We continue our DIY Series this month with a spotlight on our Featured DIYer and grand prize winner of the My AMLI DIY contest, Lacie Herrin.
Lacie rolled up her sleeves and tackled a functional (and gorgeous!) DIY coffee table for her apartment. We asked her to tell us a bit more about her project and found out everything from her inspiration, design style, what materials she used, the cost, and what advice she has for other DIYers. Here’s what she had to say.
What is your design style?
My style really depends on what I am working on. Most of the time I would say it’s shabby chic design style.
Give us an overview of what your project is?
I built a coffee table that is unique, has plenty of storage, and also looks nice with my furniture.
And how does this fit in with your design style?
The coffee table is supposed to be a little rustic so that it doesn’t look new, but also be a nice piece of furniture.
Tell us more about your DIY project…
I purchased four unfinished crates from a craft store, which I then stained with a dark wood stain. Once everything was dry, I printed winery logos from some of my favorite wineries and decoupaged or transferred the wording to the sides of the crates with mod podge. Some of the graphic didn’t stick or pealed off, but I wanted that look. This made them look like they were old wine crates. Then I laid the crates on there sides and used wood screws to screw the crates together. I also purchased four 2x4s, which I then screwed onto the bottom of the piece so that it would set off the floor. In the middle of the crates is an area that is a hole, so I placed a thin piece of plywood about 10 inches in, so there is a little compartment where you can put something in the middle. I had a lot of saved wine corks to go with the theme so I placed wine corks in the middle.
What materials did you use to create the project?
- Four unfinished crates
- Dark wood stain
- Wood screws
- Hand drill
- Four 2x4s
- Clear finishing stain
- Mod podge
- Printed graphics
- Wine corks
What was the total cost?
Approximately 0.
How much time was spent on it?
I did this project in a weekend.
What was the biggest challenge when building/creating your project?
Getting the graphics to show up on the sides of the crates after they were stained.
What was your inspiration for this project?
I needed a coffee table and did not want to spend a lot of money to purchase one.
What were your goals for this project?
To make sure the table was sturdy and useful, as well as not look like I did it myself!
What is your favorite element of the project?
The middle of the table has a hole where the crates did not touch. I love this area because I can put different things or decorations in the middle to work with the season or event.
What do your friends say about the project?
Everyone always compliments the table and asks where I bought it!
What is your best advice for other DIYers?
I would suggest if you are thinking about doing something, even if you are not sure how it will turn out, just go with it. That is the fun part, and it will turn out better than you thought!!
Stay tuned to the AMLI Blog as our DIY Series continues in May!
View All Posts by Yvette Pistorio