Trash to Treasure! | How to do a Dark Academia Desk Flip | Furniture Fables Halloween Special!

I scooped this cool, paneled-oak desk for FREE! It needed a serious rescue - the edges were crumbling and the drawers were stained with ink...but I knew immediately it would be the perfect candidate for a smart new look...Dark Academia. Come join me for this Trash to Treasure / Halloween Special with a fantastic flip perfect for this spooky time of the year!
🍃 COME SAY HI!
Instagram: / furniturefablesbyandy
🍃 VIDEO CREATION:
*iMovie
*www.Epidemicsound.com
** NOTE: It is possible that some of the below items are affiliate links. An affiliate link will provide me, the content creator, a small commission, should the use of it result in a sale of that item. There is no change in the cost to you, the customer. Thanks friends! - Andy **
00:01 At the pumpkin patch/Meet the Main Character
04:48 Removing hardware/cleaning
06:42 Sanding the top/scuff sanding
09:13 Sanding smooth chewed edges
10:58 Sanding drawers clean
11:21 Spray painting with Fusion's coal black
13:52 Applying decoupage paper to drawer fronts
16:40 Staining the top with Fusion's Stain and Finishing Oil in Cappuccino
18:21 Lining drawers with Cork drawer liner
19:33 Final Reveal
20:34 Cost breakdown and List Price discussion
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[@jimhorner335]

I think a botany professor with style would give a bushel of Nobel prize tubers to get this desk! Congratulations on another creative triumph! And thanks Meg.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

That would be cool! Thanks so much!!

[@cecenelson2194]

I didn’t think this desk would turn out cause it looked so damaged. But, you did a wonderful job. Love the black color you chose. Another winner! No wonder the daughters are circling.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Hooray, many thanks!! 🎓🎃

[@carole4118]

At 79 I have found I love watching people work😄. Always fun watching and learning and the desk is beautiful! You are a joy to watch.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! And I know what you mean - I enjoy it too...very relaxing. Truly appreciate hearing that!!

[@ginacrusco234]

"A symphony of science and art" indeed -- and of dark and light; intellect and whimsy; tradition and renewal. Brava.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

As always, so beautifully said, Gina! Thank you so much. 🙏🖤

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

And I, the paint color, decoupage paper and stain come together to create a fabulous finish. No wonder the daughters are circling. Thanks for sharing your project.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

So great to hear, thanks so much!! 🙏😊

[@martihurford]

She’s beautiful and will bring a fast sale…for sure! 🖤🎓

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, many thanks!

[@joycohen938]

Your staging and furniture piece reveal is perfection ❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! 🎃🖤

[@sharilambeth9062]

I’m so glad you didn’t remove every blemish and scar from this piece. Sometimes erasing them dishonors their life story. And the patina on those pulls…😘 chef’s kiss! It’s also great to see Biff again, I had been wondering about him.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! So great to hear that feedback. And Biff says Hey! 🖤

[@candicepowell1917]

I love Dark Academia! This desk is absolutely fabulous, you do such wonderful work.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, many thanks!!

[@JolovesDecor]

I loveeedddd the orange desk.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 🧡

[@cherylgoff8955]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 the beginning cracked me up!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay!! Thanks, Cheryl!! 🎃🧡

[@xxx-il9dv]

The desk and staging looks like it could be on the set of Bridgerton!😁Very dramatic!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wooo-hoooo! Many thanks! 🎓

[@tavaramirez668]

Oh gosh, just a BEAUTIFUL transformation. So sorry that fickle Great Pumpkin never showed. I can't imagine there was a more sincere pumpkin patch anywhere.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Awwww, thank you so much! 🎓🎃

[@RitaVernoy]

You never cease to amaze me, not only with the quality of your work but also you creativity😊

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wow, thank you!

[@BarbaraVarano-hp8lj]

Just loved the desk! Your intro was right on with the present holiday. Truly enjoy Panterly's adventures! ❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much! 🎃

[@dawnliphard9591]

I absolutely love a dark academia theme, probably more than I like what was English library.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

That's great feedback!

[@KateCompton1]

Wow Andy! Once in awhile I look at a piece you are going to work on and I say “ nah this one’s a real mess “. But you my friend can fix anything you put your mind to. High five Andy, you did it again and it’s beautiful. I can see lots of people wanting that desk.

[@diamondzfromtheroughDIY]

As always, I save your videos for when I can direct all my attention to watching and listening! No "background entertainment" for my Fables! This desk is lovely!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

That is such a lovely thing to hear, thank you so much! 🙏😊

[@Laura_Brock]

I love this little night bloomer!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Ooo love that, thanks so much!!

