UNBELIEVABLE Desk Restoration | Refinishing & Repairing Vintage Furniture

[@MadCityModern]

Probably my favorite video of yours! Excellent! Barry

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Barry! It is a huge compliment coming from you! I appreciate your kindness and support ❤️

[@nancyring8104]

Thank you for being so respectful of the artist who previously painted this desk! It was obviously a labor of love, although, as you said, its time was over. I loved the concept of the painted piece, but I also love what you did for it!!❤️

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Nancy ❤️

[@yvettewallus119]

Agree! The landscape painting is something my grandmother would’ve done. She was a painter (watercolor, acrylic, oil) and painted everything! Even her TV.

[@linshannon4480]

I couldn't agree with you more.

[@paulosborne6517]

I really admire your philosophical take on the painted landscape finish. It would have been so easy to badmouth the previous owner's efforts at making this piece serviceable and attractive - and many KZbinrs would have badmouthed it [and done a reaction face thumbnail too], but it just shows what an openminded and pleasant person you must be to present the piece as positively as you did. I feel even more glad at following your channel now. :)

[@golfpark94]

Dear Emily, what a great job with this desk. Most people would throw is away and buy an new 400 dollar desk. This one has a story to tell and you gave the people a chance to see it’s beauty.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you for your kind words Jeroen 😊

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

Although the desk wasn't looking in its first flush of youth when you got it, I really do love the painting that was on it. It was so whimsical and peaceful!

[@marzirust3631]

What a great job. Love the 2 tones!

[@soniciris]

Love the final result, and while it is an 'ugly duckling' challenge I thought it was really sweet and respectful what you said about the former owner painting it, hoping that they had fun and loved the result--beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the previous owner was probably working with what they had to make something they could enjoy using and it seems to have had a long productive life already!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

The person who did this, however long ago, clearly put a lot of time into it. Because everything was so specific I would guess this was done for keeps. If by painting it they kept it around longer then thats a good thing. It didn't end up in the trash which is always a plus! ❤️

[@maggiesue4825]

My grandmother used to have an entire set (bed, dresser, chest of drawers) that look very much like this! It was WWII or a little earlier vintage. This transformation is awesome - thank you for saving this sad, neglected piece!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

That is really awesome! I love this information. Thank you for sharing Maggie!

[@jeanbeanthequeen3428]

I love it, especially the top! Thanks for some great tips.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thanks for watching!

[@nannykat1057]

New subscriber after watching only a few minutes of this video. The respect you gave the previous 'artist' was amazingly kind. Bless you! And then of course, I finished the video, watching your journey with this piece. WOW! BIG hugs from Texas! 🤠🤠

[@susans7091]

Lot of work!!! So strange that someone would cover lovely wood with veneer. This was a labor of love.

[@avery1999]

The thought and intentions behind the original desk were beautiful, though I much prefer the final version ❤️

[@KimNevelzer]

I love a challenge and I've had a few as I've restored and renovated my home. However, I would have taken a hard pass on this desk. I hope you won the challenge, you would have had my vote. It looks amazing. I love the two tone look.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kim!

[@TranscendFurnitureGallery]

Gorgeous!! A million times better, holy! Nice save. :-)

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Angie! Crispy Contrasting wood tones are a personal favorite when they can all kind if meld together. So many happy surprises with this desk!

[@doddnejadfard3251]

Wow. Wow Wow,,,,what a change,,,,,,I love natural wood tones,,,,,,,, beautiful piece

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Dodd! The contrast is my favorite!

[@breimagined2199]

Isn't it amazing what you can find underneath - I love all the wood tones in this, but the previous owners, and probably the person who built it in the first place, probably thought they were mismatching and the only thing they could do was paint it!! Congratulations, this looks awesome.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

You're probably right. The original color of this desk was likely a dark brown all over (like that strip that wasn't painted on the top of the desk.) Thank you Bre!

[@curiouscat3384]

Awww, you're so sweet to appreciate someone else' work of art. You make furniture flipping interesting :)

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much 😀

[@judyfenske1429]

I liked your calmness, no excitement, no loud music, thank you. Also, the desk was lovely without paint.

