Chest Drawer: 2nd Update

So this was the last state of my chest drawer, I updated the top and the drawer pulls are waiting to be touched up.

I specifically chose a black mat for the top because it's also easy to find black pulls to replace the stars and flowers that are too nursery-ish. If you know me, I don't like anything fancy or grand, the simpler it is, the more I like it. And so, I bought these from Ace Hardware:

When I was about to work on it, I realized they weren't black. Other people probably wouldn't mind, but this time, the OC in me was stronger than the lazy in me.

The color wasn't the only problem that came up, the screws that came with the pulls I bought were too short for the drawer's thickness. I then tried the original screws it came with, but they were too long. It would look like this in front:

And like this inside:

I wanted to find the perfect sized screw for it so I immediately stepped out to go to our local hardware, only to find out that they do not sell screws which aren't part of a set. Meaning, I would probably have to buy new sets of drawer pulls, which was not okay because I don't want to spend any more money, okay? :))

Fortunately, we have a screw store in our subdivision and the staff were helpful enough to find me the right size.

When I got home, I proceeded to spray painting the knobs. I was experimenting and contemplating if I should use the color I opted for the new/old tray but as usual, the neutral (boring) color wins for me.

I didn't realize that I had matte spray paint until I used it on these and I like how it turned out!

Screwing them onto the drawers one by one was fulfilling. I was so happy that I'm finally about to finish this project.

And then, the lovely transformation:

I'm happy that I was also able to purchase a coat rack from Tagaytay. My boyfriend and I drove there for our anniversary brunch and we passed by these specialty stores selling wood furniture. Most of the coat racks were exotic looking (sorry I don't know how to describe them, but I mean the branches where you hang the bags look like actual tree branches and I didn't like that). Glad to have found this simple one with no elaborate native/nature inspired design, just raw wood. It originally costs P800 but I haggled it down to P500 since I chose one without varnish. I think it's such a good buy.

I use it to hang my most frequently used bags so it's not hung by the window anymore as seen in the photo below.

And with the additional wall decor I made, this side of the room has now been transformed.

It was a long journey, but a fulfilling one.

I am so happy with the end result. As of writing, I'm in need of more storage space for my growing collection of craft supplies, mason jars, wooden plates, and bins, and I will definitely update here if I'm able to think of a storage solution for those.

Right now, I'm happy with how this space has transformed and how it fits me. I like that those I spent for were really worth the money. At my age now, I consider spending a relatively big amount if I would be able to use it someday in my future home/family, and the chest drawer and coat rack are things I would love to use over the years, and even in the next season of my life.

I was also able to save a lot by recycling and opting for cheaper alternatives which work just the same with pricier ones. There are always ways to save and what's important is you plan out and gather all your options first, and maybe look inside your home first, before spending on anything. Most of my items are either gifted to me, re-purposed, or bought at a bargain and that's what makes the whole process a hundred times more fulfilling. Can't wait to get my hands on the next project!

Chest Drawer: 1st Update

Finally, the time has come for me to update this chest drawer. Let's once again look at what it was before (and I’m sorry for the low quality iPhone photo)

There are a lot of reasons why I like this drawer, and one is the fact that with very minimal effort, I'll have a substantially good before and after post :)) All it needs is a small tweak and it I'm in faith it will make huge difference.

First thing to tackle is the very fancy and colorful top. My plan for that is just to cover the whole area, and update pieces like the tray and mirror, and add more design elements. I couldn’t be any happier with the outcome.

First is I covered the whole area with a black non-slip mat I bought from Japan Home. I like that this is cheap and that I didn’t have to sand, paint, or glue anything.

One sheet was enough to cover the whole top. I worried at first if it wouldn’t be able to completely cover the colorful design because of the small holes, but I’m happy how it turned out 

The left side has some key design elements.

D wooden letter bought from Typo (bought from Singapore then when we didn't have Typo here yet). Easel was from my best friend. Cactus from Divisoria for P60, can was of course recycled. Owl from Daiso, from the boyfriend. Pen holder, spray painted (same color with the tray) sardines can.

The middle portion has my watch organizer (gifted by my sister last Christmas) and on top of it are books I read on a (/an almost) daily basis. The wooden tiger or bear (or whatever) thing is something I bought from a Japan surplus in Tagaytay for P20 only.

The right side serves as my vanity.

I bought the mirror from (OF COURSE) Daiso, and the wooden saucer is from Dapitan Arcade for just P10, it holds my everyday accessories, lose coins, and sometimes chocolates or candies I receive within the day (and will most likely be devoured within the day too).

The old/new tray holds my everyday products. It was literally our neighbor’s trash, salvaged to be put to good use once again.

It’s so nice to know what a small refresh could make.

The orange tin cans are a set I bought from Ikea. The one I use to hold our toothbrush is a pineapple juice can spray painted gold.

I discipline myself to always put things back where they belong. So far, that was a fail-proof strategy to have this area organized all the time.

For the rest of the space, it occasionally receives some dumping of many random things, but I see to it that I also give effort into putting things away every so often.  The good thing is everything in my room has its own place and although it stays on top of this chest drawer for (maybe) a few busy days, it always has a place to go when it’s finally time to tidy things up.

The before and after may not seem much for some people, but I love every small detail added to it. I love that it’s simple, pretty, and very functional for me. I’m almost done with this piece. Drawer pulls post are coming up next!