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Repairs and Restorations Top Coats

Restored Side by Side Secretary

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Today, I will share with you a custom restoration of a vintage side by side secretary. With a little time and effort, gorgeous pieces like this can be enjoyed for years to come!

we do custom work!

Recently, one of our clients inherited a gorgeous piece of furniture but it was not in the best condition. Actually, it was headed to the trash heap before she got her hands on it!

After saving it from near demolition, she called us to see if we could restore it. She said she wanted it restored to it’s original finish and we like to keep our clients happy!

Here is the before. Even though it is not the greatest image (screenshot from IG stories!), you can still see that some repairs and replacements had to be made.

 secretary desk before restoration
screeenshot from Instagram stories

We replaced the missing glass in the door with hardware cloth that had been spray painted with Rustoleum Hammered Finish in Chestnut. You can see my process for that type of repair here.

restored vintage side by side secretary desk

prepping and hydrating

The wood was a gorgeous oak with deep, rich warm tones but it was really dry. Hydrating the wood was a necessity but first I had to remove the existing finish so that the hemp oil could soak in. My hubby and I determined that it had been finished with amber toned shellac. Sanding with the Dewalt Orbital Sander loaded with 150 grit sandpaper removed the finish. I did go over the whole surface again using the sander loaded with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

After a good vacuuming and thorough cleaning, I decided to hydrate the wood with Miss Mustard Seed’s Hemp Oil. This is such a great product and each time I use it I love even more! Se how I use it in this post.

restored vintage side by side secretary desk

Since the piece was sanded so well, the hemp oil just soaked right in. By the way, sanding the detail on the drop down desk was a bear! But it was worth it, don’t you think??

secretary desk close up of wood carved detail
 close up of wood carved detail

Wood that is very old, like the beautiful oak that this side by side secretary is made of, can be very dry and almost brittle in the sense that the wood is not as resilient as it once was. This piece had sat in an area of the original owners home that was very sunny. That is hard on a piece of furniture.

The Hemp Oil took care of all that dryness!

secretary desk close up of shelf

easy fixes

A few minor repairs included missing hardware. Our client wanted to keep the original hardware, I mean look at how gorgeous it is!! Can you blame her!

An important repair was to fix the door that wouldn’t stay closed. The door originally had a lock and key but all the pieces did not come with the side by side.

An easy fix is to use a small piece of hand-carved wood and a screw. We stained the oak piece of wood to match the cabinet and then attached it with a brass screw. If you leave the screw loose enough, the piece of wood can be turned. It is a great way to hold a door shut and maintain the vintage feel to a piece of furniture.

secretary desk close up of hardware

Did you notice how we lined it up with the existing shelf? That helps to make it look like it’s always been there. The piece is also the width of the section of the cabinet when it is turned vertical. Hubby out did himself with that detail!

secretary desk close up of handmade door closure

We still had the hole on the door to deal with. The piece that would accommodate the key was missing.

After a bit of digging around in my stash of hardware pieces, I came across this adorable keyhole cover. It was rusted so a good once over with a wire brush cleaned it up nicely! Then I applied a coat of Rub-n-Buff in Grecian Gold.

I think it fits in with the original knobs perfectly!

restored vintage side by side secretary desk close up of hardware and keyhole

You might have noticed that the knob was missing on the drop leaf desk in the previous images. It originally would have had a lock and key to secure the contents of the desk area. We searched for one for this cabinet, but were not so lucky finding a replica that would work with the existing lock on the inside of the drop leaf.

The client wanted to keep the original hardware as much as we were able so back to my stash! I found this vintage glass knob and small gold plate to go behind it. I think it ties in with the original gold knobs!

restored vintage side by side secretary desk detail of glass knob and wood carved detail

a side by side secretary

Let’s take a peak inside the drop leaf desk! But first, see the original lock? That is what we wanted to keep on the piece! Even without a key, it helps to tell the story of this heirloom!

Why is it called a side by side secretary you ask? (Well, maybe you didn’t ask but anyway…..) . A secretary as we know the term today, is

an individual who assists with correspondence, keeps records, makes appointments and carry out similar tasks.

So you can see how this piece of furniture would be called by that name. Kinda like our modern day “at home office.” Only this one is much prettier!

restored vintage side by side secretary desk close up of interior of desk

I love the hardware that helps to hold the drop leaf! I removed it, wire brushed it well and then reattached it to the desk. You can hear it of course, but it makes vintage-y squeaky sound that I love in old furniture!

restored vintage side by side secretary desk close up of hinge

The organizer is removable. I think it is so cute! Beats a plastic desk organizer any day 😉

restored vintage side by side secretary desk close up of interior of desk

in all of her glory!

