In this past year and a half of decorating adventures in our house, one lesson that always rings true around here is an extremely tight budget never seems to limit us as much as we thought it would.
When we first moved in and we really had to stretch our dollar (and still do), I envisioned something out of Sanford and Sons for a style we could afford. As far as we’ve come in Olivia’s bedroom makeover, we’ve had to get creative.
But I’ve discovered the pieces we’ve incorporated aren’t cheap; they are priceless. They’re certainly not top dollar designer or even cost as much as the clearance aisle of Target, but so much of what we have carries special meaning.
Maybe we just got lucky with the fact that we have tons of love in our family with our parents willingly passing down their things to us.
So far in Olivia’s room, her rattle, ballerina sketch, and dress art all have sentimental meanings behind them. But this little table I converted into a nightstand for her is the most emotional for me.
Over 60 years ago, my late grandfather built this little table in woodshop class in high school and gave it to his mother, my great-grandmother. I never got to meet her, but my grandfather was the most influential man in my life growing up, besides with my dad.
He was the type of man who would drive back to the grocery store if he was given even a dollar too much in change. He was always working on something in his workshop, and he had the biggest smile that could be seen for miles. I miss his laugh every day, and I know, without a doubt, I’ll see him again.
So placing this table right beside Olivia’s bed was almost like having a piece of my grandfather to watch over her. I so wish she could have known him.
The wood on this table wasn’t in great condition, and I wanted to create some contrast and a little glam with an aged metallic effect.
Here are the materials I used: (Affiliates are indicated by asteriks below. See my disclosure policy here.)
- Zinsser spray primer*
- Rustoleum American Accents, Aluminum spray paint*
- Natural sea sponge*
- Dark gray acrylic craft paint
- Paper towels
- Pink acrylic craft paint (I used the Plaid brand Cameo)
- Sheet music
- Mod Podge
- Craft brush
- Drawer knob from Hobby Lobby
I took off the old hardware from the drawer first and gave the entire table an even coat of the spray primer. Primer is key, y’all! (Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.)
After an hour or two when the table was dry, I gave it 3 thin coats of the Rustoleum Aluminum spray paint. I always try to do more thin coats instead of fewer thick coats to prevent dripping and to get a more even finish.
I think every post on this blog has turned into a “Where’s Lola” game. Have you spotted her yet? She’s my helper.
When the aluminum paint was dry, I got to start on the fun part!
I poured a little bit of dark gray acrylic paint on a paper plate and dabbed just a small emount onto the sea sponge.
Then, I dabbed the excess paint off of the sponge onto a paper towel, almost like you would if you were dry brushing.
I worked in sections and lightly pounced my sponge onto the dried aluminum paint. Right after dabbing the sponge onto the table, it looked this.
Right after applying the paint with the sponge, I used dry paper towels to rub off the excess dark gray paint for some subtle aging.
I picked up a pretty knob at Hobby Lobby (50% off as always) to replace the old lopsided one.
Isn’t it the cutest?!
Since I already had some sheet music and this light pink acrylic paint (because those two things are always stocked in my stash), I decided to have a little fun with the drawer.
I just painted the sides and back with two coats of the pink acrylic paint for a peek-a-boo surprise when opened.
And I used Mod Podge to decoupage sheet music on the bottom of the drawer. It looks so perfect with her DIY Oversized Sheet Music Signs.
That little touch of whimsy made it even better.
And, let’s be honest, this nightstand doesn’t stay styled like this for very long. Olivia is crazy about that alarm clock. She thinks it’s hilarious to chuck it across the room and just laughs and laughs when it rings.
I’ll be sharing more details on that birdcage lamp tomorrow too. It has some memories coupled with it as well. Are you thinking by now, “Jeez, Lauren. You get way too emotionally attached to your stuff.”
I really do. It’s not normal, is it? I don’t have the heart to throw things away that are reminders of special moments and special people.
