Readers, I’ve got another DIY blog for you tonight. I’ve got
a bit obessessed about painting wood. I did crates and blackboards for
our wedding earlier this year, made a shoe rack recently – it got painted too –
and now, I’ve just finished my biggest project yet.
3 years ago we moved into our tenement flat in Glasgow and
whilst we’ve done some stuff like put in new windows, decorated from top to
bottom, painted the beautiful old storm doors etc, that’s as far as it’s
gone. We always knew we’d never be here
long enough to justify a Pinterest worthy kitchen or bathroom. Our Ikea units have held up well (we think
they are close to 10 years old now) and we chose our huge kitchen diner here
over a tiny designer galley kitchen offering when we moved.
The bathroom’s always been a bit of a sore point – even my
non interior design mum called it “old fashioned"recently. We’ve made the best of it – it’s got a toilet
(essential), big double sink (actually quite nice) and a large, fairly powerful
shower (for the win!) It’s just the décor around it, we’ve always found a
bit, well, questionable. There’s the “fossil”
tiles, but less said about them the better.
Then the dingy, dark wooden cabinets, which just made the already narrow
bathroom feel, well, like it was closing in on you. The room gets so much natural light, so it
was time to try and enhance it.
So instead of my usual Glasgow food blogger posts, today it's all about Glasgow lifestyle, diy hacks and room development!
So instead of my usual Glasgow food blogger posts, today it's all about Glasgow lifestyle, diy hacks and room development!
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Before - dark, dingy and a bit tired looking |
After spending weeks pouring over Pinterest, reading folks
blogs and learning about the joys of painting Ikea furniture, I ordered my bits
and tackled it with gusto. And the
result? For less than £200, I’ve fallen back in love with our tired old
bathroom.
Was it easy? Fairly. Time consuming? Most definitely. A few set backs on the way?
Of course. Does it look good? I’m SO PROUD OF MYSELF.
Anyway, I’ve knocked up a quick guide for any first timers
looking to paint their Ikea furniture or re-model a room on the cheap… Happy
DIY’in guys!
Preparation
I can’t stress this enough. USE A GOOD PRIMER. Make sure it’s oil, not water based, or it
won’t stick. I can’t recommend B.I.N. Shellac Primer enough. Even with chalk paint (which apparently goes
onto all surfaces) I used this. Touch dry in 20 mins, re-coatable in 45, it was
a saving grace when the paint went on.
Don’t skip this step. Also, this primer is non sand, so you’ll save
a bit of time there!
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First coat of primer goes on. Also - note the glass door and glass drawer that no longer exist |
Choose a fresh colour
Our bathroom was just a bit beige and brown before. With the help of a bit of a light colour on
the wood, it’s transformed the space.
When the sun shines in the window, it’s beautiful and airy now. For those wondering, I used Rustoleum Laurel Green on the cabinets and painted 2 coats on top of the primer.
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First coat of paint goes on! |
Get rid of those bog standard handles that come with your
flat pack furniture and treat it to some nice, custom bought handles. Lots of
places sell handles and knobs. I picked
up a pack of 6 lovely white marble style door knobs for £6 in TK Maxx, which
really added to the finished look.
Do it properly!
Make it a job done well!
If you’re serious about it, remove all doors, shelves etc from your
units and paint them separately. Honestly,
it makes for such a better finished look.
You won’t miss any bits this way.
Also, don't be afraid to shake up a bit - the old freestanding cabinet had glass doors I hated. So I painted them to make them look solid. I removed a drawer and left it as an open storage area for nicely rolled towels. Now's your chance to change those bits you aren't sure of. Plus, the open space means I have to keep it tidy...
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This door used to be glass. Also, I accessorised with a new artificial plant |
Don’t skip the varnishing
It’s so important to finish your look. I used to chalk
paint, which has a gorgeous matt finish, but marks so easily. Rather than
waxing, I used a clear, matt varnish on the top, did 2 coats and it’s helped to
seal my units. It’s especially important
in high traffic areas where things are likely to get bumped and knocked.
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The finished article - I'm so proud of what we've done with the space! |
Invest in Other Updates Too
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Investment in some gorgeous succulents for the window sill |
I'd love to hear from you if you take on your own project. I promise it's not that scary... GOOD LUCK!
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