A while back I had refreshed my older daughter’s room. She is a lover of blue so we had painted the room a sweet shade of blue and made all sorts of small changes here and there. I had even done a tour of the room.
My daughter is a wonderful girl and but has very strong opinions about what she likes and what she doesn’t. I had redone her chair in this post and dared to ask if I could redo the desk as well. Let’s just say I didn’t stand a chance.
My girl loves color in her room so I was really surprised that she was content with that boring desk. But she was adamant. No painting! So you can imagine my surprise when one day out of the blue she said “yes mom, it’s time to paint it”. And this is how the Fabulous Ikea desk makeover with chalky finish paint came about.
Disclosure: I was compensated for doing this post with product. However, all the opinions stated here are my own. I only use products I love and would recommend to my viewers.
The desk was a cheapo from Ikea. I don’t even remember the name, only that it cost practically nothing and it was made with particleboard. When we bought it we were looking for something small to add to an already overcrowded, small room. You can see it has a keyboard shelf underneath. But that’s about all. And of course the color is booooring!
Of course we were going to paint it blue!
I used my favorite Americana Decor chalky finish paint by DecoArt. Even the paint name is perfect… Escape!
After two coats it looked like this. I also added an acrylic varnish finish to protect the top from the abuse it will surely get.
The keyboard shelf was painted in DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Everlasting which is basically a simple pure white to contrast with the blue.
But I was not happy. Still too dull. I wanted to add some interest to the keyboard shelf. My girl said I should write the word “FABULOUS” on there. It’s her word of the moment. Everything is “FABULOUS” according to her.
But I knew that would not be enough. Instead I unearthed an old Marshall’s shopping bag. I love those bags, they are so full of character. See it on the floor next to the desk? There’s my inspiration.
Isn’t it “FABULOUS”?
And so taking my cue from that bag, I decided to decoupage the circles of the bag onto the shelf. By using a plate as a template, I simply drew outlines around the areas I wanted cut out.
Cutting the circles proved to be the easy part. As for gluing them on, this was easier said than done. I couldn’t find my mod podge. I know I had some in New York, but I am not in New York right now, so it does me no good! I found some glue but ended up adding too much water and made it so thin that the circles wouldn’t stick to the shelf – no matter how many coats of glue I added.
To top it all off it was raining on and off. Moisture is just great for projects – Not!
Finally after much hair pulling and evil glares at the shelf, I ended up with this. Well, actually I had to go out and buy the European equivalent of mod podge. I applied three coats of it. And I even added a “FAB-U-L-OUS” with the use of DecoArt Stencils in Whimsical Delight, to make my girl happy!
I have to admit, although I really wanted to paint that desk, the shelf almost did me in!
Doesn’t that “FABULOUS” color make you want to escape?
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Here you can see that I painted the brackets that hold the shelf too. The one attached to the desk was painted Escape blue to blend in with the desk and the bracket on the shelf was painted white.
And everyone is happy! I have my mod podged circles and she has her “FAB-U-L-OUS”!
This is such a sweet blue color. It will make the perfect addition to her colorful room.
It may have taken a week to finish this what with all the rain and the mod podge mishap but it is finally done …
And as my daughter would say “it is FABULOUS”!!
And I have to agree with her, this is such a great color it instantly brightened up our mood even on a rainy day.
The desk is back in my daughter’s room, she is happy and mama is really happy.
I do believe there is nothing that Chalky Finish paint cannot tackle. This truly is a FABULOUS Ikea desk makeover!
And now I promise not to use the word Fabulous for the next six months!
Now fess up, what did you think of the mod podged shelf? Yay or Nay?
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Such a sweet makeover and the colors are perfect! Evil eye or not, the added colorful circles add just the right colorful touch 🙂 Pinned! XO!
Thank you Wendi. Doesn’t that color remind you of the beach?
What a fabulous desk makeover, Mary! Of course you know I am all about that blue color, and I can never resist a good chalk paint makeover! This turned out beautifully, and you are SO creative to turn a shopping bag into a decoration!
Thanks Celeste. I am so glad I finally got that decoupage to stick. I guess it was all worth it in the end.
FAB-U-LOUS dahling! That color made the desk come alive!
Resurrected I would say. The before was so dead!!
Great makeover Mary! It reminds me an Ikea piece I had during my college days but no where near as pretty! That’s my favorite shade of blue. Visiting from To Grandma’s House We Go party.
Thanks Victoria. I really love that shade too, it reminds me of the sea.
Mary, what a FABULOUS makeover. Being a Pisces, blue in all its hues is always attractive to me, so I like the turquoise base and love the decoupage design. Lots of energy here, which I’m sure your daughter appreciates.
Poppy
Yes she is also full of energy Poppy. Loves anything and everything blue.
One word, Mary: FABULOUS!
You get me Jas!! FABULOUS!!
I love everything you did in creating this fablous desk. I especially love the color you choose
Thank you Ivory. The color really makes a huge difference. It is so bright and happy!
Beautiful! I love the colors!
