Ikea Drawer Makeover

Lately, I've been trying to put my office together so that it looks less like a college student's study cave and more like a grown-up's work space.  I am almost there...and you bet I'm going to show you my before and after shots!  But today, I want to show you a quick before and after of a set of Ikea drawers that I repainted.

I got this set of Ikea drawers about 8 or 9 years ago to help me keep my desk organized.

I never painted the set of drawers and I never really tried to personalize it either (aside from the random band stickers I had stuck on the sides).  A few months ago,  I started using the drawers to organize my planner supplies and accessories so I wanted to paint it a bright and fun color!

I used Valspar's Coral Reef.  The color of the paint is actually a little deeper than the picture shown above, but I love it!  The color is the perfect pop of color I was looking for and it complements the color of my gold book shelf.  This was such a quick and easy makeover!

Places to Find Inexpensive Furniture

From the start of my blog, I've showed you several before and afters of furniture I have re-habbed.  Whether you regularly make-over furniture or you would like to start doing so this year, I wanted to share the list of places I check out for inexpensive furniture!

Habitat for Humanity ReStores
ReStores are great places to look for different pieces of furniture, light fixtures, doors, and miscellaneous items.  I like looking here first for old furniture because the proceeds are used to help build homes in the immediate and surrounding communities.  My local ReStore always has cool coffee tables and side tables that are in good condition...if only I had more space...

Craigslist
When I was in college, I regularly bought and sold furniture on Craigslist.  Since finishing college, I have had very little luck, but there are times when I spot decent pieces at great prices.  Craigslist ads also depend on the neighborhoods you live in.  I find that when I search Craigslist in the surrounding cities, there are usually better pieces.  The only hesitation I have for Craigslist is the safety factor.  Please always have a purchase buddy and know the neighborhood.

Friends
Do you have any friends who are moving or just want to get a piece of furniture off their hands?  Don't be shy to accept if they offer and it never hurts to ask how much they want the piece for if they want to get rid of it.  2 of my largest pieces of furniture I have re-done were gifted to me by my friend froms work!

Flea Markets/ Antique Fairs
Flea markets and antique fairs are also great places to look for pieces of furniture.  Many of the weekend markets that I have visited in Central/Northern California have great, inexpensive finds!