DIY Built In Window Seat and Storage

As we near closer and closer to our expected due date, we are rapidly crossing things off of our to-do list.  Today, my husband and I finally tackled the built in storage bench.  We've talked about doing this for almost 5 years now(since we first purchased our house) in our dormer windows, but apparently baby boy was the kick in the pants we needed to finally get it done.  

I am thrilled with how it turned out and it really was an easy and inexpensive project.  In total, supplies cost just about $50 for something that really packs a punch.  We started off in the nursery, but plan to build one in the matching dormer window in our master bedroom as well.

So, do you want to learn how to build one?  Well, here are the steps we took to get it done.

First, we built a frame using 2x4's.  We started with the bottom, creating a box using 4 cuts of wood.  Each piece screwed into one another with 3" wood screws.  Then we added vertical supports in each corner, and topped those off with more 2x4's laying horizontally.  This added extra support for the top of the bench.

Once the base frame was built, we moved onto the top.  Using 3/4" MDF, we cut the top to fit the space.  We then, in a U-shape, cut out a section of the top for the lid to open and close.  We gave it a paint job before installing to minimize touch-ups on the wall, but there will still be needed touch-ups once all is said and done.  We then used a piano hinge for easy opening and closing.  Tip:  Make sure to give your lid an overhang so that it's easy to lift open.

After fitting the lid, we then added the front using 1/4" MDF.  Again, painted prior to installing.  We didn't want to tear out the existing shoe molding, so we instead notched around it and would later fill in gaps with caulk.  Using a brad nailer, nail the front and the top to your 2x4 base.

Next, we finished installing the quarter round in front of the built-in to give it that built-in look.  

Last, we added this pre-made piece of trim to give the front a little more style.  I then caulked around all cracks and gaps and filled nail holes with wood filler.  As mentioned before, there are still a few spots that need touch up paint, but for the most part it is done and I love this cozy little spot!  Once we add a cushion, it will be ready for cuddling up and reading a book.

Vanity Stool Before and After

One of the little details in our master bedroom is a vanity stool for my beloved vanity.  I get ready there every day and wanted something cute and comfortable to sit on.  I searched for a long time for the perfect vanity stool but wasn't able to come up with anything from a store that fit just right.  What I did come up with was an ugly old garden chair from a thrift shop.  These chairs are a dime a dozen, and mine was actually free because I traded some old junk at a local thrift shop.  

Originally, it had the most hideous avocado green paint and a little rust, but I gave it a good sand, and a fresh coat of sealing primer and paint to start out with.

The next step, once the shell had been prepped, was to cut out plywood to fit.  I simply measured the round openings and used a nail and string to measure and draw the circle onto the plywood.  My husband then used a jig saw to cut the circles out of the plywood.  

For the seat we used a thicker 1/2" plywood for a sturdy spot to sit, and for the back we needed 2 exact cuts of 1/4" plywood.

The next step is to start covering your plywood cutouts.  For the seat, I first wrapped the wood in dacron wrap which is a spongy poly batting.  You can also choose to add a thin layer of foam for extra comfort, but I chose not to do that because I didn't want the seat to appear too thick.  After stapling the batting around the seat, I then went on to the seat fabric.

I chose this fun, upholstery weight green leopard weave.

When covering seat cushions in fabric, the key is to stretch the fabric as tight as possible when stapling to eliminate the initial wrinkles, and wrinkles down the road when the seat is used over time and the fabric ultimately stretches from a long period of use.  Start by stretching tight top to bottom, then left to right, then work your way around, pulling tight and stapling the rest of the way.

I used the same method on the front of the back rest.  Wrapped in dacron batting, then covered in fabric.  I chose to use a contrast fabric(leftover from my ottoman project) just to add to the fun factor of the piece.  

