We were really lucky when we moved into our apartment here that it had already been furnished- by Americans, so we didn't have much to buy. We did however, transform a few rooms and need a few little things.
A friend recommended that we go to the used furniture "market" as a lot of things already in our house had been purchased there, for the things we didn't buy at Ikea. I use the word "market" lightly, because 2 of the girls and I spent half the day on a wild goose chase looking for a "market" in a language we don't speak to find several hours later that we weren't really looking for a "market" but really a street/ally of almost junk-yard like stores?shops?heaps? - treasure houses of old furniture, doors, window panes, etc. Way better than a market.
Most things at the used furniture "market" are old pieces of furniture made out of wood that have lots of character, but are pretty funky.... mostly in smell, and covered in dust and dirt {and probably a good deal of mold}. But with a little love, they turn into great pieces of furniture. Considering the current trends in furniture and home decor here, these old things look a whole lot better than most anything else new you are going to find here {except for at Ikea of course}.
Anyway- back to the nightstand. So on our adventure to the market, I found this guy. It wasn't old, or too funky in smell.... just a little.... retro.....
But I saw some potential. So for like $6 I got this pretty high quality- albeit a little ugly- nightstand, that probably once lived in a hotel here.
The only real eye sores, were these knobs, the puke color, and dated silver stripes boarding the puke.
So I went to my go to decorating and crafting bestest {who just happened to be preparing an awesome package to send over} and asked her to throw in some ceramic knobs. She picked 6 {all so fabulous} and 2 of them were perfect- I have big plans for the 4 that weren't used.
Once I had the knobs, I was ready to spruce it up.
After giving it a good wipe-down, I started with strips of double-sided tape on the puke panels {is that too graphic a description...should I pick something else??}, and then little skinny strips on the silver.
Then I picked 2 patterns of coordinating scrapbooking paper and measured the areas to be covered. I cut the paper out, and very carefully stuck it on.
Then I covered the paper with a good coat of ModPodge to give it a little sheen and protect it from any future spills.
Then I attached the cute knobs and....
Voila!
Not so funky anymore!
I have done a lot with our guest room {that is now a nice robins egg/tiffany/light aqua blue with grey and touches of light green here and there}, and look forward to sharing more with you soon!
Joyfully De-Retrofied,
I'm linking up over at:
{Sundae Scoop} {Under The Table and Dreaming} {Nifty Thrifty Things} {C.R.A.F.T} {Debbiedoo's} {Me Making Do} {Sew Can Do} {Craft-O-Maniac} {Get Your Craft On} {A Diamond in the Stuff} {Organize & Decorate Everything} {Sew Much Ado} {Blue Cricket Design} {Somewhat Simple} {Creations By Kara} {The Shabby Nest} {A Little Knick Knack} {WhipperBerry} {My Girlish Whims} {Thrifty 101} {So You Think You're Crafty} {Not Just a Housewife} {Sweet Peas & Bumblebees}
