Monday, January 17, 2011

Computer Desk Makeover

I love thrift stores L-O-V-E them. Okay, maybe I don't love them that much, but I really do like them and here is why:
1. I'm frugal.
2. It is good for the environment to reuse instead of buying new.
3. I love the challenge of restoring the beauty in someone's cast off.
4. It is like a treasure hunt.
5. I don't have to dress up to go shopping at the thrift store.

My most recent thrift store makeover came from my need for a computer desk in our family room.  A small desk with some drawers for storage would do the trick and I found this one for $20: 
It's nothing to write home (or blog) about, but I liked the simple design of it and it is sturdy. 

I found a paint color named "basil" and i just had to use it, I'm a sucker for that name. One of my chicks that I get this spring will be named Basil. I also think it would be a really cute baby name, just throwing it out there. I'm getting a little distracted, back on track...here is the finished product.

Now I just need to find a really great dramatic piece for the wall space above. Any suggestions? Oh, and I really need to put the outlet cover back on. Maybe I will head to the thrift store to see if I can find something spectacular.

~marisa




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15 comments:

  1. DavidJanuary 17, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    It's amazing how a little paint and some different drawer pulls make a drastic change in looks. Congrats on the computer desk rescue.

    Have a great thrift store day.

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    It looks great but the one drawback to older repurposed desks is the lack of depth to give your eyes some distance from the monitor. We solved this in our house with a $20 bracket that mounted the monitor to the wall and left the deskspace free. Not ideal for all situations but it worked well for ours. - holly

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  3. MAYBELLINEJanuary 17, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/3082459065_8c5a9d9d5b.jpg

    http://www.locatetv.com/tv/martha-stewart-show/6977204

    Martha is the goddess.

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  4. JudiJanuary 18, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    We all love thrift store shopping here too. My kids have figured out their money goes a lot further there!

    So is there is trick to getting old paint off - I have a dresser I am trying to refinish and all the paint is off except the corners. It is so sticky?

    I like your tile floor!

    Judi :)

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  5. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    Anonymous, mounting the screen is a great idea, I'm not sure if I can do that with my mac or not. I will have to look into it.

    Maybelline, I worship Martha as well.

    Judi, I don't even get the old paint off. I'm a lazy painter, that is why I like to distress things, then I don't have to be a perfectionist with my painting.

    Even if you are a perfectionist, you don't need to get all the old paint off. Give it a light sand and make sure the surface is smooth, then repaint.

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  6. daisy gJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    You've done a great job. Love the telephone too. We are bargain hunters too!

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  7. JesRJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Marissa!
    You know that desk just BEGS to have some mix-n-match wooden frames up there! I bet you even already have a bunch of those on hand. I just try to hang different sizes and stains up there. See here:

    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/inspiration/inspiration-cluster-of-frames-059600

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  8. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Jes R. PERFECT THank you thank you. That is exactly what it needs. I was going to do that above my sectional, but thought it was too big of an area. But, above the computer would be a perfect spot for it.

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  9. Debbie SchreckJanuary 19, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I tried one of your suggestions about making lavender dryer sachets. They turned out great and I love them! you can find a picture at justdebbiedeb.blogspot.com. Your desk turned out great! I have a free chair I need to reupholster. Hope it turns out as well as your desk! Thanks for the ideas and inspiration.

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  10. thriftymommaJanuary 19, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    The desk looks great but I did have a thought. It looks like the cold air return for the furnace is behind the support piece of the desk. That will reduce the efficiency of your furnace. I would move the suport piece up so it rests between the register and the outlet.
    Just a thought.

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  11. ShaunikaJanuary 20, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Love it! How do you give it the distressed look?

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  12. HollyJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Sorry - I was "anonymous" but my iphone was giving me trouble trying to log in so I couldn't use my ID. Anyway, the mounting solution is one we did on a mac, if that helps. The bracket was $20 at walmart or home depot - I no longer recall.

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  13. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Yes, that helps, thanks Holly!

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  14. toddler bedsApril 19, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    I have been checking out a few of your article stories and I must say pretty clever stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog. Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownOctober 12, 2015 at 3:52 AM

    wow, very nice make over, the computer desk is becoming more tidy and looks stylish vintage, I love it, it gives new inspiration to me :)

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