Since moving to South Carolina, my focus has been on updating my new house at least to a point where we would feel good in each room. I am happy to report that we just completed one of the bigger updates – the powder room makeover that Ed started last week as a surprise to me. It is mostly done except for a few touch-ups.
Oh my goodness, it turned out better than I imagined and the best part…we used mostly items we already had to keep the cost down. I will post all about it next week along with two other projects that have been keeping me busy behind the scenes here on my blog.
Today I want to share a smaller project with you.
Before I moved, I was thinking a lot about the color pink for my studioffice.
In my previous studioffice I had made a pink and white skirt for the sewing machine table and added new pink magazine files from IKEA to the bookcases. I had planned to also paint the armoire that I call my “crafts cabinet” a shade of pink.
Those plans got put on the back burner when we decided to move while I had to focus my time and energy on all that was needed to do to get through selling a house and moving.
Now that it has been one year since we made the decision to move and we are pretty much settled and have done some needed updates and renovations to our new house. I am happy that I am able to get back into getting some smaller and creative projects completed to share with you besides big renovations and makeovers.
One of these projects is to paint this desk that was left by the previous owner of the house. It was in an upstairs closet. We moved it and cut the top to fit in my studioffice. I no longer need my previous sewing machine table since I can place my sewing machine on the desk. It gives me much more space to work when I take on a sewing project now.
As you can see, I have a pile of drapes to still get sewn together for the sliding glass doors in the living room and kitchen. I plan to use the pink cow print tablecloth fabric to make a new cover for the chair and a cover for the sewing machine when not in use.
I want to paint the armoire pink. I did strip one of the drawers over a year ago to see if I liked the color of the wood, I didn’t, so at least I found that out and knew I would go forward with painting it. I primed the stripped drawer so all is ready to be painted.
I have looked at dozens of pink paint chips from many different paint companies, but the lighting in the room, muddies most of the colors.
I want the color to look as fresh and clean as the peonies on my desk.
I found the color I liked best in a craft paint bottle. I am going to make chalk paint out of it using a new recipe and paint the armoire pink.
When many of us will be seeing red, white, and blue this upcoming 4th of July weekend. I will be seeing Pink….stay tuned.
Karen Jared says
My granddaughter wants to paint a desk pink for her bedroom. It is currently black. What paint do you suggest? Will I need to strip it before I paint over the black?
Divya says
Love the pink colour palette played with so beautifully. Great design style :) Playing around with shades of pink to add a feminine touch is really fun. http://bit.ly/2y24AqT
Linda Weeks says
Wow, pink! It wouldn’t work for me, as I am a drab colors type, but I know it will work for you! And your spaces seem so open, I think pink could just work! The peonies are so pretty, so I imagine all will coordinate perfectly! My color scheme is drab olive green, black, another shade of green, and black, more greens, and some white. It looks like an underwater turtle pond. I like it though.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Linda – That is what personal style is all about. Loving what you like and confident in your choices. It is why I named my blog, In My Own Style. Feeling good about doing things your way. You are lucky you know what makes you feel good. Many people are still searching. :-)
Jason McCoy says
I like the way you organized your room. I looks inspiring and and creative. Keep going it looks like you know best what are you doing. Hope pink closet will be perfect.
Sharron Walt says
Anticipating seeing the powder room re-try! I so trust you give us your new chalk paint formula soon.
Celia Landry says
I cant wait to see how that old closet would like in pink. It is fantastic , I love several pieces of those Victorian old stuff in new houses. They look stylish.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Ceila – I am excited to get the armoire painted. I think it will be perfect color. I will post about it once I get it complete.
Nick Mayers says
Hi Diane, I just adore how you organize stuff and colors. That vintage white closet looks perfect in your room, everything looks like barbie house. You have similar style to my daughters. I was renovating her room month ago and we trow all kids furniture and bought new one white with pink details. Personally I prefer natural wood color and leather, but for my daughter I am designing as she wish.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Nick – That is the spirit I love to hear, letting one choose their own style. I bet your daughter loves her room. :-)
Joyce says
I used Sherwin Williams VENUS PINK
throughout my home…when I built it in 2004
Just retouched in the last two years, leaving the same color
Diane Henkler says
Hi Joyce – Love the name…I will check the color out. It is nice when you find a color you like.
Vanessa says
I love it and I can’t wait to see what color you picked out.
Mary Heicher says
Personally I like the center one.
Love pink thought to do my daughters bath in pale pink, but was voted down, :o(
lol, I’ve been looking for a new suit, I’ve lost so much mine is starting to sag.
