DIY: Desk to Bar

We received some great glassware and other bar accessories from friends and family leading up the wedding, and I hate that I've had to hide them in kitchen cabinets (where storage is already limited). So I've been keeping my eyes open for the perfect piece to refurbish into a bar... and I finally found it! Patience pays off.

This little gem of a secretary desk cost me just $35 on one of those community Facebook yard sale groups.

We have dark floors and dark furniture, so I knew I wanted to lighten this piece up to add some much needed contrast, and with the veneer on the front not in the best shape, I decided chalk paint would be my best bet.

I found a more affordable version of chalk paint, Craie de Terre (legitimately $12 for a huge mason jar), thanks to a friend who'd done her research at Four Seasons Vintage here in Knoxville. I decided on sage, a barely there green that almost could be white.

I picked up some new knobs for $5 at Hobby Lobby and some $6 contact paper at Lowes and got to work!

Before I started cleaning, I decided it would be best to knock out this shelf on the inside, to make more room for glasses. With the help of a hammer and flat head screwdriver, we were on our way to  a bar!

I started with the drawer first, painting it, changing the knobs, and lining it with marble contact paper. 

Then I gave the desk two coats of the chalk paint, but decided to keep the inside of it the original dark stain. 

I am really happy with how this project came out, and for under $60 we have a great new piece of furniture, that is functional for us right now, and can easily be used for something else down the road.