Category: Home Projects

My entertainment center is looking a little sad! It did not help matters at all that my dog as a puppy decided to chew on the bottom. This was a cheap piece to begin with but instead of spending tons of money buying a new one, I decided to update what I have. First step is to repair the bite marks with this amazing wood filler (seriously amazing product!).

 

Now that the holes are gone, it’s time for paint. I used chalky paint from Lowe’s, the color is called kid gloves. I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I would never buy my boys white gloves. This took a little more paint due to the faux wood parts and because I am painting white over black. Then I sealed the outside and shelf fronts with the wax sealant.

I wanted this piece to have a little more personality so I made a quick trip to Lowe’s to buy 3, 1 x 6 x 8 pieces of lumber. I cut them down to fit the top and screwed them in from underneath the top of the piece. I chose to keep the wood as is, but they could be stained any color, sealed and then done! Now the fun part to add the decor! This was such a little change and so easy but makes a big difference. I just love it!!! Don’t worry the bottom shelf is now no longer empty.

 

This is one of the coolest pieces I have found to date and I’m so excited I finally got around to it. It was in rough condition and needed a little repair and a whole lot of love. The drawers were broken, along with some of the shelving, hinges and doors. After fixing the drawers and shelves I lightly sanded the entire piece. I want the piece to keep its naturally distressed look so there is no need to completely strip it. Its old, beautiful and has had many miles on it and I want that to show. I also decided that for the inside,  I would keep the sides and back piece the original color. I just couldn’t cover up all that personality.

My first step is to paint the entire piece a light gray with my chalky paint. once it’s all dry I dry brushed a darker grey over the entire piece. This will allow all of the flaws and edges to come out (which I love)!

The doors needed a little extra love. The woven wire accents were barely hanging on and very dingy looking and there are two open spaces with nothing behind them. I took all the metal off and painted it with a dark metal spray paint. I re-attached the metal pieces with a staple gun and added glass to the open areas of the doors. All that’s left to do is add the clear sealing wax and done. Now to find this beautiful pie cabinet a new home.

I love this piece so much that it will be really hard to let this one go. I may just have to rearrange my house and find it a permanent spot. This is my final product, let me know what you think and if you have any painting tips you wold like me to share.

 

This all started with the plan to put up a shelf in the playroom. The day before we planned on heading to Lowes for supplies for a shelf, I decided that we couldn’t possibly put up a new shelf until I repainted the room. The boys playroom needed a little pop of color and the walls are bare. I came across a few rooms while on Pinterest and quickly decided on a navy blue that would really accent the white trim, shelving and the bright green accents already in the room. The playroom has needed some attention for some time now and painting the walls is the first step in the right direction.

Before:

After two coats of paint a third trip back to Lowes for more paint, the walls are done and I love the color! Just a little tip… If you head back for more paint or send your significant other, don’t let them give you a different type of paint because they don’t have half gallons in the paint you originally purchased. It will never match (lesson learned). Always use the same exact paint, other wise your two coats may turn into three to fix the un matching paint. Just a few more accent pieces here and there and this room will be complete. We of course had to add some Star Wars pieces here and there (because you can never have too many). What bright or daring color would you love to paint but are afraid to? The beauty is that if you don’t like it, you can paint over it! Now, to touch up all the white trim, cabinets and add a few more decorations.

After:

 

While working on my bathroom I realized that something had to be done about the soffet above the sinks. It is such an eye sore. I had originally wanted to cover it with real wood but I did not have a saw at the time to do the job. One day it all came together when I saw these peel and stick tiles that looked like wood planks. They would go perfectly with the nautical theme in my bathroom and I could easily cover the unsightly soffet in just a few minutes. This was so easy and I did it all while my boys were napping!

 

To be sure they would not come down, I used a strong quick drying adhesive. I cut down each piece with a box knife as I went along and placed them staggered to look more like real wood. These peel and stick ties are great and could be used for so many things.

Now I must decide if I am going to continue the peel and stick planks on the bottom of the soffet. If I do, there will be more work involved. The lights drive me crazy and I would have to move them so that they are centered over the sinks and mirrors and replace them as well. What to do? My head says yes it needs to be done. What do you think, should I add the planks to the bottom as well?