I'm Back for More!

Ready for a photo-heavy post? You better be because it's too late to change things now!

In addition to some family and friend time, this weekend was mostly devoted to the back room. I've pinned all sorts of ideas to my back room board, so it was time to see things in person before making an ultimate decision and purchase.

Friday afternoon was spent at garage sales, Goodwill, World Market, and West Elm. My main goal was to check out side tables. I was really looking forward to seeing West Elm's round bone side table. We have a lot of 90* angles in the back room, so I was looking for something round to balance all the squares and rectangles. I really like the top of the table, but the bottom might be a little too matchy-matchy with some of our other pieces. Boo.

Then I stumbled upon this lovely number. I love the curvy and airy, yet left-brained nature of the foxed mirror side table, but am a little hesitant with the mirrored top. I don't know how kiddie-friendly it would be down the line. In discussing with John later in the weekend, we might actually go for something softer, like an ottoman. The jury is still out whether it would be purchased or DIY-ed.

My West-Elm-spending-strategy (thanks to MintLife!) might also change after seeing this bone inlay Parsons mirror. I know we're decorating the back room, but I think it might be a perfect fit for the bathroom. Then the extra funds can be used for accessorizing. Or I might change my mind tomorrow :)

Saturday was spent at America's favorite Swedish amusement park superstore...Ikea! Who wants Six Flags when Ikea has eight flags!

I had a better idea of what I was looking to purchase at Ikea: an Expedit bookshelf and Vittsjo table, TV unit, and shelving unit. All of those, plus a white planter, cost about $220 plus tax. 

Back home, I went to work assembling and getting my spray paint on. I followed the advice of Centsational Girl's tutorial and used Rust-oleum spray paint in glossy yellow (about $10 for 2 cans). One of the commenters had used a different brand of spray paint and everything was flaking off. I'm happy to report that Rust-oleum worked wonderfully for me and I didn't need to use a primer.

So what was getting the facelift? The Vittsjo TV unit and shelves. Kate also said in the comments that she assembled the shelving unit before painting. It didn't seem very windy, but it was a pain.in.the.butt to spray paint those tiny bars!

I used two cans of spray paint just for the TV unit! I think half of the paint ended up on the drop cloth, blown away, or on my feet. And as a note for next time, it'll make life easier to spray paint on the grass.

Here's a preview of things to come with the TV unit and shelving. These came with glass and particleboard shelves that will be replaced with solid shelves painted yellow. Obviously I need to purchase some wood to replace the glass, but I've now considered spray painting the particleboard after reading these tips.

As for the rest of my haul, the Vittsjo table is going to be our new entry table. It also came with glass that I'll be replacing with wood. I'm thinking of a lighter stain. Of course I'll keep you posted.

Last, but not least is the Expedit shelf. I'm following Maggie's lead and making it into a bench. I've found some additional tutorials for creating an upholstered cushion that's attached to the Expedit unit. Though we have a little time for that ultimate decision because I haven't even thought of fabric yet!

What's new with you? Tackle any projects recently?



Pin It