Oh make me over! IKEA Expedit edition

On the weekend just past, I was left to my own devices. No husband. No kids. This did mean a visit to IKEA (and cinnamon scrolls for dinner) but it also meant a makeover in my 11 year old son's room.

His room has an industrial theme, as he loves all things building and tinkering. 

The idea of making over his existing book case was a pipe dream for such a long time, as I am not a big fan of all the pre work that comes with painting over furniture. But that all changed when I visited Shiner Old and New in East Gosford. I got talking to Kelly there and she was so excited about the Chalk Paint they sell and run workshops on how to use. I left the store (with the jerry can and tool box you can see on the top of the book case in the 'after' shot- I could not help myself!) and could not stop thinking about the countless applications for said paint. 

Two days after I had first met Kelly, I went to Bunnings to purchase door knobs and the wood panelling and in my lunch break ducked over to Shiner Old and New to pick up my paint, polish and brushes. 

I was tempted to start my makeover late Friday night, but common sense prevailed and at 6am the next morning, like an excited child on Christmas morning, I woke to start painting the well worn bookcase. I got a coat of paint on, then went and did some groceries and hung out with one of my best friends for the day. After much fun and frivolity (which did include another trip to Shiner Old and New - my third for the week) I applied the second coat and started patting myself on the back.

All of the materials used in this makeover. Faux wood panels, chalk paint, polish, brushes and new door knobs. 

The doors and draws were quite simple and I prefer the time and effort of having used faux wood laminate flooring as opposed to contact. The faux wood laminate has very realistic grain effect and the knotting and colouring is exquisite! Out of the entire box I think I may have used three or four pieces, so I am now day dreaming of where else I can stick all this glorious faux wood! Watch this space :)

I was pretty stoked with how it all came together, but I was a little overwhelmed by how excited my son was with the finished product. He is not really an excitable kind of kid  but he was beaming at his new bookcase. That makes the early morning and late night (not to mention the cuts and bumps on my hands) definitely worth it. 

Now...what can I stick this wood stuff on next... ;)