Ep. 16 Amazing RESTORATION of a Vintage Mid Century Desk

[@barbsfaceliftjourney]

Absolutely Beautiful

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! 😊

[@maureenedonovan9935]

Beautiful

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Squirrels are very protective of their territories, aren’t they! Just another day in the life of our favourite healthcare worker-come-furniture restorer (that’s a bit of a mouthful!) Just another ordinary ugly duckling transformation into an elegant swan! Nothing special to see here…..move along folks. I’m still amazed at how you do it every time! Don’t stop! ❤🦘

[@lindakinzer6698]

That desk is beautiful, Barry. I’m a baby-boomer and have a very special attachment to MCM pieces of all kinds. I especially loved the stain color you chose for the desk. I think I enjoyed the short segment on your Grampa’s axes just as much! It enriches our lives to be able to connect with those we have loved.

[@MadCityModern]

Hi Linda. I really enjoyed reading your message. Thank you for supporting the channel. I actually started a second channel last week, Mad City Restorations, because I have so many tools that I have inherited from both grandfathers and my father. Thanks again. Barry

[@elenatomicich2901]

Love it

[@danjoe22]

That desk now looks rich and expensive. It continues to amaze me what you are able to do.

[@deborahschipper1520]

I lived the tribute to yourGranfather's axes. Such a touching memory! Wish I had more from my grand parents.

[@MadCityModern]

They are very special to me

[@maryalicemaca1266]

It looks BETTER than the original!

[@MadCityModern]

I am using this desk at the moment : )

[@melindaostergren8115]

2 things I noticed that really speak to your character: you answer all the comments you thanked everyone whose Amazon gifts you used. The names on the blue tape is such a nice thing to do. And

[@MadCityModern]

Hi Melinda. It is getting more difficult to answer every comment but I am so close to being caught up. I could not do any of this without support. Thank you for mentioning this. Barry

[@mrs.pattiderge6743]

Wow, nicely done!

[@cynthiatucker7040]

The imperfections is what make a project piece like this truly your own. Nothing and no one in this world is perfect. We are all perfectly imperfect.

[@Bob-mk4cd]

You took me back to the days when my father built and restored furniture.

[@MadCityModern]

I love this. Thank you Bob

[@jessicabuck-daniel2160]

I have never seen anyone scrap finish off like you do. They usually use a stripper. Nice work as always! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@MadCityModern]

Scraping is so relaxing for me when it's possible. Barry

[@Spike-ck5tj]

You've brought out the beauty of the wood from what was a bland piece of furniture.👏

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@carmenpadilla3818]

When you restored the axes it not only shows respect for your Grandfather but the love that you have for his memory. The desk came out just beautiful and your workmanship is quite astonishing and remarkable as you mention that you are not perfect, but then again who is? Oh!!, yes!! Jesus is perfect and he is also was a carpenter

[@MadCityModern]

I love how you understand the sentimental value behind these projects

[@dove5729]

You could never disappoint!

[@MadCityModern]

Wow. Thank you

[@cherylacampora670]

OH, that desk is gorgeous! Love the squirrels, too!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@OnlyLT]

Another wow! The restoration is actually so much more beautiful than the original. Wonderful job!! 👏🏻

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! 😊

[@sandrawest2105]

The old saying that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure is so spot on. That desk is a prize! You did a great job on it. So, enjoy! Peace 💫

[@MadCityModern]

True!

[@dianeadams9537]

FANTASTIC AXES!!! 💖💖💖💖💖 MAKING KINDLING FOR FIREBUILDING IS ENJOYABLE!!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Diane!

[@awr2217]

The desk looks great. I've always been partial to silver, chrome, and nickel hardware. After watching this episode and seeing how wonderful brass colored hardware looks with the candle light gel stain I will definitely considered brass in the future. Love the show.

