I have a love for Ikea but some of their things can be so boring and basic they just scream “Give me a makeover right now!”, which is exactly what I did when I got working and created this Ikea Step Stool Makeover.
Happy Hump Day Friends!
Today I’m excited to show you my first of many furniture DIY’s. This one is a small one but I’m still super excited because see this stool… See how pretty it looks? Well… let me tell you…. Before this little makeover this little fella was looking all sorts of nasty and wrong. I’m taking gross food stains thanks to my lovely children. It was filthy and was in serious need of a beauty overhaul or replacement!
I love this IKEA step stool but I find in my house the bare, exposed wood isn’t such a good idea. It grabs on to stains so easily and if it’s light wood like this one, then every little mark shows and some stains are impossible to remove.
So I finally decided on the colours I wanted and go working!
Ikea Step Stool Makeover
I’ve decided that my main kitchen colour is blue. A lighter blue. Like a duck egg kinda blue. I love it. It’s pretty, soft and inviting. I’m adding a fair bit of blue through my home but I think blue is one of those timeless colours that is relaxing, stays one trend and is very appealing to the eye. I haven’t done much in my kitchen at all. I haven’t done much in the house to be honest. We’ve been busy buying and sorting out a million other things. This is what happens when you do a huge international move. Lots to be done and takes months to get organised. Our house is not small either, 5 bedrooms plus all of the other normal rooms like kitchen living etc, etc. So we have lots of space to fill and not enough money to fill it straight away. Priorities people! 😛 (yes… I’m inserting a tongue face just because I like them) 😉
When I found these two beautiful Farrow & Ball colours I fell in love with! I know Farrow & Ball is a little pricier but it’s worth the money. The quality is superior and I just fell in love with their selection of colours.
I decided to go with the Dix Blue and Pale Powder. Aren’t they pretty? I was so impressed with these paints. Working with them was so easy and the coats where so thick and lovely. The coverage was fantastic. I purchased sample sizes as the stool really isn’t all that big. I ended up using one and a half sample tins of the Pale Powder and less than 1 sample tin of the Dix blue. I purchased two of each so I will just have to find something else to paint in this pretty blue colour.
Here’s what the stool looked like before the much needed makeover…..
I know… Gross! Do you understand me now? I tell you, I cleaned this stool many times. Usually daily BUT some of those stains where deep. Don’t even ask me what my kids got on there. I have no clue. All I know is that kids are messy and gross (and adorable) and seem to dirty and stain everything. Just glad I got on to making her pretty for my kitchen!
Here’s what you’ll need to replicate this look for your IKEA Step Stool Makeover:
SUPPLIES
1. Sandpaper – medium grit
2. Paint Primer
3. Your Choice Of Two Colours (I chose Dix Blue & Pale Powder in Farrow & Ball)
4. Paint Brush
5. Paint Tray
6. Material to protect your workspace
7. Painters Tape
Steps
1. Sand back the entire stool until smooth and all visible marks are removed. Wipe down with a dry cloth.
2. Pour primer into your paint tray. Prime entire stool. Let it dry for about 2 hours.
3. Apply first coat of Pale Powder (or your chosen colour) to the entire frame of the stool. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
4. Apply second coat of Pale Powder to the frame of the stool. Allow to dry.
5. Place painters tape to the areas where the step meets the stool frame so that you don’t accidentally paint the edges where the two colours meet. I placed painters tape around the legs, under the steps and wherever I saw that the two colours would meet.
6. Once your painters tape is on. Apply first layer of Dix Blue (or your chosen second colour) to the steps of your stool . Allow to dry.
7. Apply second and final coat of Dix Blue to the steps of the stool. Allow to dry.
All done! Yay! Now wasn’t that easy?!?
Overall I’m so, so happy with the end result. If you’re wondering why no final sealing coat? I asked the assistant at the store I purchased the paint from and she said no top coat needed. I was happy with that. Marks and stains wipe off so much easier now and they certainly not as obvious on the blue colour.
I love how nicely (but very slowly) my kitchen is coming together!
What do you think of the colours I chose? What are your preferred colours?
If you like this tutorial then please pin, pin, pin, share, share, share!! I will love you always if you do. 😉
Have a fabulous day!!
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Lovely! I was thinking about using these stools as bedside tables and I love your colour choices too!
They would be cool as bedside tables Amy. Thank you, I really love these colours also 🙂
Love this Maria! x
Thanks Felicity! xxx
I love the colors! It’s so bright and airy! I also love the twist wreath–those get me every.time. Found you via Homestories A2Z
They are super pretty colours! Yes, the twist wreath is really pretty also. I love it. Have to find a permanent place for it 🙂
Ooh I love stool! and what a transformation! It looks amazing – big tick for the colour too! 🙂 Well done Maria. Definitely Pinning 🙂
Thanks Charlene! It’s pretty huh? I love it. Now it’s not just a stool, it’s a statement 😉 Thanks for pinning lovely. xxx
Fantastic project! I love the colour you chose, it is so clean & fresh looking.
