DIY can be exhilarating for some and overwhelming for others. Here is a breakdown of the steps to follow before tackling a painting project of your own. I’m a firm believer in working with what you have first. So, there might well be a piece of furniture in the back of your garage or shed or spare room that isn’t being used.
1. Identify the Gap
This is the first step before tackling anything. Deciding where said piece of furniture is going to go in your home. Is there space in the living room or gap between kitchen and passage OR, does something need to be shuffled around to incorporate the ‘new’ piece? OR Do you need a specific need fulfilled? Keep this mind!
2. Measure
If your space is not limited, then you can skip right over this! If not, then get your measuring tape out and measure the ‘new’ piece from left to right and back to front. Take things like knobs and wider legs into consideration if the space you have identified is potentially a tight fit. These are usually the most important measurements, but if there is a height requirement or restriction like a low ceiling, bulkhead or staircase then you may need to measure from top to bottom as well.
Armed with these dimensions you can check if this ‘new’ piece will indeed fit in the identified space. Remember to take the skirting boards into consideration so, measure the floor space rather than wall space. Also, assess your access to plug points if you need them or consider an extension lead with neatly placed and accessible multiplug.
At this point, you will know if the furniture will fit into the identified space. If you don’t have a suitable piece, then keep the measurements to one side for now.
3. Assess your need and the furniture’s purpose
Identify what you needs are – storage, day-to-day use, coffee station, office space etc.
If the furniture will fit into its new space, the next step is to assess whether it meets your needs with or without the intent of potentially re-purposing it. If it suits your needs as is then you can move onto Step 4.
However, if repurposing is required, give thought to the following:
Identify if it needs repair or modification
Must the back be removed for a TV?
Do you require additional or less shelving?
Do the doors need to be removed?
Does it require a total overhaul?
If the furniture is completely unsuited to your needs them you should at this point have an idea of what will work. With your space measurements and needs in mind, head onto the next step!
4. Research
This is the fun part!
If you are searching for the perfect piece of furniture for your space, head over to Marketplace on Facebook, or second hand furniture stores in your area. Also consider Redecorate and Cassie’s Workshop at 1a Pollsmoor Rd, Kirstenhof if you are in the southern suburbs, Cape Town.
For more ideas on acquiring and painting your furniture, hop onto our website www.cassiesworkshop.co.za , Facebook page and Pinterest pages for inspiration. Houzz is also a great resource for ideas! Create a Pinterest board and start dreaming.
Once you have your ideal piece and style pinned, make a shopping list of all that is needed! Head over to Granny B for a full list of products and prices or your nearest stockist.
5. Implementation
Armed with your research, you are now able to move forward with your DIY project. Have FUN!
Please share with our Facebook Page once done.
If you have decided against tackling this project on your own or need some guidance, here is how I can help:
FREE Advice on Granny B & Mouldit products .
For a quote send a pic with measurements, area for collection and end vision via email to info@cassiesworkshop.co.za
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Online Painting Workshop – Coming VERY soon with an early bird special!
Love,
Cassie's Workshop