[@heathergustafson4237]

Always use the original if possible! ALWAYS

[@nancyanneberg403]

I realize this is 5 months later that I see it. So healing to see a piece bring transformed to new life. Gives me hope that should one work on oneself with the same care....... Thank you

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you, Nancy. Barry

[@confusedandsleepless]

The darker, richer stain really accentuates the style of the desk & gives it a more sophisticated look! You chopping wood to start a fire caught me off guard - I thought for a second you got frustrated w/the project & chopped up the desk! 😮😅

[@patboudotlamot]

très bon travail

[@deborahschipper1520]

The desk is beautiful. I would be proud to have it in my home! It is good to keep some that you male over! You deserve to spoil yourself! Congratulations and well done!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Deborah. I have kept most of the pieces but I am running out of space.

[@ifga16]

Cameras and Corsairs, a perfect decor for this great restoration. Comment from a retired Navy Photographer's Mate.

[@MadCityModern]

This message really has some depth. Thank you so much for sharing this. Barry

[@graceamerican3558]

Your grandfather would be proud that you restored his axe. ❤️ Love the desk. I like how you thank people for the donations. The tape- that’s cute.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Grace. I am always grateful for the support and that's the best way I know to thank each individual. Thank you for the wonderful comment. Barry

[@dochubbell]

I watch your videos not because I like the Mid-Century style of furniture. I watch because you do such thorough detailed work that your projects end up looking like they just came off a showroom floor, (aka, brand new). Bravo on this one.

[@MadCityModern]

This means so much to me

[@Thomas-xt1ff]

This piece of furniture turned out beautiful.

[@cathybenson5119]

Wow. It looks lovely. Nice colour. Your special guests are so cute. Lol. 😄😄🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@MadCityModern]

Haha. I forgot about those guests : )

[@justjen3216]

Just look at that gorgeous desk sitting next to the fireplace...i have to say that even ur decor is in impeccable taste!!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. It is a fun hobby

[@TheMalchikjae]

Watching you strip finish either by scraping or by stripping is so damn satisfying 😍😍

[@patriciasiefert7140]

I love that you thank your patrons for things they bought or sent you!

[@MadCityModern]

I really appreciate all of the support I receive. I never want to take it for granted. Thank you. Barry

[@sissymarie2912]

The before and after are both beautiful but the new finish just glows. It's a really great choice. Gorgeous work.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Amazing work! I’ve never scraped a finish off but after watching this i want to try. Nice touch with the special guest.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Melanie. I always thought it looked so difficult when I watched others do it. But it saves so much cleanup and it is rewarding.

[@MadCityModern]

The squirrels were for Twitch

[@jodidavis6595]

Whoa that is one handsome piece of furniture. What a difference. The hardware looks excellent too.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@1953lili]

Love the stain, the grain and the jewelry!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much

[@suegreene1]

The difference is incredible, I really didn't imagine that it would look so out of time and elegant like those classics that you keep at the back of the closet that always will be IN.

[@Trixy8521]

It turned out great as usual.. I have a glue syringe set too. I pull the plunger out and fill it with the glue in that way. I haven't had any luck trying to draw it up through the tip.

[@MadCityModern]

Excellent feedback. I was afraid of filling more glue than I actually needed. This was my first time with the glue syringe and I loved it. Thank you for the suggestion. I'll be thinking of you the next time I do it the right way : ) Barry

[@diannegarrett852]

Absolutely gorgeous, thank you for the great video!

[@Lake1ism]

Looks beautiful. Amazing what you YOU can do !

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Amanda

[@RachelTullerBazzy]

Surely, your Grandfather is watching over you from heaven, and proud of your care of these timeless, heirloom axes. This MCM desk is GORGEOUS. You've saved another one! Thank you for your care!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. Barry

[@lfuentes4098]

So nice. Looks much better in the candlelight color.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. Love that color. Barry

[@anthonydavid5121]

I lvoe what you did to her ..... gorgeous renovation and salvage. So happy to see how you bought her back to life without just throwing on some chalk paint and calling it shabby chic. Super nice dude!!!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you again Anthony

[@malgaa3655]

