A new dining room (+ more)

Checking in with a quick weekend update!<br /><br />Starting with our sunroom.<br /><br />Back when a little storm named <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/05/landscape-lighting-faq-weekend-trip.html">Beryl</a> rolled through and our patio furniture was forced to seek shelter inside, we had a casualty:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0l1UqvQwfk4m9Qdo2Vz9F1sulHktgrAg5t3eYM7E0pyHUvcdve9T8j1acov9H5kC8icdtcIwo29MwObq2w5pzLAcIPPmvxlrIlqfelNH9VdbpDa2N_EU9J7n8Xk5Lj3EdZ7xJtdOFi0W/s1600/IMG_8427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0l1UqvQwfk4m9Qdo2Vz9F1sulHktgrAg5t3eYM7E0pyHUvcdve9T8j1acov9H5kC8icdtcIwo29MwObq2w5pzLAcIPPmvxlrIlqfelNH9VdbpDa2N_EU9J7n8Xk5Lj3EdZ7xJtdOFi0W/s640/IMG_8427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Truth be told, our sunroom has been rugless ever since. <br /><br />I was seriously considering going with a <a href="http://www.flor.com/" target="_blank">FLOR</a> rug, mainly from a practical standpoint. I was digging the neutral woven look of the '<a href="http://www.flor.com/look-both-ways-grey.html" target="_blank">Look Both Ways</a>' pattern in Grey:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-LpGhojoPXcC2RrJ5qvcQww7mbJmWXYLogKlkofHg9I-4fCKF8MOUZu_zN-pGdOh_HlQcigeWhEMUjhf8c1YjQ3SfTyrH_eX3BxXuCFRzs7fsqTcSFkfT6yWspqaNi7aJX91moYsGPf_/s1600/FLOR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-LpGhojoPXcC2RrJ5qvcQww7mbJmWXYLogKlkofHg9I-4fCKF8MOUZu_zN-pGdOh_HlQcigeWhEMUjhf8c1YjQ3SfTyrH_eX3BxXuCFRzs7fsqTcSFkfT6yWspqaNi7aJX91moYsGPf_/s1600/FLOR.JPG" /></a></div><br />But the total came to $170 shipped for a 5x7, which isn't the cheapest solution.<br /><br />Then I found this <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-trellis/navy-blue/200MTVS27D-960136.html" target="_blank">charcoal beauty</a> from Rugs USA...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDCek6x-ED0OUy6hjj68yD7lsTjWnojreh4UGHApSQYtfA9zgAf_sWpjHrDnT-m6gJJn7ASRUO1SyU3tVwYDaLwQ3SZ1DvXof1EqY3BCL3qA66IJ55TCzUKBiGncPSsyKFEHYGG80W3Lv/s1600/200HJHK03A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDCek6x-ED0OUy6hjj68yD7lsTjWnojreh4UGHApSQYtfA9zgAf_sWpjHrDnT-m6gJJn7ASRUO1SyU3tVwYDaLwQ3SZ1DvXof1EqY3BCL3qA66IJ55TCzUKBiGncPSsyKFEHYGG80W3Lv/s640/200HJHK03A.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br />I was mesmerized. And at the time it was 35% off with free shipping for a total of $145 shipped (after you entered the coupon code).<br /><br />To narrow things down, I did a quick photoshop:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62ft9rG4dIRUKqtkIhzKtIDHZwaZqNBtq3CYvGi1JJ3ggUmBSTcf2hgc_iCFxp0qD6Ye1QNfs2TDIk0pmDWsRd-bpOfjN4GahrLOK1Z7XZ4TGyFBdWq4kHP4RPkU3zbOWFdu9EzoNDLnd/s1600/Rug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62ft9rG4dIRUKqtkIhzKtIDHZwaZqNBtq3CYvGi1JJ3ggUmBSTcf2hgc_iCFxp0qD6Ye1QNfs2TDIk0pmDWsRd-bpOfjN4GahrLOK1Z7XZ4TGyFBdWq4kHP4RPkU3zbOWFdu9EzoNDLnd/s1600/Rug2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUoEt36wQeiN8i70NzGT0MnzNm86IkcrASXr5ArCQW5sOAxtIc1zlsoicJZlFgn6BY6OW3TqI5lgeplZAH6C7lAuzo_4iuENVE3fViqfuBk2AG9WarUdip5-pDFGEm8KoGGYz6c87ooDV/s1600/Rug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUoEt36wQeiN8i70NzGT0MnzNm86IkcrASXr5ArCQW5sOAxtIc1zlsoicJZlFgn6BY6OW3TqI5lgeplZAH6C7lAuzo_4iuENVE3fViqfuBk2AG9WarUdip5-pDFGEm8KoGGYz6c87ooDV/s640/Rug1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I think either would have been a perfectly acceptable solution, but I was still drawn to the charcoal.<br /><br />Before I made my final decision, a Rugs USA groupon miraculously appeared and I was sold:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4NHIYxOKVRRwVOuCcKMbvEQNHCeNsfO4DhQ1bTNixe0xVefdTHLz6eBbpkoG7KJuglbbTr9qjPhKacB1Vg9IZJQF_xKuTzj5M7H13TudD6noPckIephijK6v7btoSn6J2EonIoCIr5NP/s1600/groupon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4NHIYxOKVRRwVOuCcKMbvEQNHCeNsfO4DhQ1bTNixe0xVefdTHLz6eBbpkoG7KJuglbbTr9qjPhKacB1Vg9IZJQF_xKuTzj5M7H13TudD6noPckIephijK6v7btoSn6J2EonIoCIr5NP/s640/groupon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />$90 for $235 worth of rug? Count me in. With my Upromise cash back program it was technically only $85.<br /><br />Then when I went to purchase the rug, I found out the price had dropped even further, making my total exactly $235.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmNpuRxNQGo2WXyHnN2hOufKS9kIvUvGObT8FM4XWTIK7CgJ0ksQBoUFzJ-Da8aDaGsVQfhX6VgdefhqdWNcUgEmJs0mSIQETmW0Mu69eEA57GzfKkJFeR3_Zh5R4ABoW4vEDbjp2JRqG/s1600/rug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmNpuRxNQGo2WXyHnN2hOufKS9kIvUvGObT8FM4XWTIK7CgJ0ksQBoUFzJ-Da8aDaGsVQfhX6VgdefhqdWNcUgEmJs0mSIQETmW0Mu69eEA57GzfKkJFeR3_Zh5R4ABoW4vEDbjp2JRqG/s640/rug.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />$0. Scoooooooore. The only stipulation—it's on backorder for another month. But I figure we've waited this long already, so what's another month? I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival.<br /><br /><br />Next order of business...<br /><br /><br />We bought a boat.<br /><br />Well, sort of. Brad's coworker's mom happens to be our neighbor and had an old paddle boat stored away in her garage that she was willing to donate to us. Yay, a free boat....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhyphenhyphenQKXIZVDaatCO4muXg3MYmzgiFhfZlftjqf9UdD8sjtX4TEvWhS2q_dQWlTD_0yTbAlq67qtFNmrpBzR8msWmccz23wRL5dJI9aJmOPz_FF5NhghVibJ5TftHlXqM_YHx_bK7Z7hIRT/s1600/IMG_8955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhyphenhyphenQKXIZVDaatCO4muXg3MYmzgiFhfZlftjqf9UdD8sjtX4TEvWhS2q_dQWlTD_0yTbAlq67qtFNmrpBzR8msWmccz23wRL5dJI9aJmOPz_FF5NhghVibJ5TftHlXqM_YHx_bK7Z7hIRT/s1600/IMG_8955.jpg" /></a></div><br />Not entirely. <br /><br />It was in pretty bad shape, and first had to be pressurewashed....<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg-wWIcTgxS5IhBD16G7XaCJdoDH8y3pR3wN0HbhDCUKDWWam2h2nye_JKk8HoxdKNVBDeZx_63ejGocyMJhb5VDr64ktlFjR8sVYki9CEpTS1GedvBj9BFXWZIWsGhbn7kNMoOITMdj_/s1600/IMG_8957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg-wWIcTgxS5IhBD16G7XaCJdoDH8y3pR3wN0HbhDCUKDWWam2h2nye_JKk8HoxdKNVBDeZx_63ejGocyMJhb5VDr64ktlFjR8sVYki9CEpTS1GedvBj9BFXWZIWsGhbn7kNMoOITMdj_/s1600/IMG_8957.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>We have since named her the 'Shrimp Po Boy'</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We then had to spend over $100 on seats and miscellaneous hardware to dock it. It's also leaking so we have to fix that next. And so the perils of boat ownership begin... I am not thrilled with this scenario but I can't deny Brad his toys.<br /><br />Here it is all ready to be launched:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKoypGcmGmxvBslnRjufM7RyU4Z4-vdce0V4WV9j0ZeXmV0YRVTU5ik_8oxT675EOgZ1UuLczSpNE0evwv1x2MWJ7b1-nSRDeU6mYixgHY54ruqiUQzkOJ41IZkRyeSyjrddp_3Vx2z0v/s1600/IMG_8961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKoypGcmGmxvBslnRjufM7RyU4Z4-vdce0V4WV9j0ZeXmV0YRVTU5ik_8oxT675EOgZ1UuLczSpNE0evwv1x2MWJ7b1-nSRDeU6mYixgHY54ruqiUQzkOJ41IZkRyeSyjrddp_3Vx2z0v/s1600/IMG_8961.jpg" /></a></div><br />Our smart car makes it look like a beast, ha.