This weekend I made cookies for the nursing staff, in anticipation for our trip to the hospital. However, peanut has decided it is not time to check into Labor and Delivery. So, I thought that I would take advantage of a day without scheduled client meetings and head out to our local antique shops. You all know how much I love the hunt! The hunt for antique furniture, that is. It’s all about great bones. My number one priority when scouting pieces is to find striking lines.
Sometimes my finds already flaunt the perfect color and patina, and other times they need a little love.
Recently I found this secretary, and knew immediately it had the perfect proportions for my client’s guest bedroom. I just had to figure out what I wanted to do with it!
I worked up the colors based on the room’s fabrics. I’d intentionally layered everything from batiks to chevrons throughout the room. The color palette is restful, but the patterns keep the eye entertained. Even the sea grass rug got a decorative stencil! The total effect is a calm retreat with a good dose of intrigue.
To fit in with the rest of the room, the secretary needed to be fresh and playful. I settled on Benjamin Moore Linen White for the exterior, topped with a glaze to bring out the fluted edges. A beautiful celadon blue-green on the interior draws the eye to the subtle fan detail (Benjamin Moore Salisbury Green).
Here is the piece in its new home. I’m thrilled that the brass leaf hardware detail is popping, and the peek of interior color is so cheerful.
Here’s to giving old pieces new life!
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Where do you go antiquing in San Diego? Ocean Beach area?
Amy,
When you “glaze” a painted piece, what product does that involve? The secretary looks amazing….so do the cookies!
Karen
The secretary looks amazing of course. And not to take away from your beautifully refurbished find, but I am totally distracted by the fact that you baked COOKIES for the nursing staff in Labor & Delivery. I could barely get myself packed when I was in the same situation and you are BAKING? For other PEOPLE? I am truly in awe. I can’t really emphasize this enough.
The secretary is gorgeous. Would love to know where you found it!
I’m with Sarah. You must be a very special person to be thinking about the nursing staff at a time like this. Can I be your friend?
You did a great job re-furbishing the secretary. I love the idea of giving old pieces a new life.
Best of luck with peanut!!
Being a nurse who works Mother and Baby I would so appreciate your cookies. Thanks for thinking of the nurses and wishing you the best of luck. Take care and I hope you will soon being holding that little peanut in your arms!
Julia
This piece is beautiful – I love the colors that you chose for it. Best wishes to you and your family on your new little one who will be arriving soon. It’s such a wonderful beautiful time – I wish I could bottle up that feeling of anticipation and the wonderful moment when the child comes into the world.
Amy great eye. This secretary has beautiful lines and I adore the transformation!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I hope you will come and join my Giveaway from Interieurs! It is from the Jose Esteves Collection!
Looks fabulous! Love the fabrics…
Wow that secretary looks fabulous! Great detail. You baked cookies? I’m impressed! Ha! Good luck to you!
Jennifer
Great job on that secretary. While I love your redo…I love the original state too. It is making me crazy its so beautiful!!
That piece is just gorgeous! The colors are great…and I’m kind of dying to see the rest of this room!
Absolutely beautiful! Also, the cookies – they look delicious and I’ll have to remember to do this if I get pregnant, great idea! Looking forward to hearing news about the peanut’s arrival!
Amy- A stunning renovation. What an elegant piece it is!
Loretta
Beautiful!!… Love this cabinet and the color choice… Love your blog
This looks so great! I love antiquing, thrift store shopping, vintage shopping…you name it! What an AMAZING transformation!!
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
It looks great! Love the fabrics you chose. Can not wait to see it when your done.
What is that lovely fabric on the day bed? Its gorgeous & so is your vision for this room.