I have been watching your restoration projects for hours and they are so interesting. It brings me back memories of my Dad involving us as kids to do this kind of work in 80s in Sri Lanka, everything was done by hand with resources found at home. We scraped with variety of broken glass pieces and he showed us how to do with care. It is a part of me and I enjoy your projects, and thank you for those amazing projects. How strange is that these projects link me to my Dad who is now in Heaven. 🧡🙏🏻

[@MadCityModern]

I love that you shared special memories. Thank you for this

[@malgaa3655]

❤

[@chintzgirl]

Another great restoration. I really love that stain color. You’re quickly turning this farmhouse style girl into a MCM fan.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for the feedback. Funny, because one of the next projects will be a farmhouse theme : ) Foreign to me, but excited to try it. Barry

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

@@MadCityModern I absolutely adore this desk. You do beautiful work. BTW, believe it or not, there is a way to meld farmhouse and mcm together into a design aesthetic. It's how I've done the main living areas of my house. I have a giant farmhouse table attended by a mcm Lane buffet, and a tufted sofa with beautiful turned wood legs paired with 60s style school desks as side tables, and a coffee table made in the mcm style from upcycled skateboard decks.

[@cecoya]

I think the older pieces have more character than a lot of the new stuff, it was made to last. You do a great justice to them as well. Have a great day

[@MadCityModern]

I agree

[@farhorizons3901]

8:38 Had the same problem drawing up glue through the needle. Found it was far easier pouring/squeezing it into the barrel of the syringe then replacing the plunger.

[@MadCityModern]

Great feedback. I've since learned

[@j2q558]

You don't want a family ax to be perfect. Each scar and scratch was earned with someone's sweat. Just appreciate them for the service they provided your family.

[@MadCityModern]

I agree. They are far from perfect. I do however believe in maintaining them appropriately. Hope the message was clear. Thanks for the support and thanks for watching

[@srobe4]

Beautiful job! The lighter version of the desk reminds me of the furniture in my youth. I like the the darker version much better.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. Barry

[@wendylawton8274]

I love the care with which you treat your tools, both heritage tools and your newest tools.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Wendy

[@ashleyosborne6239]

Just gorgeous, Barry. I’ve watched this video before and it came up in my feed again, which was perfect timing. A newer channel was suggested in my feed (right before your video) and they were having issues with getting the “grime off of a very old piece” before painting (I do paint furniture). They didn’t clean the piece before sanding it (I think the “grime” they were referring to was also bleed thru) and had to apply two different primers. So like I said, this video was perfect timing bc 1) you cleaned this piece again, even though you did so when you brought it home and before any sanding/scraping 2) there’s such a calmness when watching you work. Very cool watching you restore those old hatchets, my husband has restored a few that were his grandfather’s and great-uncle’s, one’s over 100yrs old. And I giggled when you were trying to load the glue into the syringe (as a HCW maybe hoping for “flash”?). Anyway, so enjoy your videos and sorry for the long comment. Keep up the great work!💜

[@MadCityModern]

Love this message! Thank you

[@gailbutler3310]

Love it.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Gail. You continue to be so supportive : ) Barry

[@reginahall6683]

I’m so glad I found your channel.

[@MadCityModern]

Welcome Regina! Barry

[@ofeliarodriguez1068]

Thank you for your encouragement and teaching patience and persevere. This turned out great.

[@MadCityModern]

I really appreciate this

[@Mike84501]

That turned out beautifully, from what it was to what it is now is amazing. I love the whole MCM vibe of your house. I wish you'd do a tour of it showing all that you have restored or boughten. I grew up in the 60's and 70's, so much of this stuff brings back memories of seeing what we had and what we'd see in other homes. I really miss those days. Good on you for saving the old stuff.

