Four Color & Paint Options For My Studio Desk
I had such a great day yesterday! I had my usual lunch with my mom and brother, but we were joined by two more people who aren’t usually at our table. One of those people was one of my dearest friends from Houston, and we talked and laughed from noon until about 10:00pm last night. It was just what I needed after the previous highly stressful, emotional, exhausting, and difficult day and night with Matt. So I felt refreshed, invigorated, and ready to hit the ground running today on my final studio projects.
After reading all of your comments and suggestions about my studio desk, I’ve realized that instead of only two different options, I have four different options for the colors and paint choices. So thanks for that. 😀 Just kidding. I do love options, so I need to think through this a little more.
As a refresher (or if you’re new around here), my desk will be sitting in front of these cabinets…
And my desk, which started out with a black base and a dark stained wood top, is getting a bit of a makeover to lighten up the look and give it a carved leaf panel detail on the sides…
If you missed that post, you can check it out here: Studio Desk Makeover – Part 1.
So again, after reading your comments, I made note of the different suggestions for paint and color combination options that I liked, and that I’m now considering. They are…
All white with small gold accents
This was one of my original options, and I still really like it. I think a white desk would lighten up the area, and lighten up the look of my rather large desk.
I really like the look of this Kelley Desk from Ballard Designs.
And I also like this Margaret desk from Ballard Designs. I especially like the gold feet on the legs.
Gold Base With White Top
I think this is a classic look. It’s simple, elegant, classic, and would go great in my studio. Here’s an example from Homary.
This desk from Walmart has an additional gold detail on the white desktop, which I really like.
So those are the to options that I already had in mind, but here are the two additional options I’m considering after ready the comments on yesterday’s post…
White Base Wood Top
I hadn’t even considered this option because I’ve grown to really dislike the current dark stained wood top that is on the desk right now, so I was wanting to head in a totally different direction. But I don’t have to do a stained top. I could order a piece of walnut veneer, and just use it in its natural color like I did on the vanities and cabinet in our bathroom. That would eliminate that dark, heavy, fake stained look, and would add more natural wood warmth to the room. It would look more like this Keliah dining table from Wayfair.
I really love that idea, but obviously, I wouldn’t be able to finish it over this next weekend because I’d have to wait for the walnut veneer to arrive. But the wait might be worth it! It would definitely be easier to care for than a painted surface. And it would carry the warmth of my antique walnut woven window shades into another part of the room, which I like.
And the final option is…
Gold Base With A (Faux) Marble Top
I do love marble, but I don’t love the price. And my desk is quite large (32″ x 60″), so I’d be paying regular price (as opposed to remnant prices) for a piece of marble that size. But I have painted a faux marble finish before (on our living room coffee table, which you can see here) with great success, if I do say so myself. 😀 And of course, I’d love to try it again.
I think my faux marble on our coffee table is prettier than this faux marble on this dining table, but this dining table from Povison shows what it looks like with a gold base.
So those are the four options. My favorite at this very moment is actually the white base with the walnut top, but I was so exited about the prospect of finishing this desk makeover in the next couple of days. The idea of having to wait for walnut veneer to arrive doesn’t thrill me, but I do have other projects that I can work on while I wait. I still have trim that needs to be installed and finished, and two doors that need to be painted. So those things could keep me busy this weekend while I wait for veneer.
I know several people suggested different ways of highlighting the leaf detail on the sides of the desk. I did consider those suggestions, but in the end, I decided that I prefer the leaf cutout to be a subtle detail that is painted the same color as the rest of the base rather than having it stand out as a highlighted detail. So I’ll definitely be painting all of the base one color. I’m just not 100% sure right now if that color will be white or gold. I know for sure that it won’t be black. Or eggplant. Or any other dark color. 🙂
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
White base, wood top. Simple. Classic. Wood top should pick up the woodtone countertops and window blinds.
White base and wood top!
White with walnut top
I love the white base with walnut top, clean and elegant!
I vote for the desk with walnut top and white legs. It ties in with your window coverings.
Yes, the walnut top would bring the wood element into the room in a lovely way. White base (the room’s trim color) and the walnut top sounds wonderful.
I am indecisive on a specific version on the gut check. On the light and bright want. A white base may blend in the painted floor too much when you do want the leaves to show. On that, the gold base with faux marble top fits best. Mostly, to let the leaves sing/show.
If this version doesn’t work out. It feels like you’ll come across a better piece later or inspiration and just go for it then.
White base, wood top
Wow! Everyone seems to favor the white base with walnut top. I didn’t think I’d like the gold base with white top until I saw the examples you posted. I like that option better than the white base with walnut top. Then I saw I the gold base and marble top and that one takes my breath away!
I vote for 1 or 3.
Wow – my feelings about the gold base with the marble top!! So pretty! And feminine! That’s my vote!
I like the idea of the walnut veneer for the top. The white base blends in and is not as blocking visually as the black is. I am drawn to having the leaf motif stand out. If it was gold, it would truly be a “gold leaf”. It would also be a point of interest in the room.
