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Double Take: White Mid-Century Desk and Yellow Chair (Before & After)
Nov 2nd, 2011 @ 08:15 pm › Milla
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Yesterday Kah showcased a sneak peak of a desk we scored off of Craigslist for $10. Yes $10! I’ve paid more for useless items which is why we’re so excited. The lovely couple just wanted to get rid of it so they sold it for as less as possible. God Bless them! You guys have no idea how long we’ve been looking for a desk for the lonely corner in our living room. There were a few things that were holding us back for a while:

1. Must be reasonably priced and thrifted. Thrifted because we planned to paint and reasonably priced for the same reason. Who wants to pay a lot of money for something they will makeover?

2. Fit with the existing furniture in our living room. Most of the pieces have a mid-century feel to them so that is what we were looking for.

3. Size. The corner isn’t small but it isn’t big either. The depth is what really matter here. The corner’s depth is a pedestrian 19”. My bedroom nightstands stick out further than that. Most desks were at least 20″-24″ in depth. However, we didn’t let that deter us.

4. It must be cute. Curves or clean line. It didn’t matter. We all love something that we can’t stop gawking at, right?

Well, let me show you the before of our Mid-century Desk.  It’s quite a looker even it’s original state.

See? Great hardware and great lines all for 10 bucks! I can’t get over that *Giggles* Well this beauty received a fresh coat of white as to not visually shrink the already small corner. The exact measurements of this desk are W: 48″ H: “30 and D: 18″. Can you say perfect? Check it out below:

Here’s another shot (Kah was attempting to stage before going to work)

Here in this shot were trying to decide on how to style this area. Lamp and mirror? Maybe not. Chair with gorgeous back details? Of course! In red? No.

In yellow? Yay! We included a bonus before and after here. And the styling has changed again.

This lovely bright color is called “Macaw” by Behr. The chair was gorgeous in red, but we LOVE it in yellow! Here you can see it again. Please ignore Kah’s laptop. Question is that Billie Holiday print too bold here in its black and white state? We can change it’s colors since we edited this print on Photoshop. And how bout this lamp? Should it remain gold? What about the neutral lampshade? Does it need to be covered in a lovely fabric?

Below is a different, more straight-on angle. Isn’t that striped suitcase cute! Should we still make it into a side table or use it as a decorative prop in vignettes?

Take a look at two more photos while you all  think about it

We will be linking up at these lovely parties

SUNDAY

Under the Table & Dreaming- Sunday Showcase Party

Flamingo Toes-Think Pink Sundays

Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Nap Time

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Creative Bloggers Party Hop @ Homemaker on a Dime

Strut Your Stuff Sunday @ J and M’s Eye Candy

DIY Showoff – DIY Project Parade

Sisters of the Wild West – Sister Sunday Link Party

My 1929 Charmer- Sunday’s Best

J&M’s Eye Candy-Strut Your Stuff Sunday

MONDAY

Between Naps on the Porch – Metamophosis Monday

Mod Vintage Life- Mod Mix Monday

You are Talking Too Much – Monday Link Party

Everything Under the Moon-Bedazzle Me Monday

The Southern Institute:Creative Me Monday

Skip to My Lou-Made My Your Monday

DebbieDoos Monday Newbie Party

Erin of Home Savvy’s Homemade Monday

TUESDAY

A Bowl Full of Lemons – One Project at a Time 

Coastal Charm – Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

House of Grace – Twice Owned Tuesday 

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia – Tuesday’s Treasures

Type A Decorating – Anything Goes Party

Mommy By Day Crafter By Night-Ta-Da Tuesday

Southern Lovely- Show & Share Tuesday

Not Just a Housewife- Show Me What You Got Tuesdays

Today’s Creative Blog – Get Your Craft on

Organize and Decorate Everything

A Diamond in the Stuff- Time to Shine Tuesday

Sassy Sites-Trash 2 Treasure

Kammy’s Korner-Trash 2 Treasures Tuesday

WEDNESDAY

A Beach Cottage – Good Life Wednesday

Beyond the Picket Fence – Under $100 Linky Party 

DIY by Design – Fall into Fall

Domestically Speaking – Power of Paint Party

Handy Man Crafty Woman – Wicked Awesome Wednesday

No Minimalist Here – Open House Party

Primitive and Proper – Piece of Work Wednesday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Link Party 

Restore Interiors – Restored It Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style – Wow Us Wednesday

