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Spring is almost here in Texas! I am so excited to show you this fun piece that I recently redid for our entry way! I picked up this secretary desk at Round Top a while back. It had been redone with black paint and distressed, but it was not my favorite at all. It did have good basic bones, would cure some clutter problems for me (hello mail pile!), and the price was dirt cheap! The fact that it had been painted before did not detour me—instead, I used it as a bottom layer to add to the distressed look!
This is what she looked like to begin with. Well, actually sort of at the beginning. I realized at the last minute I needed a before shot.
I used the same color of chalk paint that I did for this dresser here:
I made homemade chalk paint with a mixture of plaster of paris. It made a lot.
In the end, this was the final product:
A close up of the hardware. All of it was found at my local Hobby Lobby. I like that I used the different knobs on the middle drawer so it stands out just a bit more.
On the top I have a thrift store vase, a clearance mercury glass candle holder and vintage bobbin & spools that are covered with burlap, ribbon and lace.
Here is the whole entry way again. The left side houses a bench with baskets for shoes. The french doors open to the playroom, and the door is the entryway closet.
Since moving in, we’ve replaced the builder grade light with the current hanging lamp that I found at a garage sale. The black art work is a Map of Paris that hubs gave me for mothers day. The baskets hold sunglasses and keys and little things.
I love the springy color of the secretary. It cheers me up every time I walk in the house and see it! I would say a close match on the color would be Maison Blanche Sugar Cane. I used a slightly tinted wax on top.
Speaking of Spring, I’m so excited to announce that I am joining 35 other blogs to bring our readers a fabulous link party! So come join us for the Spring Fling Mega Link Party! The theme is Spring and I am so excited to see what you are doing in your home for Spring—so link up all your spring projects! Not only will your project show up here, but it will also show up on the other 35+ blogs! Amazing! Please be sure to visit the other links, and stay warm and toasty wherever you are—remember—Spring is right around the corner!
Paula@SweetPea says
You did such a nice job on this makeover and it look perfect in your foyer. One of these days I would love to go to Round Top!
Sondra Lyn says
Love your 'new' secretary! It's the perfect little piece for your entry wall!! And making your own chalk paint... you're a rock star!
Pam Kessler says
That turned out great! And I like how you have fabric and such on your bobbins. Cute idea!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Oh, Paula! You HAVE to go! It's a thrifters paradise! Let me know if you make it this way!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks Sondra Lyn! It is a perfect fit--I couldn't have built one for the price I paid 🙂 Thanks for all your kind words!
MrsMajor Hoff says
Thanks so much Pam. In researching my family history I learned that my Great Grandmother (and many of her direct relatives) worked in a cotton mill. Now the bobbins have even more meaning for me! Thanks again for stopping by!
Denise Murtha says
Sara...love this piece. I have to come out to your house. I mean really...we don't live that far from one another. You will have to teach me how to use the chalk paint too.
Marty Walden says
You are so brave to make your own chalk paint! It is so ridiculous but I haven't gotten up the nerve to try it! I'm pinning!
LeeLee W says
That's really cute and looks pretty functional as well...and that's always a plus! Love how it turned out!
Hello from Mega Spring Linky!
Leelee @ paperbagstyling.blogspot.com
Gail Wilson says
awww, such a sweet little secretary! I hate clutter!
pinning!