DIY Paint: Adding Modern Style to an Antique Secretary Desk with Hutch
In this post: This simple and easy DIY paint project helped add modern style to an antique secretary desk with hutch that has special meaning.⇒
I’m what you might call an instinctual painter.
I’m certainly not a classicist.
Oh sure I have delusions of doing things the “right” way, but the truth is, I can barely be bothered to put a drop cloth down. I’ve been known to sneak up on a piece, ostensibly just to test a color out, and before you know it. I’ve painted half the piece and I’m still wearing my going-out-to-dinner clothes.
What can I say? Inspiration hits when it hits.
DIY Painted Desk with Hutch
Such was the case with a wonderful old wood desk that’s been in my family for years. In fact, it’s the desk my dad used to do his homework at as a child.
I could never get rid of this piece.
The piece was already significantly altered when it came to me. It was probably once a classic secretary desk, with a dark wood stain, elegant dimensions and Chippendale or Queen Anne detailing. But the ornate pediment on top had long since fallen off, and my dad had painted it at least once or twice to go with my mom’s French style.
While I inherited dads penchant for painting, along with this charming piece of furniture, my painting style is a bit different and the materials at my disposal are a good bit upgraded.
Specifically, I love the flat velvety look of chalk paint with it’s dry finish, whether antiqued or painted in a single color. I use both techniques and I decided for this desk makeover to go a bit modern and paint it in a flat color.
How to Get the Look
That said, unlike with most projects, I wasn’t really sure which flat color to use. I was also considering a two-tone effect, with a second color on the inside shelves.
As I prepped the piece in my barely-can-be-bothered lazy way, I also tested a few colors on the corners.
To be fair, I do use a drop cloth, even if it’s a simple trash bag. I also take the time to remove the hardware and empty the drawers. (Don’t laugh. This hasn’t always been the case and I’ve sometimes painted items with the drawers filled!)
Then I stepped away and let the test strips dry while I changed out of the clothes I preferred not to ruin.
When I came back to the piece after a little break, I decided the two tone effect would be a fresh approach and one I hadn’t used before, but instead of highlighting the inside of the cabinet, I decided to do the drawer fronts in a different color.
I still wasn’t sure whether the drawers would be lighter or darker, but since I had more paint in the darker shade, I decided to use that as the main color and then decide after it dried whether to paint the lighter color on top. In the end I went with lighter drawers and used the darker shade everywhere else.
My paint of choice is Pure & Original’s Classico Chalk Based Paint and I used Old Linen for the darker shade and Bone for the lighter one.
I love that with chalk paint you don’t need to sand the piece, nor use a coat of primer. I do wipe the piece down to clear away any dust and debris, but then dive right in with the first coat of paint and feel confident it will cover any visible imperfections. You can always use wood filler for deep nicks and scratches and be sure the paint will cover and yield a smooth surface.
I use 2 coats of flat color to ensure complete opaque coverage. (In the image above the darker color has two coats and the drawers only had one at this point.)
While a roller would be quicker, I use a medium size brush from Pure & Original, as I like the control that a brush offers and I don’t mind the slight texture that brush strokes leave behind.
*Pure & Original is a sponsor of mine which means they supplied the paint, but all opinions and love of the product are genuine and my own. Classico chalk paint is also an excellent choice for painting your walls, for a sumptuous velvety finish.
After applying the second coat of paint, I applied clear Classico Italian Wax from Pure & Original on the entire piece and let it dry overnight. Once dry, I buffed it gently with a lint-free cloth for a subtle satin sheen and the final result is a lovely protective and durable finish.
Accessories
The one thing left to address was the hardware. I had bought new drawer pulls and knobs for the piece to give it a more updated look. I really disliked the Chippendale backplates and wanted something simpler. The new pulls I ordered were a nicer shape, but came in too dark, so I decided to paint them, too. I wanted a nice golden tone, and while I like antiqued metal, they were nearly black.
I tried two options – Rub ‘n Buff and gold leaf paint, and ultimately went with the Rub ‘n Buff for it’s more natural look and added depth. It made all the difference in the new hardware.
I also added new keyhole covers which needed new holes as they were a different size than the originals. I very much prefer the proportions of the updated trim.
Styling the Finished Piece
The final step was putting it all together and styling the hutch and desk top. Since my goal was an updated look, I left the teacups behind (see the old look above) and opted for more organic pieces paired with antique white ironstone. I love a mix of antique with modern and I think the net result marries the two beautifully.
My process is curious at best, but I have a sense of where I’m going instinctually, and this helps keeps me pointed in the right direction. I love that the piece is now not only more modern, but different than any of the other pieces I’ve painted.
I’m certainly not a classicist.
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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Great job!! Its perfect
Thank you!
So pretty! I love the new hardware, where did you source those?
Here you go: https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/hardware/pulls/bail/42160-plain-plate-pulls
Beautiful job. My parents had a mahogany bedroom set that looked like this. The pulls and the wavy drawers were like your desk. Some people got upset when she antiqued the dark wood with a light blue I loved it, and I love your desk.