<br /><br /><br />We took it on her maiden voyage in our backyard pond the other night, which I have to admit was fun. It was neat seeing our house from a new perspective:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU6LVVjcT-DWPIs6hA67nu3PhlrgDKjJ2hhWrCFhC8nPlQ__RPb8BaAFKlG7QWLyer3ScpUog6xHLy6TSDeuDcKSiK_86a8FN38oc3DEkf4JfAyOj2j3WVQYQVJDafwkAHN7fh2Ivhvqr/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbU6LVVjcT-DWPIs6hA67nu3PhlrgDKjJ2hhWrCFhC8nPlQ__RPb8BaAFKlG7QWLyer3ScpUog6xHLy6TSDeuDcKSiK_86a8FN38oc3DEkf4JfAyOj2j3WVQYQVJDafwkAHN7fh2Ivhvqr/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />Currently the boat is lying upside down against the fence. We'll see if it ever even gets used again... sigh.<br /><br /><br />And finally, I am excited to start on a new project that has been bugging me for a while. The dining nook.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18b7hXxOS_SD5VO7EQe3rfGUot7Eo3e2camYD8T462YuUrCq9GscCVAJyCaaxb_M2JoWYvK_1wnx6Tvx4An5cpa4Si3-9XLXlqceDI6EvX1dcvpRy92IipkYZoz2MqQaeVZPM1HPRu12s/s1600/IMG_5306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18b7hXxOS_SD5VO7EQe3rfGUot7Eo3e2camYD8T462YuUrCq9GscCVAJyCaaxb_M2JoWYvK_1wnx6Tvx4An5cpa4Si3-9XLXlqceDI6EvX1dcvpRy92IipkYZoz2MqQaeVZPM1HPRu12s/s640/IMG_5306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />There were a couple spots where the paint had chipped and I tried to fill it in with the new can of paint but it didn't match (remember when I had to repaint the <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/foyer-board-batten-reveal.html" target="_blank">foyer</a> because of this? Yep, same thing here). <br /><br />See the color difference where I painted over a patch? Not going to fly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIfT71Y2vP0VNvwsC_scbgWtSR9QHXuqPoOUyg_2txVuLboQXrZCPcuqDKODTikfpzftCiz11sCisflUovpe1AdocCPjrhhEULLlLP5yLRbQsqhTZrbboa-id1y2U9Iq7jAh5OStplXCO/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIfT71Y2vP0VNvwsC_scbgWtSR9QHXuqPoOUyg_2txVuLboQXrZCPcuqDKODTikfpzftCiz11sCisflUovpe1AdocCPjrhhEULLlLP5yLRbQsqhTZrbboa-id1y2U9Iq7jAh5OStplXCO/s640/IMG_8983.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><br />This time around though, I wanted to spruce it up. I've been eyeing wallpaper/stencils for many months but never figured out a good area to try it out in, and this seemed like the perfect space for my first attempt.<br /><br />After weighing my options, I finally settled upon this pattern:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/images/big/Trellis-wall-pattern_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/images/big/Trellis-wall-pattern_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I loved the simplicity and elegance (and of course the fact that it kinda matches my new sunroom rug).<br /><br />It comes with the ceiling and single piece, which I thought was necessary.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/images/big/Rabat-large-stencil_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/images/big/Rabat-large-stencil_2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I purchased from cuttingedgestencils.com, and found a 20% off code (no longer active) which brought my total to around $40 shipped. Yes, I could have DIY'd, but I think that would have been a nightmare. I don't trust myself to freehand something of this caliber and have it turn out the same. $40 is worth it! Especially since I can re-use it in my next house.<br /><br />The one somewhat annoying part about this type of stencil is that your current wall color will be the line color, and you'll essentially have to repaint most of the walls again. I wanted my background color to be what it currently was with white lines, so I had to repaint everything white first.<br /><br />Crappy iphone in progress shot...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KOeGp-20W8Pms7NFryX4JG5baLcgMS7_rXVKlVXbC9QPZhGSnvOqSv9I6W7jk9m_xrJC8vFnFMJ9sA6oba56ZA9ZA3ZWDPnkeiu_vKWS9jH9IUAy1xpBc6RA3aAD0dFY8krp1j1uBa6o/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KOeGp-20W8Pms7NFryX4JG5baLcgMS7_rXVKlVXbC9QPZhGSnvOqSv9I6W7jk9m_xrJC8vFnFMJ9sA6oba56ZA9ZA3ZWDPnkeiu_vKWS9jH9IUAy1xpBc6RA3aAD0dFY8krp1j1uBa6o/s640/IMG_1049.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />And here it is now after a few coats:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUYdkKbl14ixPZsisWN6JwTm-ZYP5I9XAdBypyrD7dsL7xyb0E1D0bsRf9-ZEV9YKId1NMZsrmk8jV3dRqMniTf3H7NMJEDLSyXHMKiilw0qLTqOUfXqII6A5EozLfGLRf7PqLYecFynT/s1600/IMG_8985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUYdkKbl14ixPZsisWN6JwTm-ZYP5I9XAdBypyrD7dsL7xyb0E1D0bsRf9-ZEV9YKId1NMZsrmk8jV3dRqMniTf3H7NMJEDLSyXHMKiilw0qLTqOUfXqII6A5EozLfGLRf7PqLYecFynT/s640/IMG_8985.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The good thing about this is that no one will notice if the area where the lines are painted is 100% coated in paint. You can see I have some minor patchy areas where the paint didn't completely cover, but once the main color goes up you won't be able to tell. <br /><br />Case in point is this hand painted DIY stencil from <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/painted-wallpaper-a-tutorial/" target="_blank">Jones Design Company</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/wall_thumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/wall_thumb1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Looks great, right? She hand painted it using just one coat of white paint...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_4384_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_4384_thumb.jpg" /></a></div><br />But you can't even tell from a distance.<br /><br />I'm hoping my dining room will have a similar look once its finished. I think it will be a fun change to our currently plain-walled home.<br /><br />The stencil should be arriving within the next few days so hopefully I'll have a weekend update with the results.<br /><br />I also have new plans for this wall on the right...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW5oaf2nuzar55nMoB-49zn9OjSgTiSryUkR7vEo2DaFRI6qlKR-IMrSWLr8YYTfaxCxvqJ1mDJeJIe1f4hdxsouP7H5VG5a9yjHwOGnm5_xPfnhr0FMfGwHcrmVNyY0A8I6Ir8Fq38-E/s1600/IMG_8981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW5oaf2nuzar55nMoB-49zn9OjSgTiSryUkR7vEo2DaFRI6qlKR-IMrSWLr8YYTfaxCxvqJ1mDJeJIe1f4hdxsouP7H5VG5a9yjHwOGnm5_xPfnhr0FMfGwHcrmVNyY0A8I6Ir8Fq38-E/s1600/IMG_8981.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This Martini sign caught my eye while on Pinterest and sparked some ideas. I've also discovered a new technique for DIY sign-making, so I'm super excited about this next project.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/152207662377326502_8gjWEgcm_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/152207662377326502_8gjWEgcm_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662377326502/" target="_blank"><em>Source</em></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Be back next time with some dining room progress!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

A new dining room (+ more)

Checking in with a quick weekend update! Starting with our sunroom. Back when a little storm named  Beryl rolled through and our patio furn...

