Copyright-free pic from Tack-o-Rama
It may be something in the water, or it may be because it's Spring... when the redecorating bug hits me, it hits hard!
We've decided to redecorate throughout (we HAVE to do the bedroom due to the condensation and damp - more of that in another post when I have some photos for you). Although it's only a one-bedroom flat, so it's no big deal, really.
Meantime, being broke as usual, it's a case of makedo and mend, repurpose, recycle - and some inspiration and brilliant ideas.
So, to paraphrase Mick Jagger:
I'm all 'white' now, in fact it's a gas!
Sarah at A Beach Cottage shows what to do with old suitcases, to recycle them into coffee tables etc.
Photo copyright A Beach Cottage
Go here to see a dresser/shelf unit makeover - another Sarah triumph!
Photo copyright A Beach Cottage
And here Sarah tells you exactly how to recover and repaint a sofa. It's a great step-by-step video and she also talks you through the hows, whys and wherefores. Well worth bookmarking for future use for any type of makeover.
Copyright Songbird
Maraianne at Songbird has a wonderful talent for staging vignettes, and as I just finished our black&white bathroom and now need to titivate and add nicknackery for the perfect finishing touches, you can see where I'm heading...
Copyright Songbird
And Marianne has her own interpretation on the white suitcase idea (above) by positioning hers on top of an unwanted coffee table, and treating them as one unit.
Only one thing holds me back, here - knowing me, there would be tons of essential stuff IN the suitcase, then a ton of stuff on TOP of the suitcase - which of course would all need clearing off the top surface for me to get into it. I'm famous for getting in my own way!
And of course the desired effect is to stage a little vignette - just a FEW well-chosen objects. Unfortunately, I'm a maximist and not a minimalist, no matter how hard I try!
Copyright The Lettered Cottage
And here's a great how-to with stepped photos on transforming a huge dark brown wood dining table to a distressed, shabby chic white wonder from Layla at The Lettered Cottage. This is about the only successful paint job for a large table that I've seen (I've seen a lot of failures in junk shops).
Copyright Susie Jefferson
Here's my original post on transforming an Ikea wardrobe and bedside tables. Nearly two years on, they still look as good, I'm very happy to say. The trick was to change the awful handles - these are white china and antiqued brass (£3.50 each, and that was on sale!) The handles cost as much as the two bedside tables.
Now it looks like I'm going to have to lose that wonderful (very expensive) wallpaper behind the bed due to the damp etc - so whilst I mourn it, it's onward and upward with the next brilliant idea!
Ohhhhhh Susie these are marvellous, i love white and spring and love that suitcase idea,now i have one somewhere ..........
ReplyDeleteYou know I would have the same problem with the suitcase...love the look but I'd have them stuffed to the gills. I've so wanted to replace the handles on our dressers...but there's a gazillion of them...maybe someday, it's incredible how a little thing like that improves a look. Have fun, I love redecorating.
ReplyDeleteI have always found when I am working on a budget (or no budget in many instances, as in , no real money to spend!) that creativity sets in and I am very happy with the result! It makes you look at what you have and how it can be used otherwise.....done this MANY times Susie!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you did a great job with your new header and the sides.....very mcuh captures the spirit of the music hall/circus! Loverly!
Have a good one!
XXOO!
anne
Well, I'm loving the blog. (I want a two column.) It's so very easy to read.
ReplyDeleteOh, Susie, my house is just a nightmare once again. I just put all things away mid organization in November/December before the holidays and my son's visit. It is all back out, room purposes are changing, what a mess. And, I am trying to actually work on biz all day. Pooped at night now.
So, I applaud you. Yes, lots and lots of re-purposing here, too. I think this may be one time we both are happy to have saved so much.
Love IKEA! My dream is a 500 sq ft "home" with just a few IKEA pieces. We, of course, would be out with friends, in chi chi shops, traveling, museums, and all sorts of fun things.
Hi Susie! LOVE the idea with old suitcases and trunks!! I might like to try these ideas sometime! ((hugs)) ~tina
ReplyDeleteThanks so much everyone!
ReplyDeleteNancy - this too shall pass. You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs, etc. Ikea is great - cheap and sturdy. And yes, I'll sort you out into a 2-col. I don't want you meddling again (in the nicest possible way, of course...)
Christine - glad I'm not the only one, lol. Yes, I adore redecorating.
June - white always looks clean, even when distressed, and always cheers me up. Light + bright = Spring in my book.
Anne - thanks so much. I feel I have a lot more elbow room now.
Tina - I bet you have a ton of luggage stashed away somewhere... or else you'll crochet one, lol lol lol.
So Nice ~ Thank You !
ReplyDeleteThank YOU so much for all you do and share !!!
ReplyDelete