The Girl Creative- Just Something Whipped Up

Someday Crafts-Whatever Goes Wednesday

Night Owl Crafting-Hoo’s Got Talent

Organize and Decorate Everything

Free Pretty Things for You-Whatever You Want Wednesday

Creative Share Wednesdays – Trendy Treehouse

Idea Sharing Wednesday – Women Who Do It All

Blue Cricket Designs

Wow Me Wednesday @ Gingersnap Crafts

Your Whims Wednesday @ My Girlish Whims

Look What I Made @  Creations By Kara

What I Made Wednesday @ Sweet Peas and Bumble Bees

THURSDAY

House of Hepworths – Hookin Up with HOH 

Perfectly Imperfect

Saved by Suzy – House Party

The 36th Avenue

The Shabby Creek Cottage – Transformation Thursday

Vintage Farmhouse-Creative Things Thursday

Craft Junkie Too-TGIF

The Brambleberry Cottage-Time Travel Thursday

Creative Juice Link Up @ Momnivores-Dilemma

Everything But The Kitchen Sink @ A Little Knick Knack

Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies and Jellybeans

Fab Friday Link Par-Tay @ Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Delightfully Inspiring Thursday @ Delightful Order

Strut Your Stuff Link Party @ Some What Simple

It’s a Party @ Creative Princess

Thrifty Thursday Blog Hop @ Saved By Love Creations

Thrifty Thursday Link Party @ Thrifty and Fabuless

Open House Linky Party @ No Minimalist Here

Thrifty Thursday @ Thrifty Decorating with Nikki

Crazy Cute Thursdays @ Between U and Me

FRIDAY

2805 – Potpourri Friday

Addicted to Decorating – Addicts (not so) Anonymous Party 

At the Picket Fence – Inspiration Friday 

Chic On A Shoestring – Flaunt It Friday

Common Ground – Vintage Inspiration Friday 

Faith, Trust and a Little Pixie Dust – Fabulous Friday Linky Party 

Finding Fabulous – Frugalicious Friday

French Country Cottage – Feathered Nest Friday

Laurie Anna’s Vintage Home – Farmhouse Friday

Miss Mustard Seed - Furniture Feature Friday

Modern Country Style – Paint Please Link Party 

My Repurposed Life – Catch as Catch Can Party

My Romantic Home – Show And Tell Friday

Redoux – What Have You Redone? 

Remodelaholic – Anonymous

Tatertots & Jello – Weekend Wrap Up Party

The Charm of Home – Home Sweet Home

The Shabby Nest – Frugal Friday

Boost My Blog Friday @ Design It Chic

Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints On the Fridge

Tickled Pink Friday @ 504 Main

BFF Open House Link Party @ Answer Is Chocolate

Delicately Constructed Friday @ Delicate Construction

Freestyle Friday @ Happy Hour Projects

Making It With Allie @ Allie Makes

SATURDAY

Funky Junk Interiors

Strut Your Stuff Saturday @ Six Sister’s Stuff

Scrappy Saturdays @ Candace’s Creations

Scrappy Saturdays @ A Vision to Remember

 
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Categories: Before & After Projects, DIY, Painting Projects
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arrow48 Responses

  1. Rebecca McDonald
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    I am so impressed with this! I love the red but the yellow was perfect! Such a great job and an awesome deal! Love seeing you both at the “Meet Me Monday” linky party! I can’t wait to see more! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

  2. Kim
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Love, love, love these makeovers. Both the chair and the desk look amazing!

  3. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks a lot Kim for visiting!

  4. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks for hosting Rebecca and of course for visiting. We will be back to your linky party soon.

  5. cassie
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    love it! i love that style of desk, and that yellow chair knocks it out of the park! shazam!
    cassie recently posted..Guest Room RevealMy Profile

  6. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Shazam! Lol! I love the yellow it’ll brighten up my day always :)

  7. Christine
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    I love it in white! And with that yellow chair, cute. I have my own midcentury desk that I am in the middle of a redo with. Hope mine looks just as good :-)
    Christine recently posted..English Setters!My Profile

  8. Courtney
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    The desk looks great, girls! What an awesome find!! The white looks perfect and I’d definately add some mod fabric to the lamp, it has such a cool shape!
    Courtney recently posted..Upholstered Chair No.2My Profile

  9. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks a lot Christine. Hope your desk comes out great

  10. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Ok so one vote for a covered shade so far. Thanks Courtney

  11. Paula
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    OMG…wow…what a return on your investment because it is a million dollar job. I love the transformation. Although I tend to be bias towards red…I am loving the sunny yellow. Fabulous!

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

  12. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Lol Paula. I love red too because it is bold but sunny yellow works better

  13. Jessica @ Balancing the Dream
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    love love love that yellow chair!

  14. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks Jessica for visiting! Yellow is great!

  15. Katie
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Oh I love it!!! The yellow chair is perfect! That desk style is just so fun! It looks great in white!
    Katie recently posted..Owl Cupcakes!My Profile

  16. Courtney
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    I LOVE this! I would love if you would share this at the Crazy Cute link party happening at Between U & Me right now! I’ve got a totally awesome giveaway this week, too!
    http://www.betweenuandme.com

  17. Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy}
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Oh I do love me a bit of yellow… looks fab with the desk – and $10!?? I’d be smilin’ too!! x
    Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} recently posted..Bedroom Inspiration: Tufted BenchesMy Profile

  18. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Lol thanks Redilocks. I’m still excited almost a week later

  19. Michelle
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Oh yes it has to be yellow! This looks so funky I love yellow in study areas, it’s the colour I’ve picked for mine as well. Awesome styling chickadee :)

  20. Sherika Alston
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    You girls are awesome!! Love everything about the desk, chair and your blog!!!