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Office Cabinet Refinish (with wallpaper!)

Happy Sunday! I'm checking in to reveal my latest furniture revamp and I figured I'd take the opportunity to share a few tips and tricks I've learned over the past couple years of furniture makeovers.<br /><br />I left off my last post with a photo of my temporary storage station in the office:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DYduPc3wODxQ9Qt2vq2DZ_QYRdvpl5aPsmMnu0sSE8OPnd5iwkgd4C8_MzfQ90_SfzhuZSZsm2V0hDpR-sx2IRV_PcrNqOidrWFbU-fZlvdRgIvuLVsx2BlDcmaJ5Zm7gWa7ByolbEjf/s1600/IMG_8837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DYduPc3wODxQ9Qt2vq2DZ_QYRdvpl5aPsmMnu0sSE8OPnd5iwkgd4C8_MzfQ90_SfzhuZSZsm2V0hDpR-sx2IRV_PcrNqOidrWFbU-fZlvdRgIvuLVsx2BlDcmaJ5Zm7gWa7ByolbEjf/s1600/IMG_8837.jpg" /></a></div><br />Clearly, old boxes are not an ideal setup.<br /><br />So I hopped on Craigslist to search for the perfect sized cabinet to fill the short wall. Almost immediately... I found it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw8JU-ftdT3vspvBI2Bd_81TQZvxbtravXWzppfmWH_t8yoyQQ2JFsa3-EZYcC5iSJQTOp6C7euGSrhyphenhyphenOW-QjRaGvQYHCugC9EETywO1N1WWylLlhFDTsYAiOw7dwyRJhsaDyxQRfBhv9/s1600/IMG_8839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSw8JU-ftdT3vspvBI2Bd_81TQZvxbtravXWzppfmWH_t8yoyQQ2JFsa3-EZYcC5iSJQTOp6C7euGSrhyphenhyphenOW-QjRaGvQYHCugC9EETywO1N1WWylLlhFDTsYAiOw7dwyRJhsaDyxQRfBhv9/s1600/IMG_8839.jpg" /></a></div><br />It had a simple design, nice and sturdy build (solid wood), in great condition, and my favorite part—only $40 (actually, it was listed for $35 but I wanted it so bad I told him I'd give him $40 to hold it for a couple days while we were out of town). <br /><br />It was per-fect.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3awOdBeaXuxl3bq4rhHu4sS6736cXcuLfFTyKgEXRfXAnK4C6QOvy4NzozH7FTvOc50Jr5R6EqakhOdxB6JXnHsBNXuBNzB3lmNU8EG6TNxsLJcScuPmWkMFnWRlWt6UvudTEidYQ7fpO/s1600/IMG_8841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3awOdBeaXuxl3bq4rhHu4sS6736cXcuLfFTyKgEXRfXAnK4C6QOvy4NzozH7FTvOc50Jr5R6EqakhOdxB6JXnHsBNXuBNzB3lmNU8EG6TNxsLJcScuPmWkMFnWRlWt6UvudTEidYQ7fpO/s1600/IMG_8841.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQukVezzTt6Xr8j4zJfLGtcJcCtE9amEx8J9bdRUEHu9ULdRce0r-fVDT-1tvDRrftV5TXdUzjcmloLnY5yyBl8ktHnk69PL3FE4BT9vsSuOc58ypBShbnV6anuPe8A24BGecgxmoFgRK/s1600/IMG_8842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQukVezzTt6Xr8j4zJfLGtcJcCtE9amEx8J9bdRUEHu9ULdRce0r-fVDT-1tvDRrftV5TXdUzjcmloLnY5yyBl8ktHnk69PL3FE4BT9vsSuOc58ypBShbnV6anuPe8A24BGecgxmoFgRK/s1600/IMG_8842.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />When it came to my refinishing plan, I went back and forth with the best approach to take. I knew I wanted to do something a bit different than my standard distressing technique, and I felt that I finally had enough experience under my belt to give it more of a smooth factory-finish look. <br /><br />The idea of wallpaper also popped into my head, so I checked Pinterest for some inspiration.<br /><br />I liked what I saw:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/152207662377141344_LJOViQEX_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/152207662377141344_LJOViQEX_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/152207662377141344/"><em>Source</em></a> </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/276619602081888727_zDnUW2wo_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/276619602081888727_zDnUW2wo_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2009/08/diy-project-caseys-wallpaper-file-cabinet.html">Source</a></em> </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/260153315945235273_DaZ9JNJS_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/260153315945235273_DaZ9JNJS_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://californiacallahans.blogspot.com/2011/12/hemnes-hack.html">Source</a></em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The idea of paintable wallpaper intrigued me, so I decided to explore my options.<br /><br />I hit up Lowe's and Home Depot and the selections were very limited (HD didn't have any, actually). Boo. So I went online and found a plethora of designs... but most were on the pricey side and from sketchy looking websites. Lowe's was the cheapest, it seemed, at around $20 a roll.<br /><br />I was really liking <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_119769-12013-LW1342053_4294935484__?productId=3319014&Ntt=paintable+wallpaper">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_119769-12013-LW1342671_4294935484__?productId=3317522&Ntt=paintable+wallpaper&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dpaintable%2Bwallpaper&facetInfo=">this one,</a> and ended up going with option #2. Delivery was scheduled for a week later, so in the meantime I started on the cabinet.<br /><br />My work process was as follows:<br /><br />Step #1: Dissassemble and collect all hardware:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivnv85XkvFlDBHp7WBbvsgN6ZzGDRD6YEbUvmjysR9dI8Xv0ktAWclI2HG5xLYKwtteMX01rM0GQGIzrfNVJaTVfzGdxpdNprJYImCEmSMRw5bOiHdhIPE47Hnb7IWRdX3HibWZ4IQYp5/s1600/IMG_8845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivnv85XkvFlDBHp7WBbvsgN6ZzGDRD6YEbUvmjysR9dI8Xv0ktAWclI2HG5xLYKwtteMX01rM0GQGIzrfNVJaTVfzGdxpdNprJYImCEmSMRw5bOiHdhIPE47Hnb7IWRdX3HibWZ4IQYp5/s1600/IMG_8845.