Wednesday, June 2, 2010

No Sew: It's Secretary Time



Eddie Ross

And by secretary, I mean furniture.

A few months back I saw this secretary redo and fell in love! It looked so classy and so unique. I am not immersed in the design world and I really have no idea who Eddie Ross is, but apparently he can do amazing secretary makeovers! I was very impressed with the detail and the fun mirrors on the front. You can read about the process more over at Eddie's website HERE.

Check out this before picture!


Eddie Ross

I tucked that fabulous makeover into the back of my over-filled brain and went about my life.

Then one day I was browsing our local classified when I came across this beauty. I practically jumped to phone, called the owner, promised to be down the next morning, and went about dreaming up my own secretary makeover. I think the conversation went like this:

Me: I LOVE that secretary. I want it. I'll be there tomorrow.
Him: It has some problems. One of the feet won't stay on and one of the doors hinges has rotted out.
Me: Well, I'll see you tomorrow.



I took my 4 kids, drove an hour and a half (my dad met me and helped me load it up. I have the BEST parents ever!), and I literally giggled all the way home. $45.00!!! I was thrilled.

I sanded, primed, painted, glued, clamped, and painted some more and Voila! my own little secretary! Of course being the fabric addict that I am, I had to find a way to add some pattern somehow.

The best part... I cut foam board to the size of the 3 backs and covered them with that green fabric you see. So, any time I want, I can buy a new yard of fabric and change the entire look of my secretary. It always amazes me to see what a bit of fabric can do.

Here's the cost breakdown:

Secretary: $45
Paint/Primer: $15
Hardware: $15
Fabric: $8

TOTAL: $83 (and some elbow grease).

Have you ever scored a great find and made it over into a treasure? I'd love to hear about it!!

PS. Linking up to some fun parties!

giveaways

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Decor MammaJoin  us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!








52 comments:

Magic Brush said...

What a beauty! And at a great price! That is a steal! Did you fix the hinges and the foot? I do furniture makeovers also... stop by and say hello sometime!

Karen said...

That is gorgeous. Love the white/green color combination & the price was awesome!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

WOW! All your hard work definitely paid off~it's beautiful!

I just made over a table~come and see!

Unknown said...

Nati is right that is absolutely Gorgeous!!

Anna said...

Thanks! I did fix the hinge and the foot. It took some wood glue, wood filler, clamps, and sandpaper. Oh... and patience. I'm glad you like it!

Be Colorful Coastal said...

I should have know Magic Brush would comment. :)
I knew I was going to love this from the little icon picture.
This piece obviously has great bones but I love the white and green. Too of my very fave colors.
Serious infatuation here.
Pam

Unknown said...

So want one of those--you did a beautiful job!

Pam said...

I'm so impressed at the makeover AND your determination to get that secretary. The foam board wrapped in fabric? Super genius! Great post; I'm a new follower. Pam @ Sallygoodin

Debbiedoos said...

Fabulous find and even a better makeover.....really you did a great job! Starting tomorrow I host a linky party that this would be a perfect feature for...please come by and check it out....my link will be up tomorrow...but the post is up now:)

Teena said...

a very nicely made-over secretary, well done! Happy Transformation Thursday <3

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Wow! You did a fantastic job on this! It's so worth it! I saw your icon pic and had to take a peek! I love this piece in white and your fabric in the background is a perfect choice! Love it!!! What a great deal and a great piece!

Kendra@My Insanity said...

Great work!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness! You took that little pretty but worn out secretary and made her a stunner! Oh, I love it and you did a beautiful job!!
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Anna said...

Thanks everyone! I am seriously flattered. Debbie, I will head over and link to your party tomorrow. Sounds fun!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

The inspiration secretary is gorgeous and you turned your sad, neglected bargain secretary turned out equally beautiful. I love the geometric fabric inside the piece. I have a secretary waiting for a makeover and this is the inspiration I need. Thanks!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That is beautiful. What a deal and I love the fabric in the back.

Cassie Bustamante said...

it looks amazing! i love the print you used on the fabric backing- it almost mimics the fretwork. and you got a great deal! glad you can enjoy it now!

Staci J said...

That's pretty amazing!! Great job!! visiting from favorite things friday!
justsewsassy.com

Gail said...

Oh my....that is the cutest secretary ever! Now I HAVE to have one! Ha! Look what you've started...

By the way, what kind of paint did you use? I have tried painting furniture before and I am never that happy with the paint job. What did you use and how did you do it? Materials, etc.

Thanks and awesome job!

-Gail @thenurturednest@blogspot.com

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

Wow, what a difference! Great job on the redo :)

Debbie~ said...

