Meghan found this old mahogany desk at a local antique store. She and her husband recently moved into their first home and she immediately thought it would be perfect as a vanity in their bedroom. The dark wood didn’t allow all the details to shine. And there are a lot of details! The curved and dimensional drawers are amazing. The feet are beautifully carved. The raised details on the middle drawer front and on the sides of the drawers are so pretty. Furniture just isn’t made like this anymore. Meghan provided me with this inspiration photo. (Source unknown.) Having an inspiration photo is a great way to start discussing paint color and finish options. Annie Sloan’s Old White was the perfect match for the inspiration. I love Old White. It is a beautiful soft white and would certainly lighten up this heavy desk.

As I started cleaning this desk I found a surprise pushed in the back of a bottom drawer! I shared this on my Hazel Mae Home Facebook page already (if you don’t like my page, you should to see sneak peeks and more redesigns that don’t make the blog). I found a vintage silk scarf! I love finding treasures in old furniture! Meghan now has a “new” vanity and a “new” scarf! After seeing the inspiration photo, I gave Meghan three hardware options: 1) leave the original brass hardware as is, 2) clean up the original brass to a soft gold, or 3) paint the hardware Old White and distress. She decided to paint the hardware and I have to agree it was the right choice in keeping with the soft, feminine feel. Look at the curve of these drawers! And here is the full reveal! A beautiful transformation from desk to vanity! The mirror is not vintage, I salvaged it from a house in my town. I have two of them – one is painted in Paris Grey and is listed for sale on the Available For Purchase page of this blog. I knew I had to paint the other mirror Old White to stage with this vanity. It truly turns this desk into a vanity! Once Meghan saw the staged photo I sent her – she agreed and had to have the mirror! I think this desk and mirror were meant to be together! I had refinished the bench last year and it had found its home in my front entry. It is also painted in Old White and distressed. The seat is covered in an antique grain sack. I pulled it over to stage the vanity and take photos. But again, when Meghan saw all three pieces together she asked if the bench was for sale as well! It was hard to part with, but I am so happy that Meghan will enjoy these three pieces every day.

Meghan and I are both so pleased with this redesign. It is now the perfect place to sit and get ready for work or a night out. The deep drawers provide so much storage space. And it is a beautiful addition to their bedroom.

Thank you to Painting Etc. for referring Meghan to me!

And Meghan – thanks for this inspired piece! I think we did a great job bringing your inspiration to reality!

… Kristin

Other Old White painted pieces … Grain Sack Chair and Sewing Cabinet.