Saturday, November 12, 2011

Buh-Bye Orange MiniBar!

Remember back when I showed you my Gallery Wall?  I absolutely adore that gallery wall, but the back of this hallway was really bumming me out.  I hated it.  In fact, I gagged every time I walked in my door (okay that's a little bit of stretch, but I probably could have!)

Here is what the bar looked like when we first moved in.  Please be sure to notice the wine bottle border, chipping orange laminate countertop, and weird smell of mildew and old alcohol. Oh wait, you can't smell that... guess you'll have to take my word for it!


And after some pretty extensive (yet still completely FREE) work, I was able to turn it into something I am actually proud of!!


I started by painting the rest of the hallway the same color as my gallery wall. 


Then I got to work on the countertops.  While I had all the pictures to walk you through how I did it, Boog fed my SD card (with 1200+ pictures on it) to the dog.  So you can follow this tutorial... it's probably better than mine anyway if I am being honest with myself :o)


The counter turned out AWESOME.  I used lots of coats of Poly so it's really durable, but I was never brave enough to try it in my kitchen when we had laminate.  Creative Kristi said hers has held up perfectly though!


I knew I wanted a lamp on the bar, but I hated the stretch of cord that had to run across the countertop.  I made a no sew cord cover and I am currently working on about 4 more to cover some other ugly cords in the house :o)  It also covered up the ugly alarm system plug that is hanging out of the wall :o)

You can find a good tutorial for that here.


BEFORE


AFTER


No, I still haven't gotten around to painting my record cabinet.  I can't figure what to do about the fabric in front of the blasted speakers.  So here it sits in it's oak-y goodness.

BEFORE


AFTER


What was once a thorn in my side is now such a calm and peaceful space to walk into.   Too bad all it holds is all of my cleaning supplies :o) 

 I also want to note that this is still a temporary fix. When we begin homeschooling we are converting this area to a built-in desk.  HOPEFULLY similar to this one!


I know, I know... now all you care about is that picture.  Gorgeous huh?!  Maybe one day....


Katie

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28 comments:

  1. Wowzers! A-ma-zing-a-ding... Whatcha gonna do ovah der ona dat bar, sista???

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  2. Hi, Katie

    The bar came out great. It's just lovely!

    Vanessa

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  3. This looks awesome! I keep trying to talk my sister into painting her laminate countertops into a fake granite like this. I'll have to show her your awesome pictures! Such a great transformation! :)

    Bekah
    If Work Permits

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  4. i luv luv what you did I had no idea you can create a fake granite...

    Would luv for my readers to see this awesome idea, will you please join our weekly party at
    http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-showcase-tutorial-with.html
    have a great crafting weekend!
    Maggie
    http://passionatelyartistic.com

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  5. You made SUCH improvement there! Just a thought for your speaker fabric, Martha Stewart has a new line of craft paint (Michael's carries it--on sale this week) that can be used on fabric, or so it's advertised.

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  6. So. much. better. What an amazing transformation. Good for you!

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  7. Wow. Great transformation. I love your new color scheme. So soothing. :)

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  8. Yo, peep, you needa Favicon...
    And, ever thought about ditching the word verification? I didn't till I read Funky Junk's blog helps... (Sorry to be give unsolicited advice...just tryin' to help.. cuz I luv you...)

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  9. Incredible!!! Way to go, girl! talk about a before and after! You have been one busy Momma! :)

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  10. You did such a great job. Thank you for the links to the tutorials. You've inspired me to try painting my countertops in my basement re-do, and I'll {hopefully} be making cord covers during the Thanksgiving holidays! :) Your bar area looks super!

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  11. love the redo. it looks amazing! so much better! you really did a great job.

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  12. Brilliant makeover! I love the lamp - and I have to checl out the tutorial to find out how you did the benchtop! It looks great!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  13. That is such a lovely transformation. That shade of gray is so calming. I have been drooling over that desk on Pinterest too, LOL!
    ~Kimberlee

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  14. wow! that is totally amazing!!!! it looks AWESOME and completely different!

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  15. A lot of hard work, however the outcome stunning. Perfect colors and arrangement. I, too, love the lamp. The shade is so beautiful.

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  16. You are genius! What a transformation - love it!
    New followers via Blue Cricket - come back by!

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  17. Impressive work. Recently found your blog and was amazed to see how creative you are with some of your transformation. This one especially add an elegant touch to your mini bar. The cobalt blue bottle in egg basket is too cute!!
    Please do visit my new born blog at http://isawiheardisaid.blogspot.com/
    I'm your new follower!!

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  18. What an unbelievable transformation! I am going to go check out the counter top tutorial right now. Thank you so much for sharing!
    Blessings, Becky
    www.fromgentogen.com

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  19. Wow, great turn out..Very neat and creative idea :)) Love it..I am officially following ya with smiles, loving your space here, so much inspiration..Would love for you to pweeease share this at my Pin Inspirational party happening today if you can..Thanks again..I'm Marilyn & wishing ya a sweet start to your weekend.. http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/11/pininspirational-thursday.html

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  20. Stunning transformation! I would love if you would share this at the Crazy Cute link party happening at Between U & Me right now!
    www.betweenuandme.com

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  21. Hi Katie, you did a wonderful job with the old bar. It looks absolutely stunning now. Thanks for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

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  22. Wow, very impressive work on that bar area! It really does look calming and peacefull too!

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  23. Wow! Who in their right mind ever put that orange counter in?? What an impressive rehab of it! Fantastic job!
    Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie this week! I can't wait to see what you have for next week!
    AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

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  24. Wow.. what a beautiful transformation.. from bold to sophisticated!
    Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo Paety.. can't wait to see what you share next!

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  25. Love this and will be featuring you on this week's Amaze Me Monday!

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  26. i love this space! looks much better with the paint, that's for sure!! :)

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  27. I redid a record cabinet and took out the fabric (mine had five spaces) and replaced them with bead board. I nailed it in from the inside. I took out all the guts and now use it to store games after painting it black with a dark red top.

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