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Desk or bar makeover

furniture makeover

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This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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 ๐Ÿ˜‰
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.

80s bar with wood shelving

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?

custom molding at kitchen place

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.

This is the pattern, the lovely Cowtan & Tout Bamboo Wallpaper (click HERE):
Cowtan & Tout Bamboo Wallpaper

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?

Here you go:

As a desk

white and gold desk makeover
DIY Cowtan & Tout Bamboo Wallpaper with sharpie
antique desk makeover in gold and white
DIY graphic wallpaper

As a bar

vintage bar makeover with white and gold by cuckoo4design
vintage bar makeover with white and gold by cuckoo4design
DIY wallpaper in white and gold by cuckoo4design
before and after of a vintage bar or desk

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 ๐Ÿ™ 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,

(Youleeya)

See more of my furniture makeovers:

Turning my dark stained cherry wood desk into light wood

Turning my dark stained cherry wood desk into light wood

French Provincial wood bleach dresser makeover

French Provincial wood bleach dresser makeover

Ikea MONGSTAD faux grasscloth wallpaper makeover

Ikea MONGSTAD faux grasscloth wallpaper makeover

Super easy fluted molding hack for dresser makeover

Super easy fluted molding hack for dresser makeover

final look of c

peel and stick grasscloth wallpaper furniture makeover

Quartz Pink dresser makeover: before and after - Cuckoo4Design

Quartz Pink Dresser Makeover

Pink Chalk Paint Dresser

Pink Chalk Paint Dresser

Blue and white dresser makeover

Blue and white dresser makeover

Modern Oak Dresser Makeover

Modern Oak Dresser Makeover

Desk or bar makeover

Desk or bar makeover

painted barstools in white kitchen - Cuckoo4Design

Wooden Counter Stool Makeover

Midcentury Modern Dresser Makeover

Midcentury Modern Dresser Makeover

CeCe Caldwell Destin Golf Green Chalk Paint Dresser Makeover

CeCe Caldwell Destin Golf Green Chalk Paint Dresser Makeover

striped washitape mirror makeover

Black and white striped mirror makeover

Previous Post: « The most important part of landscaping!
Next Post: DIY Cowtan & Tout Bamboo graphic pattern »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:09 am

    I 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 ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      Thanks Sara, that’s a great idea! I have to remember that LOL

  2. SHERRY HART says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:56 am

    Unbelievable!!!

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      Thank you!

  3. Nancy says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:59 am

    What 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 pm

      I love the gold hardware too.
      And thanks.

  4. Robin says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    OH 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 pm

      Thanks Robin for the sweet words!

  5. Tiffany Leigh Interior Design says

    April 24, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    Julia! 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 pm

      Thank you so much Tiffany! It kind of took me forever to draw the back.

  6. [email protected] says

    April 24, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Wow! 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 pm

      Thanks and I try to convince him to keep most things ๐Ÿ˜‰ I think he can’t hear it anymore.

  7. Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says

    April 24, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Julia – 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 pm

      Thank you Kelly!

  8. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    April 24, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Gorgeous! 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. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      Right? Maybe I have to just pretend list it! Sorry hubby ๐Ÿ˜‰

  9. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    April 24, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    It’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 pm

      It totally could get used for so many different things and thank you Patty!

  10. pam {simple details} says

    April 24, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    Oh my gosh, Julia it is so FABULOUS!!! Want to trade? ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 5:14 pm

      Haha, that would be a good trade. Your bigger one would be even better for my daughter.
      And thanks!

  11. Ginger Walls says

    April 24, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    I 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 pm

      Any time that would be so much fun!
      And thanks!

  12. Melissa says

    April 24, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Gorgeous! I love this!!

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      Thanks Melissa!

  13. Anonymous says

    April 24, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    WOW! PERFECTION!
    Phyl

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you Phyl.

  14. Julia Konya says

    April 24, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    LOL, I like it as a bar too!