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbP5q80x5_rGiKC3plSzmtX7Sww0DqOEv4saL45yeWgRfR5SivuJXH3x3kM_JBbpKHxDX0KvVAlHI42-LX4ET96QCMzqQA-m8t4ZSAe1QT47i2mLt3QgKZq0_ldnOktd5I1HGrtdUGrDg/s1600/IMG_8843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbP5q80x5_rGiKC3plSzmtX7Sww0DqOEv4saL45yeWgRfR5SivuJXH3x3kM_JBbpKHxDX0KvVAlHI42-LX4ET96QCMzqQA-m8t4ZSAe1QT47i2mLt3QgKZq0_ldnOktd5I1HGrtdUGrDg/s1600/IMG_8843.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 2: Sanding<br /><br />My wood was in good shape and didn't have any lacquer, so all I needed was a light sanding (200 grit) to remove any surface gunk and allow the paint to grip better. If yours has any deep scratches or gashes, take this time to fill it in (using wood putty or something similar) and then sand down smooth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiIMBIFUp0NZ07VX2Qi6NhBdtWYIwnLEKqsnXIvu4G3iweboBBp3fG-O_upJ9m-OhMCl9pGhqTwkJI3jzaDYcP3o4zhCdDn06Qul5PSjC3t0NFM_8K06_cF65ksB-Vki3uGvRFIvsG8Cl/s1600/IMG_8846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiIMBIFUp0NZ07VX2Qi6NhBdtWYIwnLEKqsnXIvu4G3iweboBBp3fG-O_upJ9m-OhMCl9pGhqTwkJI3jzaDYcP3o4zhCdDn06Qul5PSjC3t0NFM_8K06_cF65ksB-Vki3uGvRFIvsG8Cl/s640/IMG_8846.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Step 3: Degloss/wipe down<br /><br />I use Liquid deglosser based on what I've read online, but I'm sure a damp rag would do the trick as well. The goal is to get a clean, dust free surface.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwJRpMNQs21vvGpUTKDZencTP0ynVLGvI6ArMXOLxAbOnTvn9vh9qCN7IA60k_wByjAmuFW-LP3rqB1n6hc8WqAFV-u6QHTaOOS4-uP8TVPyoOT5nOqyflPooQbBEY2F2wVPxtKARaLLj/s1600/IMG_8848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwJRpMNQs21vvGpUTKDZencTP0ynVLGvI6ArMXOLxAbOnTvn9vh9qCN7IA60k_wByjAmuFW-LP3rqB1n6hc8WqAFV-u6QHTaOOS4-uP8TVPyoOT5nOqyflPooQbBEY2F2wVPxtKARaLLj/s1600/IMG_8848.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 4: Add legs<br /><br />I decided that I needed some height, so I picked up these 4 legs and bases for around $25 at Lowe's:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLDIv7-5ri0A-6W23o-kmEHP6AfOSgp7m1Dm0JAG2NkYEYTvLLqt98RTlaXo7zvrf8cYtk_FczOs5yHqOui4FbdEnVzKHz5sSjUiQ58QvaoveAk5Pjin825ThiBmH9d3_YCV64Bsto6i1/s1600/IMG_8849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLDIv7-5ri0A-6W23o-kmEHP6AfOSgp7m1Dm0JAG2NkYEYTvLLqt98RTlaXo7zvrf8cYtk_FczOs5yHqOui4FbdEnVzKHz5sSjUiQ58QvaoveAk5Pjin825ThiBmH9d3_YCV64Bsto6i1/s1600/IMG_8849.jpg" /></a></div><br />I measured out equal distances on all four sides and attached the bases:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8O1h_tepoULG0kZQsOjykfKxqcpxtBOKmYjGGEwbWxkD18UHn2oXLaPdRtjEZb528lYVNW0UUNPdu2vOMpe45xqksgQF-oH3eb2-E7QHYvb0D99kxwSv7spPjW4VXDLrvsgZA_xM6wMT/s1600/IMG_8850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8O1h_tepoULG0kZQsOjykfKxqcpxtBOKmYjGGEwbWxkD18UHn2oXLaPdRtjEZb528lYVNW0UUNPdu2vOMpe45xqksgQF-oH3eb2-E7QHYvb0D99kxwSv7spPjW4VXDLrvsgZA_xM6wMT/s1600/IMG_8850.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Once they were all secured, I simply threaded the legs in and had a cabinet that looked like it was made to be freestanding instead of attached to a wall.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUprp1MTPhuATPpka8wdxPRarOqs9I0eZK70x7aA6aIQPNeVsGxZ5p6G16SbyYFr1lW5GxcAjYRMEQ_5lUHM6mwRwcxYIlEvfk83aSvxn4fooXSnunfNzVAn0t4OyEPW_B0vFaDVu1cwyv/s1600/IMG_8851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUprp1MTPhuATPpka8wdxPRarOqs9I0eZK70x7aA6aIQPNeVsGxZ5p6G16SbyYFr1lW5GxcAjYRMEQ_5lUHM6mwRwcxYIlEvfk83aSvxn4fooXSnunfNzVAn0t4OyEPW_B0vFaDVu1cwyv/s1600/IMG_8851.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 5: Tape off all areas that you do not want painted.<br /><br />For me this was the metal magnets on the doors and base.<br /><br /><br />Step 6: Prime<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDH5grmkXmv2PDC1lsWBkD6jZPhStua_kBEd-CUWnKMVK2pasO5WPEPAzPJsbNu2xrZVGIJRhXr8Z-sh47qUZmZL5MoaALuIHxVq1nr74ciN-_ATCEg35rW0qb98s1y8qAzLXd8xTVBIz/s1600/IMG_8852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDH5grmkXmv2PDC1lsWBkD6jZPhStua_kBEd-CUWnKMVK2pasO5WPEPAzPJsbNu2xrZVGIJRhXr8Z-sh47qUZmZL5MoaALuIHxVq1nr74ciN-_ATCEg35rW0qb98s1y8qAzLXd8xTVBIz/s640/IMG_8852.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><br />This is a personal decision, but I went with a spray primer for a couple reasons: #1 It was cheap, fast and easy. #2 Since my wood was already in great condition to take paint and I was using an advanced paint made for cabinets, I felt comfortable with a thinner coat of primer. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfVIin8Ze6pBF5FvtxO8rPffmXwtzCmxIrk0cBsZs1AKM6lzSyg_7BYhab8kU558oSx0nY_L4s-n5PBgMozzhbLFJ1o74b717K5dduEF81kDkKKHJ0UonS8ZdxA_A2N1UXkkFD-iGeokd/s1600/IMG_8854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfVIin8Ze6pBF5FvtxO8rPffmXwtzCmxIrk0cBsZs1AKM6lzSyg_7BYhab8kU558oSx0nY_L4s-n5PBgMozzhbLFJ1o74b717K5dduEF81kDkKKHJ0UonS8ZdxA_A2N1UXkkFD-iGeokd/s1600/IMG_8854.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you can see, the coverage isn't the same as regular paint would have been, but good enough for what I needed. Valspar certainly isn't the most recommended brand, so you may have a more even finish with something like Rustoleum.<br /><br />Tip: Sand between every coat! Spray paint especially tends to leave a very rough surface. 200 grit by hand is all you need to smooth out the roughness.