Yesterday I finished applying the liming wax and honestly I wasn’t sure if I really liked it until I brought it into the room, luckily I did!
I think every room needs a balance between wood and painted/colored furniture to avoid looking too heavy.
I started off with this craigslist find, $65 for both
David and I took turns sanding …
Once it was sanded completely, it was given a protective finish with Briwax Liming Wax – designed to leave a white washed tone in the grain of the wood
The chair was painted and the seat was upholstered
I searched high and low for handles, even anthropologie let me down – everywhere I looked only had a few handles (most of which were too modern or belonged on a kitchen cabinet)
So I decided to attempt my own version using, wire and beads
Honestly, before I started I was afraid that it was going to look like a cheap craft project … but with no other options, what could it hurt to try?
Beads were threaded on the wire and inserted into the existing holes and the wire was bent on the inside to secure the handle (wire must be heavy to keep the handle straight and secure)
I like how they turned out – they are soft and elegant, like the desk. I think I will keep looking for others, but for now they are a keeper.
Total price for the wire and beads was about $8, so each pull was only about $2
The center knobs are original with the desk
Once I decided on the hardware, I decided the desk was finally finished (at least for now!)
I made the pencil/pen cups from jars – the pencil cup is wrapped with fabric and secured with glue and I coated the inside of the pen cup with left over paint from the console table
and last but not least, the center pops up and reveals a mirror – I added some white to SW Anew Gray used to paint the chair to paint the interior
The mirror is original – you can see the yellowing from age
and one last before and after:
Pretty big difference!
I just recently found your blog and love what you are doing to your rental! The desk looks great. I've been interested in using the liming wax, too.
Hi Amy! I popped over to your blog and love your mix between knits and interior design! Looks like you have some exciting projects going on. I am going to try upholstering a chair as well when I work on the living room next. The liming wax was very easy to use and repeals water, I would recommend it. Take care!
Wow that turned out great! Love it
Wow, this is stunning! You've gained a new follower in me 🙂
A great place to order handles is Lee Valley (www.leevalley.com) It's a Canadian web/catalogue shop but they ship to the states. They originally just had a tool (generally woodworking tools etc) catalogue, then they added the gardening and gardening tool catalogue, now they have one just for hardware as well.
They have all different styles and finishes. I've ordered from their gardening catalogue before and they're great, and I've no reason to think the hardware wouldn't be as well. Definitely not as cheap as you managed to make the handles you made, but an option if you're looking for something specific.
I don't know who has more items in their home from Target- you or me 🙂 I have seen so many in your photos- things I also have in my home 🙂 I love seeing them used similarly but w/ a different look! 🙂
Love all of these posts! Thanks for sharing:) I would love to know where the ruffle curtains came from?
Thanks!
HI Erin! Thank you! Here is the link 🙂 http://sarahmdorseydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/knock-off-anthropologie-draperies.html
Love the white bedding. Duvet cover? Can you tell me where it is from? Thanks!
Hi Kori, the duvet is from Target 🙂
I happened to stumble across your blog today and I am so glad I did. You have great style and I love how you do everything on a really friendly budget.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I try hard to be budget friendly when possible 🙂
DARLING bead pulls!! So smart and so well done. Just found this site and you do such a great job!
Thanks Jena 🙂
Love your room!!! Where did you get your curtains?