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!