[@LumunGames]

Wow... oh I just love what you did with this desk. I know location plays a huge role in the price of furniture but $375 seems very low for such a unique and striking piece.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much , that's great feedback!

[@brendasoler4759]

Ooooh! Dark Academia? Yes, please, Andy! All of the choices you made here meld together for the perfect scholarly spot to place your leather-bound tomes, busts, and inkwell! Perfection!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Hooray!! Thanks so much!

[@kayhenry6293]

Beautiful! Perfect for a library, with the dark colors.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊

[@vickinoeske1154]

So much personality! I love her.🖤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you!

[@gonzochick360]

I am amazed at how that turned out 😮

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks! 🎓🎃

[@dannylionsmom]

My goodness who wouldn’t want to be in the pumpkin patch with Biff!!!!!!!!! Oh best I’ll my heart. Imagine when the braces come off!!!! (😂)

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Lol, he does possess a sincere sweetness, doesn't he? Thanks so much! 😉

[@doddnejadfard3251]

I love how he turned out,,,ohhhh

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wooo-hooo, thanks so much!

[@juliewirth518]

That was a great save of an old desk. I love the classic look with the embellishment of the botanical flowers. You are on the dean's list for this furniture flip. I think the daughters will be arguing over who will own this one. I see more desks in your future. Awesome job!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wow, thank you so much! 🎓

[@larrynelson3329]

Very nice. Leaving hardware tarnished was "wise" lol. Staging was spot on too.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much! 🖤🎃

[@stefaniedee2969]

Wow Andy, I love the way this turned out! The black with the botanical paper is perfection. I would totally buy this if you put it up for sale. And yes, we all need a little dark academia in our lives!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Woo-hooo! Thanks so much, that is great to hear!! 🖤

[@lovealwaysmom]

Great material selections. The paint and stain would do well with my vintage flip top desk. I agree with others that the intro was funny, Charlie Brown would be proud, and the staging was spot on.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

So happy to hear that, thank you so much! 🎓🎃

[@joyharper89]

What a stunning piece of art!! I absolutely love this!!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Hooray! Thank you so much! 🎓🎃

[@jeffvenables4845]

Andy! You did such a beautiful job on this piece. I can understand why the “daughters are circling.” It’s a sweet piece! I also love your choices of paint, papers, etc. Great all around!! ~Cathy 🎃

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, many thanks Cathy!

[@pmarlowe1638]

What a transformation! You achieved the perfect balance of a new look while maintaining the character of the piece. Easy to see why “the daughters are circling!” You have earned summa cum laude status!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wow, many many thanks!! 🎓🎃

[@hickorygolddoc]

Well said I totally agree! It’s a jewel!

[@user-nj8cw3wb1f]

You brought it back to life. I love it! Kinda figured your girls would like it 😄

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Lol, ya. Thank you!!

[@kimhaas7586]

Pretty. Not surprised your daughters want it. I love that stain and since I have a mission style secretary that needs a new finish, that might just be the solution.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wonderful, thanks so much! Lol - yes...it's going to be interesting.

[@elizabethlacky6068]

That is a kool desk! The way you staged it was awesome . 👍

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much! 🎃🧡

[@dannakuhr9718]

What a great find! A solid oak desk for free, wonderful. You did it justice 😊

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yes! Thank you so much!

[@karenhollingsworth5180]

Re-invented and beautiful!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay , thanks so much!

[@sandyneino4219]

I love the elements in this makeover! The grain, the copper pulls, paper, cork, Biff too::))

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thanks so much! 😊

[@barbarafuhrman7395]

I love to hunt TU for all the great hints see out in the wild😅😅

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

You're welcome, thank you!

[@CBLispi]

Thanks, Andy. The treatment of the top is my favorite. Cheryl

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much! Yes, that was a win for me for sure.

[@cachampagne1champagne373]

Wonderful, fabulous, awesome, outstanding!!!!!!!!! It is a masterpiece transformed by a master.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Wow, thank you! I'm honored! 🎓

[@candacewalsh8726]

Love seeing Biff and Painterly again! Gorgeous desk😍 I think you took the rather masculine dark academia style and gave it a bit of femininity with the AS paper💕 Thank you once again 🙏

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Oh, I'm so glad that came across, great feedback! Thanks so much!

[@susangriffin-byrne8393]

Love the feeling the oak top evokes and the black paint and botanicals you chose for the bottom and drawers. I love a small desk for the corner of a room. Great job! ❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

So great to hear, thank you!

