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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Using What You’ve Got

This roll top desk was the first piece of furniture my hubby and I bought together when we were married.  It is solid wood ~ oak.  We’ve had it now for almost 25 years. 

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{In this picture, I’ve started moving stuff around.}

I go through phases with this desk where I hate it and then love it again.  I’ve wanted to get rid of it many times and then think about how it has been with us for most of our marriage.  I had thought about redoing it in a distressed black, but I think hubby would have a heart attack {even though it’s not a desk he uses, passes by or gives a thought to}.  I’m sure the phrase, “Are you on drugs?” would be thrown about!

My option is to use it as is for my temporary business HQ, with a mini-metamorphosis.  I took some of my home office items out of packing boxes to dress it up a bit and have it fit in with my living room redecorating.  I can, however, get rid of this chair that has been sitting by it for more years than it should have.   Ain’t she purdy?

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I ordered the chair below from Target {$99.00 with free shipping} to take its place.  It’s beige but I like it for several reasons:  1. I will be able to use it anywhere in any house we may down-size to; 2. I love the skirt; 3. I love the details on the back and since this chair will be seen more from the back than the front, I think that is important; 4. I like the slight curve to the top; and 5. I will sit in this beautiful chair and actually use this desk.

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Here she is sporting a beautiful pillow I purchased from Rhonda at Blue Creek Home. 

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Here’s the picture from the Target site.

 

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I also think I will redo the hardware by first cleaning it and then spray painting them.   Not sure what color yet.  I’ve already cleaned out the drawers and got them squared away.  This desk became a catch-all over the years for “stuff”. 

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My new, old lamp which I transformed here

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Here is the after {without the hardware painted}. Some of what I brought in to make me feel at home:  the decorative box I made here; the gold crown I spray painted here; and a black frame I had gotten from the dollar store.  I just printed out my blog banner and put it in the frame with some scrapbook paper {until I get a picture of hubby and I that I like}.  

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I’ve also got little nooks for the note cards and thank you cards that I use in my business.  As you can see, I’ve also got my briefcase, wicker storage file, a wallpaper book {that needs to be returned}, and a decorative key from Hobby Lobby {that needs to go on a wall} off to the side.  Just keeping it real! 

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I still have some stuff packed up, but so far this is working out for me.  Just using what I’ve already got!

Linking up with:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

It’s So Very Creative at It’s So Very Cheri

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk

38 comments:

  1. I love that chair Kathy. I got my package too, I love it all, though both my daughters tried to take it all. I did manage to get to keep the box. thanks so much!

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  2. Love your new chair...especially the back!

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  3. Your chair transforms the space nicely! What a great piece! I too have a desk (not nearly as nice as yours) that was purchased when we were first married. I'm trying to decide if I should salvage it or ditch it.

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  4. Looks really nice! Your desk area nestled in that corner looks so cozy. And I agree...just a few little touch ups and the piece that's so blase' suddenly looks new again! I've been trying to use what I have more as well.

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  5. Great job, if you don't use it as a work space I will be happy to. You always have so many wondeful design ideals. That chair is to die for.
    Sandy

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  6. That chair is beautiful, Kathi!! I know what you mean about the desk. I have a similiar typing thing with an antique desk I purchased many years ago. It was in the closet for the last year, LOL, and we moved it down to our family room. I too had thought about distressing it in black . . . . but the wood is so beautiful I don't think I can bring myself to do that and it is in great shape.

    I like how you dessed up your work area, tres chic!!

    xxoo

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  7. Love how it turned out - can't wait to see what you do with the drawer pulls.

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  8. Kathy, your husband sounds a bit like mine. Anything oak is a treasure and must not be tampered with!!! OK -- it's a concession that I will make in order to have a happy marriage. I'm sure you understand. I think you're pulling it all together beautifully! Keep up the great work!

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  9. Perfect! Love the update.

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  10. It is all beautiful but I absolutely love that lamp!!!

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  11. Love it Kathy and the Target chair is perfect!
    Dena

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  12. Looks great, Kathy - especially with your special and lovely handi-work on the top!! The new chair really makes an impact, too... lovely and comfy all in one!

