Ikea Storage Box Facelift!!

I have the Expedit room divider from Ikea, and I am in total revamp mode this new year. It needs some updating along with everything else in this house. I want to freshen it up, add some pops of color and spend very little money doing it. When I say very little money, I mean that I want to only drop a couple bucks on this redo. 

We have a ton of red in our home, which we both love, but we are trying to incorporate a bit more turquoise as well. We are inspired by our Chirp china by Lenox that also adorns our room divider.

Here's a photo of it:

I decided that I would just update the Ikea Expedit storage boxes that I have by painting them turquoise. This was one project that I started off holding my breath and dropping all attachment to what it *should* look like. I even decided that I'd start with the bottom of the box just in case I messed it up! It turned out waaaaaay better than I would have ever thought.

Seriously, isn't this adorable?! 

This technique actually made the box, which is really made out of cardboard look like wood!! It looks way more quality and shabby chic!

You want to know how I did it?

Grab your supplies:

1. Ikea Box old or new

2. Paint: I used Craft Smart Turquoise

3. DuraClear Varnish

4. Paintbrush

5. Fine 220 or higher grit sandpaper 

Step 1.

Paint your box

Step 2.

Sand your box all over making sure to get the edges and select areas that you want the under lying color to show through.

Step 3.

Wipe the paint dust off.

Step 4.

Paint Clear varnish on the box, be aware of the brush strokes, they will show up unless you use a roller. I like the brush strokes on this particular project. It gives the illusion of wood grain. 

Step 5.

Let it dry and smile from ear to ear because you are finished and your box looks amazing!

I have more painting to do. I might paint a couple boxes white and let the red show through... options, options!

I love it!!

What project have you worked on that turned out better than you thought it's be?

xo, 

Lauren

*I linked up to Faith, Trust, and a little Pixie Dust!