  21. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Aww thanks very much Sherika. It’s much appreciated

  22. holly ll
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    What a gorgeous desk…and that price – insane! Love it with that gorgeous yellow chair!
    holly ll recently posted..Tickled Pink No. 72My Profile

  23. Honey
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    The yellow chair is just perfect for the look you wanted. Nice desk too..great price!

    Thank you for sharing your creativity at Potpourri Friday!

  24. Susan
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    The desk and chair are fab. The yellow is so sunny and striking! The lamp should be spray painted in glossy black! :)

  25. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Hi Susan! Glossy black huh? Didn’t think of that one

  26. Susan
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Absolutely…and then add a black grosgrain ribbon band to the top and bottom of the shade. It will look gorgeous.
    Susan recently posted..fall place card tutorialMy Profile

  27. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    That sounds gorgeous I wonder if it will fit with the rest of the Living room. It’s too cold to spray paint though :(

  28. Rachel @ suitsandaprons.wordpress.com
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Love the chair in yellow! And I think the Billie Holiday print is just right. It’s so graphic, and matches/compliments the graphic nature of the chair/desk combo. I say go for it!

  29. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks for you words of approval there Rachel! We really appreciate it :)

  30. Suzy
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    I love midcentury furniture and you ladies did a great job transforming the desk, but I LOVE the yellow chair. So pretty! I would paint the lamp and maybe add some trim or fabric to the shade for a pop of color. Thanks for sharing.
    Suzy recently posted..Please Help Me Decide!My Profile

  31. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks for the kind comments suzy! What color would you suggest?

  32. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    As always, you consistently come up with a great project :) Thanks for linking up again, Kahli!
    SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime recently posted..Ghirardelli Ultimate Double Chocolate CookiesMy Profile

  33. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Thanks me and my sis really appreciate it!

  34. Gwen
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    Fab, fab, fab!
    Gwen recently posted..Make it or break it…My Profile

  35. Kelly @ JAX does design
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    The desk was a great find! I’d cover the lampshade in a cool grey & yellow Ikat fabric, or something really graphic and funky if Ikat isn’t your thing. And I’d paint the base – maybe glossy black. And I like the Billie Holliday print just as it is.
    Kelly @ JAX does design recently posted..Shiny, happy, sparkly dining room makeoverMy Profile

  36. Andrea @Oasis Accents
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    It’s so awesome that you found such a cool desk that fit the space and for a great price. Looks like you’ve had some great comments to help you with your lamp too. Thanks so much for sharing at Sunday’s Best =)
    Andrea @Oasis Accents recently posted..Co-Hosting Sunday’s Best Linky PartyMy Profile

  37. Nellene
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    This is the perfect example of inexpensive diy chic! LOVE IT…
    Nellene recently posted..The One Gift Nobody Will Return: idea #2My Profile

  38. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    I like the idea of a gray and yellow print on the lampshade. If we find one for a good price we’ll definitely consider buying it. Glossy black could look nice. We weren’t considering painting the lampbase as of yet because we didn’t mind the gold and it’s getting colder out. So we’ll have to think fast! Thanks for your sweet comments Kelly!

  39. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    I still can’t believe we got the desk for 10 dollars! Thanks for visiting

  40. Kammy from Kammy's Korner
    15 mos, 3 wks ago

    awesome!!!! Love it all – especially the chair with it! And that suitcase? ya’ll are aewsome.
    Kammy from Kammy’s Korner recently posted..Trash 2 Treasure Tuesdays #5My Profile

  41. Britney
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    Great score! Love the yellow chair. I think that the lamp shade for sure needs some pretty fabric ;) Also love the suitcase. Awesome-ness. Thanks for linking it up with us at our linky party :)
    Britney
    http://www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com

  42. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    hey Britney! I think the lampshade needs pretty fabric as well but that’s always hard to find. Thanks for stopping by

  43. Sherry
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    Great find! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  44. The Vintage Lemon
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    Amazing. It looks totally amazing! I LOVE the yellow chair! Thanks for sharing!
    The Vintage Lemon recently posted..Handmade Holidays: DIY lace earring holder, and how to distress with candle waxMy Profile

  45. Megan
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    The whole area is stunnning! Ho wcome I can never find any thing worth a dang on Craiglist. I mean, $10?! That is almost unthinkable! Great job!

  46. Kahli
    Kahli
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    Trust me we get lucky sometimes. We were definitely surprised to learn it was only 10 bucks! The chair was $15 about 2 years back.

  47. Karen
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    Love this little vignette! Thank you for sharing, I am featuring tomorrow at my linky party!
    Karen recently posted..Happy Birthday! Not me, my best friendMy Profile

  48. Milla
    Milla
    15 mos, 2 wks ago

    Aww a feature! Thanks a lot Karen. Thanks for hosting

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