Cassie Bustamante

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My Two Toned Midcentury Modern Desk

September 10, 2014 by Cassie 85 Comments

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A few months back, I was headed to a yard sale I had seen advertised on a Sunday.  It happens to be the yard sale where I purchased the antique table we used as our Sweet Clover desk.  But I digress.

I was driving down a rolling country road, singing along loudly with Ellie Goulding, hopes soaring as I approached my destination; but then, SCREEEEEEEECH.  A pile of furniture appeared before me on the side of the road with a sign that read “FREE”.  I left the car running in the middle of the road pulled over and parked, and stared in bewilderment! A beautiful midcentury desk and chair lay there waiting for me to take them home and love them.  (The chair is still in my garage waiting for love in a queue of 847 pieces of furniture).  I summoned all of my strength and heaved the desk and chair into the back of my vehicle as fast as I could.   This piece, my friends, was my treasure!

desk before

Right around the time I found this desk, Chris switched jobs and I decided we needed a desk with more storage, like this one!    We had been living with this gray desk…..

graydesk

 

Lucky for me, my mother in law had let me know if I ever wanted to rehome this desk, she’d love it.  So it was win win for everyone- I had all the excuses I needed to replace it!

I knew I wanted to show off the clean lines of the midcentury desk, and also preserve some of the wood.  The top of it was laminate, so I wanted to cover that up with paint.  I decided to mimic my two toned dining room sideboard and paint the body white, and leave the drawers wood.

I removed the drawers, and then sanded the entire body with my orbital sander using 160 grit paper.  I then gave it three coats of Kilz Adhesion primer.  YES 3 coats.  I did this because I wanted a nice solid white finish, and primer is thicker than paint, so the more coats primer, the less coats of paint (which is generally more expensive!).  If I had given it one coat of primer, I’d have likely done 5 coats of paint and not been happy.  With three coats of primer, I was able to apply just two coats of paint (6 total versus 7 total, so less work and less waste!).

Anyhow, as I mentioned, I gave it two coats of paint- I used General Finishes Snow White which I love for pure white on furniture.  After it was dry, I applied General Finishes Satin Finishing Wax to protect.  I love using this wax because it doesn’t yellow; It is not as durable as a topcoat, but I don’t mind having to occasionally retreat rather than redoing an entire piece because it yellowed.

When it was all done, I put it in my living room, added a bentwood chair, and was thrilled with the new look!

living desk corner

Here’s a closer look- the drawers didn’t need anything but a wiping; they were in great condition.  And I loved the original hardware with the touch of black and brass.

living summer list

And here it is farther away… I feel like Grover here.  Neeeeeeeaaaaaaar….. or Far!

living desk corner and coffee.jpg

Well, that checks one way overdue furniture redo post off of my giant list!  Have a great Wednesday!
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Comments

  1. jennifer says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:12 am

    Love this! I have this desk’s long-lost matching dresser. I redid it, too. My mom had purchased it in the 1960s for $50, so she didn’t mind whatever I did to it. I’ve been looking at it since I was a kid, so I was a little tired of the hardware, but I totally love what you did by not touching the brass.

    Here’s my dresser redo if you’d like to see it: http://monkeyseemonkeydo-jennifer.blogspot.com/2012/01/dresser-revamp.html

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:41 pm

      thank you so much, jennifer!

      Reply
  2. Dana says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:34 am

    Yum! Excuse me while I covet your beautiful, FREE desk. (so not fair, btw)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:41 pm

      thank you, dana! you are excused.

      Reply
  3. Gretchen says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:48 am

    Wha?! Huh?! Free?! Wow. I need to get out more. Out to the roads where they put all the free furniture that is. And you did a great job with it–love it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      country road…. take me home…. or at least to free furniture.

      Reply
  4. sarah dorsey says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:53 am

    Free?? That’s amazing!! Love the two tone and I definitely agree that extra coats of primer is worth it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      thank you so much, sarah!

      Reply
  5. Chrissie says

    September 10, 2014 at 7:55 am

    Love the desk, the whole room actually. The chalkboard is fabulous!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      thank you so much, chrissie!

      Reply
  6. Krystine @www.KrystineEdwards.com says

    September 10, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Super jealous and madly in love! Awesome!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:40 pm

      thank you, krystine!

      Reply
  7. Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says

    September 10, 2014 at 8:59 am

    It’s gorgeous!

    I’m having a terrible time finding a white that covers well. It seems like it takes 14 coats, no matter what paint I use (and yes, I’ve used GF antique white.) Do you have the same problem? Is that part of the reason you use 3 coats of primer?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      yes- that is why! prime more- it’s thicker and covers better.

