Before & After: My Ikea Mini-Makeover
March 25, 2008
As promised, I’m now going to tell you how I used those black-and-white pillows that I found at Ikea.
I had an empty corner of my master bathroom underneath the window, so I had added a bench there with a couple of pillows. The seat of the bench opens up, adding handy storage, but the natural wood tone blended into the wall color. The off-white pillows didn’t help things, as you can see by the photo above (I wish I had a better “before” pic, but this is the only shot I could find of that room).
I’ve been meaning to do something about the neglected corner of the bathroom for months, and Ikea gave me the inspiration I needed.
Here’s what I did. I painted the bench black (this job took many more coats and much more time than anticipated, frankly), added a pair of simple, white curtain panels on a black rod, and found some inexpensive artwork at Target ($29).
The Ikea pillows tie it all together (the pillows themselves were $6.99 and the fabric covers another $6.99, so I spent a total of $28 for both pillows).
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Okay, so maybe it’s not going to appear in a decorating magazine any time soon, but it’s a dramatic improvement for very little cash, and now that corner finally looks like it belongs with the rest of my black and white bathroom. I have a lot more work to do in there, but this is a start. What do you think?
If You’re Hooked on Before & Afters:
- Lily’s Little Bathroom Makeover
- Crown Molding Magic: Our Family Room Fireplace Makeover
- My Writing Room Makeover
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Entry Filed under: Before & After. Tags: artwork, bathroom, before and after, bench, black and white, curtains, Decorating, Ikea, makeover, paint, pillows, storage, Target.
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1.
Marie | March 26, 2008 at 7:31 am
I think it looks great! My daughter walked by while your pictures were on the screen and said she wants the same pillows for her room. Looks like I have to take a trip back to Ikea? Oh, the horror! ha ha
2.
Jodi W | March 26, 2008 at 9:15 am
I love it, I love it, I love it!!!
3.
lisamm | March 26, 2008 at 9:27 am
WOW. Damn I wish I could decorate. It seems so simple until I try to do something. I love the bench in black. The pillows are awesome.
4.
Amy | March 26, 2008 at 10:10 am
I really like the bench in black. I love the pillows too! We don’t have an Ikea here, I think the closest one is in Atlanta which is 5 hours away. I keep telling myself that one day I’ll have a good reason to drive that far.
5.
hookedonhouses | March 26, 2008 at 10:12 am
Thanks, guys! I’m not a decorator, so I’m always hesitant to show you my little house projects, but I was proud of how little money I spent to give that corner some pizzazz last week. Now if I can just finish the rest of the bathroom….
6.
Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall | March 26, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Oh, the difference a little paint makes! Looks GREAT!
7.
Melissa @ The Inspired Room | March 26, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Hey, it looks pretty smart! Great job! I hate painting furniture, but I sure love it when it is done!
Melissa
8.
Brittany | March 29, 2008 at 10:22 pm
This is a dramatic makeover I’d say. That doesn’t even look like the same room!! Great job!!
Brittany
9.
hookedonhouses | March 29, 2008 at 11:19 pm
You guys are so nice. You’ve encouraged me so much that maybe I’ll be brave enough to show you my dining room makeover that we’re working on now. Handy Dave painted it today and is preparing to hang crown molding. We have the boring-est dining room ever, so it needs a lot of work. Our builder even put wall-to-wall carpet in there, so I’m saving my money to extend the hardwoods from the foyer.
10.
Kelly Aiglon | March 30, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Great mini makeover!
11.
Courtney @ nestinginstincts | April 2, 2008 at 5:15 pm
love it!! great before & after! hey I just added you to my blogroll, I’m really enjoying reading all your posts.
12.
hookedonhouses | April 2, 2008 at 10:07 pm
That’s so nice, Courtney! Thanks! I love your blog, so I am honored to be listed on it. You’re on my list, too! -Julia
13.
zarah | August 3, 2008 at 11:12 am
i think it looks a lot nicer not saying the other before was bad but it brings a bit more attention to the room if you dont mind me asking how much were the pillows because they caught my eye and im moving and im getting a new sofa and i think it will look lovely thanks =)