Think I’ll check their site out. Thanks for the tip. Hve a wonderful day.
Sheryll $ Critters. says
Looking forward to seeing the powder room redo! I so hope you give us your new chalk paint recipe soon.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Sheryll – I will be posting it soon. :-)
Helena Dias says
Pink is my favorite color. Love what you have done with the house so far.
Catherine says
Pink Is my most favorite color and has been all my life. I’m going to love your armoire when you’re done, I just know it! Thanks for all your good tips, Diane. You are soooo easy to follow. :-)
Diane Henkler says
Hi Catherine – Thanks :-) I love what I do and it makes me happy that what I write about is easy to follow for others.
Jan Loehr says
Hi Diane…you continue to amaze us by being unendingly creative in all your projects, both large and small! Your new home will be a showplace by the time you are done with everything! Looking forward to seeing the unfolding projects one at a time!!
Vikki says
I guessed wrong. I thought you would say you were going to paint your desk. I like the idea of the armoire much better. I know you love white but I agree you could use some color in your studio. Your desk chair will look so amazing covered in the pink cow print. I always loved that print. Can’t wait to see the remodeled bathroom and I hope the stairs and foyer will be the other reveals soon. Vikki in VA
Dottie says
I love pink! I can’t wait to see the end result. :)
Zovesta says
Pink!! My favourite colour. :D I recognize some of those paint samples from when I was trying to decide which shade to paint my room (P.S. I went with Cotton Candy by Olympic and it’s /so/ beautiful!!), lol. I can’t wait to see your armoire. :D
Diane Henkler says
Hi Zovesta – I love the color Cotton Candy, but in the light of the room the armoire is in, it looked much greyer than I wanted. Outside in the normal light it is a perfect pink.
Mary Coakley says
I am not a fan of pink but I love what you have done its light,bright and airy.I enjoy your blog.
Carla says
Ahhh…pink. My favorite! You are lucky to have a space designated for you and what you love. :)
Mary C says
When you are ready to share your new recipe for chalk paint, I am interested in hearing about it. I have recently started dabbling in making my own chalk paint. Love, love, love it! I, too, am working on decorating a studioffice. So many decisions! :)
Diane Henkler says
Hi Mary – I am painting the armoire with the new recipe. So far so good. I will post it soon.
Carla says
Love all the projects Diane.
Melissa Leach says
I LOVE pink as well. I even have a Pinterest page titled Pinkalicious! I have never envisioned pink as the color of a large armoire. It will become a statement piece for sure :) Can’t wait to see it. I can imagine your sewing desk in a shinny white lacquer! Have fun, get outside and enjoy the lake this weekend.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Melissa – I just followed your Pinterest board Pinkalilicious. Love it! :-) I plan on doing exactly what you thought, painting the sewing desk in high gloss white and maybe some pretty new drawer pulls. Maybe then when it is just my style I will have the inspiration to get all the drapes piled on it finally sewn!
Elaine Williams says
I love that armoire! What a cool piece. What I don’t like are the draw pulls – not a fan of anything Early American — but I am sure once you put your magic touch to this project it will look fab! BTW – I like the big renovations and make overs as much as the smaller projects. All of it is fun to watch and read about.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Elaine – I have never been a fan of the pulls either, they are too ornate for my style. They are the original to the piece. I did change out the knobs on the doors to glass many years ago, but have not found drawer pulls that I liked enough to change them. Maybe when it is pink, I will find just the right ones. Happy to hear that you like to see both big and small projects. I never know if readers like all types of projects or prefer just one type.
Christina in FL says
Oh Diane, I love your space! And the pinks you chose are warm pinks which I adore. :) I also adore your sewing machine, it is fabulous!
Have tons of fun in your new place and space!!!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Christina – Thanks – The sewing machine was Ed’s maternal grandmother’s. It became mine when we got married. It is a slant needle Singer 301 from the early 1950’s. I have had it for 33 years and it has never failed me yet. It works perfectly and is easy to use. No bells or whistles to break down. The only thing I have had to replace is the rubber wheel that is needed when winding bobbin thread.
Christina in FL says
Hi Diane, I wasn’t sure of the Singer model. I knew it wasn’t a 401A (I used to have 2). They are magnificent machines and you clearly enjoy it. :)))
Create on! :))
liz says
Pink! I love it. Lately I cant get enough hot pink/raspberry pink in my clothes and surroundings. Looking forward to the reveal.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Liz – I just bought a raspberry pink colored bathing suit cover up on QVC. The color is delicious! :-) I bought one for my twin sister too. I know she will love it.
Liz says
:)