<br /><br />Step 7: Paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PceOt-QBln6ax2ehax1ylnOSJgpfZxIcFdbIBIFvOJTpscPwgp9tF0ERdWYbYCs1-ua-3VzxXF5j4oUtr26Gb76MV1VmVZbo4lhLFOvK_2-J4p4u2BMbIYNFx3BAF0oucXnX85LA9F92/s1600/IMG_8855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PceOt-QBln6ax2ehax1ylnOSJgpfZxIcFdbIBIFvOJTpscPwgp9tF0ERdWYbYCs1-ua-3VzxXF5j4oUtr26Gb76MV1VmVZbo4lhLFOvK_2-J4p4u2BMbIYNFx3BAF0oucXnX85LA9F92/s1600/IMG_8855.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I used the same paint I used on my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/well-this-is-exciting.html">kitchen cabinets</a>, Benjamin Moore's Advance in off the shelf white. I wanted something extra durable and in a classic color so I wouldn't have to repaint it down the road. I used a foam roller, which I always recommend for painting anything. Coupled with sanding between coats, the finish will be silky smooth. <br /><br />Tip 1: Take your time when painting furniture. I learned this the hard way when I tried to finish my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2011/08/ikea-hemnes-nightstand-hack.html">nightstands</a> in one day and ended up with chipping paint. Do not try to squeeze it into one day, it's not worth it!<br /><br />When you aren't rushed and can take your time, the process is so much more enjoyable. This also allows you to deal with any Oopsies that pop up... and they do, quite often.<br /><br />The paint label says to wait several hours between coats, and that's exactly what I did. Actually, since I had an entire week while I was waiting for the wallpaper to arrive, I only applied one coat a day. <br /><br /><br />Tip 2: Watch your edges. Paint will build up along them and before you know it, you have this:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgB15G32JUJCWXqM_xQEyDjGa1oVbqdeyAjdYYSmoLz8pw_nA9sMq2Wi5NgijoEemk5AAr2ErmHjkNMsRwxy7836MGTz0c1HAQkZCDqqBqUPUdvCNcQTxEPQay3qjvME41vMOdhszkUXX/s640/IMG_5841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgB15G32JUJCWXqM_xQEyDjGa1oVbqdeyAjdYYSmoLz8pw_nA9sMq2Wi5NgijoEemk5AAr2ErmHjkNMsRwxy7836MGTz0c1HAQkZCDqqBqUPUdvCNcQTxEPQay3qjvME41vMOdhszkUXX/s640/IMG_5841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This is the reason I started distressing everything!</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It's tedious, but necessary if you want a professional look.<br /><br />Tip 3: Let the paint dry for as long as you can before placing objects on it. Paint will feel dry to the touch within hours, but really needs at least 36-48 hours to fully cure and not risk damaging the finish, especially with heavy objects.<br /><br />After my first coat of paint, I noticed these holes along the sides that I wasn't loving:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo5hvrsbDSUoF4oBScsIuHnl4mYF84Kp1uDxCO-hDeuWQnfSPLZizgUitIK8XVEj2sd7NTKMaSercLGu7dcPXVSEYIbmDOv9soaX7Koey3csrWEBztor2ekrTtHJC2HrQaL-CP1El-gHG/s1600/IMG_8857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo5hvrsbDSUoF4oBScsIuHnl4mYF84Kp1uDxCO-hDeuWQnfSPLZizgUitIK8XVEj2sd7NTKMaSercLGu7dcPXVSEYIbmDOv9soaX7Koey3csrWEBztor2ekrTtHJC2HrQaL-CP1El-gHG/s1600/IMG_8857.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I should have patched and sanded before painting, of course, but they were bothering me so I went ahead and filled them anyway:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0GWdt1yVzzQLEXfmIeHrSu35eTxIK8hkT6vHhmlfRkkcc2-FvdmHmf_eXI2OMTG3ewLxWdIueZg9aExIHQWeAh2zgqycl8rGorlR0IqQwq8YDVTprU6VyAuaimXd80dwIucuUca1V6kD/s1600/IMG_8858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0GWdt1yVzzQLEXfmIeHrSu35eTxIK8hkT6vHhmlfRkkcc2-FvdmHmf_eXI2OMTG3ewLxWdIueZg9aExIHQWeAh2zgqycl8rGorlR0IqQwq8YDVTprU6VyAuaimXd80dwIucuUca1V6kD/s1600/IMG_8858.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yep... that's wallboard joint compound. I always preferred the texture to wood putty (use it at your own risk).<br /><br />Tip: Paint will not "fix" imperfections! It actually makes them more obvious. When you patch something, it may look and feel smooth to the touch, but once you paint over it you'll notice the unevenness. Let the putty dry completely (apply more than one coat if necessary), use a flat palm sander, and take your time to make sure it's as smooth as possible before painting. <br /><br />After letting the putty dry for a day, I came back and sanded and applied my first coat:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhCl261pv4Gqo3wc9bYoYcjgPI5aN3C2ccmfNoljEVARt88fz3wA9DLYcHZaAKw8FzAcq9hlnI3dFeTpF5CXvG1pc4d8Rl-yWWmog4lLpGebtVy9tvV9PBaUDm2vs7Fcglho2cX_nGTSc/s1600/IMG_8859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhCl261pv4Gqo3wc9bYoYcjgPI5aN3C2ccmfNoljEVARt88fz3wA9DLYcHZaAKw8FzAcq9hlnI3dFeTpF5CXvG1pc4d8Rl-yWWmog4lLpGebtVy9tvV9PBaUDm2vs7Fcglho2cX_nGTSc/s1600/IMG_8859.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Much better, right?<br /><br />This step took me back a day, but I didn't mind at all because I had set aside extra time for the inevitable hiccups that are bound to occur.