Desk Makeover in Blush Chalk Paint
Refinishing a Desk in Soft Blush Tones
Our previous home was decorated in soft earth tones, lots of greens and browns. At the time it really suited are the long low bungalow. For our new home, I wanted Revere Pewter grey and white to go with the large windows. The theme for this home is let the light IN. So this espresso stained Ikea desk is receiving a chalk paint furniture refinishing in a soft blush pink.
Our old home we had a nice office on the main floor. It had a matching espresso coloured desk and bookshelves. The dark colour does not work in this new house. The desk is dark and showing some wear but structurally it is in very good shape.
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The pink fits in with the upstairs decor, which truly surprises me, Hubs thinks I should leave this desk on the main floor and work in the light. I am determined to have a separate workspace and office downstairs so right after these photos are taken this blush pink desk is going down to the basement. I am sure it will add some nice soft tones to my craft area as well.
Desk Makeover with Blush Chalk Paint
This desk has very clean lines, two little drawers, and long plain feminine legs, I love it.
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Preparing Furniture for Chalk Paint
The paint directions say that sanding isn’t necessary, but I gave it a light sanding with 220 sandpaper to remove the shine.
It took three coats of paint to cover the dark espresso. Sand it lightly between each coat with 220 sandpaper. Buff it just enough to make the paint smooth before applying the next coat.
The blush pink finish looked nice once done, but it felt average. I had purchased some scrolling and it didn’t look right so I gave the desk a little extra love by whitewashing it in certain areas.
Add the Whitewash Finish.
To make the whitewash mix 1/4 cup of chalk paint with 2 tbsp of water. Load the paintbrush with a little bit of the paint and dab it onto a cloth until the paintbrush is almost dry. Apply the paint lightly and spread it to give just a hint of white. For this desk, the whitewash was just applied to the sides. The whitewash softens the look of the desk without making it look distressed. The difference is subtle I hope you can see it in the photo.
Finishing the Desk Makeover
As this desk is going to be in constant use I applied two coats of polyurethane. The poly will protect the finish from any coffee spills that may occur. If you aren’t as concerned about spills you could add a protective coat of finishing wax instead.
The top of the desk was quite shiny so I added another coat of poly just to the desktop. I left it to dry for a full day to dry and then lightly scuffed it with 400 grit sandpaper to remove the shine in spots.
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Adding Accessories
This new blush chalk painted desk is going to be my new work area. Its great to do a chalk paint furniture refinish to the desk, but to make my workspace more pleasant I am adding some soft pretty accessories to personalize it, my favorite cup, a coffee coaster, a notebook that was a Valentines Gift and a pretty vase. A shiny new mouse pad an pretty pen were new purchases. I think the accessories will make this a very pleasant place to work.
Paint the drawers inside and out, and add some pretty scented drawer paper.
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Slowly I am completing the various elements of the craft room. Convincing the other half that a space heater is necessary and looking at lighting solutions. Starting to get excited.
The French provincial chair is also a DIY project, together I think they make a nice set.
Enjoy your day!
Hi! I love the color choice for this beautiful makeover desk – and wanted to know what color/brand paint it was. Would you please share?
Hi. It is rustoleum chalk paint blush that I mixed with a little bit of white to lighten it. The second dry coat is just white rustoleum chalk paint. I am glad you like it Cyraya. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Your girlish desk turned out perfectly. You couldn’t have picked a better color than pink. Thank you for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!
This is so in keeping with the soft, light, and warm look of your home Leanna! Pink is such a happy color and will be perfect for your craft room.
I am always drawn to original finishes so I am afraid to paint, but this is so lovely and girly! You are making a wonderful start to your craft room, step by step. Can’t wait to see it when you are all done.
Leanna,
Thank you for sharing your sweet desk with TADA. The anticipation of a space to create in your own craft room is exciting. I can’t wait to see yours.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
I love how this desk came out! The white wash is perfect. What a sweet place to sit with a cup of coffee to do some computer work.
So very cute and feminine! Thank you for sharing at Ravenwould.
The perfect pink. Looks great!
Adorable! What a great idea. It turned out great!
The desk is perfect. You are creating such a special spot to be creative. I love painting in light pink, it is such a pleasing color.
You’ve created such a pretty corner for those quiet moments of work and contemplation. Beautiful.
Amalia
xo
Oh this is a sweet makeover. Love the desk and the color. HPS to you and Happy Easter also. Come visit soon and have a great weekend.
This is so cute!
I happen to be working on a pink table myself. I am using a light pink like you did. I love how it’s pink, but not too much of a crazy pink. Very understated…:)
Such a soft, beautiful feminine color. It looks stunning Leanna. The makeover truly brings out the soft unassuming, delicate lines of the desk. It’s perfect
You put lots of loving care into this little desk. I love the way it turned out. That “blush” color is very big, right now. Thanks for the tutorial on the white wash. It really made a difference. It’s a lovely piece, now.
Oh, it looks so cute. And so so girlish…. I would love a desk like this!