Isn’t she lovely??? I think I could sit here at this side by side secretary for hours and journal! Can’t you just imagine the lady of the house sitting down each month to pay the bills and keeping track of their household expenses?? Or maybe taking time to write a real letter to a friend??

Our client is going to use this as a display piece in her home. We know she will get years of enjoyment from this family heirloom!

restored vintage side by side secretary desk

If you are local to Greenwood, Delaware and need custom work for an heirloom piece you own, just send us an email! cindyatreinventeddelawaredotcom . We would love to help restore your treasures!

Follow along for more restored and reinvented projects on Instagram and Facebook! Pin this and share it with your friends! Pinterest is a great way to save and share ideas!

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Comments

  1. Kim @Serving Up Southern says

    June 1, 2019 at 7:23 am

    Hi Cindy!
    This side by side secretary turned out beautiful! I love how you and Steve pay so much attention to detail. I will have to research Rub-n-Buff, I’ve never heard of that. I know your client must be thrilled!

    Reply
    • Cynthia Gayle says

      June 1, 2019 at 7:29 am

      Thanks my friend! The Rub n Buff is soooooo easy to use and it does a wonderful job on vintage hardware without the spray painted look! It seems pricey for the size but you only use a dab!

      Reply
  2. Karen Wilcox says

    January 13, 2021 at 5:37 pm

    Hello Cindy,
    What beautiful work! What color/brand of stain did you use? I have a number of oak pieces that I want to refinish and avoid the “orangey” look, and this is just what I want. Just wish I lived in your area so I could have you do it!

    Reply
    • Cynthia Gayle says

      January 13, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      Hi Karen! Thanks for stopping by! I sanded this cabinet down to bare wood and then applied Miss Mustard Seed Hemp Oil over the whole piece. This post will show you how MMS white wax can curb the orange tones of some woods! Click this link https://www.reinventeddelaware.com/how-to-white-wax-dark-furniture/ Thanks for stopping by! And if you lived closer, I would certainly refinish your treasured pieces!!😊😊

      Reply

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    February 9, 2021 at 3:07 pm

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Welcome to Reinvented Delaware - where the old becomes new. I'm Cindy, wife to my wonderful husband Steve, mother of our four children and our furry son, Elmo. We share tutorials of our reinvented projects so you can do them at home! Sit back and be inspired to reinvent and repurpose home decor for your home!

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Cindy 🔨 Reinvented Delaware
Have you ever wondered how to recover a chair seat Have you ever wondered how to recover a chair seat with a creative twist??
🤓 No, you say, you've never wondered that?? 
🤪 Ok, so I'm weird because I've wondered that!
😍 But I can guarantee you are going to LOVE how this vanity chair turned out!
👉 You can see just how I did this makeover over on my blog at www.ReinventedDelaware.com/how-to-recover-a-chair-seat/
The link is in my profile! 🔗🔗
❓Did you ever use a vanity stool back in the day?? Let's chat about it in the comments!
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It's a rainy day in Delaware today and in my book It's a rainy day in Delaware today and in my book that sounds like the perfect day for a cup of tea! And this tea cart is ready to it up!
🫖 This tea cart was dark and old but not in the cool kind of way. Sorry, no before shots!
🖌 A little Fusion Paint in Goddess Ashwagandha was all it needed to give it a fresh look! (isn't that the longest paint color name you've ever heard of??)
🖌 The body was painted with two coats of Fusion and then I used a wash of the same paint to "stain" the top.  Clear coated in General Finishes High Performance Flat for a waxed look with more protection!
🖌 The body was painted with two coats of Fusion and then I used a wash of the same paint to "stain" the top.  Clear coated in General Finishes High-Performance Flat for a waxed look with more protection!
😀 I purchased the paint from my sweet friend Annie at Simply Chic Furniture! Her service is top notch!! 
➡️ This piece is available for purchase! Send me a DM and we can chat about it!
😊 Are you team tea or team coffee on a rainy day??
If you know me, then you know I love to sew. 😃 If you know me, then you know I love to sew.
😃 It all started when I was nine and my older sister let me have the "privilege" of ripping out her badly stitched seams on her projects.  Haha!
🪡 Anyway, no harm done here, I still love to sew! 
👩🏻‍🏫 In fact, I can teach you how to create a unique look for an upholstered wooden chair!
Join me on my blog and look for this post: 
https://www.reinventeddelaware.com/chair-makeover-ideas-vanity-stool/
Who loves vintage furniture and home decor? 😃 I Who loves vintage furniture and home decor?
😃 I know I sure do!  But most times I want it to look a bit better.
😊 We are sharing how we make all those vintage goodies just a bit better over on our blog! Come on over and I'll show you how!
🥳 And did I mention, these tutorials are FREE!!!!
😍 Who doesn't love that?? www.reinventeddelaware.com
I cannot wait for you to see this makeover!! 😄 I cannot wait for you to see this makeover!!
😄 It's super cute, super farmhousey, and super easy!
💻 Be sure to hop over to my blog for the details!
🔗 The link is in my profile!
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#customfurniture
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Furniture makeovers are just plain fun! The ideas Furniture makeovers are just plain fun! The ideas are endless!
🖥️ Over on my blog this week, I am sharing a couple of makeover ideas.
🖌️ You'll see what milk paint can do, what a little reupholstery can do, and what a little cushion can do for this gorgeous pair of Italian-made caned chairs!
🇮🇹 Yes, Italian made!
👉 Swipe through to see a bit of what I am talking about. And then hop over to my blog to see the full reveal of these chairs!
🔗 Link is in my profile
www.ReinventedDelaware.com
***chairs are available for purchase! DM for details!