Thanks Robyn. Yes I love the clean and fresh feel also, specially for kitchens and bathrooms!
We have the exact same stool that I’ve been planning to paint or dress up since we bought it. Happy to hear some good tips 🙂
You should totally do it Colleen! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Love your style and your blog 🙂
Lovely, Maria. I’ve done a few of these stools. They are great! Lovely photography. Thanks for posting the link on AussieBloggers.
Well done.
Thanks Sharon 🙂 Was feeling pretty excited about it.
Hi Maria, I have one of those Ikea step stools which has it’s fair share of wear and stains. What a great way to spruce it up with a makeover – lovely fresh finish. I may need to add mine to the ‘to do’ list of makeovers.
Ciao for now 🙂
I think a makeover is as good as a new purchase Elena! Definitely add it to the ‘to do’ list 🙂
Okay – I now have the DIY bug – I have a few ikea pieces that are in need of some tender love and care.
All they need is a little TLC and they’re as good or even better than new because it represents your style and look!
Love this!
Thanks Mel 🙂
Hi there! First of all, can I just say that I adore your blog and I’d love for mine to look like yours someday! Second, this stool makeover….umm….*swoon.* Third, thank you sooooo much for stopping by my blog and commenting about my Nautical Rope Knot Art! It really means a lot. Thanks so much, girl! Have a great weekend. 🙂
Hi Marie! Thanks for taking the time to come over and say hello! I loved your DIY. It’s awesomely. I will be making this for sure and will give credit to you for such a fab idea! Thank you for all your lovely compliments. My blog didn’t used to look like this either 😉 I have been working hard to make it really pretty and my images nice. x
This looks so cute! I was just in Ikea earlier this week and saw this step stool. Now I’m thinking that I should’ve picked one up! I do need a step stool and painting it to match my kitchen would be an awesome project. My kitchen happens to be very similar colors to the ones you chose! I’m pinning this for sure 🙂 Thanks for linking up with us at the #HomeMattersParty!
Thanks Sarena. I think matching it in is a great way to create flow through your kitchen or whatever room you’re deciding to put it in. 🙂
WOW! This looks great! Gosh I’m totally with you on the duck egg blue and white. So clean and crisp! Perfect for a kitchen!!
Thanks Lucy. Yep, love that colour combo 🙂 x
Its wonderful, I love your color selection. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Tuesday xo
Thanks Katherine!! I feel honoured and so happy you like it. I love the colours also 😉 Will certainly be watching out for the feature. Thanks once again. xx
What a lovely makeover. I just wish we could get Farrow and Ball in Australia. Their colours are so stunning!! Jx
Hi Jess! YAY for a fellow Aussie! Do we no have it back home in AUS? Crazy. It’s such a beautiful product and their wallpapers are also divine. Thanks for your lovely compliments. x
I love this. So simply yet has made a massive difference to the look. Well done.
Thanks Natalie. It’s a very easy DIY but makes a world of a difference 🙂
Awesome post! I would love to invite you to my new link party The Beautifully Creative Inspired. The party launched on Friday and will continue every Fridays at 9AM eastern time on 5 BLOGS! It runs until Wednesday night 😀 Hope you can party with us!
Thanks Shanice. Will head over and check out your linky party. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I love that aqua colour Maria – I have one of these stools and now I am inspired to make it all pretty like yours xx
Do it Sonia! It will make your life a whole lot happier 😛 haha. I love my stool now 😀 xx
Looks absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you Raychael x
This is just adorable. I love painting things in my house and how they take on a whole new life, and brighten a space. I love your gorgeous photos and bright space 🙂
I love your colors. Thanks for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. It’s great what a fresh coat of paint will do…
Thanks again,
Joyously,
Betty @ My Cozy Corner-Co Hostess at Katherines Corner
Thanks Betty.
It is absolutely gorgeous with the cutest touch of blue. Plus that huge open window is just breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing at The Creative Corner. I can’t wait to see what you share next week too.
Thanks Bethany! Glad you like the project and yes, I’m in love with my beautiful French doors and windows also! 🙂 x
What a great makeover Maria! That pretty shade of blue just makes it so fresh! Thanks for sharing at Five Star Frugal this week. Love, Mimi xxx
Thanks Mimi 🙂 I love the shade of blue. It really stands out in a nice pastel and soft sort of way 😉 x
It looks so pretty and modern! And fits beautifully with the rest of the decor, too. Awesome job!
Thanks so much Segan 🙂 x
The pale blue is lovely. It’s so clean, crisp, and fresh. Eager to see what else you transform.
Thank you so much Mary. Can’t wait to share some more makeovers in the coming months!
I love what you made out of this step stool. It looks fabulous!
