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IKEA Makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary

February 2, 2017

 - Ikea Makeover into Pottery Barn Apothecary sawdust 2 Stitches

IKEA Makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary

 -Ikea makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches.com

- ikea makeover

 

Hey All!  So a little introduction to this next makeover.  It is kind of a big deal to me,  you see it was my first big furniture makeover.  It all started when I was at IKEA browsing the “Scratch-and-Dent” bargain area about 7 years ago.  That’s when I saw it, an Expedit console in the dark brown!  I know this may seem odd that I was excited about it, but I was thrilled!  You see, my husband and I had just moved and we were currently using a (Free) small bench as a T.V. stand.  We also had a 1 year old that was now standing up and trying to grab at the T.V.  We definitely  needed something that would keep it out of slobbery/goldfish covered hands.  So, I bought it then and there.  70% off, I couldn’t pass that up!?

Fast-forward 3.5 years, and  you would find me sitting on the floor of our little condo with a hand saw, (yes HAND SAW) good old fashion hammer and nails, with wood glue trying to give my little IKEA console a makeover. (I actually ended up dismantling the original,  simply because I needed to document the process. That’s commitment people!  The second time around I had access to power tools.)

I had no clue what I was doing, but after staring at that boxy piece, that showcased all my kids diapers, tonka trucks, and modem wires, I had had it.  Honestly, I think  my husband might have thought I had snapped. THIS was my first big project and the start of a beautiful on-going relationship with upcycles.  You can see more of them here. 

IKEA Makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary

 Materials Used:

  • Old Ikea shelf or something similar
  • 1×2’s
  • 1×4’s
  • 2×4’s
  • 2×8’s
  • Lattice Strips
  • Wood Glue
  • Stain
  • Foam Brushes
  • Drawer Pull/Tag Pull
  • Magnetic Cabinet Catch

 Tools Suggested :

  • Nail Gun
  • Compressor
  • Table Saw
  • Miter  Saw
  • Sander

DISCLOSURE: SOME OF THE LINKS PROVIDED  ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. BY PURCHASING THROUGH THESE LINKS IT SUPPORTS THIS SITE AND HELPS KEEP CONTENT FREE. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT HOW WE DO THIS WITH NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.


BEFORE we dive into this,  please understand that these are not BUILD PLANS.  I don’t have specific measurements.  This tutorial is intended to be more of a general guideline that can be applied toward many different size/style pieces.

Step 1: Add Height –

 I wanted to give the base some visual weight, so I began by adding height to the base.  I found the easiest way was to flip it over and attached 2″x 4″  boards directly to the base of the unit.

How to turn an ikea console into a pottery barn style apothecary

 Then  turn right side up. Next   task is to I cover  the exposed 2″x 4″s by adding 1″x 4″ boards (trim)  to the base.  I cut the boards with 45 degree angles on the ends.

media Center Remodelaholics

  I   secured the trim piece (1″x 4″ boards) with wood glue, and reinforced with 2″ finish nails. Base media center remodelaholics


Step 2:  Repeat on Top-

Now that the base is beefed up, I wanted to give the top a little more thickness as well. However I wanted it to be a little lower profile than the base, so I used 1×4’s instead of 2×4’s.  Again,  I  just  tacked it in place,  giving the top  some extra  visual weight.

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches

  I  used 2×8’s  for the top.  I cut them so that  would hang out over the top a little bit and give it a lip.  This step alone makes it look SO much better !

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 2

Once the top of the console was in place I  trimmed  out the top of the shelf. ( I basically  repeated  the same steps  from the base.  Only this time I was covering the 1×4’s.)How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 3

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 4 media ceter remodelaholics


Step 3 :  The Sides

Next up, sides! I decided to start in the corners.

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 5

I ended up doing mitered corners,  using my  table saw.  ( You can always  just  use a 1×3″ and 1×2″ and and have them butt into each other.)

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 6 How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 8

It is coming together people!

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 7

I used a 1×2 to frame in the rest of the side,  leaving a large open ugly laminate area.