    I have a roll-top desk that was given to Brian after his step-grandfather died... I have a love/hate relationship with it, too! If we didn't have it, I could have a side-board in my wee dining room... because we DO have it, I have to just deal!! It's all good... like you, I'll work with it and make it a perfect dining room addition... one day, anyway!!
    Victoria

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  13. Love your desk. The new chair is just gorgeous. What a great piece, love the back of it. You've accessorized the desk beautifully. Great job. Hugs, Marty

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  14. Are you saying Target as in the real Target?? The one we all go to?
    I love the chair and love the desk area..

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  15. The chair is very pretty Kathy. It looks comfortable too. My husband also has a problem painting any "good" furniture. He doesn't mind if I paint a thrift store find, but anything else he can't handle. I think your office space looks great!

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  16. The chair is so pretty it changes the whole look...dresses up the desk perfectly! What a neat lamp too:)

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  17. Fabulous new chair, I love it! =) ~Liz

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  18. What a great chair!! It's beatuifuk and the price is certainly right.

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  19. That is a very nice desk and I love that chair. I did not know Target had that.

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  20. Hi Kathy! What a lovely spot. Love your chair and all your transformations!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  21. Glad you decided to keep it because it really is a pretty desk. I think your small touches spruce it up and you'll enjoy working there more and more!

    xo, J

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  22. Hi! Thank you so much for coming to visit....I always love meeting new girlies... :-)

    I love doing those mini-redo's....isn't it interesting that the little changes can make things seem new again? Love your new chair! Everything looks wonderful....good for you!

    Huggies,
    Spencer

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  23. I think this was a great approach, update everything around it and IT looks updated! How wonderful to have a piece for so long...Janell

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  24. Your husband sounds like mine! LOL
    We just sold our desk at a friends garage sale because our computer is now wireless. But when hubby sees me loading up the big, hulking desk chair to sell he says "you're getting rid of that too?" He almost never sits in the chair and why would we need a desk chair when we don't have a desk?! Well, thanks for letting me vent! :)
    I think your desk looks great and I agree with not painting it for sentimental reasons. I think the hardware would look great sprayed with the oil rubbed bronze. I see everyone else use it on their blogs, but so far I haven't been able to find it.
    Well I feel like I've written you a book here!
    Have a great week!!

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  25. Kathy, I love roll top desks. You have a prize there. I think you have made it look more up to date. Love the chair. You really made it look great.
    Brooke

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  26. The chair is awesome Kathy!~ YOu have great taste, what more can you say? I love the lamp too. And the desk is a keeper no matter what...I have the very first piece of furniture we bought as well, however mine is in a closet, but I will never part with it!

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  27. Hi KATHY~

    lOVE THE ROLL top Desk.. my mom had one, and I would love to have it one day.. far from now. I say keep the desk, its a special treasured piece. Maybe you will paint it down the road. However, I love LOVE The Target chair and the accessories you used to place on top, it all looks great. I SAY ENJOY IT. Also, thanks for the visit.. I am glad I inspired you with the damask napkin balls. Take care HAPPY MONDAY~ Jenn

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  28. The new chair looks nice with the desk and other new accessories. Dropping by from BNOTP, #7.

    Allison
    AtticMag

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  29. Wow - what a difference the chair makes! Love it! Linda

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  30. What a great piece - and I love that you have had it for so long. The chair looks fabulous!

    Chelsea

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  31. Hi Kathy, I love your chair! Thanks so much for checking out my blog and your nice comments! I am off to check out the rest of your blog!

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  32. That is a great transformation Kathy! I love that you kept it the same but changed the look and updated it too! SO cute. That chair looks comfortable and is so stylish!

    Great job my friend!

    XOXO
    Jen

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  33. The addition of that gorgeous chair and cute accessories has totally freshened up the space. I think the piece looks great the way it is!

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  34. One chair can make such a big difference! I love that chair...it's so beautiful and ladylike :-) Great job dear Kathy!

    Cheers: Evi

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  35. Hello Sweet Kathy,
    I like your desk but I know what you mean about liking and not liking a specific piece of furniture.
    The chair makes all the difference in the world. It's lovely. And all of your accessories are stunning!
    You asked about my sofa pillows, the yellow toile. They have always been there but I took a close-up and added the green pillow that I just finished. Thanks for noticing and for the compliments.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  36. I think that spray painting the hardware will give the desk a whole new look and won't take a lot of time or $$. Great idea.

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  37. I love the lamp! Classy and sassy at the same time. Very nice.

    Love your blog!

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  38. This chair looks awesome, I would love to decorate a chair in this same way. Way 2 go!!

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I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy