It’s been a while since I’ve taken on a larger piece like this vintage French provincial desk. There are different reasons why, but time it’s a personal piece that needs to find a new home. While we’ve been busy as bees remodeling our daughters’ room, I’ve had this furniture sitting in my living room for a few months. This mama’s eye is twitching and it’s time to rehome this gal.
However, it definitely needs a new look to bring it up to date and make it stylin’. Thankfully, it’s in the same shape as we got it, with busted pieces and all. There are so many memories with this desk…seeing my daughters sit at it for various reasons. sniff…time flies. We knew when we purchased the furniture for their room it would be a temporary fix. So, we went with Mid Century French provincial. Don’t you just love the lines of this era? In one fell swoop you can have the boxy Mid Century style and flip over to this oooh, la, la – ness. Love it!
DIY TIME
How about we get this party started? First, I make all needed repairs which basically includes a bit of wood glue, wood filler, and sanding. Not bad at all. I also take off the hutch backing so I can paint it separately too.
Then, once I finally get it all prepped and ready to go, I haul it out back with my youngest son’s help so that I can get this done in the quickest, best manner. If you notice, I also have a vintage chair that they used for many years. It not only matches the era, but the lines, and feminine style too.
Next, I spray a BIN Zinsser primer so that it will hide any bleed-through possibilities and also make that factory finish ready for accepting a new color. You can see how it knocks out cigarette smoke as well when I did this entertainment center turned child’s wardrobe.
After two coats, letting cure in between, it is ready for the next steps.
DRESSING UP
Since I remove the backing, I need to tackle that as well and replace the missing top of the hutch. In order to add that ooh, la, la, I first apply two coats of a custom mixed paint to be similar to the chair upholstery.
Then, I use painter’s tape and make some fun stripes on the hutch backing.
Meanwhile, I paint the inset of the drawers the same color and add decoupage using these fun papers I’ve used in the past.
Last, I use my gold paint to add soft gilding to various bits here and there to help tie in the original pulls.
THE REVEAL
Are you ready to see this ol’ gal dressed up and ready for many more years of fun? I am!
I daresay I’m smitten with the outcome. It was many steps of work to put it all together, but worth it to see it all come together. Aren’t those drawers fun?
In case you don’t remember, I made use of this same upholstery when I took a vintage French provincial king size headboard and made a bench along with a French tufted mattress by hand. What a job, but so fun!
Likewise, it’s hard to tell in photos, but the stripes on the hutch backing are a pink and tan to mimic the seat upholstery. The stripes not only add contrast, but also different texture as well that falls in line with the French style.
Finally, the best part is I also have a matching chest that is awaiting a makeover as well. Shall I do it the same or…? You can find this desk and more available in my online shop.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
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Also, more ooh, la, la, like this vintage French provincial desk makeover:
Oh I love your work to the French Provincial desk!! Stunning! So creative! Lovely workmanship! Thank you for sharing your thought process!
You’ve just made my day, Gaye. Thank you so much for the boost of confidence!
Larissa, first of all Happy Birthday!! to you and your daughter! And second, Oh My Goodness! The desk is so pretty. You are so gifted with how to use colors and textures that just pull everything together and make us smile! Thank you again for sharing your gifts with us and encouraging us to step out of the box to make something personal and beautiful. Have a blessed day!
You know it’s my absolute please, Judy. Thank you for making what I do fun and enjoyable to share. Thanks for the birthday wishes!
The first thing I said “0000 so pretty. I also squealed when I realized I had the same vintage chair that belong to my mother. I painted it gray too and put a gray ticking on the seat. Stunning re do! Colors are fabulous. Great work of art.
Great minds!! That’s so fun, Stephanie! 😀 Thank you.
It’s beautiful Larissa! ??
Thank you so very much, Susan. Fun for me! 😀
I think what I admire most is that you understand design and stay true to the style of the piece. Nothing you do looks like lipstick on a pig. French provincial is not my style at all , however this is fun refresh for sure. So happy you and your daughter had great birthdays!! God is good!!
You made me giggle, Niki! 😀 haha. I picture a sweet sow with the red lipstick and tutu. Thanks so much for the love and birthday wishes.
This is beautiful! I love the color and the drawers. What did you use to do them? I have been wanting to do a MCM French Provincial piece and this is inspiring! Great job!
Thank you! I mentioned I used decoupage papers that come on a roll. I’ve also used tissue paper and napkins before too. I’m so happy to hear you like it! 😀
Très chic!! This turned out darling , a perfect look for a girls room! ????
Thank you, Jill. Hoping it finds a new home since we remodeled our girls room and did built-ins instead. Yay!
Larissa, Awesome job, the desk is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you for sharing and showing us how we can
turn ugly into beautiful pieces.
Nancy
You know it’s my pleasure, Nancy. Thank YOU for making what I do a blast.
BEAUTIFUL….I love it. You did a great job…WOW!!!!
Thank you bunches for saying so, Terri. I just have fun doing what I do, but hearing from you and others makes it the cherry on top. Hugs!
I’m late reading this, but so glad I did! What a fun transformation. It’s like a brand new desk!! Your girls must be thrilled!!! ?
Never late as my blog is always here. 😉 Thank you, Rebecca. This is actually in my shop as we built custom for our daughters’ room instead. They surely enjoyed it while they had it.
Beautiful makeover, Larissa, the color is so pretty. This feminine French beauty is going to make someone a very happy lady!
That makes my heart happy that you think so, Marie. I tried to keep it within the era, but give it more beauty so a lady will feel special while using it.
Absolutely gorgeous makeover! Your love and talent shows in every piece you do!
Rena, you’ve made my day brighter. Thank you for you kind words and for making me smile. Thank you!
Hi Larissa! This turned out so pretty. I love the stripes and the decopauge.
Thank you so much for saying so, Cheryl. This was truly a fun project for me. 😀