Thanks Ilka 🙂
You rock…you totally rock. I love this idea. I am so doing this. Did you see the Ikea ladder back chair. I think I will do that to the chair as well. Fabulous job! I would love for you to share this at our What’s it Wednesday Linky Party! Fantastic way to start the year with inspiration.
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Hi Paula, thanks so much for your lovely compliment. I love it because it doesn’t look so boring in my kitchen. Would love to link up! Will check out your party next week 🙂 x
What a beautiful color – thanks so much for sharing – I redo furniture and am always on the lookout for colors !!!
Thank you Suzan! I love the colour also 🙂 I’ve only just started to have the courage to paint stuff but have a few projects I want to accomplish this year 🙂
Maria your little stool is so cute. And I love the colors you chose, just a breath of fresh air!! Happy New Year my friend!!
Thanks so much Mary 🙂 It’s just such a fresh and inviting colour. I love blues. They add so much beauty to the home and always makes everything look current and in style I think. Happy New Year friend! x
I have that exact stool. Yours looks gorgeous now! I’d love for you to share this at our weekly link party. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2016/01/6-amazing-sewing-projects-to-try-today.html Hope to see you there!
Thanks so much Jennifer. Such a popular stool and so much that can be done with it! 🙂 Will head over now and check out your linky. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I have at least four pieces of furniture that I’ve painted that exact shade of blue, love it on your step stool too, Maria! Thanks for sharing with us at The DIY Collective Link Party, hope you come back again next week! xo!
Thanks os much Cassie! Certainly will 🙂 Happy New Year!
This is an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing. Hi, I’m Anita visiting from Creativity Unleashed.
Thanks Anita! 🙂
Love the fresh color pallette! Thanks for sharing the step by step (no pun intended ha ha)!
You have a great blog!
Hope you have a good weekend!
Smiles!
Terry
Haha, thanks so much Terry! Happy New Year! 🙂
I love the colors you used! So light and fresh. Very beautiful makeover. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thanks Marie! I love the freshness of it also! Love blues, they are so timeless and beautiful 🙂
The stool looks so pretty, just my kind of way! Love it! I’ve been wanting to get that stool from Ikea, it’s so great and I love how you decorated it Maria!
Thanks so much Katrin! It’s a great stool and you can do so much with it!
What a cute stool! Thank you for sharing at Dream. Create. Inspire. Link! I am pinning your idea!
Cat
Thanks Cat! Thanks for pinning. 🙂
So pretty and fresh!! Love it- thanks for sharing it at Work it Wednesday. We are featuring you tomorrow!!
Thanks Krista for popping over and for the feature!
This is beautiful! Simple but stunning. I just wanted to pop by again to let you know that I’m featuring it at this week’s link party. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2016/01/diy-projects-for-home-and-little-bird.html
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for featuring my Stool Makeover. Appreciate it and I’m glad you like it.
This is so beautiful and refreshing! Love your color choices!
Thanks Anika. That’s the feel I like. Fresh 🙂
WOW! This is so beautiful and your photos are AMAZING!!! Great project!
Thanks Deborah! Appreciate your lovely compliment 🙂
Super cute! I love the fresh & clean look of the colors too 🙂
http://www.glitteryourdash.com
Thanks Blake 🙂
I love the stool. But could you tell me where you got your planters and plants? I’m looking to add some greenery to my home. I just recently bought a few bamboo plants since I’m told they are pretty easy to maintain and bring luck.
Hi Celina, I got the planters from my local florist as well as my local markets. Plants I just have a mint plant in the blue vintage pot and a succulent (not sure what it’s called) in the other. Sorry I can’t be more help but these are small independent shops. Greenery is great to bring live into your home and make it feel more welcome. I have heard the same thing about bamboo plants! 🙂
Looks great! I would use a less expensive paint option though. Doesn’t a can of Farrow & Ball cost more than that step stool? LOL!
Hi Dom, haha. No, I purchased the little sample tins. But yes, it costs a lot but SO worth it for other projects! 🙂
This is one of my favs! Want it for my kitchen. Thanks for linking to Friday’s Furniture Fix.. Susie
I love this makeover also Susie. Makes me happy when I look at it. haha.
I love this! cute and simple, my favorite DIY projects! I am featuring this tomorrow as my favorite for out WASTE NOT WEDNESDAY link party!!
I think I need this step stool now! I will add it to my long and growing list of things I need from IKEA. Luckily it isn’t too far away 🙂 Beautiful job and beautiful blog. I love all your bright photos 🙂
Hi Susan, thanks so much 🙂 I love the Ikea step stools. They are so nice and you can create so many beautiful finished on them. Thank you for your lovely compliments. x
The stool looks wonderful in the colors you selected. What a difference paint makes. I love it.
Maria, what a great makeover! So fresh and pretty! Love the colors! Thank you for sharing. Feel free to share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party which is currently live. Here is the link if you want to check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2017/02/make-pretty-monday-week-208.html Hope to see you at the bash! Have a happy week! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thanks Kathryn 🙂