Then, to finish the open back off, you will simply cover the second identical piece of 1/4" plywood you cut out.  This time you don't need to add extra batting because it's just a finishing piece, there is no need for comfort.  Of course, you can always add it if you want a plusher look, but be careful not to make it too thick otherwise your two circles will not fit into the back of the chair.  Stapled sides of the plywood are sandwiched in the middle with finished fabric sides facing the front and back of the chair.

There we have our finished front with contrasting fabric.  And below, the finished back with small screws to hold everything in tight.

This really is an easy project from start to finish and I think it turned out to be a cute little addition to the vanity.  

Master Bedroom Redo...Finally!

As if we didn't already have enough on our plate, we decided to go ahead and continue the hardwood floors into our master bedroom.  Might as well get it done before the baby arrives because heaven only knows when we would be able to get to them at that point.  Last year we installed them in our entire downstairs living area, then three weeks ago we carried them up into the nursery, and now they are sitting pretty in our master bedroom.  Again, my husband is my super hero!  He and a friend did our entire bedroom, start to finish, in one weekend!  Amazing.  I couldn't be happier with the results.

(garden chair turned vanity stool.  details on that later.)

Everything in the room stayed the same, with the exception of a new rug, but I think that the hardwood floors add so much character to the space. 

A little flashback of what the room looked like before the new flooring.  Yup, grayish blue carpet.  Oh, and months and months ago I painted the headboard bright white.

My man in action!

Progress!!

And now that the room is done, I can check it off of my mental checklist.  Thank goodness!  One less thing to obsess about before little man gets here.

Some of my favorite art from Etsy and a collection of my go-to jewelry in an apothecary jar brighten up this little nook in the room.  

So there you have it!  Our master bedroom all finished.  And for fun, how about a little bump shot?!  30 weeks preggo and growing.

Painted Kitchen Table

When we found out we were pregnant, I instantly went into "nesting" mode.  I think nesting is in my nature anyway, so it has been kicked into overdrive ever since the start of my pregnancy.  One of the small tasks on my never ending list was to get a new kitchen table since we would soon need to make space for another person in our lives.  I knew a high chair would be in our near future and the table we had currently was a little too big for one to fit in our eat-in kitchen comfortably.  

For years, we had this handmade farmhouse style table that I loved.  It worked well for us and it's casual style blended seamlessly into our casual cape cod.  

But again, space was something that would soon win over my love for this table.  So, I went on the hunt for something new.  What I came up with was a vintage oak pedestal table.  It has a great base with interesting lines and I knew with a little paint it could fit in nicely.

Unfortunately, it sat like this for far too long until I couldn't take the wood any more.  With a coat of primer and bright white paint, this table takes on a whole new life.

It has brightened the kitchen back up and offers much more room around the table.  We'll hold onto the leaves for when we need to seat more people, but for everyday use it's perfect for just the three of us.  

I am now dying to repaint the walls and cabinets for a fresher feel, and update my wall art.  That'll have to wait til post-baby. 

Hardwood Floors and Getting Crafty in the Nursery

Last week we hit a major turning point in the nursery design.  Hardwood floors were installed.  On the second floor.  In 2 days.  By my husband.  I helped a little, but being 7 months pregnant, I really could only do so much, so I have to give him all the credit.  What an amazing man he is.  He ripped up the old carpet and padding, pulled about 3,000 staples out of the sub floor, and installed a whole bedroom of hardwood flooring.  We still need to install the quarter round, but Rome wasn't built in a day and it'll get done shortly.  For now, I will admire the beautiful new wood floors in baby boy's room.

We've got plans for that dead space dormer window.  Can't wait to get started on that project.

Our next hardwood floor install will be in our master bedroom.  We should have that done in the next couple of weeks.  I for one, can't wait.  My husband on the other hand, not looking forward to that job!

I have been working on several other projects throughout the nursery, but the biggest one I can't wait to check off of my list is this old cabinet.  It was a big white box of nothing with not much going for it.  Hopefully, once I'm done it will be a fun, whimsical piece for the nursery.  Here's a little look at what I'm up to.

Can you see where I'm going with this?  Love this stencil(used it on my stair risers last summer) and have high hopes for this cabinet now!