What a fabulous find! I looove it white, what a beauty she is now!!! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs

Atticmag said...

What a score! And thanks for the tip about the foam core. Great idea to make changing out the look an easy one.

We're having a giveaway, please stop by and join in ♥
Jane T.

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

wow!!! love your secretary! look so fab! and what a bargain too! you did great with the furniture! love love love them! happy Friday

Hattie said...

I think that punch of green fabric really makes it! I can't believe you got such an amazing deal. It looks awesome!

Unknown said...

What a great makeover! The fabric gives it the wow factor! Good choice and I love that you have made it easy to change! xx

alissa {33shadesofgreen} said...

Beautiful! What a great find. Love how you refinished it.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Wow! What a great transformation! Your secretary looks so beautiful!! All your hard work paid off!

Victoria said...

That is absolutely gorgeous, I'm in love!!! You did an amazing job!

the cape on the corner said...

what an awesome redo, and love the fabric in the back! kudos to you!

Lamp Tramp said...

Truly stunning, what a fabulous find and makeover. Looks just like Eddie's only better cuz it's yours! I'm off to see the rest of your blog, you must be a sister sewer!

Susan Freeman said...

I love it!! I have always had a weakness for secretary desks and yours painted in white is a knock out! I am your newest follower. Stop by for a visit when you can. My gate is always open!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Now that is one sweet makeover!!

Just beautiful!!

Debbie

Sarah @ Hennessey House said...

you can never go wrong with white paint and modern geometric patterns - this piece is proof! it's stunning.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Loooooove it!! I have a secretary too and I so WANT to paint it! My friends keep saying noooooo don't paint the wood!! What is wrong with those people!!?? I am painting it!!

You inspired me! And the price!! Unbelievable!

Lou Cinda :)

The Charm of Home said...

That is wonderful! You have an amazing find in that piece. I love what you did with it. Very chic.
Come by my blog and win $50 gift certificate from CSN.
Sherry

Wendy said...

Fabulous! What a great transformation! I just love how white paint brings a piece of furniture back to life :)

My Dream Canvas said...

Wow this is fabulous!! I would love for you to visit My blog. I am also hosting a Giveaway from CSN for $40 dollars !!

Christy @ MCH PHOTOGRAPHY said...

OMG! I have the same secretary desk. Check out my blog. I have a picture of it! I totally have not had the chance to work on mine. Plans to paint it a robins egg blue.

http://mchphotography.blogspot.com/

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

I just happily found one of these at my local flea market for $20. I was so psyched! Just started painting mine in my very hot garage...love how yours turned out!! Great idea with the foam board too!

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Oh My Gosh!!! It is unbelievably gorgeous! And a great find at $45

Sonny G said...

FABULOUS~!! I got one 2 weeks ago myself and need to get to work on it.. you have inspired me~!

Sonny

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

So glad you saved it...looks great! You did a wonderful job!

Julie said...

Fantastic metamorphosis. Someones junk or throwaway can ALWAYS be someone elses treasure and keeper!! It looks awesome. I love it.
Thanks for sharing.

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

It came out fabulous!! I can't believe it's same sad little secretary! She's happy with her new looks! Great job!

The Tin Rabbit said...

I love it! I have a secretary sitting in my living the same color as yours was! I am going to paint it! You have inspired me to go ahead and take the plunge and just do it! I love how yours turned out! Thank you!

Julie said...

Absolutely gorgeous! I'm gonna look for one for my daughter's room, now!

Unknown said...

Fantastic job! I love it...what a score.

Marigene said...

Wow, that sad looking before picture looks nothing like the stunning after picture...beautiful piece of furniture.

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I'm putting you in the spotlight at the POPP on Saturday. Thanks for linking up!

Anonymous said...

Great job....did you put any sort of poly/protectant on it?

Michella Marie said...

Hi Anna... What an awesome piece!!! It's just amazing what a coat (or a few coats) of white paint can do. I love taking furniture that is ready for the trash heap and turn into something wonderful :)) Makes me very happy! Going to head over and check out the rest of your posts!! I am your newest follower :)
Come visit me... I am pretty new at this. I think you'll like it. (I sew too)
Michella

Chic Cottage Junk said...

Anna, I just love what you did to this piece! I bought an exact duplicate of yours at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago for $30 in almost mint condition except for the wear on the desk portion from lots of use. I googled the secretary desk and stumbled upon your redo. It is absolutely beautiful.

I have a couple of questions regarding your project if you wouldn't mind answering when you get a chance. My email address is chiccottagejunk@yahoo.com. Thank you so much in advance for your time.

Sue