Chocolate Hutch

I have been hankering for a hutch. I found this one on the local online classifieds and had to have it. We got it for a screaming deal at $50.  Used paint leftover from other projects, as well as spare lumber to remodel the top.  Add to that new lighting in the top and it cost us about $75.

Here is the before- the actual picture from the online ad

And the After - still waiting for cute knobs, but hey, it keeps the kiddo's out!  I have a fabulous hubby who busted out his tools and lumber and gave the top a makeover.  We added beadboard to the back, gave it a stronger top to support the lights,  removed the doors, and added supports to the shelves. I love how it turned out.

Nightstand Before & After

So I have refinished some furniture before, and I am starting to play around with different paints, priming methods, and antiquing techniques.  I bought a set of 2 of these nightstands of the local online classifieds for $15 each.   Time to get started.

 We went the spray paint route. Spray primer and spray paint.  We used around 4 cans of primer and 4 cans of paint. Part of that was used painting the insides as well. I wanted to seal over the other people's business and feel like these were fresh and new for me.

After we got them a good coat of paint we proceeded to antique.  We went with the glaze method, and deal of all deals, we found a can of mistint glaze on clearance at the home store for $2.50, instead of the list price of $18. It was like a peachy pastel color, so  I asked the guy at the paint counter if he could darken it up.

Following other people's tutorials, we spread the glaze over the entire thing, working with one side at a time.  Then we used a barely damp rag to wipe the glaze off, leaving it in the nooks and crannies. Easy as that. We let it dry and re-assembled the whole thing. 

What do you think?

Before

 After

*for a details on the furniture painting process, check out this post at All Things Thrifty and this one at Blue Cricket Design.  The both include great details, tips, and tricks.

And for glaze specific tutorials, check out All Things Thrifty again, and  Karla's Cottage.

Built-in Bunk Beds Galore!

(These photos are linked to the sites of origin.  Click on the photo to be directed.  And, as always, if you can help me fill in any blanks, let me know!)

Wow! I didn't know these existed till my hubby showed me this picture tonight.

We were in love! How cool is that? Granted we need room for two, not four, and our space definitely can't hold this bed, but check out all these other built-ins and beds with built-in elements.  I am inspired!

 

http://www.southernstudio.com/portfolio/at-the-lake/

Here is one for my Star Wars Fans

    

Still hungry for more? Here is another link FULL of built in beds.

And I really like the look of the bunkbed here, and the whole cottage feel. 

This post keeps on growing, here's a post over at Design Dazzle devoted to built in beds! 

Check out how cute!

Nightstand Inspiration

I am officially a Better After addict! Here are some of the inspiration pieces for an upcoming nightstand project! I better run to the paint store!