before and after by Kate Pruitt 33

before & after: polka dot desktop + union jack dresser


So many transformations involve bright colors or bold, outrageous patterns, so when we get a subdued makeover here and there, it can be quite refreshing. Don’t get me wrong — I love high-intensity design. But I’m finding the calm, neutral palette and subtle polka-dot pattern of Sarah’s desktop makeover very pleasing. Sarah had an old Ikea desk with a surface that had seen much better days, so she decided to update it with a piece of taupe polka-dot oilcloth. The result is lovely, much easier to clean and fits perfectly with Sarah’s cottage-by-the-seaside style. Great transformation, Sarah! — Kate

Have a Before & After you’d like to share? Shoot me an email with your images right here! (Low res, under 500k per image, please.)

CLICK HERE for Marian’s dresser after the jump!

Now, it’s true that we’ve seen Union Jacks in our Before & After column before, and the beautiful version on Mackenzie’s dresser last fall was so great, it made me realize how much I prefer this flag to the ol’ stars and stripes . . . sorry USA. What this amazing dresser from Marian (aka Miss Mustard Seed) has also made me realize is how versatile the design can be, depending on its application. Where Mackenzie’s Union Jack was sharp and bright, Marian’s has a more aged finish. It looks spectacular on this antique-style dresser, and I love how she’s carried the pattern over the entire front. Truly stunning. I’m completely converted to loving the Union Jack as a home-decor design. Fantastic job, Marian!

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33 Comments

Sarah

I love both of these pieces! The polka dot oilcloth covering is brilliant and I love the styling done on the top of the Union Jack dresser! I need a vintage fan and prints tray in my life asap!

LindseyBee

OK, i’m adding the polka dot do-over to my list of things I want to do! that is down-right adorable!

Rachel

These are both great, but I especially love the Union Jack dresser! The clear drawer pulls are perfect–they add just the right bit of sparkle without distracting from the design.

Jzberry

Your before and after posts make me so happy. I’m looking at all my rubbish old furniture in a new light!

Bernie

Clever! (add me to the “dot lovers” list) Does anyone know what started the recent Union Jack fever????? (This started BEFORE the big wedding announcement across the pond) Just wondering.

Megan

I love the first table, especially BECAUSE it is more subdued and could play well with other furniture. I am not afraid of color (I once reupholstered a loveseat with bright purple satin prom-dress fabric) but I am starting to feel like all of the before and afters look the same….. bold fabric reupholstery or bold painted front of a dresser. Even bold can be boring with no variety!

mixette

The oilcloth desk is brilliant.

I notice that my (mac) mouse is wearing the finish right off my Ikea “wood” desktop and was thinking about paint but this is much smarter.

Melissa Lewis

I had seen the Union Jack dresser over at Miss Mustard Seeds blog and I loved it then and I love it now. But, that polka dot desk is too cute. So out of the box for re-doing furniture.

Katie

That polka dot desk is just plain brilliant. I see a DIY project in my future…

Melodye

Love the polka-dot desk! I’m going to look for some fun oil cloth…

Thanks for the inspiration!

Susan

Can I ask how the oil cloth was fastened to the table? Glue? Upholstery tacks?

kristen f davis

i’ve thought about doing this to a dresser or some type of home accessory recently, too, but haven’t attempted it yet. this looks so great and is just what i had i mind! i love it!: )

Lindsay

Same question as Susan: how was the oil cloth fastened??

martha

Adorable polka dots desk, and of course the Union jack dresser is gorgeous.
great job Marian

Jo Kin

That English Flag dresser Rocks!!! Awesome redo!

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