DIY: Kate Spade Inspired Desk
Working from home these days has become our new normal. So, I wanted to create a home office that would inspire me creatively. I am a big fan of Kate Spade's designs. Her design style is fun, bold, yet classic. So, as I was scrolling the internet seeking inspiration and I came across the Kate Spade Downing Desk. It was the perfect showpiece for my space, but the cost of the desk exceeded my budget. I decided I would create my own version. Today she has inspired me to revamp a desk similar to the Kate Spade New York Downing Desk released in 2016, view here and here.
First, I had to find a desk
It must have the same shape as the inspired desk, drawers and the legs should be tapered with bracing. After searching the internet for the perfect desk, I thought to myself, why would I buy a desk to make it over. Then a light went off "DING"; source the resale shops.
So the hunt was on. I love resale shops because they have a variety of everything and the price is usually right. I ended up finding the perfect desk at a hotel furniture liquidators store. They had a desk that fit my project needs and my budget, except there was only one drawer instead of three. But for $40, JACKPOT!
Sourcing The Internet For Supplies
I looked at what others had created and I did not want to be bothered with painting a million dots on the desk, so I opted for spotted peel and stick wallpaper. Easy-Peasy!
If you decide to use the wallpaper I used, get someone to help you with adhering the wallpaper to the desk. One person must hold the wallpaper to keep it straight. The other person has to smooth it down with a straight edge. This will eliminate air bubbles under the paper.
First, I cleaned the desk with soap and water. After the desk was cleaned, I started painting the legs black with a semi-gloss paint. It took 30 minutes to an hour to dry in between coats. I used 2 coats of paint.
After the paint was completely dry, I began to measure the desk to see how much paper I was going to need to cover the desk. I started applying the wallpaper with the help of a friend. As my helper was holding and keeping the paper straight, I used the smoothing tool to smooth it out. This keeps air bubbles from forming under the paper.
Instead of spray painting the existing drawer-pull gold, I used gold knobs that I already had. For an extra added touch, I use gold cording to finish it off.
I must say, this has become one of my favorite DIY projects to date. It took about 4 hours to complete, including the time it takes to let the paint dry between coats.
VOILA!
SUPPLIES
- Desk of your choice
- Peel and stick wallpaper, spotted
- 32 oz. Ultra Cover Semi-Gloss Black General Purpose Paint
( I used a 1 quart can or you can spray paint it) - Paintbrush
- Gold hardware for drawer pulls
- Peel and stick spotted wallpaper
- Wallpaper smoothing tool
- Scissors
- 3/16 inch gold cord (about 2 yards) Note: I use this because the type of desk I used had a space to use it.
- Super Glue (gel) (used to glue gold cording)
- And your BFF