  15. sarah m. dorsey says

    April 24, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    Looks so good, ours are almost twins!! The pattern that you used was another one that I was considering for it, LOVE IT! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 5:18 pm

      Yes, 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    beeee-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 pm

      It is totally me…that’s why I want to keep it and thank you so much Cassie

  17. Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    April 24, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    I love it!! So beautiful! I can’t wait to hear about the wallpaper!

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks Megan!

  18. Anonymous says

    April 24, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    It’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 pm

      Ha, how did you know that I call him Vadder? ๐Ÿ˜‰ Und der Bocksbeutel ist der Wein meines Vater’s. Den macht er mit seinen Kumpels.

    • Anonymous says

      April 28, 2013 at 7:05 pm

      Elefantengedächtnis…in einem deiner posts stand mal ” ( Hi Vadder ) o.s.ä.
      Dass der Wein auch noch selbstgemacht ist….like Vadder like daughter! LG

  19. Jesse Bodine says

    April 24, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    Goodness 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) ๐Ÿ˜‰ Jesse @ Scout & Nimble

    • Julia Konya says

      April 24, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      LOL, thanks so much Jesse! I’m picturing it right now!

  20. [email protected] says

    April 24, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    It 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!

  21. Anonymous says

    April 24, 2013 at 11:02 pm

    Great painting job! Love it!!

  22. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    April 25, 2013 at 12:22 am

    Absolutely love how this came out. Brilliant vision, it barely looks like the same piece!

  23. Geesha says

    April 25, 2013 at 1:40 am

    Incredible! I love how it turned out!

  24. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    April 25, 2013 at 1:41 am

    Beautiful Julia! I love both uses for it too!

  25. Kayla Dixon says

    April 25, 2013 at 5:32 am

    Ok…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

  26. Mrs. DeVore says

    April 25, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    wow I love it! Fabulous as always. I’m guessing gold sharpie? You do wonders with those! ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Genevieve Chambliss says

    April 25, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Lovely! I can’t wait to see how you did the stencil. It looks great!

  28. Miss Charming says

    April 25, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    Oh, 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?)

  29. Jeanne says

    April 25, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    Fantastic 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!

  30. Mrs. Chic says

    April 25, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    Perfection!! I adore this makeover! ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. Rachel O. says

    April 25, 2013 at 9:59 pm

    You are kidding me – this is GORGEOUS! Holy cow. So stinkin’ pretty. I would have this in my house in a second.

  32. Crissy @ House of Marlowe says

    April 26, 2013 at 6:01 am

    Not sure how I could part with such a great piece either! I especially love it styled as a desk….. great job!

  33. Sheryll And Critters. says

    April 27, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    It’s beautiful. I wish I could get it.

  34. anu says

    April 28, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    It turned out so nice! It goes well with all your other gold accents. ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. Christy James says

    April 28, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    Gorgeous! You have such a great eye for making things beautiful!!

    XO,
    Christy

  36. Val @ Home Made Modern says

    April 28, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    What an amazing transformation! And I love the way you styled it. Awesome!

  37. My name is Rita says

    April 28, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    This is such a beautiful transformation!

  38. Christine @ First Home...Love Life says

    May 1, 2013 at 2:39 am

    I.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!

  39. Christine @ First Home...Love Life says

    May 8, 2013 at 1:00 am

    You 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!

  40. Jenna LaFevor says

    May 8, 2013 at 1:06 am

    You 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!

  41. Grace 753 says

    March 27, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    I am so inspired— brilliant!

    • Julia Konya says

      March 29, 2014 at 11:11 am

      Thanks Grace!

  42. Loretta E. says

    March 29, 2014 at 1:15 am

    I 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 am

      I wish I would find another one at a thrift store. Haven’t seen one since and this one sold so quickly.

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I’m a German citizen living in the US who is cuckoo for all things DIY, design and pets. This is my design journey of our small home on a budget. Come stay a while and look around.

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