      Reply
  8. Laurie Jones Home says

    September 10, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Seriously? Free? It makes me laugh though once last year I stopped to pick up a discarded bar cart on the side of the road the first time I stopped I was with my daughter and she’s like don’t even mom! I had to drop her off at school and hope that it was still there when I circled back!! (: Your desk is stunning!!!! It looks perfect in it’s spot!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      ha ha! i would have been like sorry kids! i gotta do what i gotta do.

      Reply
  9. Pam @ Simple Details says

    September 10, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Lucky duck, it was meant for you! 🙂 Isn’t it amazing how much stronger we become when we see free furniture?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      it really was! and yes- it’s like the mom getting her baby out from under a car, but not quite.

      Reply
  10. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    September 10, 2014 at 10:35 am

    I totally heard Grover’s feet tapping when you did the “nearrrrrrrrrrr” 😀

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:38 pm

      perfect! 🙂 did you also know that there’s a monster at the end of this blog?

      Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    September 10, 2014 at 11:21 am

    It’s so lovely! I can’t believe you found it on the side of the road! I think I’m going to have to transfer the title of “thrifting queen” over to you now 🙂

    And I love the Grover reference!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:37 pm

      you can remain queen. i will be the thrift empress.

      Reply
  12. Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says

    September 10, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    For free Cassie??? That is so awesome!!! And I love that you painted part of it white! it looks SO good and with the bentwood chair. Heavenly!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      thank you so much- you know i love my bentwoods!

      Reply
  13. kathleen says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    oh, those free ones are the BEST! I love the new desk, it goes great with your decor.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      free is always best! and thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  14. [email protected] says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    It’s gorgeous!! I can’t believe that was left on the side of the road – you did a wonderful job of bringing it back to life. Well done!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:35 pm

      i know right? poor sad lonely desk.

      Reply
  15. Anna [Directions Not Included] says

    September 10, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Love the way it came out! I’m a huge fan of the two-toned pieces. You have amazing luck as always.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:35 pm

      thank you, anna! you need to just come up here.

      Reply
  16. Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says

    September 10, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    I can’t believe that desk was free! Wow, such a great find!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:35 pm

      right? i was thrilled!

      Reply
  17. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    September 10, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    That is one amazing find, Cassie!! Love the two-toned look!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:35 pm

      thank you, heidi!

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    September 10, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    This is one of my very favorite pieces. You did an outstanding job my friend! Love the contrast.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:34 pm

      thank you so much, elizabeth!

      Reply
  19. Deb Owen says

    September 10, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    That was one SWEET find! Love how it looks now. And painting whites without a primer coat, or 3, is a lot of work.
    Beautiful and functional!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:34 pm

      thank you so much, deb!

      Reply
  20. kirby carespodi says

    September 10, 2014 at 6:01 pm

    Not sure I can still conjure Grover’s voice, but I love this desk! Libby found one like this and wanted to give it to her (ex) boyfriend, but she bailed when she found out how much it would cost to ship to NY.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:34 pm

      i can do his voice. i wish i could record it and leave in this reply.

      Reply
  21. Ali says

    September 10, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    SO perfect!! I love it! And F-r-e-e is the best price ever!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 10, 2014 at 7:34 pm

      thank you! free is about all i can afford anyhow! 😉

      Reply
  22. Amber @ Wills Casa says

    September 10, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    OMG OMG I can’t even believe someone curbed that beauty!! Insanity!! Such a gorgeous desk especially after the Cassie treatment! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 6:15 am

      thank you, amber! that was pretty much my reaction when i saw it!

      Reply
  23. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    September 10, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    I always loved that gray desk, but you sure can’t beat free and I love the way you spruced this up. Perfect fit for you too. I also think a bentwood chair makes everything look awesome.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 6:14 am

      put a bentwood on it.

      Reply
  24. [email protected] says

    September 10, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    So jealous of that desk! It looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 6:14 am

      thank you, ashley!

      Reply
  25. Alexis E. says

    September 10, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    Love the desk. I’m always for the “far” shot because I get to see your room and stalk the other items in the space. =)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 6:14 am

      thank you so much, alexis! 🙂

      Reply
  26. Kris {Driven by Décor} says

    September 10, 2014 at 11:39 pm

    Seriously? Who finds a desk like that on the side of the road? I’m sure if the previously owner could see it in it’s full glory now, they’d be regretting putting that beauty out with a “free” sign! Love it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 6:13 am

      ha ha! too bad for them! 😉 thanks, kris!

