As promised I will show you what I have been working on. Remember my little sneak peaks and teasers last week? Well the succulent was only to confuse you 😉
The little peaks were of this 80s desk or bar makeover…I’m actually not even sure what it is… that I found at a thrift store.
Lovely, right? But it reminded me of my blog crush Sarah M. Dorsey‘s furniture makeover for Creating with the Stars.
When I refurbished mine though, I did a couple of things different. I didn’t want to copy, I just created my own version.
Here is what I did:
I added molding all the way around the bottom and top that I found at my neighbor’s custom kitchen place. Did you see this photo on Instagram when I had the pleasure of going treasure hunting at their location?
I didn’t add any feet and I kept the original chunky hardware because I love it.
I also thought it was the perfect candidate for a pattern that I had sitting on my desktop for months. I originally wanted to use it in my powder room but it ended up being too busy.
But I don’t think that I need to tell you that designer wallpaper just isn’t within my budget or if I sell my furniture within the budget of people buying it, do I?
So I DIY’ed it which I will explain to you during my next post.
Today you can just look at the pictures, ok?
As a desk
As a bar
Do you like it as much as I do? I love it so much and it is one of those things that I’m struggling to put into my Etsy store. It would be perfect in my daughter’s room. My husband keeps telling me that I can’t keep everything and that I need to let go. So I’ll give it a try and list it for sale 🙁 but I sure won’t be unhappy if it doesn’t sell because I totally know where I would put it in my house.
Come back next time {update: click HERE to get the pattern} to find out how I made the DIY version of the wallpaper, alright?
Tschüß,
Sara says
April 24, 2013 at 11:09 amI love it!! And umm…you can always price it a bit higher than you normally would…if it *happens* not to sell then you can use it in your daughter’s room, and if it does sell, then the higher price will make it worth it to you 😉
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 4:55 pmThanks Sara, that’s a great idea! I have to remember that LOL
SHERRY HART says
April 24, 2013 at 11:56 amUnbelievable!!!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:04 pmThank you!
Nancy says
April 24, 2013 at 11:59 amWhat a difference. I love it! Can’t wait to see how you did the design. And the gold hardware is wonderful!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:05 pmI love the gold hardware too.
And thanks.
Robin says
April 24, 2013 at 12:16 pmOH MY GOODNESS! This is perfection! I absolutely love it Julia!
Can NOT wait to see the diy wallpaper!
xo
Robin
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:06 pmThanks Robin for the sweet words!
Tiffany Leigh Interior Design says
April 24, 2013 at 12:56 pmJulia! I ADORE it. Such a great transformation. Would never have guessed that wallpaper was DIY either, excited for tomorrow’s post!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:07 pmThank you so much Tiffany! It kind of took me forever to draw the back.
[email protected] says
April 24, 2013 at 1:02 pmWow! I love it. I think I would totally convince the hubby that it needs to stay. =) Can’t wait to see the tutorial on the wallpaper.
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:08 pmThanks and I try to convince him to keep most things 😉 I think he can’t hear it anymore.
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
April 24, 2013 at 1:57 pmJulia – seriously…you rock. You went to town on this one, and it looks amazing. I love the gold pattern with the old hardware.
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:08 pmThank you Kelly!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
April 24, 2013 at 1:57 pmGorgeous! It’s amazing what a difference just a little thing like the trim around the bottom makes, not to mention the new paint and stunning gold back! I think I’d kinda wish it didn’t sell too. 😉
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:10 pmRight? Maybe I have to just pretend list it! Sorry hubby 😉
Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says
April 24, 2013 at 2:08 pmIt’s fab! I find it hard to believe it ‘s the same piece. I’d find it hard to part with…it could have so, so many uses!!!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:11 pmIt totally could get used for so many different things and thank you Patty!
pam {simple details} says
April 24, 2013 at 2:17 pmOh my gosh, Julia it is so FABULOUS!!! Want to trade? 🙂
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:14 pmHaha, that would be a good trade. Your bigger one would be even better for my daughter.
And thanks!
Ginger Walls says
April 24, 2013 at 2:37 pmI absolutely love it! What a transformation. Love that wallpaper. It is the perfect touch.
So when can I come over and have a drink? haha
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:14 pmAny time that would be so much fun!
And thanks!
Melissa says
April 24, 2013 at 2:48 pmGorgeous! I love this!!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:15 pmThanks Melissa!
Anonymous says
April 24, 2013 at 4:37 pmWOW! PERFECTION!
Phyl
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:15 pmThank you Phyl.
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 4:59 pmLOL, I like it as a bar too!
sarah m. dorsey says
April 24, 2013 at 5:02 pmLooks so good, ours are almost twins!! The pattern that you used was another one that I was considering for it, LOVE IT! 🙂
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 5:18 pmYes, they are almost twins. I can’t believe you considered this pattern too. I’ve had it on my list for so long!
Thanks for coming over 🙂
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
April 24, 2013 at 6:03 pmbeeee-you-tee-ful! i love it! the backing is awesome and it’s so you with the gold!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 8:11 pmIt is totally me…that’s why I want to keep it and thank you so much Cassie
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
April 24, 2013 at 6:44 pmI love it!! So beautiful! I can’t wait to hear about the wallpaper!
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 8:12 pmThanks Megan!