[@oglemedaris]

Barry love the desk! Great curbside shopping! Beautiful ♥️

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@lindahedley9049]

Hi from Sunderland England, just found your page, I love it, I have sat here 3 hours watching I am hooks, your works amazing. Using a little blue sponge you need to run it Uber the tap first then squeeze it out. That way it doesn’t pick up and waste so much top coat. Good luck keep up your amazing channel

[@MadCityModern]

Wow! Great feedback. And welcome to the channel! Thank you for the support. Barry

[@just-dl]

Love that gel stain. The color is beautiful. I’m not a fan of what you call mid century furniture. My father called it “early attic.” I call it dump (or “tip”) fodder. But, I love your work. Perhaps not perfect. But, it’s wood. Wood is awesome despite its imperfections. Perhaps because of them. So much of your work style and approach is so darn admirable, I find it a joy when even furniture I’d never buy gets restored. That sir is nailing it!

[@lindamorrow7573]

From drab to fab....awesome job 👍

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Linda!

[@Tina-be7be]

The new stain looks amazing and I like it so much better. Great job!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Tina

[@lauristandley4359]

Great job! Love the music, too!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Lauri. Love hearing feedback regarding the music. Barry

[@tudorhedgepig]

Lovely transformation! I find your videos so relaxing after a night shift!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Darren

[@loismaddux4800]

Absolutely beautiful! Desk turned out amazing! Love your guests!! They are so entertaining!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Lois!

[@maryaliceleaphart970]

Beautiful job, as always! Thank you for sharing your work on the axes. It brought back memories of my father's story of his father making Hickory ax handles. He would sit in front of the fire at night smoothing the handles with a a piece of broken glass. 🙂

[@MadCityModern]

Mary. I had no idea this would bring back memories for a viewer. This is special. I just wanted to include a few short clips of a project I was working on that day. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for the support. Barry

[@pitpony2006]

Stunning!!! Yet again!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@melindaostergren8115]

As someone who knows exactly how to get too much finish on a sponge I just used those blue shop towels to absorb the extra. Same way I learned with stenciling. Lovely work. I didn’t like MCM in my baby boomer days and don’t especially resonate to it now. I think it’s the legs; they always looked cheap to me with the brass at the bottoms. The stain you use is gorgeous: so warm and inviting. And spraying the handles worked well also. The twist in the middle was really nifty. It’s been interesting to me to watch several people who use the scraper instead of stripper. And when you said it only took around 2.5 hours to clean the desk I was floored. Last, the way you screwed the leg into the block of wood in the vise was so obvious once I saw you do it. Well done, you! You’ll get years of use from the desk, I’m sure.

[@MadCityModern]

Awesome feedback. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for the support. Barry

[@sallybruska1499]

Wow! What a great change on the desk. I really like the darker stain. It looks very modern. Great job and keep up the good work.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Sally. I love using this desk every day. Barry

[@MariaReyes-jc4mz]

Gorgeous piece of furniture!!! Turned out beautiful..

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Maria

[@shirleyhardy891]

Very nice, way better than the light color it had before. It wasn't totally ugly but it's actually pretty now.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Shirley

[@sallybuskey952]

Beautiful. So well done. I also enjoy how you take a few minutes to explain the process of your restoration for us to understand. It helps us to understand how to do things if and when we do restorations. Thank you so much!

[@cathybenson5119]

Any imperfections just make the piece unique. Have a good one mate. 👍 👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Cathy!

[@karencary3312]

It looks so much better. Beautiful!!❤

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you! 😊

[@howarde6047]

Bangkok, Thailand. Love your channel. Went to grad school in Madison 60 years ago; loved the city, winters not so much!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Howard. Winter is around the corner. I was in Bangkok, Thailand a few years ago. Loved it there. Barry

[@alenerabold3488]

Beautiful, it is nice to see someone who doesn't paint everything

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Alene

[@mandydriscoll2043]

Beautiful job...best wishes from AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for the support from Australia! Barry

[@Flippingdrawers]

I like that you do diy projects other than furniture. Cool desk! I need one like that.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. These are just things I enjoy working on daily, so I thought maybe someone would enjoy seeing it. Mid Century Desks are some of my favorite furniture items. Don't find them often though. What's your next project?