Thank you Carolann! The colors really make the piece since it had nothing else going for it.
Mary, I definitely think this desk is fabulous!! I really like the mod podge circles you added and the clever way you stenciled fabulous. This is a beautiful shade of blue and I’m sure it looks wonderful in the room. Beautiful makeover Mary!!
I put it back in her room Keri and it look so much better now. There is a bright spot in her otherwise dark corner.
Love that color and love the circles, adds another depth to it!
It does Cheryl, it’s like a little surprise.
That desk came out so fabulous!! And in my fav color, blue.
Fabiola it really is Fabulous and so is your name!! 🙂
I think it turned out really nice. I have an old particle board desk..I might consider (I never have before) repainting it to see if I can give it new life. I think the keyboard shelf it what makes the desk ‘pop’. I am sure your daughter loves it!
You should definitely consider painting old things Krista. Giving new life to furniture makes us all happy whenare surroundings are the way we want them. The important thing here is to add a protective coat after the paint.
Mary!
This desk turned out gorgeous. You know I am a big fan of blue as well. And the Marshall’s bag? Pure genius. They have such beautiful bags.
Much Love,
Erica
Erica I was lucky to take this bag back with me after my trip to the states a few years back. Beautiful bag indeed!
NO comparison! After that before and after I don’t know who would ever leave a bland desk or piece of furniture alone. I love the color choice and against that exquisite wallpaper? Super joyful! or should I say FABULOUS!
We can shout it from the rooftops Debbie! This color was such a pleasure for me! And the wallpaper is just a piece of fabric I placed against the balcony to give some color to the background. Staging secrets! 😉
I say “Yay” Mary–the whole project is just super fun and those medallions clinch the whole deal. Thanks so much for partying with us at Vintage Charm and for sharing your projects 🙂
Great makeover. Pinned
Thank you so much Anita!
Super fun and colorful makeover, Mary!
Thanks so much Julie!
What a “fabulous” shade of blue! Gorgeous!
Gotta love all those blues!!
Love how this turned out! Thanks for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s house we go link party! I’ll be featuring this Wednesday morning on my blog whne the next party starts.
Thank you so much for the feature Tarah!
Love the colour you chose Mary – I would love this desk in my house
Thanks Amber. It’s a super happy desk for a happy girl!
This little desk with its new bright blue color and mod-podged fabric circles is so cheery and bright! I’m sure your daughter finds it a much more inspiring place to read, study, or do her homework. It’s a great makeover!
Carol it makes me so happy when I can make something for them and they have input! She is so happy with her Fab desk!
Wow, great makeover! Now I have to get on the chalk paint bandwagon.
Absolutely, chalk paint is a life saver!!
Your design and fabric choices really made this a fun piece Mary, loving the great bold color! Thanks for sharing it at Fridays Furniture Fix.
Thank you Brenda! I needed a bold pattern to match my girl’s personality!
Such a great project Mary. The new desk looks amazing!
Thanks Cristina. My girl is really happy with it! And so am I!
Well that is one incredible transformation Mary! I am sure your daughter loves it!
She walks around looking at it and calling it :my fabulous”! 😉
I’m surprised the chalk paint stuck to the laminate. Curious to hear how it holds up over time as I have a few Ikea things I would love to paint. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.
I’ve used chalk paint on laminate before Erlene. The secret is to add a protective agent on top. If it’s a piece that will be used a lot just add a varnish to protect it.
I Love that shade of blue. This would work well on any piece of furniture that is ugly. I see things on the side of the road all the time but don’t have time to refurbish it all. Your daughter should be happy!
Oh she is indeed Michele. Especially since she picked the color.
What a wonderful transformation! It looks great. 🙂
Thank you so much. I am really in love with that color!
Fabulous makeover Mary! I love your color choice.
Thanks Lisa. My girl picked it out once she announced to me that she was ready to have it painted. I am only her humble servant… paint lady! 😉
Your daughter is clever and she knows how to choose words… that desk is now fabulous!! The blue is the perfect shade for her room and that bag seems to be made on purpose for the makeover.
Pili it shall be known forever as Fabulous! Haha! I am really glad I found the bag and was able to liven it up a bit.
I vote Yay!!!! It’s such a happy, bright, creative makeover Mary. I’m sorry those circles gave you so many grey hairs though, but I’m glad you stuck it out. They make such a difference to the whole look.
Yes they do Michelle. Everytime she pulls out that shelf there is a burst of color in there smiling fabulously at her.
FABULOUS!
Sorry, dear Mary, I simply couldn’t not resist. And I absolutely agree: that shade of blue is fair and beautiful, I’d adopt it right away!
Have a great week,
Marjan
P.S.: Wished my mum would have been into colours and repainting things when I was still living at home (30odd years ago)…
Haha Marjan I will go back in time and whisper in your mom’s ear or I can be the magic paint fairy and come and paint your room when you’re asleep! 😉
I love how just one color is not good enough. You added a splash of personality. I love it!
