An Experiment with Warped Wood

Initially, when I built my Ikea Lack lookalike, I intended to build 2. The problem was that the wood that was set aside for the second shelf warped. And not just a little bit that could be sanded straight, I mean it really curved up.

Some parts were more curved than others, but all of it had some sort of bend in it.

I sanded the boards down pretty smooth, but I couldn’t get any of them straight. I still wanted to use them though. So, since I needed more shelving near my desk, I decided to do what I could with them.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the boards to line up straight. It looks so bad, but instead of scrapping it and calling it a fail, I’m planning to add some scrap 1x2 pieces on to the top, and attach some trim; slap some leftover OSB on the back, cut some plywood, buy some hinges and a couple of knobs, then give this thing a couple of doors. That way it still gives me a place to store stuff which is what I need it to do, but with the doors, all of that ugliness can be concealed inside.

We shall see how this turns out. Talk to you in the next one!

Addressing my Bedroom Issues

I hate my bedroom.

Wait. Let me rephrase that, I hate the way my bedroom looks right now. I get annoyed if I’m in there for too long during the day or when the lights are on.

There is a bed, a dresser and a chair. Then a bunch of stuff in little piles on the floor, or in random containers and baskets scattered about.

This is what it looked like when my things arrived, and to be honest, it doesn’t look much different from this today.

Its hard to find things, and I really just need more storage. The problem that I’ve been having is trying to decide how much I’m willing to spend on what I want. And I know almost exactly what I want.

I still need curtains, but I want to hold off on those until I decide on a paint color. As far as furniture is concerned, I only need 3 pieces.

1. I need a bedside table. I have one, but it currently lives in the entry near my front door. And I like it there. It was too “matchy-matchy” for my liking. I want something that is at least 30 inches tall, but smaller than 35 inches; and around 15 inches deep with at least 2 drawers.

I love the Chelsea Mirrored Chest from Horchow. It’s beautiful, and the shape is so unique! 36"W x 14"D x 32"T, and it would be perfect if it didn’t cost a thousand dollars. Needless to say, that purchase is not gona happen. I’d rather buy shoes.

2. I also need a vanity. Or a desk that I’d use as a vanity. I like the Louisa desk from Home decorators, and at $300 it is a lot more affordable, but I don’t really love it. The legs are really pretty, but I’m not sure if it would give me enough storage. And then I’d want to change the hardware…but it does have potential none the less.

I also really like the Ingrid desk. I think the style of this one compliments the furniture I already have better than Louisa, but the color looks a little strange. It’s on sale for $250 with free shipping for labor day weekend…so I am looking at this one seriously.

3. And finally, I need an armoire or some kind of storage cabinet. It will sit next to my dresser, so I want it to be about 16 inches shorter than the top of my mirror. Last night I saw the plans for the Ayla Cabinet over at Ana-White, and I think I may try my hand at it…with a few modifications of course to add some pretty.

With different legs, pretty glass knobs, a little decorative trim cut with my router, and a little bit of pearlescent paint, this could be a very pretty piece.

That’s all for now, talk to you in the next one!

Room Reveal: Partially Finished

Here is the progress I’ve made in the super hero’s bedroom. I decided to take pictures while it was clean, but as soon as I entered, so did my lovely little mess maker.

So, on my to do list:

- add a rug

- build or buy a nightstand

- paint walls

- remove the Buzz Lightyear stickers

- make and hang some art (super hero squad characters were requested)

- paint the inside of the cabinet…or maybe not…well probably not

- add more toy storage and get rid of more toys

- add some type of a window treatment

- write on the calendar

- play with my little boy

I actually crossed the last two items off before I posted this. I got to be Superman and beat Batman in a race. Yup. What did you accomplish this morning?

That is all. Talk to you in the next one!