I  decided to use lattice,  because is has a much  smaller profile and would  create  depth.  That,  and I just love the look of it, and it’s cheap!

Using a sander I scuffed up the laminate,  because I was planning out using glue to help  hold the lattice in place, and everything sticks better to non-glossy  surfaces.

I simply measured, cut, glued, nailed, and then repeated on both sides of the console.

 How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 9


How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 10


Step 4:  Dividers

At this point you can easily  call it good enough and move on to painting and/or staining.   But not me.  I had to go all “Corey” on it.  I decided to hide any evidences of laminate. Including the shelf fronts.How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 11

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 12

media center remodelaholics strips

Once  I had completely covered all traces of laminate,  I moved on the “drawer” front.


Step 5: Drawer Fronts 
How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 13

How to transform an Ikea console into a Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches 14

1.)  I cut a piece of paneling  that was the dimensions of the  cubby  opening.  I also cut 1×4’s the same width.

2.)  Using liquid nails I adhered the planks on to the piece of paneling.

3.) After it had completely dried I sanded it.

4.) It’s now ready for stain and hardware.

Once  I had made all my drawer fronts,  using  1×2’s I cut two strips of wood  that were the same  width of  EACH cubby. (These will be used  to install the drawer fronts. )

Magnetic catch remodelaholic.com

The strips of wood that I cut out of 1×2’s  are  used  to  keep the drawer front in place.   The “drawer” panel will rest against the wood slats and the magnetic  catch will hold it in place.  This system works PERFECTLY  for appliances like  printers, computers, routers, etc!PicMonkey Collage cubby

I  personally  did make a few drawers to hold the kids toys and diapers.  (I won’t be going into that today) But if you have your heart set on it,  it is totally  doable.

If the idea of making drawers sounds overwhelming,  maybe you should consider making some simple crates ?  Possibly  using decorative baskets ? Ikea  also makes a whole line of baskets meant to fit their shelves.  The possibilities are endless!drawer front wpulls remodelaholic.com

Seriously,  look at how much crap those little magnetic catch doors can hide!!?   There is always a way to make form and function meet.  Sometimes it takes a lot of elbow grease, and seriously stubborn disposition, but it is possible!

Transform an Ikea console into a beautiful Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches

-Ikea makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches.com 2  -Ikea makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches.com  -Ikea makeover into Pottery Barn Style Apothecary by Sawdust 2 Stitches.com 3

 

 

 Take Luck.
Corey

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2017

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in Furniture Makeover, Makovers, Organization, Uncategorized

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Comments

  1. Judy says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:39 am

    Wow, that was an awesome makeover!

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:23 pm

      Thanks so much Judy!

  2. Kelly says

    February 8, 2017 at 9:15 am

    This turned out so great – you did a fantastic job and the tutorial is very detailed!
    Best,
    Kelly

  3. Kelly says

    February 8, 2017 at 10:18 am

    That’s really inspiring! What stains did you use to achieve that color?

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      February 8, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      Thanks so much, it is Jacobean by Minwax.

  4. Dyan says

    February 8, 2017 at 10:40 am

    I have no words! This is amazing and your directions are wonderfully detailed.

  5. Julie M. says

    February 8, 2017 at 10:51 am

    Excellent tutorial! We bought a new travel trailer and were perplexed at the difficulty of accessing the dinette banquet seating/storage. (Under the seat cushions). I think something like this might work if we cut a whole on the sides of each seat base. Thanks for the inspiration!

  6. Kathleen Lunman says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:12 am

    You’re amazing! What a great idea! This is going in my file as a keeper–to do . . . someday soon.
    Thank you for sharing

  7. Marjorie says

    February 9, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Love the piece you created! May I ask, where did you find the arched wall hanging that you show above it with a wreath in front?

    • coreydecker@gmail.com says

      February 9, 2017 at 6:26 pm

      Thanks! It is actually a “Magnolia Market” piece. I found it at a local boutique.