It had to be nothing less than Fabulous! 😉
Love it…those colors are sure to brighten any day!! A great addition to her room!! 🙂
These colors also match her bright bubbly personality!
Clever and creative! Lucky girl!
Thanks Jolena, she is really happy with her blue desk. Anything blue makes her happy.
Hi Mary: You post is very timely as I am repainting a different style of ikea desk this week. I was not certain about how I need to prep it but it looks like preparation is minimal.
Your desk makeover is awesome, the desk lost the blah boring feel and is not Fabulous.
Have a good week Leanna
Leanna with chalk paint you don’t need to prep at all. Just wipe it down. That is the beauty of chalk paint.
Those circles from the Marshall’s bag make it! FABULOUS job, Mary!
Thank you Cathy! I was lucky to have snatched up that Marshall’s bag!
What a beautiful desk! And I love the blue colors. I would enjoy a desk like this in my home. Have a great week!
Debbie this color reminds us of the greek sea and all the tables that are set out by the beaches.
It is truly fabulous Mary! I love that colour and the desk looks so cool with that fun pattern from the bag! I bet your girl loves it!
My girl was the one who chose that paint color when she decided it was time to paint Katrin. So it came as no surprise to her that it would turn out “Fabulous”!!
Fabulous. I love using chalk paints and have a small Ikea desk which could do with a makeover, now look what you have made me do added something else to my ‘To Do’ list, lol
I am glad to hear that Caroline. There is nothing that paint cannot cure.
Oh Mary it’s indeed fabulous! Not only the self but the whole desk! I loved the blue shade!
Katerina doesn’t it remind you of the chairs in the tavernes by the beaches? It is the perfect Greek blue to me.
Great story to go with this Fabulous desk makeover! I’ve never seen a shopping bag quite like that before and I can see why you saved it. Great upcyle and makeover all in one! Pinned to share.
~Laurie
Thank you Laurie. I had gotten the shopping bag from Marshall’s years ago and kept it because I liked the happy colors on it. Never throw anything away you never know when you’ll need it. 🙂
First of all, my Marshall’s bags don’t look anything like that bag! I love the designs on that bag. And without a doubt, that Escape blue desk is a dramatic improvement over the previous ‘color’…well done mom…even with the hair pulling from trying to get those circle on the shelf!
Hugs, Lynn
Haha! What we go through Lynn! As long as she is happy and she has input into what goes into her room then all is well.
As for that bag, I got it back in 2012 I think. So it may be vintage by shopping bag standards.
Do I dare say this makeover looks Fabulous! I love the color but best of all I love the tray.
Thank you Debra. It is such a happy color even when there are clouds it can make you smile.
Fabulous job! Its perfect with her wallpaper! Loverly !
Jeannee
Should I tell you the truth and admit that it is not wallpaper? It’s all in the name of staging. That is a piece of fabric. 😉
Loving all the blue!
Hum, I seem to remember that you have a thing for blue Claire! 😉
This desk remind me of the boho look. My daughter would love this for her apartment, since her room main colors are white and turquoise. She has been needing a desk. Next time I am in NYC I may make something like this. Every time i go visit her I make her something. Lovely Job
Maria
Maria it was a cheap desk. But now that I’ve painted it look nothing like the before. I can totally see this as boho!
Oh yes Mary, this truly is fabulous! I love your mod podged circles even if they were a pain, i actually think they’d look amazing on the sides too but I imagine you couldn’t entertain the idea of adding any more! Thanks for sharing your fab project at #handmadeMonday
Julie her room is already to full of patterns and colors so I wanted to keep the acitivity to a minimun if you get what I mean.
Okay, I had just vowed no more DIY projects after we get back to Greece. . .now you’ve changed my mind. I do have a couple things I want to tackle. . .loved this desk!
Jackie grab some chalk paint before heading off to Greece. It is the easiest paint to use. Looking forward to your return to the Mani!
I agree it is fabulous Mary! So fresh & clean now! It looks great! I’m with you…I would have wanted to paint that. Does your daughter like the keyhole shelf?
Florence she thinks the whole thing is fabulous. Of course she wouldn’t let me do anything to it without her approval beforehand.
Love, love the medallions detail! The bag design is indeed fabulous and your idea to decoupage it, gave character to a previously uninteresting desk.
I really lucked out with that bag and the fun design on it. You just never know when inspiration will find you. I had that bag hiding at the bottom of a closet for 3 years.
Hi Mary, not only am I impressed with your handy work, but also by the tidiness of your daughters room! My daughter has a desk, but I can’t remember the colour of the top!… I do like the colour you chose for the desk and those circles add some nice interest.
xx
Debbie if you only knew. That is the magic of staging. Once she gets her hands on that desk it will be so full of stuff on top you won;t be able to see the color at all. Haha!
The desk turned out Fabulous Mary! I love the blue color, it’s such a pretty color. The circle patterns are a cute addition to the white shelf, and of course it had to have the word Fabulous. It turned out really nice!
Thank you Linda, as long as my girl is happy then I am happy too!