Paris Chic Secretary

Beth @ MaryBethsPlace
by Beth @ MaryBethsPlace
This secretary desk was given a little bit of "ooh-la-la" using different paint colors, waxes, and silver for bling!
The before "shot" is your typical vintage secretary desk that when I found it had been in a garage for 25 years and was covered with dirt and cobwebs!
I painted the exterior of the desk in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey. I added a ton of character by waxing in clear wax first, and then randomly rubbing dark wax in the details.
The back of the bookshelf was painted in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg, with clear and dark waxes. For a little pop of color and the unexpected, I painted the interior of the desk in Duck Egg as well. Paris Grey and Duck Egg are lovely color combinations!
The original hardware got a little update with Rustoleum Metallic Finish spray. I always seal hardware with a final of coat of clear polyurethane spray for protection.
And to continue with the silver theme, I applied Rub 'n Buff in Silver Leaf to the edges of the insert of the desk. The little drawers were lined in a really pretty paper - that is actually card stock!
This wasn't a quick or an easy makeover! But it sure was a labor of love and I'm so happy with the "Paris Chic" style that transformed this desk!
To see more of this project, please visit my blog at


http://marybethsplaceca.blogspot.com/2015/02/paris-chic-secretary.html
Beth @ MaryBethsPlace
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Teri Sweatman Teri Sweatman on Oct 25, 2017

    Did you take the desk apart before you started and did you paint the inside first or last?

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  • Kyn Kyn on Mar 21, 2015
    I remember my Mom having a piece like this. Never thought to try this treatment.
  • Kathie taylor Kathie taylor on Apr 01, 2015
    Imagine my surprise to see what looks identical to the desk I have. It belonged to my mother-in-law and she is100 years old. The cubby spaces are different....but thats all. Really pretty what you've done with it to make it your own! Great job!!!!
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