Several weeks ago we were asked us to take part in an IKEA hack.

We joined several other bloggers in this pursuit.  Each of us were given an IKEA dresser, hardware of our choice from Hickory Hardware and a gift card to Menards for other supplies.  The top three will be awarded with a hardware room makeover for any room project.  How cool is that!

When they asked me to do it, we were already working 13 hour days but…

I said YES!

What the heck was I thinking?  

We’ve been slammed with our paint business and our painted pieces of furniture are flying out the door at record numbers so it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I was so excited for this opportunity and knew somehow our business schedule would allow us to squeeze in one more project.

 I’m pretty sure I was doing the happy dance when I said YES!

I was so honored to have this opportunity and even more excited to have the opportunity to get all new hardware for a room in my house.  

Then, in the midst of all the excitement, I handed the project over to my sister Cathy.

A couple of weeks later a small box arrived at our studio, seriously ~ like the size of a coat box!

With just one peek, I knew this project required a brain with the ability to focus more than five seconds.  “Oh Cathhhhhhhhy!!!”

Holy Frappacino Batman, look at all those parts!

Who needs written instructions when you can look at the pictures!

It’s like a Lego set for grown ups!

Part by part, Cathy put the pieces together

I’m not exactly sure what the Rast 3 Drawer Chest is marketed as, Cath says it’s for underwear ~ lol.  I have no idea if that’s the truth, but her response cracked me up.

Never fear ~ Cathy is here!

IKEA’s Rast 3 drawer chest is very basic.  There are no legs so it basically just sits there on the floor with a boo boo lip wishing it had some.

The PLAN!

Cathy was determined to re-purpose this chest into something out of the ordinary.  We tossed off one another then left the ball in her court to design her creation.  I had a general idea of what she wanted to do but I wish you all could have seen the look on my face when I walked in and saw this!

Rustic Kitchen Island Cart

The first thing she had to do was increase the height.  Cath use the Menards gift card we received to buy these metal casters.  They fit the bill perfectly!

Every kitchen cart needs cool wheels!

A few more inches were still needed to make the island the right height so Cathy chopped up a piece of reclaimed wood for the rise then picked through our pile of barn wood to create the top.

WHAT?  You missed our barn pickin’ adventure?  

It was a blast!  Check it out; you’re sure to laugh at my dirty face here.  Ok, back to the cart…  This is the best shot showing how the height was added.  Once secured, the braces were topped off with barn wood.  Beadboard was  added to the back.  Cath picked a sheet of it up at Menards then cut it down to size to finish off the back.

I LOVE how she painted and distressed the beadboard!

 

The Paint Finish Recipe

Cathy gave everything a base coat of American Paint Company’s Freedom Road, a slate gray color then painted over that in Firework’s Red.  She did a lot of wet distressing to get that awesome weathered look then sealed it all with a mix of clear and dark wax.  Want to re-create this look?  All products are available here.  If you have any questions on the process, pop me a question in the comments below.

So what about the drawer pulls?

The chest came with simple wooden knobs which work great but we’re pretty spoiled when it comes to hardware.  Most of the furniture we refinish are antiques which traditionally have some super cool drawer pulls.

Did I mention I love love to paint hardware?

 

Drawer pulls are the icing on the cake.  It’s like that Kohler commercial where the lady says “build a house around this!”  With furniture, hardware is the same thing.  It’s the jewelry, the sparkle, the bling.  I think anyone in our line of work appreciates the beauty of a agreat piece of hardware.  Ok, so I’m a little more addicted to hardware than the average Joe.  What can I say?  We all have our fetishes.

I learned something really neat during this project.  I had no idea that Hickory Hardware is only a few minutes from our shop!  I love buying Michigan made products and they’ve been here all along!  Hickory is all tied in with Keeler Brass, which everyone knows about but I didn’t realize it was all connected.  Belwith Products has led the decorative hardware industry since 1893.   That’s a pretty impressive run!  How cool would it be to tour their facility.  I’d feel like a kid in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory ~ not sure I could contain myself!

The Hardware

Cath looked through all the great choices at Hickory Hardware then chose the perfect chunky, rustic pulls.

Cathy also added a super cool handle to help move the cart around. 

Hooks were added to the back for spatulas, pots & pans.  There’s also storage in the back for cookbooks

Cath snagged one of last year’s flea market picks to hold items on the other side.  They’re so rusty and funkylicious!

 How can you have a rust and funk without a little burlap bling?

We had until the end of the year to complete this project.  Not that I procrastinate or anything, but it is 11:59 p.m. on December 31st!   Many, many mahalos for giving us this opportunity!  We had a blast!!

Happy New Year!!

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and like how Cathy transformed this Ikea dresser then, PLEASE vote for her piece here!  It’s a one click entry.  Thank you!

Feel free to share, pin, like and comment below!

I really enjoyed watching my sister transform this piece.  It’s amazing to me what you can do with a clean slate.  I can’t wait to see the other hacks!

Cathy needs your vote to win free hardware for her kitchen.  

Please vote here!

 

A hui hou ~ Shelly

For more Chalk & Clay Painted Furniture ideas, tips, tutorials & inspiration, click:

 Shizzle Style Painted Furniture Makeovers

 Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

 Funky Finishes

Did you know…

• It’s just the two of us:  My sister and I own and operate Shizzle Design which originated in my garage.  We have and will continue to work hard, God willing, to provide you with the best service we can because to be honest, it’s a fine line between feast or famon when you’re in our line of work.
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I’m linking up to my favorite parties!!

Domestically Speaking – The Power of Paint Party

Miss Mustardseed – Furniture Feature Friday

Funky Junk Interiors – Saturday Night Special