I’m so thrilled over how this sweet little table turned out. I admit, I’m a tad addicted to this faux aged metallic finish now. I did it last month to our clock gallery wall, and you’ll be seeing it again in a couple of weeks on Remodelaholic. It’s just so much fun to create!
What do you think? Are you as much of a fan of how this table turned out as I am? Or ever wanted to hug a piece of furniture because you’re that emotionally attached? Being normal is overrated anyway.
Update: See the full bedroom makeover reveal here!
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How fun is this and I adore the pink drawer. Great tutorial. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Thanks, Marty!
I “like” your table alot! And yes I get attached to things because they remind me of people. I know I am going to see them again but I can’t help wanting a tangible object until then. BTW did you mean Sanford and Son? I am much older than you..
Haha YES! I don’t know why I typed Samson and Son. That’s what I get for writing a post late at night. I know exactly what you mean. Those tangible objects just let us hold onto them for a while longer. Thanks, Wendy!
I love how it turned out and that you have such a sentimental piece to share with Olivia!
Blessings,
Lanita
Thank you, Lanita!
you are not crazy.. I am in the process of “updating” my grandparents dining room set, and as I was wiping down the wood, clearing off decades of dirt and fingerprints, I was crushed by what I was wiping away. My most cherished memories of extended family all happened around this table… all the food was served on the buffet… and I want to bring it forward into the present and the future in hopes that many generations after me will love it as much as I do. So very happy you are doing this for your child and preserving and YES… having a part of him to “watch” over her 🙂 Thank you for the lovely analogy! I needed to hear that.
I know exactly what you mean, Tammy! So many memories live forever in our homes, including our furniture. It’s so nice having that reminder of fond times.
You always make it look so easy! 😉 This is a gorgeous transformation. P.S. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one that gets attached to furniture. My husband thinks I’m nuts, but I just don’t like getting rid of anything. I always try to use it one more time before I absolutely have to get rid of it.
You’re so sweet, LZ! Thank you! My husband often has to save me from myself. I have a tendency to hoard treasures and I take over the garage all the time with my projects. Every few months, my husband just has to say, “Okay, you haven’t madeover this piece yet. Can we please get rid of it now?” If it weren’t for him, I’d be the crazy project lady. Or at least more than I am already. Haha
How beautiful is this? I love spray paint and acrylic paint together, but I have never sponged it on like that. Great idea! I love redoing furniture like this and giving it new life. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Alexis! It was a lot of fun to create. 🙂
This turned out adorable! I love the pink accent on it too..so shabby! Pinned 🙂 Thanks for sharing this with us at Totally Terrific Tuesday! I always look forward to your posts, even if I dont say it enough!!
Jess
Thank you, Jessica! I did that pink accent on a whim but so glad I did. 🙂 Thanks so much for making my day! I always enjoy linking up with you.
I love what you did it’s so pretty… I specially love the use of those music pieces to line up the drawer. I thought that added some sort of romance in it 🙂
Thank you, Maya! The sheet music is my favorite part too. 🙂 Little surprises like that are always fun.
What a beautiful way to remember your grandfather! The nightstand turned out beautifully. I love the pink drawer and the sheet music for the lining… I might have to do that for my daughter’s nightstand (pin it!) I love that alarm clock!!!… and laughed that your daughter finds it hilarious to throw it so it rings. Good stuff!
Haha Oh yeah, we have to hide that alarm clock sometimes. It’s a funny little game now. I hope we’ll be able to cherish this little table for a long long time and it can grow with her. Thanks so much for the love, Erin!
Love the sponged looked effect – clever and looks great!
Thank you!
Hey there Lauren! Did you use a white or gray primer?
Hi Deb! I used white primer, but it was really only because the store I bought it from didn’t have any gray primer in stock. You could use either one. 🙂
Hi Lauren, if you don’t mind me asking…but where did you get these pink flowers from?
Thanks, Lana.
Hi Lana! I believe they were from Michael’s.