Fabulous Ikea Desk Makeover with Chalky Finish Paint
A while back I had refreshed my older daughter’s room. She is a lover of…
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?
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image!
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Linking up to these Link Parties This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.
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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.
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!
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!