[@gillramsay1112]

It is now definitely a swan. Just a stunning piece of furniture now and in the future 🥰

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Gill! 💕

[@sontisontheim3138]

halleluja! finally someone to respekt the old veneer and woodgrain instead of just painting it over and call that beautiful flipover. thank you.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I try. There are some wood veneers (most rift cut oak) that I'm not so fond of, but walnut is a personal favorite! Thanks Sonti!

[@marymendez4178]

I just love this desk, the all natural look.

[@lyndseybeaumont7301]

How wonderful! It’s truly beautiful. X

[@VintageAndPainted]

Emily, you never disappoint! This desk was in need of your magic! Loved it all from the kind way you spoke about the previous owner, to the attention to detail, and that final result is perfection 👌always leave your videos smiling!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you - it makes me happy to read these kinds of comments. 💚

[@daisyy99]

I liked the desk both ways, but admire your restoration job and learning about the products you used. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@TheMissFlips]

Oh my gosh!!! Your tape trick!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 genius.

[@melody5437]

I said "WOW" out loud! Really amazing.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Melody 😊

[@debbiee6535]

Wow you found a treasure and you treated it like one that looks great

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Definately felt lucky with this piece. Thank you Debbie!

[@Somewhereintime22]

What a resurrection! I love how you thoroughly clean a piece inside out and even give the inside and insides of the drawers a fragrant oil. Lovely

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I usually vacuum alot, even if I don't show it. Super easy way to get up most of the dust and debri. I try to treat the pieces I work on like they will not receive any 'love' years. Like a spa week for the furniture! Thank you Karen!

[@melindaostergren8115]

I’m super sensitive to fragrances: asthma attacks and migraines-so I cringed at the fragrant oils. But it’s good for the wood. My substitute has been wipe on poly from Minwax. It seals the wood, which often has its own aroma.

[@violethoffermobilehomemove9189]

It turned out amazing! Really a natural beauty & you brought the ugly duckling totally back to life!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Violet!

[@ГалинаМ-м2л]

Absolutely adorable result

[@elegantupgrades]

You have completely outdone yourself! WOWZA!!! That is unreal, Emily. You have some mad skills.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! 😊 🙏

[@Benstephan123]

Amazing

[@TheGentleman1987]

I believe the most soothing/comforting thing about this video is the hope it gives you that no matter how deep your life is in ruins there's still a hope it will be reconstructed and transformed into a wonderful life. Such videos really makes you believe in second and even third chances in life.. million thanks my dear. Great wonderful work and results

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much for your kind words Malek!

[@TheGentleman1987]

@@ReconstructingEmily you're most welcome my dearest.. Thank You!

[@donnaaranda7175]

I love that you didn't paint it! Also love that you conditioned the beautiful wood with each friendly products

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@jeanieesajian2325]

What a transformation! I think my grandparents had that same model desk in their home.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing Jeanie! 🧡

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Holy moly who knew there was a handsome gent hiding underneath that duck dynasty exterior! Nice touch with the diy paint 😉

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Duck dynasty. I can't stop laughing. It's so accurate!!! I knew you'd see the diy paint 😉 ❤️

[@lynnw7155]

Wow; THAT was a challenge. Great job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 🤗

[@squidge125]

my mum gave me a small chest of drawers to do something with when I was about 14 and I did something similar to this painted scene and had it in my room for years and loved it because it was mine. Came back home as an adult and laughed so hard at it!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Its interesting how when you put your own personal flare on it (no matter what age) it some how becomes this amazing thing. Even if your style changed 😊

[@farmhousefrugally]

Labor of love, and so worth it!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Agreed! Thank you!

[@ginaw7638]

What a wonderful new life you have given to this piece.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Gina! ❤️

[@lindakinzer6698]

Very, very nice! Beautiful, in fact. Your patience and skill paid off. A winner, for sure.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Linda 😊

[@mirandamom1346]

I’ve been binge watching your channel, and this is my favorite transformation so far. Bravo!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Yay! Thank you!

[@Blue_Azure101]

The landscape scenery is very reminiscent of those French style furniture

[@nitahutchinson4544]

I love this, another save!! Wonderful work!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! 😊

[@polgarauk5606]

Wow am working my way through your videos after discovering you yesterday (this wasnt the ugly duckling challenge i saw first). I love your humour but most especially i love your instinct/perception/feel for the piece you are working on also that you are flexible enough to change midway to suit discoveries made in the process. Your attention to detail and thoroughness in doing every single part even the generally unseen parts is brilliant. Thank you for the beautiful pieces i have seen so far there is not one i wouldn't be proud to display in my home. Love from the UK 😁

[@markphillips6154]

Beautiful. Thanks for saving that piece of furniture.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawnagoad9745]

I love this desk! I'm so happy for these videos so people can see just how much knowledge, time, tools ,and supplies goes into these projects.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Sooo much time! I think its the time that is what gets most people. I get a lot of projects that people have had in their garage for months...didn't have time is always the reason.