<br /><br /><br />Step 8: Wallpaper<br /><br />As my last coat of paint was drying, my wallpaper finally arrived:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgLRwf3wT5QElj1YzHSrqLNZ6eVjeDez7nIgux3WqHNgdJwQcutB9OLAyAeyAR0i_iiHzwILEbNpNA68yI9hPMyzZbV71Yj2OUot8CoKdBIRJxQHm2bOGwY56yro3UHCcFFLpNRyh35Fi/s1600/IMG_8897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgLRwf3wT5QElj1YzHSrqLNZ6eVjeDez7nIgux3WqHNgdJwQcutB9OLAyAeyAR0i_iiHzwILEbNpNA68yI9hPMyzZbV71Yj2OUot8CoKdBIRJxQHm2bOGwY56yro3UHCcFFLpNRyh35Fi/s1600/IMG_8897.jpg" /></a></div><br />And it was not even close to the wallpaper I had purchased:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/623467/623467007827xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/623467/623467007827xl.jpg" /></a></div><br />However, I didn't mind the pattern and I certainly didn't want to wait another few weeks for a replacement, so I went with it.<br /><br />I had planned to wallpaper the front of the doors and the two shelves inside the cabinet. The first step was to measure and trim my pieces:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdwheZtGs9D_tYcdb2ycu-EfiKv4hzB7Rk9JntKSWi_dKNyulnxp9GS2WOGLUFOffe-tdlcpZrNhO83Tb-JiLw-LmCE18zvXS_9xhiNLTyJphufPTIkfQ9D1sWnHpxDtWfOcPgeHO_uc/s1600/IMG_8901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HdwheZtGs9D_tYcdb2ycu-EfiKv4hzB7Rk9JntKSWi_dKNyulnxp9GS2WOGLUFOffe-tdlcpZrNhO83Tb-JiLw-LmCE18zvXS_9xhiNLTyJphufPTIkfQ9D1sWnHpxDtWfOcPgeHO_uc/s1600/IMG_8901.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This was quite easy, the wallpaper cuts like butter. I slipped a new blade into my Xacto knife and trimmed the excess paper while applying pressure to the door.<br /><br />Perfect fit:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPi8H49S_yoRbB3LQPYEi_hfl8s4qJLk9USjlSUMpoLWV-f-ZWqzuVoFI7mExR1MS0AGXKvXm9V238-z7U9Sk-Y9JwxNOrglxLqbhheMhCGLafwu80nlCaoax0msy6phjgsqaRgTsyEBo/s1600/IMG_8902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPi8H49S_yoRbB3LQPYEi_hfl8s4qJLk9USjlSUMpoLWV-f-ZWqzuVoFI7mExR1MS0AGXKvXm9V238-z7U9Sk-Y9JwxNOrglxLqbhheMhCGLafwu80nlCaoax0msy6phjgsqaRgTsyEBo/s1600/IMG_8902.jpg" /></a></div><br />To apply the paper, I had read mixed reviews about what sort of adhesive to use. I had both Modge Podge and spray adhesive, and I figured the spray was a lot easier...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBedwaOHuPZsMvqwGAJ6VMqULgFFfSF9w_5ayWT0P_NrsXBMeiW6K5FOhtQeRt-V_BkG83wV008ayH8aYa3vn0sLzM8hsBdel4az-DFYgdIvd5YhOpCPEvbA1DKaAFIF4-2l27yWSnL6u/s1600/IMG_8907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBedwaOHuPZsMvqwGAJ6VMqULgFFfSF9w_5ayWT0P_NrsXBMeiW6K5FOhtQeRt-V_BkG83wV008ayH8aYa3vn0sLzM8hsBdel4az-DFYgdIvd5YhOpCPEvbA1DKaAFIF4-2l27yWSnL6u/s1600/IMG_8907.jpg" /></a></div><br />So I applied a generous amount of spray to the wood, carefully lined the paper up to the corners and smoothed it out onto the door:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YAqMcKxAS8WxoBhbHS1nDug43MgZ4cwImVsRbB8reb8mw4zIuWlUZIozH9LmvKt4_ZTkXc5NqWOgfmOVerfMKD1MvDORziQDvzRmIjUqUzJBMce_FM6JjWxv3WiwlMvoWLc1kMxPJ9WC/s1600/IMG_8906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YAqMcKxAS8WxoBhbHS1nDug43MgZ4cwImVsRbB8reb8mw4zIuWlUZIozH9LmvKt4_ZTkXc5NqWOgfmOVerfMKD1MvDORziQDvzRmIjUqUzJBMce_FM6JjWxv3WiwlMvoWLc1kMxPJ9WC/s1600/IMG_8906.jpg" /></a></div><br />And it worked!<br /><br />I repeated the process for the second door and the shelf:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ieg8QWMxl27xgK0Zjqo66qbmevpirJLhargPnxYnkSuzh0UObwh3Mmqu_EP3-1LL3vFReNJ51c1K9wal16v3aXYOuEimzCFrxjYdUatAivJzoPQzlg6fRFRYCgtBlm8BLUCcOo1edJZS/s1600/IMG_8908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ieg8QWMxl27xgK0Zjqo66qbmevpirJLhargPnxYnkSuzh0UObwh3Mmqu_EP3-1LL3vFReNJ51c1K9wal16v3aXYOuEimzCFrxjYdUatAivJzoPQzlg6fRFRYCgtBlm8BLUCcOo1edJZS/s1600/IMG_8908.jpg" /></a></div><br />I then measured out the bottom of the cabinet and cut a piece to fit, and repeated the process:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnXdar8bICsokzgyU1zIbLFe4GdrQh_sGNxo7ukYNwxmQC-DzNFim_qUUzTA8R_C-AiU_O4qZhcs1sYyKtSCIGksLy9_dwSR5IhaV9-yoAXibJxQ7D3jR8ntGUsmnnt6bn279hRlRnOON/s1600/IMG_8911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnXdar8bICsokzgyU1zIbLFe4GdrQh_sGNxo7ukYNwxmQC-DzNFim_qUUzTA8R_C-AiU_O4qZhcs1sYyKtSCIGksLy9_dwSR5IhaV9-yoAXibJxQ7D3jR8ntGUsmnnt6bn279hRlRnOON/s1600/IMG_8911.jpg" /></a></div><br />Step 9: Paint the wallpaper<br /><br />I was originally going to use the pistachio green color from my office closet so they would coordinate, but I realized we ran out of that paint color. I also decided I wanted to go with something a little more neutral that could work in future houses, so I browsed through the paint cans in our garage and decided to use the color from our master bathroom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9bMd7BykqombKBJC_hZxDe_Bbs1i5c7lQq7e_K1qjyZCvh673ZoxqWhu93arkO1donumVN3VT79sLWsqhdCNTZVTODXyuxMhjZ0pxBgMu4ld-Pjf-esbSe2MB41jLpy2QKlUKDuQ8u7m/s1600/IMG_7439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9bMd7BykqombKBJC_hZxDe_Bbs1i5c7lQq7e_K1qjyZCvh673ZoxqWhu93arkO1donumVN3VT79sLWsqhdCNTZVTODXyuxMhjZ0pxBgMu4ld-Pjf-esbSe2MB41jLpy2QKlUKDuQ8u7m/s640/IMG_7439.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's Behr's Reflecting Pool. I like that it was a semi-gloss, so the wallpaper would have a sheen to it. I taped off the edges and got to work:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwybg8g-vqWjKDqBstak4rHLeUZNNXs9BdlAFFlhVq7KBISfFtd2MipxX_FOFgbMSc4H1AIxhdkm3eZk6TKqpGtdqclp8NeiWCnlUKfpUjgHkG-40RzEsDLMI7PMvACwI0GlLJkIVybkjc/s1600/IMG_8912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwybg8g-vqWjKDqBstak4rHLeUZNNXs9BdlAFFlhVq7KBISfFtd2MipxX_FOFgbMSc4H1AIxhdkm3eZk6TKqpGtdqclp8NeiWCnlUKfpUjgHkG-40RzEsDLMI7PMvACwI0GlLJkIVybkjc/s1600/IMG_8912.