Anonymous says
April 24, 2013 at 7:18 pmIt’s such a lovely piece now, I clearly did not see its potential when you posted it before! And the hardware does look great too, I love the detailed picture. Best part though: the Bocksbeutel-Express has obviously arrived! Have a good time with your Vadder, Julia!
Viele Grüße,
Katrin
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 8:13 pmHa, how did you know that I call him Vadder? 😉 Und der Bocksbeutel ist der Wein meines Vater’s. Den macht er mit seinen Kumpels.
Anonymous says
April 28, 2013 at 7:05 pmElefantengedächtnis…in einem deiner posts stand mal ” ( Hi Vadder ) o.s.ä.
Dass der Wein auch noch selbstgemacht ist….like Vadder like daughter! LG
Jesse Bodine says
April 24, 2013 at 8:08 pmGoodness girlie…this is a brilliant transformation!!! So chic!!! I love it, I love it, I love it! (picture me saying that while kicking my legs up a la the crazy lady on SNL…lol) 😉 Jesse @ Scout & Nimble
Julia Konya says
April 24, 2013 at 8:14 pmLOL, thanks so much Jesse! I’m picturing it right now!
[email protected] says
April 24, 2013 at 10:31 pmIt looks fabulous Julia! wow! what a transformation! it’s beautiful, I love the color, the hardware, the wallpaper, the way you decorated it! It’s perfect Julia! Hmmm… I want it in my house too!
Anonymous says
April 24, 2013 at 11:02 pmGreat painting job! Love it!!
[email protected] Chronicles of Home says
April 25, 2013 at 12:22 amAbsolutely love how this came out. Brilliant vision, it barely looks like the same piece!
Geesha says
April 25, 2013 at 1:40 amIncredible! I love how it turned out!
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
April 25, 2013 at 1:41 amBeautiful Julia! I love both uses for it too!
Kayla Dixon says
April 25, 2013 at 5:32 amOk…I’m just dying over this re-do!! It is so beautiful and I might have to steal all your ideas!!! I have been looking for a similar piece of furniture for my entryway I can DIY (just a little shorter).
Cannot wait to see how you did the back of the bookcase!!!
Blessings,
Kayla
Adelightfulplacetodwell.com
Mrs. DeVore says
April 25, 2013 at 2:34 pmwow I love it! Fabulous as always. I’m guessing gold sharpie? You do wonders with those! 🙂
Genevieve Chambliss says
April 25, 2013 at 6:21 pmLovely! I can’t wait to see how you did the stencil. It looks great!
Miss Charming says
April 25, 2013 at 6:31 pmOh, I absolutely love how this turned out, Julia! (The chunky hardware is perfect.) I’m crushing on all the gold accents–so posh! And I’m waiting on the post for the homemade wallpaper. (Was a gold sharpie involved?)
Jeanne says
April 25, 2013 at 1:52 pmFantastic job! I love the idea of repurposing for a bar!! I would love to find something similar for my dining room! Great idea! I can’t wait to find out how you did the wallpaper!
Mrs. Chic says
April 25, 2013 at 7:58 pmPerfection!! I adore this makeover! 🙂
Rachel O. says
April 25, 2013 at 9:59 pmYou are kidding me – this is GORGEOUS! Holy cow. So stinkin’ pretty. I would have this in my house in a second.
Crissy @ House of Marlowe says
April 26, 2013 at 6:01 amNot sure how I could part with such a great piece either! I especially love it styled as a desk….. great job!
Sheryll And Critters. says
April 27, 2013 at 7:20 pmIt’s beautiful. I wish I could get it.
anu says
April 28, 2013 at 1:33 pmIt turned out so nice! It goes well with all your other gold accents. 🙂
Christy James says
April 28, 2013 at 1:39 pmGorgeous! You have such a great eye for making things beautiful!!
XO,
Christy
Val @ Home Made Modern says
April 28, 2013 at 1:41 pmWhat an amazing transformation! And I love the way you styled it. Awesome!
My name is Rita says
April 28, 2013 at 3:55 pmThis is such a beautiful transformation!
Christine @ First Home...Love Life says
May 1, 2013 at 2:39 amI.DIE. This is just an incredible transformation! I’d love for you to come link up this and some of your other projects at my new party!
Christine @ First Home...Love Life says
May 8, 2013 at 1:00 amYou were among the features from last weeks House Party! Thanks so much for linking up, and the party is on once again! Hope to see you there!
Jenna LaFevor says
May 8, 2013 at 1:06 amYou did an AMAZING job on this!! I love the white with the gold hardware against it and I love the wonderful pop of pattern in the back! I, too, would have an incredibly hard time parting with this beauty! Pinning!
Grace 753 says
March 27, 2014 at 1:24 pmI am so inspired— brilliant!
Julia Konya says
March 29, 2014 at 11:11 amThanks Grace!
Loretta E. says
March 29, 2014 at 1:15 amI saw this on Pinterest and had to check it out b/c I see things like this all the time at thrift stores, but I don’t have the eye for potential like you obviously have! Incredible! I especially love that it’s a desk because I’ve been wanting to downsize our desk for a long time and this would be the perfect solution! Pinning for sure…
Julia Konya says
March 29, 2014 at 11:12 amI wish I would find another one at a thrift store. Haven’t seen one since and this one sold so quickly.