[@adinaderoy-stouffer5724]

You really brought it back to life! What a transformation

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Adina 😊

[@aot9644]

I applaud your perseverance. This true ugly duckling is beautiful now.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Buzz light year taugh me 'Never give up! Never surrender!' JK. I am stubborn 😆. Thank you Adriana! 😊

[@aot9644]

I'm glad you put those little round microfiber pads to work. I saw Angie over at Transcend Furniture use them and knew you had to have them.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

@@aot9644 Tool envy is not only a thing with wood workers but also furniture folks. 'OH that looks way easier/more useful.' Lol

[@ping170]

Most likely the neater ugly duckling restoration I've seen. And the result is gorgeous with this beautiful wood exposed ! Congratulations.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! 😊

[@lenniemoo]

i love that you don't paint over to restore but bring out the natural beauty of wood1!

[@creativegirl9710]

Nice job! I'm glad you did those plug holes that way. I've seen other wood workers repair veneer by making the damaged area more squared off--90 degrees, then your not dealing with a strange odd curvy shape. And I love your tie-dyed sweatshirt I have something very similar to wear in my art room. The salvaged veneer was smart and I love the contrasting wood colors. Lots of work and it looks great.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

The last drawer I repaired I actually squared it off. I try to do the little swatches because usually its more organic looking with the wood variations. The last one though, the whole veneer was just jagged and weird. Best to just trim it all up and fit in a new one - much easier for sure! Tie Dye is wonderful 😊😊 Thank you for your awesome comment!

[@rachaelbackdoor4872]

What a Reveal! Excellent job, Emily.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Rachel!

[@Bekind79]

Lovely job

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindazoccatelli1997]

This is by far the best restoration I've seen, I love the final piece, I am still rewatching the video after months, it's just great!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Wow, thank you so much Linda ❤️ I truly appreciate your support 😊

[@melanieeaton3344]

So gorgeous transformation!!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@markduncan6690]

Nice Work! You now have a “Beautiful Gem”!

[@rachaelharris8611]

What a labor of love! Looks awesome!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Labor of love is an accurate description! Thank you Rachel!

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

Wow what a transformation!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Stephanie! 😊

[@rebeccastratton4114]

Nice. Just really, beautifully nice. Warm and cottage looking.

[@jennifersharp6624]

Absolutely stunning !

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@mishajameson8939]

You are a gracious person. The desk is amazing.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Misha!

[@tamiz8895]

It’s nice that this desk has had many lives. Isn’t it amazing how it travels from home to home

[@ReconstructingEmily]

It is truly interesting!! I wish furniture came with like a sign in book - Used by the smith family for 5 years from x year to x year.

[@frelnc]

Emily, this is absolutely amazing. Truly. I love it. Especially the center drawer that you stripped of veneer. It is SO beautiful. I would love to have this beautiful piece. It's a gem.

[@lua4221]

I loved this outcome so much, I watch it multiple times!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Aww Thank you!!! 😊

[@cmdrmiketv2698]

The craft boom of the 90s and early 2000's was a menace.

[@beverlypearce4191]

What a wonderful save! So pretty now.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Beverly! 😊

[@maryaliceleaphart970]

Unbelievable transformation! Absolutely gorgeous.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Mary Alice ❤️

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

Wow I didn't expect it to come out the way that it did. Very elegant and understated. Fantastic result! Great work.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you very much!

[@hagerman-dexterswcd8546]

Wow……just WOW!!!!! Your work is phenomenal!!!!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Debbie! 😊

[@Thompson0418]

Love this transformation! Great job!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!! 😊

[@pattio.656]

This turned out Much Better than I expected! The shape it was in, with all those nails, I thought you’d have to paint it. Then you worked your Magic 🪄 WOW!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Patti! The nails and scews were definitely not fun. I probably would have replaced the top worst case scenario. I actually considered it when I saw the listing as being a possibility. I am just happy it had such cool tones under the paint.