[@Flippingdrawers]

@@MadCityModern something I’ve been working on and off on for weeks. One of those “it’s gonna be a nice easy project that turns out overwhelming “ I’m getting there though😂 the Amazon wish list was an awesome idea. Just made one myself 😊

[@MadCityModern]

I seem to get myself into those difficult situations often. As you know, detailing those pieces will set you apart. The wishlist has been wonderful. There are so many amazing supporters out there. Barry

[@Flippingdrawers]

@@MadCityModern Barry, I was just thinking that maybe we should do some sort of colab/challenge 😜 what do you think? My e-mail is in my info.

[@MadCityModern]

Absolutely. We have a Halloween challenge coming up in October but maybe something after that?

[@LyndaDianeOfficial]

The results are far beyond what it was originally, stunning, stunning, stunning, and the staging with the fireplace a great added touch. 💕

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Lynda. You have been very supportive. Barry

[@susannesteinbock1639]

What an amazing result!

[@kyolym]

Amazing , the time , amount of energy, patience and talent to do something like this, Going to the moon and back would be easier Love watching you do these renovations

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much. Barry

[@pammipayne3334]

I don't know where I learnt this saying but I do like it: There are never mistakes in life, there are just lessons. lessons can be used to help us grow. I also like how you always seem to be so grateful for the viewers of your fantastic channel. This turned into a wonderful piece of furniture. Thank you for showing us your lessons and your crafts.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for the very kind words of wisdom. Barry

[@pammipayne3334]

@@MadCityModern your most welcome Barry 😊

[@maryloumarr6482]

This desk is BEAUTIFUL!!! You did an EXCELLENT job on this!! 😊

[@cutienohio]

Your videos are mesmerizing! I can’t help but watch!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much. Barry

[@denisegilliam842]

Simply Beautiful

[@MadCityModern]

Hi Denise. Thank you

[@petestaint8312]

Holy mac and cheese! Awesome. 👍

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@DigitalOverride318]

The desk turned out great

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Steve

[@sandischneider1493]

I enjoy your channel very much. The stain color was perfect for that project. You do a great job of walking us through every step and show us the products you use. Great job again.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Sandy. Reading all these comments brings so much joy, and makes all the detailed work worth every minute. Thank you for the support. Barry

[@debbiemelton4426]

WOW! What a improvement💕💕💕

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Debbie

[@veronicarar8227]

Incredible how a good pice of furniture can come to live with a great restauration . Thank you

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Fantasia job, Barry. Well done!❤️🦘

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Yvonne!

[@idawilson7724]

Just gorgeous

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Ida

[@angeltaraila6868]

Wowza!!! That’s gorgeous.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Angel

[@chrisgogreve8743]

This desk turned out beautifully!! I wish it were mine.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Chris

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I love your masking tape thank you notes! The revealed wood grain is absolutely gorgeous. You made some excellent choices with this piece.

[@CedarPineDesigns]

This desk turned absolutely amazing. Very professional job and a very solid piece. Great work.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. I use the same techniques and colors a lot but I feel like that is what is working at the moment. Any suggestions are always appreciated. Barry

[@CedarPineDesigns]

@@MadCityModern the work you do is amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing if it’s working for you. I do the same thing. I do similar work to my pieces because it’s what people want in my area. Just keep up the good work.

[@MadCityModern]

I really appreciate this. Hoping to release the next video sunday morning

[@CedarPineDesigns]

@@MadCityModern I’ll be waiting

[@Cradley684]

Great job friend, have a nice day , Brian UK !!!.

[@MadCityModern]

Hello Brian!

[@aldretaldret4310]

Excellent. 🙌🏻🌹

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@loraineleuschke4186]

What a great difference. Looks wonderful.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Loraine

[@Angelgirl19]

You’re a great guy and your work is amazing. Keep it coming 🎖🎖🎖

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you again : )

[@brittanyparks8242]

I love how you always try to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood, gorgeous.

[@MadCityModern]

I do the best I can