A Neglected Vintage Secretaire is Stunningly Reimagined

This vintage secretary had seen better days, buried beneath years of neglect and the lingering effects of its past life with a smoker. Stored in a damp cellar for over a decade, this old piece of furniture had certainly seen its share of challenges. While my initial enthusiasm for the project was strong, the refurbishment journey quickly tested my patience.

Layers of grime clung stubbornly, and the pungent odour of smoke seemed impossible to erase. Even the intricately carved wood features, which once added to its charm, stubbornly clung to their original stain. Despite the hurdles, I decided to work with the piece rather than against it, and gradually, it began to reveal its story and hidden beauty.

The first step was a thorough cleaning, after which I carefully disassembled the secretary to address each part individually. All the hardware components received a meticulous cleaning and, in some cases, a fresh coat of paint. I replaced the old drawer knobs with elegant shell pulls and upgraded any worn screws. To combat the lingering odors, I liberally applied shellac. Painting became a delight with Fusion mineral paint in the calming shade of Bayberry. Even though it was a 3-in-1 paint, I added a touch of wax (Lignocolor) for that extra sheen and protective finish.

Inside the hutch, I introduced a subtle contrast using Lignocolor’s Old Green and a stunning wallpaper I sourced from WallArena on Amazon. The wooden drawers and hutch lid received a treatment of hard wax oil from Oli Natura. Intriguingly, based on a recommendation, I also tried Wise Owl Furniture Salve (Midsummer Rain scent) inside the drawers – a delightful addition to the process.

Then, that magical moment arrived when everything fell into place, and the vision I had envisioned in my mind became a tangible reality. It was everything I had hoped for, with its harmonious wood tones, the serene green exterior, and the beautifully wallpapered interior. Without a doubt, this vintage secretary has become one of my all-time favourite projects. It’s been an exceptional start to 2022, breathing new life into a piece that had once been forgotten.