Nursery Dresser: Before and After

I have shared my design plan for the nursery, and it included a gorgeous vintage dresser that I found for inspiration a few months ago.  I made it my mission to find another similar to it, and low and behold one was waiting for me on Etsy!  I purchased it from Florida and it finally delivered to me last week in Virginia.  The dresser is a Hollywood Regency style with faux bamboo details.  The lines were perfect for what I wanted, however I wanted to give it a little bit of a facelift.  

The yellow and white paint just didn't work for our nursery, so with the help of my amazing friend Connie, we spruced it up and I couldn't be happier with the results!

I replaced the knobs on the top drawers with pretty glass knobs I found at Hobby Lobby.  Drawer pulls can be a little harder to replace on vintage furniture because the measurement between the holes sometimes vary from those that are made today.  I also really liked the look of the existing pulls, so I decided to spray paint them silver.  I've never used metallic spray paint before, but what a pleasant surprise!  It went on so nicely and now I'm wondering what else we can paint silver!

The silver spray paint is made by Rustoleum and it has a nice, soft silver hue to it.  Nothing too shiny and bright.

The Hobby Lobby knobs for $3 each!  Can't beat that!  

I also painted this gorgeous mirror a few weeks ago.  It had a beautiful white washed finish on it, but I wanted a crisp white to go with the rest of the details in the room.  

Another small project was the lamp.  When I bought it, it had the white glass base and plain white shade.  My mom gave me the most gorgeous vintage tape trim(found on Etsy) for Christmas that we were so lucky to find in turquoise, navy and white!  It was just enough trim to add to the lamp shade to dress up just a bit.

I am so excited with the progress of the nursery so far!  We picked up our hardwood floors last week and plan to install them within the next couple of weeks!  Once that's done, we will really be on a roll with wrapping this room up.

A boy's (sort of) nautical nursery

As soon as we found out we were pregnant, I was already planning nurseries in my mind.  What would it look like if it were a girl?  What would I do that was a little more unique for a boy?  Since finding out we were having a boy, I really wanted to do a nursery that was a little unexpected, but still very "boy".  I wanted to stay away from the usual sports themes, and those of the like.  The funny thing is that I debated for weeks what the color schemes would be for boy/girl and the night after our ultrasound confirming we were having a boy, the scheme hit me like a ton of bricks!  Turquoise and Navy.  A not so expected color combination with a little nod to nautical.  Perfect for my baby boy, but a palette that will grow with him throughout the years.


Planning a nursery feels a little like a whirlwind adventure.  You think in the beginning that you've got plenty of time.  9 months?  Hah!  That's easy, right?  Little did you know how quickly time flies when anxiously awaiting baby...and furniture deliveries!  This is what we've got so far for little man's nursery.  Like I said, there will be small nods to a "nautical" theme, but nothing over the top.  I've got navy coral prints that my talented friend Elizabeth made to replace those boat photos that came with the frames.  I was just anxious to get the frames on the wall!

We've received our Pottery Barn crib, our cute little custom rocker, and I've checked window treatments off of my list.  But there is still a ways to go.  We've got to install hardwood floors.  Something that's been on out to-do list for a while, and this is just the kick we need to get it done.  

We're waiting on a vintage dresser I ordered from Etsy, still have to build a window seat/toy chest, need to make the crib skirt, purchase mattress, and the list goes on and on.  

I'm happy with what we've got so far, but looking forward to putting the whole picture together.  Once we get the hardwood floors and the super cute rug down, I think things will really start coming together.

The last major piece we are still waiting to arrive is the vintage dresser.  It's a hollywood regency style with faux bamboo detailing.  I plan to paint it to look like this one.

Once we get the dresser, the real fun starts and we can put together all of the final details!  Frames, decorative accessories, bedding, pillows, wall art, and a gorgeous mirror I have been working on.

I've got a few little projects I have been working on and will come back and share them with you in the next couple of days.