Today rounds up a week-long series on decorating a room fit for a wee world traveler. In the last post, I showed you how I made a customized typography basket and sewed a simple Sumo banner. (Say that fast 5 times. 🙂 This post will cover how I customized a lamp for Sweet Boys room as well as an idea for a cost-saving slipcover. A lamp and a chair.
A lamp and a chair
I have had this lovely little slipper chair for years. It originally belonged to my great-grandmother. Over the years it has undergone many fabric transformations. Sadly, it had been sitting tucked away in a closet for the past two years. But I thought it had the right proportions as a prime spot for S.B. to sit and put on his shoes. It just needed a more masculine appearance.
I knew I wanted to slipcover the chair. S.B. is seven years old and likes dirt so washability was a top concern. Sticking to my “use what I have on hand” concept I began sorting through my collection of old linens. I came across several old feed sacks that were faded to the watery palette I was seeking. A light bulb went on.
Now my preference was to have the logo’s centered on the chair. But when I picked up the chair from the slipcover shop I found my request had been interpreted in another manner. Life is to short to cry over misplaced logo’s, so I added a sweet pillow and a cute bear wearing lederhosen and reminded myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.Â
A Lightbulb Moment
When trying to find a simple lamp for this room I began to understand why so many designers come out with their own furniture and accessory lines. It is because they cannot find what is in their heads. I knew I wanted a lamp with a linen shade on an aqua” ish” base. It had to be fairly inexpensive. I searched for months. I finally resorted to purchasing a cream colored lamp base at Wal Mart. It is from their Better Homes and Gardens line and was $10.00. I then painted the base the same “Glass Bottom Boat” shade that is on the walls.
After the two coats of paint had dried, I then grabbed a can of stain I had leftover from my kitchen island beadboard project. Finding not a single rag I used paper towels to “wipe on~wipe off” the stain. This treatment gave it just the perfect layer of color and texture that I was seeking.
I found the lampshade at Target on sale. I have considered embellishing the shade like S.B.’s raggamonster curtains, but there are so many other things on my project to do list that I am not sure if it will ever get done.Â
What projects will you be working on this weekend?
I am headed to my hometown for the weekend to attend an event. All next week I will be scrubbing, scraping, painting and decorating the Fashionista’s new apartment. I have to finish it, the guest room and another design project before I start school in 2 weeks. So it may take me a bit longer to respond to comments. I promise great bloggy material in the future.
what a serene and cozy looking room!
love what you did!
I have just recently begun to follow you and I love your blog! You have some wonderful ideas in this newest project for boys…I am a mother of three of them, and their new room will be vintage robots when its all said and done! Come by and visit me sometime…www.monkeyshinebusiness.blogspot.com. xo!
love your blog and decorating ideas! Best wishes to your fashionista in her new adventures.
Sweet sweet lamp! I love your tip about wiping the stain on and off, I'm going to try it on my yard sale find lamps to add some depth and color to them *smiles*
If you have time come see my mini blind turned roman shade I made.
Good ole' Walmart and their BH&G line – you know I'm a fan and I LOVE what you did with both the charming chair and the lamp!!
No projects for me this weekend – my husband has planned a romantic get-away to celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary so we're gone all the long weekend. 🙂
I love the logos off to the side!! It adds something special!! Well done!
Amy
As always, quite beautiful…. or to fit the more masculine theme required by a seven year old, it totally rocks! That chair is just divine, and I know your wee traveler will just enjoy it.
You come up with the best redos. I just love seeing what you come up with next.
One idea I wish someone would come up with is to make a cover for a couch that reclines on both ends.
Willow
Why can't I think of stuff like this. Can you spray a little of your creativity onto my blog so that maybe it will rub off on me?
I really love what you did to that room! If my son likes it too, I will keep you posted of our make over. Have a lovely day
Love these projects…the room looks great!
Decor mamma
Great projects and a great look! Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas!
blessings
mary
It does look so beautiful! I started creating my own look for shades and lamp bases, when I too couldn't find the “just what I wanted”! I just recently posted on a lampmakeover using linen fabric on the shade. It is quite easy and doesn't cost a lot. I love how the room turned out…just great!
Hugs to you,
~Victoria~
The chair, pillow,and lamp are all adorable. I like the bear!!!
Have a wonderful visit to your hometown.
Great ideas and great inspiration. Love the feed sack slip! laurie
OH, that chair! I love it! On the second picture, for a moment, I thought you were showing the slipcover with stains! But then I looked closer and saw it was a map and mail stamp print! I need some new contacts! 🙂
Be a sweetie
Shelia 🙂
You did a great job! I really love the chair!
Wonderful transformations! Blessings.
Beutiful! I love how the chair turned out! That is a great room, I love the map decor.
Hi Laura,
You did a beautiful job! The room is gorgeous!!!
If you get a chance come by and say hi!
Aimee
GREAT room!
Laura..The room layout and interior look great. I love to have it surely. You must some experience in it I thought. Thanks. Toddler Crafts Susan
Great job- that chair is amazing!
I love what you did with the slipper chair — excellent. And now all manly for a boy! 🙂
Cass
Oh, Laura… I love the two quotes, “It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.” and “use what you have on hand”… Love, love, love them, and will be utilizing them… And.. as far as that lampshade. it has so many possibilities… I thought you could even do some shadow figures that shine through onto the walls.
You could also add some pretty vintage buttons in the shape of a flower or vine or something and then add a hanging fringe off hte bottom… well, I could not resist sharing the idea, though I know you are stock full of your own. Having you for a blogging friend makes me feel like my old self… before marriage and kids and life changed some things. It is refreshing to “get back” to creativity that is so creative and joyful and original… I do it sometimes, but… here I get my eye full and just get to dream of how much more I can do. 🙂 thank you for the pleasant, dreaming sighs.