This past year things have changed, I'm finding that I am having less, and less time to keep up with Little Blue Chairs. Between family commitments and school, I am left with little time to do projects, much less document and write about them.
I want to thank everyone who's been reading, commenting and interacting with me here. It has made my time blogging both important and satisfying, which is why it has been so hard for me to officially put my blog on hold.
As I am terrible with good-byes, I want to keep this short and simply say Thank you for all the happiness you have given me.
-Laurie
Totally free closet re-do
I hadn't planned on tackling my son's closet, but after he pulled the bar down for the third time, I knew I had to work on it sooner, rather than later.
In the last year or so I added some shelves to one side of his closet, but they never really worked out, so I knew that everything was going to come out.
Here is his closet before I started work...
I took everything out, and started from scratch. I wanted to keep the shelves, but move them to the back wall. I did need to cut them down and I reconfigured them slightly.
I also wanted to use the drawers from under his bed.
He never used these drawers and told me he would prefer having it open underneath so he could have a fort, and since we did need drawers in the closet, I figured I could relocate them. Before I could do that I needed to cut out the center section.
Here is a shot of the closet in progress...
I placed the shelves on top of the drawers, filled in all the edges and sanded everything smooth. From here I used some paint I had left over form a previous project. I also added a low rod, so my son can reach and hang up his own clothes.
And finally with his clothes and things all put away.
A big improvement indeed, and as I was able to reuse things I already had it was free, if you are not including my hourly fee.
-Laurie
In the last year or so I added some shelves to one side of his closet, but they never really worked out, so I knew that everything was going to come out.
Here is his closet before I started work...
I also wanted to use the drawers from under his bed.
Here is a shot of the closet in progress...
A big improvement indeed, and as I was able to reuse things I already had it was free, if you are not including my hourly fee.
-Laurie
Dresser to Kitchen Island
After removing the kitchen peninsula, we needed an island to make the kitchen work. Our budget was $100, which is the price for the FORHOJA island/cart from IKEA
The cart is fine, but it seemed like it belonged in an apartment rather than a home, so I wanted to see what I could do.
I started with a craigslist dresser that I picked up for $25.
I removed the 2 center drawers, added shelves, a pine wood top, paint and new handles. It cost just under $100. I didn't save any money, but it looks more like a proper island.
I have added baskets for additional storage.
Next on my list is to paint the cabinets white. I am anxious to try Ben Moore Advance paint, but am struggling on which white is best. If you have a favorite Ben Moore white, I would love to hear your suggestion.
-Laurie
I started with a craigslist dresser that I picked up for $25.
-Laurie
Handle fail
I mentioned I was going to do more work on the kitchen, re-painting the cabinets and such. Well, I figured it would be time to update the handles. I don't hate my handles, but I thought I could improve upon them.
I found some on-line that I though could work, and they were in the right price range. There were a couple of option in finishes that I could choose from. And in the end I made a poor choice.
Initially, I wanted either a brushed nickel or a flat black to match with the other finishes I have in the room. But then I realized I didn't want to spend the extra money to replace the exposed hinges, which are an aged brass. I thought that either the nickel or the flat black would only highlight the fact the hinges were different. So I though I would go with the aged copper.
To me in the photo, it looked like the bright copper was mainly on the edges and the handle itself was darker. But I was off in my interpretation.
Here is what I got...
I haven't taken them out of their packages, because I will be returning them. But they are definitely a bright copper color, and they will definitely stick out, and not in a good way.
So I am back to the drawing board. has this happened to you?
-Laurie
I found some on-line that I though could work, and they were in the right price range. There were a couple of option in finishes that I could choose from. And in the end I made a poor choice.
Initially, I wanted either a brushed nickel or a flat black to match with the other finishes I have in the room. But then I realized I didn't want to spend the extra money to replace the exposed hinges, which are an aged brass. I thought that either the nickel or the flat black would only highlight the fact the hinges were different. So I though I would go with the aged copper.
Here is what I got...
So I am back to the drawing board. has this happened to you?
-Laurie
Next up....This
Now that I have finally amputated our peninsula, I am left with a kitchen that needs an island.
as well as other things, but and island is up next. and I am hoping to make it out of my $25 Craigslist find.
It needs some work before it is ready to use, but this is whats up next.....
I hope it is ready to be revealed soon.
-Laurie
I hope it is ready to be revealed soon.
