I can finally share pictures of the vintage Baker secretary! This was a very large project, with many different bits and pieces to work on. Before I explain, here is the “before” pic where both the secretary and lovely little chair had been painted in a very bright peach.
My client wanted to give them a new look and so we did! I used Annie Sloan Old Ochre for the base color and added a wash of Old White on the fronts of the drawers and cabinet to give interest and depth of color.
The piece is very large! It was taken apart into sections for me to work on and was like working on a large puzzle with many different pieces to visualize.
Here is a closeup of the bottom and top.
The original hardware were brass “batwing” pulls. We decided to order new pulls in a bronze finish that really pop against the lighter background. The original pulls were not a standard size but, as always, D.Lawless Hardware came through! Their gorgeous pulls add the perfect finishing touch to the piece.
When lowered, the desk has a leather inlay which is lovely. The interior light still works and is a fantastic addition.
In these pics, I hope you can see the difference in the Old Ochre base and the Old White wash on the drawer and cabinet fronts.
Let’s not forget the gorgeous little caned chair! What a difference a few coats of creamy Old Ochre can make!
A fresh look on a vintage piece!
Oh Suzanne, what an amazing piece of furniture. I love the change with the chicken wire on the doors and your choice of colour. So elegant.
Mary @ Orphans With Makeup
Thank you Mary! What a difference a slight change in color can do to a piece! I agree it is an amazing piece of furniture. These certainly don’t come around often!
positively stunning, gorgeous work
Just beautiful….what a treasure
A very important piece and very nice work Suzanne.
Thank you, Linda!
Awesome job Suzane, just lovely!!!
What a great piece — and I love the chair, too. It does look much better in the colors you chose. Baker is such a great product.
Thanks Ellen! Yes, it really did make a difference painting in cream. Amazing what paint can do! She also has the most beautiful Baker king size bed in the room. I should have taken a pic to share. Just gorgeous!
beautiful!!
BRAVA!!! Wait until your client see this masterpiece! Every single feature compliments each detail and enhances the workmanship of this stunning piece. If only the person who carved this piece could see what you have done.
Thank you so much, Neena! She loves it and I am so pleased. The darker hardware was risky but it looks great. Thank you for your kind comment!
This piece is GORGEOUS Suzanne! Beautiful work and your client is going to love it!!! x
Thanks so much Denise! She is thrilled and so am I!
This piece is seriously so stunning, I don’t even know where to begin! Love love love!
So elegant! The finish you gave it is stunning. Love!!!!!
What an undertaking to work on such a large piece. I believe you made a really great color choice (the original was a bit MUCH). The pulls are a great bonus to this piece. Your client should be very well pleased with everything.
Yes, “much” is a great description of that peachy/pink! She is very happy with its transformation and I agree that the pulls were the bonus. Such a great site to choose from!
It’s gorgeous, as always! I can’t even begin to imagine how much work went into the secretary…You make it look so easy with your lovely pictures, but you know that I know it was a beast! Well done! xoxo
Oh, Robin! Such a fantastic description! It was a lot of detail work (around the leather inlay, the interior of the piece, etc.) as well as a lot of work with disassembling the hardware (hinges, etc.) and doors. Ella had to help me figure it all out to put it together again lol! It was so worth it as I am very proud of it. It is truly stunning and my client is really thrilled. So worth it!
Suzanne I’m really liking the look of the Old Ochre as a base coat and a wash of Old White – it’s quite stunning. Wow, I can appreciate how much time and work went into this makeover. It’s stunning and the cane chair is a perfect compliment. They look more unified in this color now. Kudos to you 🙂
I know all too well how much work went into refinishing this piece! You did an absolutely fantastic job – it is a really beautiful piece of furniture – lucky client! Love the wash combo and the new hardware as well! Have a great weekend!
Amazing! You deserve a trip to Disneyland after transforming those beautiful pieces!
Thanks Cynthia! This one does deserve a vacation lol!