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.
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.
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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97 Comments
3/12/2017 09:24:42 pm
What a wonderful transformation! It looks great. :)
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:08:43 pm
Thank you so much. I am really in love with that color!
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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.
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:12:34 pm
Leanna with chalk paint you don't need to prep at all. Just wipe it down. That is the beauty of chalk paint.
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3/12/2017 10:13:17 pm
Those circles from the Marshall's bag make it! FABULOUS job, Mary!
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:14:43 pm
Thank you Cathy! I was lucky to have snatched up that Marshall's bag!
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3/12/2017 10:39:21 pm
What a beautiful desk! And I love the blue colors. I would enjoy a desk like this in my home. Have a great week!
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:16:44 pm
Debbie this color reminds us of the greek sea and all the tables that are set out by the beaches.
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:19:33 pm
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"!!
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:29:35 pm
I am glad to hear that Caroline. There is nothing that paint cannot cure.
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:31:37 pm
Thanks Jolena, she is really happy with her blue desk. Anything blue makes her happy.
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:34:57 pm
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! ;)
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:36:43 pm
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.
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:39:42 pm
Yes they do Michelle. Everytime she pulls out that shelf there is a burst of color in there smiling fabulously at her.
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3/13/2017 08:47:49 am
FABULOUS!
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:52:01 pm
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! ;)
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:52:47 pm
It had to be nothing less than Fabulous! ;)
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3/13/2017 09:12:17 am
Love it...those colors are sure to brighten any day!! A great addition to her room!! :)
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:58:10 pm
These colors also match her bright bubbly personality!
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3/13/2017 09:21:02 am
Oh Mary it's indeed fabulous! Not only the self but the whole desk! I loved the blue shade!
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Mary
3/18/2017 05:59:49 pm
Katerina doesn't it remind you of the chairs in the tavernes by the beaches? It is the perfect Greek blue to me.
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3/13/2017 09:22:09 am
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!
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Mary
3/18/2017 06:05:15 pm
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!
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Mary
3/18/2017 06:04:11 pm
Florence she thinks the whole thing is fabulous. Of course she wouldn't let me do anything to it without her approval beforehand.
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3/13/2017 10:36:46 am
Love, love the medallions detail! The bag design is indeed fabulous and your idea to decoupage it, gave character to a previously uninteresting desk.
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Mary
3/18/2017 06:06:52 pm
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.
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3/13/2017 12:15:03 pm
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.
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Mary
3/20/2017 11:00:23 am
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!
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3/13/2017 01:18:40 pm
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!
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Mary
3/20/2017 11:03:47 am
Thank you Linda, as long as my girl is happy then I am happy too!
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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
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Mary
3/20/2017 11:10:15 am
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.
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Laurie
3/13/2017 02:38:23 pm
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.
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Mary
3/20/2017 11:24:32 am
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. :)
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3/13/2017 03:02:30 pm
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!
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Mary
3/20/2017 11:27:17 am
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.
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3/13/2017 04:10:26 pm
Do I dare say this makeover looks Fabulous! I love the color but best of all I love the tray.
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mary
3/20/2017 11:58:50 am
Thank you Debra. It is such a happy color even when there are clouds it can make you smile.
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3/13/2017 04:24:57 pm
Fabulous job! Its perfect with her wallpaper! Loverly !
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Mary
3/20/2017 11:59:58 am
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. ;)
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:00:37 pm
Hum, I seem to remember that you have a thing for blue Claire! ;)
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3/13/2017 05:37:08 pm
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
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:02:37 pm
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!
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:04:14 pm
Oh she is indeed Michele. Especially since she picked the color.
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:04:53 pm
Thank you Ivory. The color really makes a huge difference. It is so bright and happy!
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:10:44 pm
Thank you Carolann! The colors really make the piece since it had nothing else going for it.
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:12:19 pm
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.
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:13:32 pm
It does Cheryl, it's like a little surprise.
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3/14/2017 03:08:44 am
That desk came out so fabulous!! And in my fav color, blue.
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:14:16 pm
Fabiola it really is Fabulous and so is your name!! :)
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:15:35 pm
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.
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:16:32 pm
You get me Jas!! FABULOUS!!
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3/14/2017 02:56:59 pm
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!
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Mary
3/20/2017 12:17:30 pm
Thank you Wendi. Doesn't that color remind you of the beach?
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:19:21 pm
Thanks Celeste. I am so glad I finally got that decoupage to stick. I guess it was all worth it in the end.
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3/15/2017 12:26:15 am
FAB-U-LOUS dahling! That color made the desk come alive!
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:20:49 pm
Resurrected I would say. The before was so dead!!
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3/15/2017 08:31:33 am
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.
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:21:38 pm
Thanks Victoria. I really love that shade too, it reminds me of the sea.
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:24:05 pm
Yes she is also full of energy Poppy. Loves anything and everything blue.
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3/15/2017 05:30:28 pm
Mary!
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:25:23 pm
Erica I was lucky to take this bag back with me after my trip to the states a few years back. Beautiful bag indeed!
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3/17/2017 01:10:13 pm
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!
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:26:57 pm
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!
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3/17/2017 06:55:23 pm
Wow, great makeover! Now I have to get on the chalk paint bandwagon.
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:28:03 pm
Absolutely, chalk paint is a life saver!!
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3/18/2017 02:27:26 pm
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.
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:29:48 pm
Thank you Brenda! I needed a bold pattern to match my girl's personality!
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:36:46 pm
Thanks Cristina. My girl is really happy with it! And so am I!
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:30:51 pm
She walks around looking at it and calling it :my fabulous"! ;)
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:33:52 pm
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.
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Amber Harrop
3/19/2017 09:42:40 pm
Love the colour you chose Mary - I would love this desk in my house
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Mary
3/20/2017 01:35:04 pm
Thanks Amber. It's a super happy desk for a happy girl!
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Mary
3/22/2017 09:27:03 am
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! ;)
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Welcome
I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York. Follow me
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