There aren’t many kindergarteners who can say they’re in a magazine…
… but this kiddo just got a HUGE surprise in the mail the other day!
If you remember back last summer when I stumbled upon this armoire I found in a junky little antique shop in Myrtle Beach, Robert and I hauled this monstrous piece home on the back of his pickup truck in the rain without a clue of what we were going to do with it.
All I knew was it was way too gorgeous (and too good of a price) to pass up. And somehow the idea of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe popped into my head.
Once I started pulling out some of the drawers to paint the piece, I realized it was the perfect space to hold most of Olivia’s books.
So we rigged a light fixture above it, stuck some cute wallpaper on the back, and filled it up with cushions to make it a cozy little hide-out, and the rest was history.
It has been the perfect little spot for her to practice sight words and learn how to read her beginner books.
When the magazine Flea Market Home & Living reached out asking if they could show it off too, I sent them the photos and could not WAIT to surprise Olivia with her picture in print.
Lola is thoroughly unimpressed and asked me why she doesn’t get a Narnia-inspired dog house. 😉
You can see the tutorial for our Narnia wardrobe reading nook tutorial here, if you happen to have a little reader and an old armoire lying around. If you want to see the magazine in person, it’s available at Barnes and Noble.
There are all kinds of fun flea market flip ideas in it, and we feel so honored to be among them.
So if y’all need us, we’ll be over here reading it cover to cover in the reading nook. 😉
If you want more ideas for flea market / yard sale / thrift store flips, you can check out all of my past furniture makeovers here and more kids’ decor ideas here.
Lea says
October 5, 2018 at 10:14 amThis is the most adorable idea ever!!! How fun for your sweet daughter too!
Marsha says
October 5, 2018 at 11:33 amCongrats!! What a wonderful treat for you and family. Have a lovely weekend!
P.S. Your dog cracks me up!!
kristine says
October 5, 2018 at 11:47 amI’m curious if you’d share, (maybe by a blog post) as to how you’re marketing your diy projects. I don’t blog, nor do I DIY big time, but since many do, that may be helpful, or is it giving away trade secrets?! (if so, i don’t ask to offend, i simply don’t understand)
I’m presuming you’re marketing yourself and your projects, and maybe many diy’ers do the same? it’s just a whole ‘nudder world, but there are SO many diy blogs out there too. I know you recently had your living room bench in a magazine, and now this one, so I’m wondering if it’s because of your marketing and submitting to these mags or do they really read all these online blogs and pick some lucky winners!? I thought maybe my question would be helpful to others that aren’t in the business to understand how your world work or maybe to help a newbie..lol
Vicki says
October 5, 2018 at 4:16 pmOmg, that is so awesome! You did a beautiful job on it, and what a treasure for your little girl and your baby girl when she is older. What a clever idea!
sandy miller says
October 5, 2018 at 5:11 pmIf you reverse the doors, you’ll have a nice finished side to see, of course you now won’t be able to close them. Padding and covering the inset with fabric would be another option. Great idea
Lauren says
October 5, 2018 at 7:56 pmOh, of course. If you are not interested or feel the need to close it, the reversed doors may look nice. Great added tip and idea.
Ann Wilson says
October 5, 2018 at 7:41 pmOh-Em-Gee!!! Who wouldn’t want that sweet little face, no, I mean your remake project in their magazine?? LOL
Of course Auntie Ann is a HUGE fan!!!
Debbie says
October 5, 2018 at 7:43 pmThat is so cool! Your wardrobe idea is inspired! I’ve told so many people about it!! No wonder the magazine wanted to include it in their issue. Olivia is a little doll, and so lucky to have such a creative and fun mommy! Congratulations!
Lauren says
October 5, 2018 at 7:58 pmYou are so sweet, Debbie. She certainly keeps it fun around here. I just try to keep up.
Myrna says
October 6, 2018 at 11:04 pmOh wow ! That is just over the top awesome for your daughter. I know exactly how big that piece is. I looked for years and people kept showing me ones with cut outs to put a TV in it. The top would have had shelves at one time or a hanging rack for clothes. They had to take my door off to put it in my bedroom.
Botanic Bleu says
October 7, 2018 at 2:23 amLauren,
All of us who read your original post about the reading armoire KNEW it was destined to be featured in a magazine. So creative and beautifully executed… the wallpaper nailed the theme. Congratulations to you and your little one for being featured. Truly deserved.
Judith
Jeanne says
October 7, 2018 at 8:50 amI’ve loved this project since I first saw it on your blog- you are so creative! So happy it’s in glossy print now, for the greater good of the greater people! 😉
Kamille says
October 10, 2018 at 12:44 amThis makeover blew me away when you first posted it- how wonderful that others can see it in print! Well deserved
Lucie says
October 18, 2018 at 3:26 pmOh I love this, wish I had seen this when my girls were small (they are now stinky teenagers?). Will have to put this to memory and hope that I have grandchildren in the future??
Lou Gipson says
December 17, 2018 at 8:59 pmwhat a delightfully awesome project!
I am curious as to WHERE (source) you obtained the beautiful wallpaper!
it would be perfect for a project i’m currently preparing!
thanks again for such an interesting Blog!
Lou
Lauren says
December 18, 2018 at 7:45 pmHi, Lou! The wallpaper is from Amazon here https://rstyle.me/n/ct3e7cb5ky7
P.I. Barrington says
January 14, 2019 at 7:06 pmI LOVE the reading nook Olivia now has but I have one question: what colors did you use for it? It almost has the look of porcelain with the two colors (white & blue-grey?).
Thanks so much,
Patti