[@CalicoShadowPlusCat]

Just popped up on my feed. Excellent reconstruction and restoration! Subscribed and looking forward to more videos!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thanks Duane!!

[@nisar6339]

Absolutely beautiful! I’m so glad you didn’t stain it!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Nisa!

[@lutgardedh]

This was awesome, a very beautifull transformation, a real swan

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Lutgarde!

[@lubblyjubblyfurniture]

Wow that wood grain, an different wood tones, you really transformed this desk into something so beautiful

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊 ❤️

[@Ladybug-uf7uh]

Well, I know that this is not the exact desk from my grandparents sunroom, but it must be the twin sister. This one went out and lived as she pleased and it was a hard life, poor thing. My grandparents desk led a more domestic life and fared better. I am quite elderly and know that my grandparents desk was from about the 1930's - given to them by my great grandmother. So she's about 90 years old. Your restoration is awesome and made me think of happy days. Thank You.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

I love this comment so much. Thank you!! I'm happy to know it was 1930s. I was guessing 30s-40s but had some doubts because of the veneering on the side. The solid wood planks for the top though definitely made it pre-50s. Thank you Lady Bug!!

[@bluecurlygirl]

Stunning. Absolutely love it. Well done

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Emer 😊💜

[@lemonplaces6169]

I like the way you respect the pieces

[@Lee-dq2lw]

Oh thanks for giving it back it's dignity

[@nancygrissett6280]

Wow what a great difference. Bravo as always 👏

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you so much Nancy!

[@hlmoore8042]

Kudos to you for taking on that challenge. It looks nice.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you!

[@peterhendry2154]

Nice one. Carpenters trick here. If you have some assorted thickness bits of wood to put under the hammer head then you can gain leverage and also pull the nail straight up. If the nail is in Oak and looks a bit rusty then good old WD40 the day before.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

This is one of those comments that I read and I'm like yeah. That makes a whole lot of sense! Thank you for sharing this Peter - keep the carpenter tricks coming! I would rather work smarter not harder (when possible...)

[@2Cambell]

I love how this turned out!!! I loved seeing the different colors on the top, as well as the sides and front. The veneer fixes came out great, now maybe I won't be so timid about trying.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

All you can do is try! ❤️

[@scottthomas5999]

Another great revival. Nice job. Vary rewarding transformation.👍🏻👍🏻

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you very much Scott!

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Wow! It turned out beautiful!! Nice work. It’s a swan 🥰

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Kathleen!

[@cathieharris6122]

I did love the original paint but it had its day. The final reveal was fantastic. Well done!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Cathie for your kind words!

[@MrsJax304]

Wowee wow wow (Christopher Walken voice) fantastic work Emily

[@michelerussell9044]

Amazing. The wood under the paint is so beautiful. Im so glad you just did a wax sealer on it. Thank you so much for sharing.😀

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thanks so much 😊

[@lymanlatham7005]

I love what you did. Who knew what a gorgeous desk was under all that paint. Thank you for bringing her back to all her glory.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you for your kind words Lyman!

[@lua4221]

HANDS DOWN!! This transformation was astonishingly AWESOME! I love all the artists.. but wow... this was the absolute best one!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Lu! ❤️

[@danjoe22]

one of the best before and afters I have ever seen! You do remarkable work.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you very much!

[@nancyscottartprojects7848]

OH. MY. GAWD! You have done an exceptional job and used the two stains in a way to emphasize the style, provide class, esthetic beauty and fabulous balance. Great job.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you for your kindness Nancy!💜

[@gailbutler3310]

Oh Emily, you never disappoint! Looks fabulous!!!!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

❤️ Glad you enjoyed this one Gail!🙂

[@xpektayshun]

Wonderful transformation. Great job!

[@lfuentes4098]

Wow! Gorgeous!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you! 😊

[@catykearney1887]

Your meticulous work paid off! It’s lovely!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Caty!

[@maturefox1]

... what a beautiful piece furniture now! Congrats!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you David!

[@KnowCanDo]

This desk was a gamble that PAID OFF! Holy cow Emily. It looks amazing!

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you 😊 It was the hotsauce....

[@carjam49]

You did a fantastic job. What a hard worker you are. You really saw the potential in this sad little desk and saw it through to completion. Amazing.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Thank you Carole!