Secretarial Advice Wanted
As you can see this secretary had been painted and was quite beaten up. I refinished this secretary some time ago. Back then, I was into dark finishes. I always stripped everything down to the bare wood and resorted to using paint only if the condition of the wood was so bad that stain was not an option. The thought of painting solid wood furniture was a faux pas. Thankfully, I have grown and evolved and discovered that paint is a “good thing”. Perhaps, if I was refinishing this again, I would paint it a bright, happy color. Lately, I have been obsessing with turquoise, thanks to Erin at House of Turquoise. However, even with its traditional dark stain, I was able to restore it to its former glory.
What cheerful color do you think would give this piece a more modern appeal?
By the way, I am loving all the linking parties going on all over the blogosphere. I will be linking this post to:
Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors,
Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered,
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch,
and Miss Mustard Seed’s Furniture Feature Friday.
I didn’t realize there was such a party animal lurking inside me. Why not join in on the fun and check them out. The creative talent is amazing!
Hmmm…I’m also in love with turquoise at the moment.
You did a great job. The wood looks beautiful!
That is a beautiful piece of furniture! So lovely! I think I would add some paper or fabric to the back of the piece, that would be visible through the doors and when you let the front down. Perhaps a pretty cream/pink pattern, or a sunny yellow with brown in the pattern?
Debra at Bungalow blog redid a secretary and she painted it white. It turned out fantastic! Here is a link to a post she did on all of her 2009 projects and the secretary is in there.
http://thebunnysbungalow.blogspot.com/2010/01/projects-2009.html
Great suggestions! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Yes, the white paint really transformed her piece. It is beautiful! Definitely have to give this some thought. Thanks for the link.
MY first thought was paint it white but I actually love the wood tones and think the piece just needs some colorful accesories. How about retrofitting a message board to the back of the desk part -a pretty graphic fabric & ribbons with some coordinating desk accesories and maybe covering the existing books on the shelves with some bright or rich colored paper or fabric etc…
What a nice classic piece of furniture that will never go out of style. As much as I love painted furniture, that is one piece I’d leave as is…maybe put some pretty paper behind the shelves and desk portion.
I would leave it as is. I love wood stained furniture. It is gorgeous – classic. I wish I had one!
Danielle
I totally hear you on not wanting to paint good wood, but sometimes it’s ok. Here’s the deal, I think that secretary is gorgeous as is. It would look lovely white, but painted furniture is subject to fads. Rich wood is not. If you really want to paint it, then paint it. It’s your piece. Maybe try adding some pretty scrapbook paper in the back to brighten it up that way before painting it.
Point well taken and I appreciate your input. I am looking for just the right paper or fabric to use. Thanks for stopping by!
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