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's hard to tell the difference between the painted door on the left and plain white on the right, I know—which brings me to my next tip: colors darken over time (maybe not so much on walls, but at least on furniture and canvas!) I know this because it's happened more than once... first with the canvas art that I painted for the living room, and also our dining room table.<br /><br /> Here's how the table looked after I first painted it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6SoS3yqL9v30Q8JBC5NPfVAlUmG9Z2NutpbshB3iK7QRRF_IQw2Wwx6mp7kN95DIy2OwF9qWPt3IQ6XaKLcxgV1A3My4v91qp_ISGa0TR2f5mlpNBk-oOU5ln9p0JDfErHHq9NmWqKRa/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6SoS3yqL9v30Q8JBC5NPfVAlUmG9Z2NutpbshB3iK7QRRF_IQw2Wwx6mp7kN95DIy2OwF9qWPt3IQ6XaKLcxgV1A3My4v91qp_ISGa0TR2f5mlpNBk-oOU5ln9p0JDfErHHq9NmWqKRa/s640/IMG_6442.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Pretty much white, right? Here it is today:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD64BMQwGQjn2vfsFnIHMUaQbahYM8O1fQrEEiUN1doDWqTngYyi-Eho9Zjf_MmxalZ48EbGpnbF-VhVXKHAFSOjwJRiIdmAXnA0Ddqp4R3KwLADA-MdyeSSQjvwnCdmoRd9hWUEg69-i/s1600/IMG_8889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD64BMQwGQjn2vfsFnIHMUaQbahYM8O1fQrEEiUN1doDWqTngYyi-Eho9Zjf_MmxalZ48EbGpnbF-VhVXKHAFSOjwJRiIdmAXnA0Ddqp4R3KwLADA-MdyeSSQjvwnCdmoRd9hWUEg69-i/s1600/IMG_8889.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yes, it's the same table. I knew this was going to happen before I painted it, so I purposely added more white than what looked correct at the time, in anticipation of it darkening.<br /><br />Therefore, in these photos, the doors may look white... but I'll come back in a month or two with another photo and I think you'll notice a difference.<br /><br />Moving along...this is what happened after I painted the wallpaper on the cabinet:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nw3JPudo7IpcUG1AM6JAoCDLaqzPtDXYABUfuNDE0Nzt-r1fz_myM0kUVOBJDM3g16FScbiytwP2SdASS5cHQ4Gx3UCptD3J2dbesxGxmMargGO7dDFsmJoyj5rtPUDYj_ek7stKhB4z/s1600/IMG_8913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nw3JPudo7IpcUG1AM6JAoCDLaqzPtDXYABUfuNDE0Nzt-r1fz_myM0kUVOBJDM3g16FScbiytwP2SdASS5cHQ4Gx3UCptD3J2dbesxGxmMargGO7dDFsmJoyj5rtPUDYj_ek7stKhB4z/s1600/IMG_8913.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I turned around for one second and looked back to see this, and gasped in horror. The paper did seem to have a harder time sticking to the surface (unlike the doors), because I hadn't sanded down the area prior (I didn't think it mattered because I was just going to be covering it anyway, but the overspray from the primer made the surface rough).<br /><br />I immediately ripped it off and started over. This time using Modge Podge. And it worked like a charm.<br /><br />If you are applying thicker wallpaper to wood: Use Modge Podge! A lot of it. Forget the spray adhesive. And also make sure your surface is smooth first. If your paper is thinner, like a wrapping paper material, I bet spray adhesive would do the trick though.<br /><br />I went back to see how my doors were holding up, and noticed small bubbling in some areas. I wondered if the humidity had anything to do with it, so I brought them inside and the bubbling stopped completely. Whew.<br /><br />Here's everything all dried and ready to be assembled:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FuRuIXBFRqsD_dO1bsyszNhF2RvuKlAtuq0Lt42-_7YkKn5gF5f08CswQFwXYJ4zj9sykokP3gY1IFPyZy2FA7wmBoCrZVdk8OPvI9AjIepFSHUGA7X0q7pO1-nFxx5_aPTXDYeLVNvR/s1600/IMG_8914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FuRuIXBFRqsD_dO1bsyszNhF2RvuKlAtuq0Lt42-_7YkKn5gF5f08CswQFwXYJ4zj9sykokP3gY1IFPyZy2FA7wmBoCrZVdk8OPvI9AjIepFSHUGA7X0q7pO1-nFxx5_aPTXDYeLVNvR/s1600/IMG_8914.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Step 10: Reassemble<br /><br />I picked up a pair of simple glass knobs from Hobby Lobby on sale for $5 total:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd3vXJDo_b7VlaNEKRQz6wDVL5fzYYavsrLfE4JWknnS7n8HURwYdihxmY6E1cHZ_zcp95GCxTESrDyzc0sEL5foVDdFkCAsikQ1-xdNMsqaWzTb0llMIFmW01i50A-KKZvNvFGo3jLbP/s1600/IMG_8899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQd3vXJDo_b7VlaNEKRQz6wDVL5fzYYavsrLfE4JWknnS7n8HURwYdihxmY6E1cHZ_zcp95GCxTESrDyzc0sEL5foVDdFkCAsikQ1-xdNMsqaWzTb0llMIFmW01i50A-KKZvNvFGo3jLbP/s640/IMG_8899.jpg" width="589" /></a></div><br />I think they're purty.<br /><br />Finally, we hauled everything into the office and put it all back together. And there's my 10 step, 7 day refinishing process... tada!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN9dwD3VmZmQfumjkHcQz0Ba_w8y3gxtyeu8_PHXUgAS3ztlYhyIQeY9Pnzjaf_b85k9CvNksGVnzENuevGcrT0Ome-iZfB4VgIEa64Rov4E9lSZenuJozq3pV-KZx4gqsUCEjHaBlePR/s1600/IMG_8925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN9dwD3VmZmQfumjkHcQz0Ba_w8y3gxtyeu8_PHXUgAS3ztlYhyIQeY9Pnzjaf_b85k9CvNksGVnzENuevGcrT0Ome-iZfB4VgIEa64Rov4E9lSZenuJozq3pV-KZx4gqsUCEjHaBlePR/s1600/IMG_8925.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF682DQG1CzI4fbYV3gnLAvt4Ai6LMGFjHdx27YiP2uOwVO0Nqrb5EJAL1GWjvNjCu8IQPK9_eveIcosa6TrvhxHeULA32dRmnm4NumDDMRrPpIUN-WyfHqhrnGBoAV9hOgB7Dzim34X2/s1600/IMG_8929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF682DQG1CzI4fbYV3gnLAvt4Ai6LMGFjHdx27YiP2uOwVO0Nqrb5EJAL1GWjvNjCu8IQPK9_eveIcosa6TrvhxHeULA32dRmnm4NumDDMRrPpIUN-WyfHqhrnGBoAV9hOgB7Dzim34X2/s1600/IMG_8929.