Yes, I've told you guys many, many times that the playroom reveal was on it's way, and yes, it turned out I was lying, but this time I mean it, I promise!!!!!
Everything in there is finished, I'm just waiting on one decal to arrive and then I can photograph the whole thing for you. I swear!
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a quick little idea for jazzing up a bookcase with you.
We have two of these small Billy bookcases from Ikea, one in the sitting room which houses the books we just can't bear to part with when we're finished reading them, and this one, which used to house Em's books in her room. Now that we have the book shelves in the playroom it wasn't really needed up there anymore, so I pinched it for extra storage in here.
~Cheapskate decorating tip #163: always shop your house first. You'll be surprised how pieces can often be better utilised in different rooms.
Billy bookcases come with a really light panel that goes on the back if you don't want open shelving, and it's perfect for personalising. As you can see from the state of it in the picture above, this one had already had two previous incarnations, one painted pink, and another covered in gold glittery paper.
To tidy it up for the playroom, and help it add to the "black/white/grey with brightly coloured touches" scheme I ended up going for in here, I decided to cover the back in this great paper I found in Penney's. €2 for 10 metres! Bargain! I just popped the backing off (it was stapled on) and wrapped it like a present. I didn't even bother sanding off any of the stuck-on old paper, there was no need.
Once it was done I stapled it back onto the back of the bookcase, and hey presto, it was done. It took me 20 minutes, cost €2, and makes a big difference. My favourite kind of project!
It's so bright and cheerful, and really adds to the room. And yes, of course the toys will stay that tidy.
Laughs hysterically and downs a spiked double espresso.
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| Oh this? Just a carrot wearing shorts riding a ladybird. You know, the usual. |
I made some "Up" inspired art that now sits on top, and I can display some of the kids lovely wooden toys. You know, the stuff they never play with cos they love the crappy one legged fake Barbie so much? Yeah that.
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| "Adventure is out there" - so get the hell outside and play so mommy can drink her coffee in peace. |
So there you have it, a cheap and easy way to update a bookcase, and with the huge choice of cheap wrapping paper available the possibilities for this are endless. If you wanted it to be a bit more robust you could use wallpaper, or paint/stencil it, but really you can't get quicker and cheaper than good old wrapping paper!
What do you think? Will you be gift wrapping any of your furniture now? :)
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