-Laurie
Rustoleum Countertop Coating Project
Changes are happening in the kitchen. I got out-voted on changing the cabinets from blue to gray, but I still am itching for a change. Of course what I really want is brand new wood counters and real hardwood floors, but that is not happening right now. Nope. But what I do know is that the floor really bothers me and I need to figure out something to make it fit better in the room.
OK, I hate the fake tile inset in the fake wood floor, combined with the light counters the whole room looks like it is floating a bit. It needs to be grounded. (All sorts of parenting jokes are swirling in my head about sending the floors to their room without dinner, but I digress)
In short, I am praying and hoping that by darkening the counters I will be able to "ground" the room. Oh and I'm getting rid of the peninsula.
Due to budget constraints, I am going to use Rustoleum Countertop Coating, which runs about $20. The colors are limited, and I have read mixed reviews, but I am desperate to visually change the room.
So we start off knowing the price is right, but trying to select a color is a nightmare. First of all, you are expected to be able to select your color from the tiniest "swatch" on the top off the box.
I wanted to get an off black color. I knew Black was going to be too dark, but trying to decided between Midnight, Storm, and Clay was frustrating. Remember you are trying to decide this in the store and in their great (read sarcastic) lighting. I also found out that I would not be able to return the paint if the color was wrong. ERGH.
I did decided to try Storm. It is gray, it does have a blue undertone, and is close, but I still would have liked it a tad darker. I wish I would have asked if I could have used a custom color. Anyways, I got lucky.
But before I could get started I needed to remove the peninsula. I created a guide with a board to help get a nice straight edge.
I filled the raw edge with wood filler and sanded it smooth before painting the counters.
I spent time on degreasing the counters and sanding the surface. The directions say you don't need to sand, but with our counters being so smooth I decided to take the extra step. I also used a microfiber roller cover for a smooth finish. (I had read that foam starts to flake off).
The paint is stinky. I decided to paint the counters on a weekend when the family was going to be out camping, and it was a good decision. The smell does fade as the paint dries, but it is still pretty strong for a day or so.
It took me 4 thin coats to cover the ivory counters. I would have been done with 3, but afer returning home I discovered the cats had been on the counters....oops.
Actually, I think they did me a favor, because my last coat was a bit patchy. So on my fourth coat I was cautious with my roller marks. You don't have a lot of work time with this paint.
The package says you should let the paint cure for 3 days. I gave it 4 and am still being really gentle with the surface. But so far I am happy with the results.
I do feel like the darker counters help minimize the floor. But like any project, you are never done with one step. Nope. This is just the beginning of a few more "projects" I will be working on in the kitchen.
Since we have removed the peninsula, I will be replacing it with an island. I want to lighten the color of the cabinets. I have ordered new door handles, and I will be making new curtains. Just a few items to keep me busy. I hope to have all this done before Thanksgiving. XX fingers crossed XX
-Laurie
In short, I am praying and hoping that by darkening the counters I will be able to "ground" the room. Oh and I'm getting rid of the peninsula.
Due to budget constraints, I am going to use Rustoleum Countertop Coating, which runs about $20. The colors are limited, and I have read mixed reviews, but I am desperate to visually change the room.
So we start off knowing the price is right, but trying to select a color is a nightmare. First of all, you are expected to be able to select your color from the tiniest "swatch" on the top off the box.
I did decided to try Storm. It is gray, it does have a blue undertone, and is close, but I still would have liked it a tad darker. I wish I would have asked if I could have used a custom color. Anyways, I got lucky.
But before I could get started I needed to remove the peninsula. I created a guide with a board to help get a nice straight edge.
I spent time on degreasing the counters and sanding the surface. The directions say you don't need to sand, but with our counters being so smooth I decided to take the extra step. I also used a microfiber roller cover for a smooth finish. (I had read that foam starts to flake off).
The paint is stinky. I decided to paint the counters on a weekend when the family was going to be out camping, and it was a good decision. The smell does fade as the paint dries, but it is still pretty strong for a day or so.
It took me 4 thin coats to cover the ivory counters. I would have been done with 3, but afer returning home I discovered the cats had been on the counters....oops.
The package says you should let the paint cure for 3 days. I gave it 4 and am still being really gentle with the surface. But so far I am happy with the results.
I do feel like the darker counters help minimize the floor. But like any project, you are never done with one step. Nope. This is just the beginning of a few more "projects" I will be working on in the kitchen.
Since we have removed the peninsula, I will be replacing it with an island. I want to lighten the color of the cabinets. I have ordered new door handles, and I will be making new curtains. Just a few items to keep me busy. I hope to have all this done before Thanksgiving. XX fingers crossed XX
-Laurie
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