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh6Z2mAa_oShSerqSnoWtNPiwGJ-7aCld6nlkbLrQLrXMKL1nRTB7nm98iDf1tMTBRgZw8sts-n0HYuQJaMPpMKSWucWPToaLnryHcPXCWkmAMtEhwn87U0bVLX3fiV5KWbVJUJ-F6Uyv/s1600/IMG_8933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh6Z2mAa_oShSerqSnoWtNPiwGJ-7aCld6nlkbLrQLrXMKL1nRTB7nm98iDf1tMTBRgZw8sts-n0HYuQJaMPpMKSWucWPToaLnryHcPXCWkmAMtEhwn87U0bVLX3fiV5KWbVJUJ-F6Uyv/s1600/IMG_8933.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn2HzWIBU2yAeuc3kJejCt2vdCN6zXaXnY95nxicAX1mLDt0Bro97qpJR72jd6Dws9j1e56hyphenhyphenhfs8m-uL5m7obDL_fp8zdamI4YxDD1EA0EMO_bgC6W7rLk60EnosTVAEeSpcXo4W_thF/s1600/IMG_8928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn2HzWIBU2yAeuc3kJejCt2vdCN6zXaXnY95nxicAX1mLDt0Bro97qpJR72jd6Dws9j1e56hyphenhyphenhfs8m-uL5m7obDL_fp8zdamI4YxDD1EA0EMO_bgC6W7rLk60EnosTVAEeSpcXo4W_thF/s1600/IMG_8928.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the funnest part of course.... organizing it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLXmme9LGuQBd-_Acc9GtLRdAfmDsXErmqzE1ooEnWaf5bk28AmiZyV7RZJEKqCMCQY1Gtf6gOVJBCQyobYV75QJjXf4mmx_GvvBVDeIHfrbG9vkn5NUOdsHGKiqKPgrK3CSqxW-Ks-qq/s1600/IMG_8932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLXmme9LGuQBd-_Acc9GtLRdAfmDsXErmqzE1ooEnWaf5bk28AmiZyV7RZJEKqCMCQY1Gtf6gOVJBCQyobYV75QJjXf4mmx_GvvBVDeIHfrbG9vkn5NUOdsHGKiqKPgrK3CSqxW-Ks-qq/s1600/IMG_8932.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_DCvJxD3gB0k1lLu4UhcP1KIkL85HkXPZtU0pmdnd7XyPgbBZJb6OGLuViVnCiRnYCl9jYiU5CSrhrkdyGItwn_w65LDVPqllDzNJgpoJRg__MYneaBKA3idW40cftbnjevZnYamKY7e/s1600/IMG_8931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_DCvJxD3gB0k1lLu4UhcP1KIkL85HkXPZtU0pmdnd7XyPgbBZJb6OGLuViVnCiRnYCl9jYiU5CSrhrkdyGItwn_w65LDVPqllDzNJgpoJRg__MYneaBKA3idW40cftbnjevZnYamKY7e/s1600/IMG_8931.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklPlOo1Om9RE7PMT31YSpPFY7bri5oz5iLNiis3SKVD2sOd-m4OZHecDSaZmBaKucQGmnS5uK0b8XL4aEKlgMfKcWV12yyntcUyhuvK7f6T0X9mJvxFqFdAsU1EXZeg4ntPNprRYhJjIj/s1600/IMG_8946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklPlOo1Om9RE7PMT31YSpPFY7bri5oz5iLNiis3SKVD2sOd-m4OZHecDSaZmBaKucQGmnS5uK0b8XL4aEKlgMfKcWV12yyntcUyhuvK7f6T0X9mJvxFqFdAsU1EXZeg4ntPNprRYhJjIj/s1600/IMG_8946.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OM8OpZyVnSjgTBbY7NTl7-xH_xABxsm5083nuKX3g6_mrxN9cUXdKiivwxQCrtGpacYvgT5dh1DoIpZrXeUjNDxlRtFxumCBb6SQXMlXJcpCVPBwwdZKHnuxZfsiV6oHYztBIg3goErn/s1600/IMG_8944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OM8OpZyVnSjgTBbY7NTl7-xH_xABxsm5083nuKX3g6_mrxN9cUXdKiivwxQCrtGpacYvgT5dh1DoIpZrXeUjNDxlRtFxumCBb6SQXMlXJcpCVPBwwdZKHnuxZfsiV6oHYztBIg3goErn/s1600/IMG_8944.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJfKLjSLpK4Ch_ZGppbD9zCuM9mXSfN6B2YiL6cwR_bxLGn-WWR7rmes05jRJiFaSDprUl-327w6xWEMIUs6HaAik3Mu-se_Y9wAbtA5BNSp6Bxyketg7hRW2x_zLyMGvfkLUUC0SfKe0/s1600/IMG_8949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJfKLjSLpK4Ch_ZGppbD9zCuM9mXSfN6B2YiL6cwR_bxLGn-WWR7rmes05jRJiFaSDprUl-327w6xWEMIUs6HaAik3Mu-se_Y9wAbtA5BNSp6Bxyketg7hRW2x_zLyMGvfkLUUC0SfKe0/s1600/IMG_8949.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiquoBQRDp0PuhN_N8cGfKrdjHwMxxibFpre3mh4-qHiV8wxbDimZWs3fIxaBmP00Ue7Rq3zu7l7UkQCJygrQddmmbiSxUNKmhG-oRXbT7QxGeXvwaRJlkQf11SfwhEnIpLNFJjEvHeh9/s1600/IMG_8942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiquoBQRDp0PuhN_N8cGfKrdjHwMxxibFpre3mh4-qHiV8wxbDimZWs3fIxaBmP00Ue7Rq3zu7l7UkQCJygrQddmmbiSxUNKmhG-oRXbT7QxGeXvwaRJlkQf11SfwhEnIpLNFJjEvHeh9/s1600/IMG_8942.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Before:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgL3Q1cbPgEn6Tf53sDKgiuIKiZimytOpjgzquFMZeMzFSr9BH-b4Wlp3q9-aAROCmNYEmUcik71byMh6gHJo9LiwftX5dh53TBEr6DCiO8ux9YQfV1Hn3csAUVZoQqL6o7P3WS6Dh_87/s1600/IMG_8870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgL3Q1cbPgEn6Tf53sDKgiuIKiZimytOpjgzquFMZeMzFSr9BH-b4Wlp3q9-aAROCmNYEmUcik71byMh6gHJo9LiwftX5dh53TBEr6DCiO8ux9YQfV1Hn3csAUVZoQqL6o7P3WS6Dh_87/s1600/IMG_8870.jpg" /></a></div><br />After:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh6Z2mAa_oShSerqSnoWtNPiwGJ-7aCld6nlkbLrQLrXMKL1nRTB7nm98iDf1tMTBRgZw8sts-n0HYuQJaMPpMKSWucWPToaLnryHcPXCWkmAMtEhwn87U0bVLX3fiV5KWbVJUJ-F6Uyv/s1600/IMG_8933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh6Z2mAa_oShSerqSnoWtNPiwGJ-7aCld6nlkbLrQLrXMKL1nRTB7nm98iDf1tMTBRgZw8sts-n0HYuQJaMPpMKSWucWPToaLnryHcPXCWkmAMtEhwn87U0bVLX3fiV5KWbVJUJ-F6Uyv/s1600/IMG_8933.jpg" /></a></div><br />Cost breakdown:<br /><br />Cabinet - $40<br />Primer - $5<br />Legs: $25<br />Wallpaper: $20<br />Knobs: $5<br />Paint: $0<br />Total: $95<br /><br />Okay, so it isn't the cheapest furniture rehab I've ever done. But perhaps the most interesting before and after. I'm definitely digging the wallpaper, and I have a ton leftover for other potential projects.<br /><br />What do you think? Anyone else ever experiment with wallpaper and furniture, or planning to now that I've shared my experience Do tell :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wgVAW4CkQJKe7F9T2TN0wW1SrDi-slD9gmVbLIZalyLM_SjovLgmJd6T5JVGN-zGsPjsUT8JqpC0Hg0bvBSKNbL2vSFE5zPRGb85uqM6xT3uwkNviMJoN_gRPvh-14Y8_L7ctp1v1IQ3/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Office Cabinet Refinish (with wallpaper!)

Happy Sunday! I'm checking in to reveal my latest furniture revamp and I figured I'd take the opportunity to share a few tips and tr...

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