Let’s Decorate: DIY Dresser

Most rooms that I decorate have at least one element that is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project of sorts. There seem to be 2 kinds of people out there – those who can’t get enough projects to tackle and those who are a little intimidated by the thought of doing something themselves for fear that it won’t turn out right.

If you’re the second kind, let it go!  Find something small and give it a try. The result ends up being a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of your room and design and I’m pretty sure that you’ll feel quite proud of yourself as well for creating something beautiful.

Here’s one of my latest projects for a little girl’s room. My client and I discussed the idea, choose the paint colours and then I left her to it as she created a masterpiece for her daughter. A plain pine Ikea dresser turned into something fun & whimsical and it became a décor statement that both mom and daughter are proud of as it was created in the spirit of fun and love. 

For a project like this you’ll need:

· One boring dresser

· Fine grit sand paper

· Primer

· 3 amazing paint colours

· 3 sponge mini paint rollers and trays

· 2-3 hours of time and a great playlist or CD

Directions:

1. First prep the dresser by cleaning it well to make sure there are no sticky finger prints, etc

2. Give it a light sanding to make sure the paint sticks well. 

3. Apply a coat of primer next if you have a dresser with a somewhat glossy surface as you want to be sure that the paint sticks well and won’t scratch off when you’re done. We didn’t need to do this step here as it had been painted white once a few years ago.

4. Next decide which colours are going on which drawers. You can’t go wrong – be creative.

5. Apply one coat of paint and let dry until it’s no longer tacky to the touch.  Wait about an hour to be really safe and let it harden a little. Tip: Wrap your rollers in plastic bags between coats so they don’t dry out.

6. Apply the second coat of paint.

7. That’s it!  You’re done.  Be gently with the dresser for 24 hours so that the paint will harden and won’t chip or scratch.

I hope you’re inspired to create something on-of –a-kind in your home this month.

 

Wendy Monaghan, Interior Decorator and owner of Link Interiors, creates homes where life and style co-exist with flair.   She believes that a functional space allows families to have more quality time together and that children and all of their stuff can live in a beautiful home.  She is the mother of 2 fabulous HRM girls, aged 8 & 6.  For more information or to contact Wendy, visit her website, www.linkinteriors.ca