This dresser from Erika at Retropolitan is such a beaut it’s hard to believe it was once a MAJOR eyesore. Like nasty peeling paint, tons of scratch and dents, and just plain old ugly! But Erika worked a miracle using some spray paint and wood veneers. The beauty of using veneers is that even a beat up piece can have a smooth, flawless wood finish without the grueling process of refinishing. And here’s the evidence to prove it!
When looking for a bed for her master bedroom, Bridgett from Osie Moats knew she wanted something “earthy, simple, and serene.” She found a bed from West Elm that fit her description but mostly definitely not her budget. Of course, a DIY was in order! Not only did building her own bed save Bridgett a pretty penny ($150 versus $1,099), but it also allowed her the flexibility to modify the dimensions to fit her large mattress.
With a kitchen full of recessed lighting, Jessie from Imperfectly Polished had been dreaming of adding pendants above her island. After some research, she and her husband figured out how to convert one of the lights into a 3-light hanging pendant. They built a rustic beam and used Edison bulbs with glass vases as pendants to add some personality.
The thrifty lady over at Fifty Five South was inspired to amp up her use of decorative accessories that reflect the rustic, earthy style she loves. When she saw an “incredibly easy and cheap West Elm knock-off DIY project” that involved layering embroidery hoops to make a sphere, she couldn’t help but “pounce” on it. The hoops only cost her $2.20, making this a project that can’t be beat when it comes to ease or expense.
Kristen from Inspired Whims loved a festive triangle garland the second she saw it pop up on West Elm’s after Christmas sale, but it sold out almost instantly. She knew it would make a great addition to her daughter’s big girl room year-round and made her own by sewing together paper triangles. Here’s from Kristen, “I love my version… because it’s much more custom to my little gal’s room! And, I didn’t pay $20 for it!! (only about $6)”
