration. Oh, by the way, you’re beautiful little helper is a keeper. ?
Thanks so much, Melva. It truly was a joy to work on it. Yes, the brushes do!
Another home run….right over the fence!!!
Yeah baby!! Thanks so much, Fran!
I love everything you do, but I think the colors on this one is my favorite!! I can see that sitting in my home. Keep up the awesome makeovers!
That just made my day, Anita. Thank you so much!
How very pretty! I love ‘shabby chic’ and this dresser and the color is perfect. Truly an inspiration for an old sewing desk that I have. Not quite as fancy, but I think it will paint up nicely. Love your little helper, too. I bet she will grow up to be a great repurposer!
Ooh…that sounds like so much fun! Yes, my kids are always itching to find a new project. We just need more room! 😀
Once again, you amaze me with your vision! I love the colors you chose. I’m so glad you didn’t use gold on the details. Some people overdo the gold sometimes but your color is gorgeous.
Too many projects to name that I could use the brushes for! I love the few Zibra brushes I have.
That’s so sweet of you to say. Yes, gilding is delightful in the right times. This one seemed to beg to be soothing. Thank you, Kim.
Larissa you breathed new life into the desk with your CPR – Creative Painted Revamp! LOL, but seriously your vision for every piece you share never ceases to amaze me. Well done!
bwahahaha! I love that!! Thank you, Susan. 😀
Always enjoy your makeovers and love that your children enjoy working with you.
They make what I do all the more enjoyable and memorable. Thank you, Janet.
What a truly beautiful makeover you have given this pretty lady. So happy you sold it and are giving back. Love all your work.
I couldn’t wait to tell the ministry about how it all worked out. Yahoo!!
You’re painting technique really brought out the beauty of this piece!
Cindy, I’m so glad you think so. Thank you.
Wow, what a beautiful desk. As always, a great make-over, Larissa.
I am smitten with it, Toni. Thanks for the love.
I have an old nightstand that needs paint!
I love this piece and your choice of colors. Your creative vision is amazing! I’ve seen some adds about the Zibra brushes you used. I
would love to try them on a few of my pieces.
I surely did a happy dance when I received it. Who wouldn’t? haha. You will love the Zibra brushes.
I’ve got an old bookcase that could use some new paint and a makeover. That’s what I would do first with some new brushes
Beautiful!!
Thank you, Cheryl! 😀
Wow! The piece is stunning. I also love Victorian – my dream a long time ago was to own a large Victorian home to remodel – but sometimes God has other plans in mind. But my heartstrings have always been to that era of furniture, so feminine and artistic. I love how the colors you chose truly highlight the beauty of the piece. Blessings to you and your family as we move into the season of winter.
I don’t blame you. It’s a totally a timeless style that extends ages. Thank you for all your affirmative words, Judy.
What a sweet find and a stunning makeover. I’d have a hard time parting with this one – those curves!
Right? I envision it in my bedroom as a place to pen letters. One day…
The desk turned out beautiful, another inspiration. I have a French provincial bedroom set and I keep going back and forth on what to do with it. I just don’t know if I want to paint or restain. I can’t wait to see what you do with the chicken.
Thank you, Melissa. They are such beautiful pieces and we have several too. I’m excited to share my rooster! 😀
I love love love this desk!!!! Wish I could have been the lucky buyer! Another beautiful job, Larissa ?
How fun to hear, Alisa. Thank you.
Hello Larissa, What a beautiful piece to start with. I love the color combination and wax all those pretty details really stand out! I am not surprised she sold so fast and that you were able to give to Mandy’s fund. I was impressed with your helper on this project too! Have a great and blessed day.
Hi Kaycee! 😀 It truly was something I hoped to restore, at least the top anyway. This worked out perfectly for all considered – a God wink!
Oh my gosh! It turned out so much better than I expected. I love it, and that’s not usually my style. I really hope to win the brushes. I have a couple of dressers I’d like to paint, plus a really old carpenters tool chest. This chest is large and heavy, it had been painted a bright pink many decades ago. I started to strip it, but that was not a simple task. What color would you suggest using. I would do some distressing and let the pink show a little. I think LOL!.
Yahoo!! Thanks so much, Jane! Sounds like you have fun projects at hand. You could go many ways with the chest, but a soft white or aqua would be a fun pairing.
I love the desk. In my opinion, the color you used for the details looks better than if you had used gold. I love it!
Thanks! Yeah, I felt gold would have been a little tacky and too typical. haha. T=
Larissa … your work is always amazing … but with this desk, you have totally outdone yourself!!! You are such an inspiration!!!
Michele, you are so very sweet to say so. Thank you for the smile! 😀
I have been looking for this desk for about 5 years now. Hopefully will find one soon.
I will keep my eye out for you! 😉
Beautiful makeover! If I won the brushes I would repaint my woodwork, china cabinet, and kitchen table set!
Thanks! Those are always fun to redo. You will love the brushes!
I would love to repaint my dining chairs.
I love the makeover and have a very similar style buffet waiting for me. Rookie question: I noticed that you did not use a primer. Can you please explain why not so I know if I can just copy what you did for my buffet. Just truly look forward to your posts and look forward to Tuesdays because of them!
Thanks, Anne! In this case, I didn’t anticipate bleed through or worry about adhesion, so no primer needed separate from the paint/primer combo I use. Feel free to email with additional questions. 😀
Love it… may I know what paint you used and the color of the desk?
It’s an antique white.