#farmhousedecorating
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Let's share some of our goals with each other! I' Let's share some of our goals with each other!  I'll share one and you can share one too!
✔ One of my goals this year is about my business.  I want to do more by doing less.
✔ What I mean by that is I want to continue to be productive with projects for our vendor spot and by offering you free tutorials on our blog without feeling so overwhelmed all the time.
❓How can I accomplish that goal?  By improving my time management and setting work hours.
😜 Simple, yes. Easy, no
🙃 But I am determined each day to not cram my schedule so full that I can't possibly do it all.
🚗 That's a tough one for me. I tend to write a to-do list like I am packing a car for a trip -- just one more thing can fit in the trunk!
↪ Now it's your turn!  Share one of your tangible goals for this year and how you plan to accomplish it!  Let's cheer each other onward!!
**if you are local and interested in these chairs, you can find them at Wilderlove Handmade & Vintage #thrifter 
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Several weeks ago, I asked your opinion about fabr Several weeks ago, I asked your opinion about fabric selection for a pair of caned chairs I have been working on.⁣
😜 Do you remember? Or if you're like me, so much has happened since then, you have completely forgotten!!⁣
🙄 Ahhh, to have a memory again!!⁣
➡ Anyway, you can see which fabric won the poll! Hop over to my blog today and see how I used fabric to flip this gorgeous pair of chairs!⁣
🔗 The tutorial is on my blog at www.ReinventedDelaware.com and the link is in my bio!⁣
😍 Golly, send me a DM and I'll send you the link directly!!⁣
*⁣
*⁣
*⁣
P.S.  If you are local and interested in purchasing this gorgeous pair of chairs, send me a DM and we can chat about it!!
What in the world am I doing with this fabric you What in the world am I doing with this fabric you ask??
😃 Watch my stories today to find out!
😃 And I need your help with this project too! 
😃 You’ll see what I need help with in my stories!!
Broken chair seats are part of the adventure when Broken chair seats are part of the adventure when restoring thrifted and vintage furniture.⁣
😜 It certainly isn't glamorous like painting a chair, but it still needs to be done at times!⁣
➡ On my blog today, I am showing you one way to make a repair to a chair and save it from the salvage pile!!⁣
🔗 The link is in my profile 🙂 www.ReinventedDelaware.com⁣
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Today on the blog I am sharing our top post of 202 Today on the blog I am sharing our top post of 2020.  Hop on over to ReinventedDelaware.com!  There might be something you want to learn about too!
❓That brings me to a question -- What do you want to see more of here on the socials and over on my blog?
➡ Is there a project you want to learn about?
➡ Need to know the best way to prep furniture for painting??
➡ Do you want to see more of our home and how we decorate with our vintage farmhouse style?
☺️ Let me know in the comments!  We would love to dive into the projects YOU want to learn about!!
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#farmhouseinspired
#vintagefarmhouse
#farmhousehappy
#farmhousevintage
#paintedfurniturelove
#farmhousechic
#antiquefurniture
#vintagehomedecor
#vintageinspiration
#zibrapainting
#milfordde
#milforddelaware
#lewesde
#lewesdelaware
#doverde
#doverdelaware
#delawarebeaches
#greenwoodde
#wilderlovestore
#reinventeddelaware
Do you have a word that you want to focus on this Do you have a word that you want to focus on this year?
🙏 Last year, my word was 'surrender', and boy, did I learn a lot about surrendering!
🕊️ This year my word is 'hope' and I am hoping to learn a lot this year too.
📖 When I looked up the definition of hope, Siri said, "a feeling of trust."
🧐 The only part that I disagree with is the word 'feeling.' I believe it is more of a choice we make than a feeling we feel.
🔄 What words come to your mind when you hear the word 'hope?' Share with me, I'm adding these definitions and words to my journal! Let me know your word for this year too!
⚫
⚫
BTW, you can see more of my bullet journal over on my blog today.  www.ReinventedDelaware.com  Link is in my profile.