I would have never thought to paint the front drawers a lighter color. That works so well with the warmer slight off white of the whole piece. It gives the piece more depth. The hardware is a true update from the older ones. I too get the itch to paint on a whim…I just hope I don’t get pulled away before it’s done as I’ve been known to not come back to it for awhile. Better to stay focused and finish:0) Awesome transformation Lory!
Just lovely! Fits in nicely to your home style. Thanks for the info about chalk paint, too!
I appreciate the detailed instructions that you provide. I have a few pieces of furniture that I hope to refinish. We are planning to downsize from an eight room farmhouse to a 2 bedroom small house being built on our property. I am looking forward to seeing more decorating projects. If I am chosen in next week’s drawing I would like a gift card to Amazon. Thank you.
I have a similar secretary that has been bothering me. It looks like a hulking brown THING. I’ve been intimidated by the thought of painting it but yours looks terrific. Maybe I’ll get brave!
This has given me courage to paint some pieces that need updating. Certainly much more economical than buying new.
Nice transformation!
I have a secretary just like that in one of my guest bedrooms along with a poster bed. The dark wood has recently started to bother me. This article has prompted me to start my winter list of things to get done. This being #1! I am a bit worried about painting the cubbies inside the desk, any tips?
I love antiquing the desk with chalk paint!
When I click on the sideboard paint project, a clock comes up!
I love that you brought a special memory to new life with your upgraded look and paint. My favorite pieces are those that have special meaning and memories. Your desk is beautiful!!
Love it! You paint the way I do…..leave clothes in the drawers and hope for the best. Although paint always seem to find a home away from the piece being painted!
So lovely. I just love the secretary and can picture it in every room of the house.
Bedroom – displaying quilts. Bathroom – housing beautiful soaps and toiletries & storing towels. Kitchen displaying bowl sets, cake stands etc. Sunroom – displaying cherished treasures….
Your a girl after my own heart. Lol I am the queen of spray paint. I love to the instant change it brings to wicker, metal or wood pieces. I paint so often my husband has mentioned buying me a spray gun and booth. Your secretary looks great, both paint wise and styling.
Really love how this piece turned out. Well done! Now I want to paint something 😊
Your column today prompted a trip down memory lane for me. When I was going up in NY, my mother had a lovely secretary with hutch. I wish I still had it. We moved several times and it got sold in one of our moves. You styled yours beautifully. Great job.
Wow! So glad you posted this! I am just about to chalk paint a dresser, so many helpful tips!
Love chalk paint!
I love how it turned out
love the updated look!
I used to have a secretary similar to this that I just gave away. After seeing this, I wish I could have it back! Fabulous job! Thanks for posting about it.
I chalk painted my corner hutch, easy and a wonderful update .
That turned out so cute! Love it! Thank you for the inspiration!
I enjoy picking up yard sale & thrift store pieces for diy’s and appreciate these tips!
What a great transformation! White is so clean, crisp & refreshing!
Wow, came out amazing
When I first looked at the two color job, I wasn’t sure I liked it. A little bit more time and the final picture sold me on it. The new hardware is a perfect fit!
I’ve sent the on to a friend who has a secretary like this and is wanting to paint it. I really wanted to pin this for myself. Even though it says “PIN IT NOW” I simply can’t. I’ve missed so much because of this.
Hi Peggy!
So glad you like the secretary. You should be able to hover on the image and the little “P” comes up in the top left corner to pin. This is on the image itself, not on the words “Pin It Now”. I can email you a screenshot, as I just did it to test it. However, no worries if that doesn’t work. You can always click on the tan button at the top and bottom of the post that says “Pinterest”. The one at the top is right under the title. That will bring up all the images in the post for you to pin. I hope that helps.
Best,
Lory
I personally love natural wood furniture. I have a hard time painting real wood because I think it is so beautiful. Your desk looks much better in the solid white finish. It is beautiful in your entry.
Thank you! And, yes, most of the pieces I’ve painted were either already painted (usually by my dad) or are not real wood and had cheesy faux finishes on them that I hoped to make more subtle. However I am currently in the process of painting my bedroom set, a decision that took me years to come to. So far I’ve done the nightstands and I’m so glad I did. I think real wood can be beautiful too, but in this case, it’s more about how it looks in the room than what the wood on the piece looks like. I think there’s room for both in every home… 🙂
I love the updated handles!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
I have missed several posts and so glad you linked this in your “Small living room” post! This turned out lovely and I know your Dad would love it too. The hardware is perfect!
This turned out lovely and I know your Dad would love it too. The hardware is perfect!
Sorry to post this again. I was getting a message that I had already commented and it wasn’t posting.
No worries. Always nice to hear from you… 🙂
Thank you! And I think he would too… 😉
I love a nice secretary and your new paint job and hardware turned out great! I also like the new styling.
Thank you, Lynne! I think the styling helps a lot… 😉
I love the feet on that desk. I would keep it even if it wasn’t sentimental. I like your hardware better also, sorry Mom and Dad.
Haha, thanks!! My dad used to paint furniture all the time, so I don’t feel bad at all… 🙂 He’d be proud!
You have inspired me to paint a secretary that belonged to my grandmother and is just sitting in my garage. Thank you !
You’re welcome!! Good luck… 🙂