Makeup Vanity DIY Project

Introducing my new and improved vanity space in all its glory! I'm so pleased with how it turned out, and I love having my own lovely little corner of the world to enjoy the art of makeup.

Total cost: approx $320 for furniture, supplies and accessories

• $100 for vanity and $30 for stool, found separately on Craigslist 

• Paint and supplies from Lowes (the color is Dorian Gray from Sherwin-Williams in semi-gloss)

• Drawer pull hardware – Amazon

• Light-up makeup mirror – Amazon

• Lamps – Amazon

• Perfume bottles – Amazon

• Jewlery organizer – Amazon

Come on the journey with me!

B&A, side by side

With repainted furniture and new hardware

BEFORE | The vanity and stool were Craigslist finds that I mixed and matched.

I was excited that the shape of their feet were so similar! I couldn't wait to paint the wood and replace the hardware.

Ready to get started sanding and priming.

But first, filling in all the little scratches and gouges in the wood

I just used some wall spackling paste. Not pictured after this step: lots and LOTS of sanding (and more sanding).

With DIY, you always have to have at least one crisis moment.

Throwback to the time I nearly wanted to punt a kitty while I was painting. If it were just a few adorable little prints I might have painted them gold and made it a feature...BUT NO, he had to prance about and smear it all over with his litterfeet. It only cost me 2 more rounds of sanding and coating. He's lucky he's cute!

Getting closer...and bonus surprise gold!!!

I actually spray-painted the drawers first, then masked off the rest to paint with a small roller.

goooold! ✨

My favorite feature is definitely the flip up mirror/makeup drawer.

It makes the area feel so clean and minimal when I'm not using it.

BIG fan of the way my makeup can always lay flat (and never slides around) inside this drawer.

Really helps me stay organized and see my options!

Also updated my jewelry storage.

Makes my little corner feel even more glamorous!

"Hi yes I walked in the paint. Not sorry." - Bogie

Baby, it's cold outside

First snow day in quite a while! Perfect opportunity for some cozy calligraphy practice.

Cubs win!

I watercolored a little celebration art for my Chicago friends, after their team won the World Series (for the first time in 108 years)!

I thought last year was exciting, when my hometown Royals won the series for the first time since i was born. I should make some KC art soon :) but for now, go Cubs!

I have no idea how anyone follows sports regularly without having heart issues.

Til Death Do Us Part

Adventures of Halloween face paint in New Orleans!

People of the World, Spice Up Your Life

Fall feelings:

Get it on a mug at Society 6 for the most delicious of lattes 

OR LEGGINGS!!

Smooth

A friend shared this beautiful shirt with its ugly typography, and said "But seriously someone please put this on a tank for me."

Society6 makes generosity so easy:

It's called fashion.

I sincerely hope someone out there purchases it as a duvet cover.

Choosing Chips and Picking Paint

Paint chip selection is a whole thing, but I love it!

Colors always look look a bit different (bolder/darker) on the walls than on the chip.

Before looking at paint chips:

- Look for inspiration online. Once I had a collection of interiors that I was drawn to, I could start to identify themes and make a mood board. 

- Consider the feeling you're after. I wanted a darker blue (dark enough that the black appliances would visually disappear) but something that wasn't too bright or overwhelming. Something that felt cheerful while also relaxing and elegant.

- Obviously take your chips home and compare under your actual room's lighting.  Check out the colors at different times of day.

- Select a few favorites and get samples to paint swatches on your wall - it's worth it. I liked trying our two favorites + one darker. I think people can be too fearful of dark paint...some visual contrast is good!

- Live with the colors until a clear winner emerges (or if you think you need to go back to get another sample). You can consult with friends, but I think you'll know in your heart which color is the right one.