[@pamallen2498]

One of my favorites"Darling," teehee

[@Nancywatkins-pr4eb]

Love it ! You are so talented Andy 😊

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much! 😊🎓🎃

[@dansetzer1454]

Cyd in MD. You are amazing. You never run out of ideas.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Hi Cyd - thank you so much, so awesome to hear that support!! 🙏😊

[@jannamarie3990]

Absolutely gorgeous 🥰

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊

[@judyspears2603]

Another beautiful transformation! Love the wood grain showing through. After you cleaned up the top, I'll have to admit I cringed when you poured that dark stain and finish on it. But, as usual, Andy knows best. It was the perfect touch! Thanks for sharing all your ideas and know how.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thanks so much!! Yes - I hesitated when I saw that light top with the black, but ultimately was glad I did the stain. So glad you agreed too! 😊🙏

[@indie825]

Dear Andy, Please be careful when evicting spiders. It would be polite to ask their name first. You never know when you'll bump into Charlotte. She may have a tall tale to add to a fable.🤣The desk was a great find and it being so beat up worked magic with the Academia style. I snagged a free watch/jewelry makers desk a few years ago. Its from the 30's/40's and I having done anything with it yet. You gave me some good ideas. LOL..."the daughters are circling!" My face still hurts from smiling.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

SUCH a great point, I would be heartbroken to ever evict Charlotte...🕸️ So glad you enjoyed and maybe got some ideas for your desk, thanks so much! 🖤

[@Leomoonmom5]

Love it!!!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks !! 🎃🖤

[@ambernicholson6307]

This turned out amazing!! I love the wood grain showing through the paint. That yummy finish for the top really made the wood sing. So glad you kept the original hardware with their well loved patina. Such a gorgeous piece and the decoupage paper is just the perfect choice for your dark academia vibe. I could see Professor Sprout happily advising young wizards on their futures in herbology from that desk.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Oh, I love that! Thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed those choices! 🖤

[@rosaliefunk1629]

You do such careful, imaginative, creative and outstanding work. Wonderful!!!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@fernlintner65]

I love the variety on your channel! I love trying to save antiques….. I love updating with paint……and gorgeous decoupage is always great… I think there is room for all thank you for being real!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! Such great feedback, truly appreciate it!

[@lisagaither3140]

Thank you again for the fine entertainment and lovely inspiration. You're terrific, Andy.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you kindly!! 🙏😊

[@jem2250]

Beautiful Andrea.Very fun. Huge fan of Coal Black ...

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thanks so much!!

[@katiesoderling3596]

I’m thinking you need one of those humane bug vacuums for your spider situations 😂 Love this style! Very nicely done!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Lol, yep!! Thanks so much!! 🙏😊

[@JolovesDecor]

Just got on. But yes, wow!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thanks so much! 🎃

[@Suz242]

I love this! More Dark Academia please!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Oooo, ok - great feedback, thank you!! 🎓

[@MARIAGRANADA1978]

Simply magnetic!!! In love with this piece. Thank you, dear Andy!!!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, many thanks!! 🧲🖤

[@deefaye7336]

Once again I am so in love with your artestry. This one really inspired me for a mission style desk I plan to flip. Thank you!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Oh I'm so glad! Thanks so much!!

[@kristenhasleftthebuilding1380]

Absolutely love🤎🖤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Many thanks!!

[@caroledwards1182]

Another nicely done work. I, too, prefer the wood grain show through the paint, otherwise, I think it just looks like the inexpensive laminate furniture you can buy today. Interesting choice to wallpaper the drawer faces, while the paper is pretty it's not something I would choose to do, but then, I'm 66 so I tend to lean towards traditional styles. I do like your decision to line the drawers with the cork board. I always enjoy watching your videos and do find it interesting to see what path you will take while refinishing whatever piece of furniture you have chosen.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much! Yes, totally understand this will not be everyone's cup of tea. Always fun to try out new designs and new techniques! 😊

[@annmurphy883]

Beautiful Andy! I love your imagination!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Many thanks, so lovely to hear that!

[@kimnutini5289]

Love the black🖤 and the top turned out gorgeous.. Another beautiful transformation.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks, Kim! 🖤

[@Jendarhan64]

So pretty! I think dark academia is a cool name for a very cool style! I don’t blame the daughters for circling. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Lol, thanks so much! 🎓🎃

[@chalmadanes405]

YIPPEE BIFF IS BACK!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

He sure is!! 🎃

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

Wow🎉❤ another stunning job. I was looking to change up my desk and that decoupage on the drawers got my creativity flowing. Ty

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

You are so welcome, thank you! 🧡

[@EatingAnElephant]

Such a smart choice with this makeover! My daughter loves dark academia. Her whole bedroom is decorated as such. This cute desk is gonna make some scholar very happy. Well done! As usual. ;-)

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thanks so much! Sounds like our daughters have things in common, lol. 🖤

[@jojobtrcook1808]

I absolutely love this style!! I have a similar small side table and I have always wanted to paint it black and stain the top. I have a Pottery Barn duvet that has a black background with very similar flowers as your decoupage paper that is also going in that extra room on the daybed. Thank you for this video. I’m glad I saw this as it helps to actually see a piece finished like I imagined. Always love your videos!❤️

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Oh that's so great! Always love it when things work out like that. Many thanks! 🙏😊

[@livingcreatively1]

😮 i love this. Everytning about it. Ha e a great weekend

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! You too! 🎓🎃

[@helenascheele5922]

WOW!! ❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much!