      Reply
  27. Catherine says

    September 11, 2014 at 6:32 am

    It’s fantastic Cassie! I love a good roadside treasure! And it looks perfect in your room 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 8:54 am

      thank you so much, catherine!

      Reply
  28. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    September 11, 2014 at 8:34 am

    I love it!! From neeeeeaaaaar and far. And free, that’s my favorite price of all time. Great score!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 8:51 am

      exactly! 🙂

      Reply
  29. [email protected] says

    September 11, 2014 at 8:44 am

    I love this desk so much and want one for Lilly in the worst way. So pretty!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 8:51 am

      you will find one i am sure!

      Reply
  30. Haley says

    September 11, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    This looks great! I’m loving the two-tone look these days..

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 11, 2014 at 7:42 pm

      thank you, haley! me, too!

      Reply
  31. gail says

    September 11, 2014 at 9:36 pm

    FREE! My favorite kind of furniture! You need to submit this to Beckie’s Roadkill Rescue! 😉

    love the desk, it looks fabulous in your space!

    gail

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 13, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      good thinking! and free is always best, right? hope you are having a blast in columbus!

      Reply
  32. Krista @ the happy housie says

    September 11, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    Oh, it is so pretty! That makeover is amazing. Looking out for free furniture on the side of the road definitely makes me a terrible driver (well, I might have been a terrible driver to start with). But some of my favourite pieces have come that way!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 13, 2014 at 6:26 pm

      YES totally!!!! it’s more rewarding i think, too knowing someone was just discarding it!

      Reply
  33. Gwen says

    September 14, 2014 at 7:53 am

    I so should have done that with the dresser in my family room! I’m getting bleed through on the top…

    I Lurver your desk. It’s gorgesous, Grover.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 15, 2014 at 12:55 pm

      primer primer primer! 🙂 thank you friend!

      Reply
  34. Jen Disney says

    September 16, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    This is gorgeous! What a great find and a great re-do!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 16, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      thank you so much, jen!

      Reply
  35. [email protected] says

    September 16, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    So pretty! I love the two-toned look and the bentwood chair.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 16, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      thank you! you know i love my bentwoods! 🙂

      Reply
  36. WEST FURNITURE REVIVAL says

    September 16, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    LOVE THE REDO , I JUST FOUND 2 MID CENTURY MODERN END TABLES IM GOING TO REDO , I LOVE YOURS, WOULD IT BE OK WITH YOU IF I FEATURE IT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW,
    LAUREN

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 16, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      hi lauren! thank you so much! sure- you can feature it with one photo and a link back if that works for you- thanks!

      Reply
  37. Megan says

    September 17, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    I really love mid-century modern furniture, so of course I think your desk looks amazing! And what a steal to get it for free! One of our neighbors recently threw away a dining table and we were so lucky to snag it before anyone else (& we converted it into a coffee table).

    Anyways, love what you’ve done!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 17, 2014 at 7:55 pm

      thank you so much, megan! i appreciate it!

      Reply
  38. Terrie Mathison says

    September 23, 2014 at 10:13 am

    Love this desk. I’m really enjoying the wood on the drawers look too. Nice job.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 24, 2014 at 7:22 am

      thank you so much, terrie!

      Reply
  39. [email protected] says

    September 26, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Gah … I love everything you do. This is perfect. I wish you lived next door, so I could get your decorating advice.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 26, 2014 at 1:41 pm

      mary, you are TOO kind. seriously. but it would be awesome to have you next door. 🙂

      Reply
  40. Shelia @ House of Highlands says

    September 27, 2014 at 1:15 am

    That beautiful desk was FREE??? Doesn’t it just tempt you to stop by and show them what they gave away? Great job on the transformation!
    Shelia

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 27, 2014 at 9:06 pm

      thank you so much, sheila!

      Reply
  41. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    September 28, 2014 at 7:30 am

    I love when you talk shop about how you painted pieces. I have my handy list next to me with General Finishes Snow White and finishing wax, I definitely have to pick them up and give them a try because this desk came out so beautifully! Love the clean lines of it and that fresh white….all that storage….and that amazing price tag!! Awesome score Cassie!! Thanks for sharing at BOTN my friend.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 28, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      thank you so much, lisa- you are way too kind! i need your carpentry skills. 🙂 thanks for hosting- i love your party so much!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  3. Decor "Quick Fix": Hide a Fireplace says:
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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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