#bujo#bujomonthly#bulletjournallove#bulletjournalideas#bulletjournalcommunity#bulletjournalinspo#bulletjournals#plannersetup#plannerspread#plannersociety#plannersgottaplan#organizationideas#smallbusinesstips#creativeliving#creativecommunity#christiancreative#reinventeddelaware
This is my office assistant. She keeps me on task This is my office assistant.  She keeps me on task and tells me what to do each day.⁣
😜 I honestly couldn't accomplish all that we do here at Reinvented Delaware without her.⁣
😍 She is always there for me, she tracks our massive pile of inventory that stills needs to be reinvented and she never calls in sick or takes a vacation day either.⁣
💲She is very underpaid.⁣
➡ If you want to take a peek inside my Bullet Journal, today's blog post is for you!  I open this journal and show you how I keep track of all the things necessary for a small business like ours.⁣
🖥 Hop over to my bio and click the link.  That will take you right to the blog post! www.ReinventedDelaware.com⁣
❓ How do you keep track of all the things in your life??? Do you keep a planner or do you wing it?  I would love to know about it!!
How's your January going so far?⁣ 👷‍♀️ How's your January going so far?⁣
👷‍♀️ We are still getting back into the swing of things.⁣
🎄 Our Christmas decor is still up.⁣
👖 And my jeans are a bit snug.⁣
🍪 And the cookies are all gone.⁣
😃 Just being real here! Let me know how your January is going in the comments!⁣
❓Have you gotten back into the swing of things? Are our holiday decorations still up?  Are your jeans snug?? Do you still have cookies??⁣
🤗 Thanks in advance for being real here!!⁣
#bujo#bujomonthly#bulletjournallove#bulletjournalideas#bulletjournalcommunity#bulletjournalinspo#bulletjournals#plannersetup#plannerspread#plannersociety#plannersgottaplan#organizationideas#smallbusinesstips#creativeliving#creativecommunity#christiancreative#reinventeddelaware
Remember the caned chairs we have been working on? Remember the caned chairs we have been working on?
🖌Last time you saw them, they were painted in Miss Mustard Seed milk paint ‘Artissimo’
 💙Today, they are getting all dressed up with some gorgeous Grainsack style fabric from @sweetannieacres 
😃 Stay tuned this week as I make cushions for the seats and add an upholstered back!
🪑I might even throw in some surprise lumbar pillows!
🥰Do you love caned furniture like me??
With all that is happening in our country, can I s With all that is happening in our country, can I suggest we pray.
For the police officers.
For the political leaders.
For the press.
For the bystanders.
For the protesters.
For our nation.
🇺🇸
Happy and Blessed New Year to you!! From all of us Happy and Blessed New Year to you!! From all of us at Reinvented Delaware, we wish you a blessed and joyous New Year!⁣
from Cindy, Steve, and Barkly
We would like to thank you for supporting our busi We would like to thank you for supporting our business in 2020.  This year has been challenging and difficult for so many people.  And so many businesses have suffered and some have even had to shut down.⁣
🙏 There go I but by the grace of God.⁣
🤗 We are humbled that you chose to support us and hire us to work on your treasured pieces.⁣
😘 Thank you.⁣
😊 We really have no words other than to say we are grateful that you came alongside our business and supported us. ⁣
💙 You shared our posts.⁣
💙 You liked and commented on what we share here.⁣
💙 You watched our YouTube videos.⁣
💙 You read our blog tutorials.⁣
🤗 Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.  You helped to keep our business going and even thriving in 2020.⁣
🤩 We looked forward to serving you in the coming year.⁣
😘 Whether it be refinishing a treasured heirloom or teaching you how to reinvent pieces through our blog or you finding just the right piece of reinvented home decor for your home, we look forward to serving you in the New Year!
We are having a little fashion show of sorts over We are having a little fashion show of sorts over on the blog today!
☃️ Hop on over for a little view of the runway!
☃️ We have some special guests that want to show off their outfits to you! www.ReinventedDelaware.com
🔗 Link is in my bio or DM me for the link!
**
⭐Did you spot a 3-star general in the lineup??

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Do you have a spot to sit down and put your winter Do you have a spot to sit down and put your winter boots on?⁣
This is our spot, it sits next to our back entryway.⁣
We kept the Christmas decorations simple because it's a busy spot!⁣
Want to see more of our Christmas decor in our home? Hop over to my blog and I will share with you some of the details! www.ReinventedDelaware.com The link is in my bio! Or DM me and I'll send it right to you!
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