[@maryinthemaking7211]

Oh my gosh, a pubescent Biff!!! 😂 The mustache, the braces... 🤣 Loved the desk too! I always enjoy seeing the cool decoupage papers you find, and the cork drawer lining is genius, It's so appropriate in an old piece. Great job again Andy!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, many thanks!! Yes, Biff as a teenager is extra fun for the family to behold, lol. So glad you enjoyed!!

[@mandydriscoll2043]

Absolutely love it

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Great to hear, thank you!

[@meridethhendry5733]

So beautiful! I love that you decoupaged the drawers. At first I wasn’t sure if I would like them or not, but it turns out I love it!! Inspired idea!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much!, so great to hear!!

[@wibblywobblyida]

That looks SO GOOD

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thank you so much! 🖤

[@aok2727]

Ooooh, I was hoping you would use FSO in black but…cappuccino nailed ir

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Oh yay, cause I definitely considered it! I ended really liking that rich brown with the black. Thanks!

[@ithacacomments4811]

Gorgeous!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊

[@jillgaddis3889]

As you always seem to find the beauty in the poor ugly duckling. I think this style is called "whimsy dark academia". And, I love it! Yes, let the wood grain show or it would look like a laminate.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

This is so nice to hear, thank you so much!! And love "whimsy" added in...very cool. 🖤

[@pollyporter-campbell7493]

I love this one!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much!

[@MSKCCooke]

Beautiful, as always! And you really must have some set designing experience!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you very much! No, but I do work in theater....😉🖤

[@rettpanda6203]

Golly....this is so beautiful. I think k I need to do this. Since the "C" word (not a profane word) shut down many schools and offices, desks are all the rage now.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Lol, yes - I think you may be right! Thanks so much!

[@jillbork2683]

Another stunner, such talent you have!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! 🎓🎃

[@barbaralamoreaux328]

Another great one! I really enjoy your creativity with the pieces, and the production. A poem, Painterly and Biff! Braces!! Your videos are just delicious.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! So great to hear that encouragement. 😊🙏

[@christiemay4444]

Absolutely beautiful!💞💞💞

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊

[@dohlly]

Phenomenal

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much!!

[@lisettewurster3648]

Gorgeous ❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊

[@tamibarrett4091]

You did it again!! Love it and love your videos!!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@lindaroberts8612]

Beautiful 🧡🧡🧡

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊🎓🎃

[@baronesselsavonfreytag-lor1134]

Staged beautifully ❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you!

[@ritameza2961]

Great job❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you 😄

[@BethanyBejeweled]

I’m glad you saved the spider, but I think it was a widow variant or a false widow spider 🕷️ either way I’m glad you didn’t get bit. 😅

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Gaaahhh....me toooooo 😂

[@Bonnie-mc9zo]

I like the top how that came out and then the paper on the drawers in the inside. just also would like to see a carving on that left side. I know it’s crazy. have to be a professional to do something like that. Anyway, it is absolutely beautiful.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thanks so much!

[@junestobbs6575]

Again beautiful Andy

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@norawotton5440]

I hope one of your girls gets this!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you, so do they! 😂🖤

[@glorianelson9538]

Looks very nice Andy. I am so glad the orange desk (Hermes should have had it on their display window, I remember that one!) sold so fast, not surprised at all. I bought a desk years ago when I lived overseas. I think the wood is called "tiger wood" (not sure) and it has a ton of ink stains. So good to see your post!!

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thanks so much!! 🧡

[@MARYBOORMAN]

Hi Andy ... loved this piece and the styling! I'd not thought of the "dark academia" as a design style until this .. perfect! Thanks very much for sharing this tutorial. Say hello to Biff and Painterly for me! :-) MQH

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Hi, oh I'm so glad!! You are very welcome, thank you so much!! 🙏😊

[@tracylamb903]

I LOVE it. ❤❤❤❤

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Hooray, thanks so much!!

[@dsmith5844]

Love it! Great job as always.

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Yay, thank you!

[@stephanietaylor8003]

OMG that's soooò beautiful 😍 💖 ❤ 💕

[@FurnitureFablesbyAndy]

Thank you! 😊