I have followed you for some time now and get the feeling that you are slowing yourself down by re-doing so many things that were already done. I would like to see more finishing up and then tweak what you have. Everything you do affects everything else in a given room. I would feel very stressed having to go back and re-finish something I’d already done because I was having second thoughts. Get the stuff done that will be with you forever like walls, windows, door, floors, etc. The things you can’t replace at Walmart, as a friend once told me. Then comes the “decorations” like furniture, wall decor, fixtures, etc.
You have done an amazing job on your house considering that you are a care-provider as well. Not an easy combo. Most people can’t handle care-giving and normal daily chores around the house. I’m glad you are taking some time out with mental health with friends and family! Don’t forget . . . you have a giant herd of supporters behind you, cheering you on!
Beautiful and reasonable comment, Crystal.
I like the gold base, faux marble top option. I would be worried about the wood veneer top clashing with the wood look of the countertops, especially since the desk will be directly in front of one of the counters. To me, the wood finishes would either need to be exactly the same or drastically different to look right in the room. Otherwise, it might look like you tried to match them but missed the mark. Marble, on the other hand, would be a clearly intentional and beautiful contrast to the wood countertops. Just my opinion; I know whatever you do will look great! 🙂
I forgot to mention, if you’re worried about ease of care, you could use resin instead of paint to make the faux marble look, or at least coat the painted (or stained wood, if you go that route) top in clear resin.
I find each option attractive. But with all the color and pattern surrounding the desk (and under it, too), I’m leaning with the majority toward the white base/veneered top. It edges out the faux-marble top because I think the faux-marble would show stains, scratches and dings more easily and be harder to keep looking pretty.
I think my favorite is still white desk, wood or marble like top, and gold leaves to stand out. Having trouble picturing it, but I love that leaf pattern you bought so much…love to see an elevation in the color scheme to Gold. Whatever you decide, I think it will be lovely…and look very much a part of your studio. So happy that you had such a wonderful day yesterday…you needed a break from everything. Hope the weekend is productive and exciting to you.
You could do real marble tiles and use the gold gold trim pieces for the grout for the hood detail on top and real marble. Wouldn’t be that expensive.
Tile on a desk top???
I’ve seen this done. I haven’t seen it on a desktop, specifically, but it could work. The idea is to use really large tiles to minimize grout lines, place the tiles up against each other to minimize grout lines even further and give the look of a solid piece of marble. Since large scale marble tiles generally aren’t beveled on the edges, placing them close with no grout lines really can give the illusion of a solid piece of marble. I’ve seen it done in kitchens where people didn’t have the budget for a solid piece of marble, and it looks really pretty, and results in a smooth surface.
You could out a piece of plexi over it. Or glass. So yes. It’s not that far-fetched.
I love the white base with the walnut top.
I love the look look of the example of the desk from Homary. You could do a solid white faux marble top like your coffee table. Your desk top is thicker than your coffee table and would look really nice done with white faux marble. With the desk base being all gold I think this would be an outstanding looking desk in your studio. Also, seems to me the faux marble would be easier to do your work on than a painted surface.
It seems to me if the desk top was stained dark, or had dark veneer, that would take away from the cabinets being so beautiful behind the desk. The white desk top would look good, and the cabinet would still be highlighted behind the desk from any direction of your studio.
White base wood top to match blinds and your counter top. Even if it means you can’t finish it this week.
Because this is a workspace the wood top is the most practical. (I would put a protective coat on top, for sure.) It pulls in the warmth of the shades, for one thing. The white top, including the marble option, would be great for a lady’s delicate small writing desk but this desk will need to be practical for how you work. Tough enough to handle whatever lands on top of it when you want to get right to the project.
I love the decorative leaves and your solution for attaching them. Great idea.
White with walnut top
I like the gold base and either white or the color of the existing countertops. Thanks for asking us!
Walnut top with white base and gold accents! Gold hardware would be subtle and very classy addition. I also think the walnut would be a better work surface as opposed to white because of light reflecting off the white top would cause eye strain.
If you go with a white top or the wood veneer, I would like gold base. My fave is the white top, but could you do it in laminate instead of paint? It would be super smooth and easy to clean.
I love the wood top with white base! Fantabulous!! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
I’m going to buck the trend here and suggest the all-white with small gold accents option!
Great find, love the leaf design! My favorite is either the wood look on the top, with whilte base or white top with wood look on the bottom base. Your first inclination is always the best! You may doubt your first choice, but in the end, it’s always functional and beautiful!!
Hi Kristi. I like the white base and wood top look. And if you want a touch of gold, the gold on the feet looks good.
In a review of those on our prayer list this is the reply I got for you and Matt:
I am going to keep them on the list. I knew
someone who had MS. They both need our
prayers
Brenda
You are on the permanent list.
God bless
Linda
Thank you, Linda! We’ll take all the prayer we can get.
Glad you had so much fun with your friends. A good time brings everything back to “normal”. I like the white legs and the walnut top. What did you decide?
I just love the gold base with any of the table tops. How about using the same laminate that is on your countertop. You wouldn’t have to wait for it and it is durable and easy to replace or repair if need be.