3/15/11

To Paint or not to Paint: Toybox Makeover

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I love the look of natural wood crates but I had also grown tired of the dullness of a semi-warped wooden box sitting in the corner of our living room. I decided it needed a job. A purpose. I told the box it was going to be a catch all for the numerous toys Ruby drags in from her and Sebastian's room. It was going to be the dumping ground for everything from library books to left over legos until it was so full everything needed to be returned to it's places.

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I decided it needed a face lift, too. I painted two coats of white primer and then free-handed a herringbone type pattern on three of the four sides. I was going to finish the fourth but got distracted with something. Maybe later (probably not). I had a little help with one of the ends.

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This catch all won't stay organized for more than an hour after they wake up but here it is. Just like I saw it in my head. I left the inside natural because it meant less painting and I like the contrast. I used a light blue for my pattern because it's kind of subtle but if I had it to do over I'd use black.

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I also thought about putting little casters on it but that would only encourage Ruby to use it as a wagon and end in a trip to the emergency room or something. So, flat-bottomed it stays.

If you're interested in trying something similar you'll probably find a little inspiration in the latest design work by Aesthetic Outburst and another take on a toy box by Lovely Chaos. Oh, geometric shapes, I heart you.

xoxo,
Rachel

26 comments:

Gussy Sews said...

it's perfect -- love the blue.
{i'm excited you're moving to WP ;) }

Anonymous said...

Good choice to paint it! I love the blue color.
xo,
jess

http://sweetlilsomethings.blogspot.com/

Christina said...

What a lovely way to "pretty" up this box! I always love the things you come up with. :o)

Jen said...

Wow! So when I first saw this, I thought you used contact paper or wallpaper. Great painting! I would have made a mess out of all those little designs.

I love that blue!

www.weelittlehouse.com

Unknown said...

You could put felt on the bottom to make it slidey without it being able to move too fast.

Lovely Little Nest said...

Oh my gosh, I love it!

I can't believe that is free-hand ~ you are GOOD! :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the "promo", Rachel! Someday my box will be even prettier...it's half finished too like yours! And yes, I definitely think we should meet! I love everything you do.

Gaby said...

It looks gorgeous! I'm impressed that you freehanded it!

Ady said...

love this idea!

Unknown said...

It's hard to be the one to paint some wood, but you made the right decision and you did a great job!

Unknown said...

LOVE this... i am still waiting for warmer weather to spend some time outside repainting a vintage dresser/side table for abby.

Melissa said...

Oh my gosh what a great idea!! I have some plain wood boxes from Ikea that are in need of a face lift also! Great inspiration!!! Ruby is a gem too!

Erin J. said...

Super cute! A catch-all for toys are a must. I think I have one in most rooms of my house!

andrea creates said...

looks great!

Brittany said...

nice job--and i think the blue is really pretty. :)

Chelsea O. said...

Inspiring idea! I'm thinking of using old dresser drawers to spruce up and convert into easy toy boxes. I think they would be great to store under a crib... Love the name Ruby! My daughter's name is Ruby too!

Chelsea
The Art Stork

http://artstork.blogspot.com/

Kaitlin said...

Okay, that's totally adorable!!

Jessi said...

look cute :)
I struggle with painting wood too

Gypsy Sparrow said...

lol, the whole time I was reading this I was thinking, "The only thing that would make that cuter is casters!" Yeah, staying out of the ER is important, hohum.

Anonymous said...

Way to be, crafty Mama! It looks great!

-ali

Gina Thomas said...

i love the paint! it is gorgeous:)
gina

Aesthetic Outburst... said...

I love that toy box! Wow! And thanks for the shout out. lady! :) xo

thursday said...

I'd like to know how you manage to make everything so perfect?! I am so in love your style Ms Denbow.

Nicole Coffin. said...

That's a really great idea, what a pretty facelift!

amy turn sharp said...

perfection!

Steph at ModernParentsMessyKids.com said...

Simple perfection and I like the light blue :)