  8. Natalie says

    February 20, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    This is incredible!! I am going to walk around my house right now and look at every piece of laminate furniture I have to see if this will work! My husband will be cursing you, but I will be thrilled! Amazing job!

  9. Sirkku says

    March 2, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    Looks gorgeous! Great job, thanks for sharing.

  10. JoLene says

    March 2, 2017 at 9:05 pm

    I am so impressed! Thank you for sharing! I think I will give this idea a try! Thank you!

  11. Kristy says

    March 5, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    This is absolutely Brilliant!! You have inspired me to look at the generic furniture pieces I have and customize- no more starring at shelf after shelf of DVDs! Thank you for the Inspiration and the free tutorial!! ……now to planning!

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Meet Corey

Hi everyone, my name is Corey, and I have a problem. I can’t leave well enough alone… The best therapy usually involves a variety of power tools. So, in the few “spare” moments I am not entertaining my two beautiful, rambunctious, boys, I can typically be found hunched over a sewing machine and/or covered in sawdust. All in the efforts to create a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality in our home.
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Latest ‘Grams

Happy Holidays to all my DIY loving friends! I’ Happy Holidays to all my DIY loving friends! 
I’m going to put down the tools so I can hang with my crew. 
Merry Christmas from our family to yours! I look forward to sharing so many great projects in 2021, stay tuned! @ashleynavarrophotography
LAST MINUTE DIY GIFT IDEA!!! This Holiday Season m LAST MINUTE DIY GIFT IDEA!!!
This Holiday Season might be a little different from those we’ve seen in the in past. With many folks looking to keep costs and stress low, they are turning to a more sentimental approach to holiday gifting. 
 Handmade gifts are a great way to personalize gift giving this year. I made this serving tray/lazy susan for a friend and I know she will love it! If you want more easy-to-make, handmade gift ideas The Home Depot has many other great tutorials.

@homedepot #HomeDepotPartner #THDxHoliday #THDxDIYWorkshops
2020… it’s been a weird one. I suspect Christm 2020… it’s been a weird one. I suspect Christmas will be a little different too, but that doesn’t need to be a bad thing!  This is the perfect time to branch out and DIY your Holiday gift lists. Take this serving tray/lazy susan for example.  It was such a simple and facts option if you are gifting in a pinch!  The Home Depot has fun DIY gift ideas that your friends and family will love. Check out the link in my bio for more handmade gift ideas. 
@homedepot#HomeDepotPartner #THDxHoliday #THDxDIYWorkshops
This post is sponsored by Kilz but the content and This post is sponsored by Kilz but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I leaned in heavily to the dark moody feel for the guest bedroom makeover and I love it! The dark sienna  hue, coupled with my @kilzbrand #accentwallchallenge is absolutely stunning. (If I do say so myself.)
I have a room tour, wall tutorial and source links on the site today. #linkinprofile #sponsored #everyprojectisworthit
@Kilzbrand presented me their #accentwallchallenge @Kilzbrand presented me their #accentwallchallenge, and you know how much I love a good challenge!
If I am being completely honest, I feel like I rocked this challenge. It is absolutely insane how a single wall can change the entire feel of a room. 

On the site I have a full tutorial on how you too can create this look and all the fun details about my choice of color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint line & the KILZ 3® Premium Primer
#sponsored #kilz #GuestRoomMakeover #AccentWallChallenge #EveryProjectIsWorthIt
Am I the only one who tackles unnecessary projects Am I the only one who tackles unnecessary projects before entertaining guests? As I was preparing the guest room for the Holidays I had an epiphany. I had a vision of what this room could be, and I just cannot let it go - this room needs an accent wall!

I am teaming up with the great folks over at @kilzbrand to create the perfect accent wall, with a gorgeous color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint line & KILZ 3® Premium Primer. Stay tuned because this accent wall is going to be gorgeous. I just need to pick my accent color. What do you guys think, clay or sage?  #sponsored #kilz #GuestRoomMakeover #AccentWallChallenge #EveryProjectIsWorthIt
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