Pepper Design Blog

Before & After: Coffee Table to Ottoman

Update: I finally made my own ottoman out of a coffee table and you can read all about it over here, feel free to check it out for even more tips and tricks.

Here’s a little project from Little Green Notebook that I’ve been so anxious to try. Jenny has transformed an everyday, unexciting coffee table into a beautifully cushioned ottoman!

After falling in love with the above Restoration Hardware design (that came with a hefty $1200 price tag), Jenny refashioned a Craigslist find into the perfect replication (for $60!):

In a very simple wrap-up, Jenny (1) painted the legs, drilled holes for her tufted buttons, (2) added foam padding to the top and sides, (3&4) covered the table in batting and then her light blue fabric, used a button kit from JoAnns for the buttons (attaching to table through drilled holes with an upholstery needle and thread), (5) folded the fabric under the table and tacked around corners, and (6) finished off the edges with upholstery nails. Whew!

For the entire scoop (with great suggestions for tackling on your own), check out the full post here.

I’m amazed and completely inspired to take on my own coffee table refashion for an ottoman in the living room, or perhaps by the foot of the bed, or maybe in the dining room for extra bench seating? Too many options.

Sledge Hammer Stories Part 3: A New Backyard

If you remember way back to when I first introduced our little ole’ outdoor room (aka backyard) to everyone earlier this year, you might recall how much work we had to do to get to this:

Here’s a quick link to Part 1 & Part 2.

Our *dream* backyard included an outdoor grilling area, fireplace and big comfy sectional. Evenings of smores & stargazing, afternoons of hamburgers & cold beer – who could ask for anything more?

Here’s the backyard mid-project:

I couldn’t be more proud of my handy husband who I’m pretty sure knows how to fix anything and everything known to man. So… weekends of pulling up brick, tearing down walls and much MUCH cement, stucco, and tile later… here she is!

This DIY project was a monster – but isn’t it beautiful! We opted for a shade sail for added coverage (a throw back to our love of sailing) and it was an economical option when we found one on ebay for less than $50. The grill and ice bin were Craiglist finds, and the sectional was my hybrid Pottery Barn & DIY project (follow the jump for more on that).

Can you believe this used to be a carpeted, walled-in room?

To keep the outdoor kitchen within budget, we used our favorite site Craigslist and Home Depot coupons for everything from cement block to grout to our counter top tile.

While Kevin took on the bulk of the redesign, my big project was the future seating area. I fell in love with a Pottery Barn sectional (see above inspiration board) and thought that surely I could replicate the find on a local, more inexpensive level. After searching every store here in the area (including the plethora of online options!) I came up with a hybrid solution that involved sewing, stuffing and Sunbrella galore.

For the cushion DIY project, Read more »

Easy & Pretty Handmade Cake Stands

Here’s a recent idea I found for an upcoming shower… I’m so excited to give these a try. I have a special affection for all things cake stands, especially pretty ones that make lovely silhouette shapes in my kitchen shelves!

Handmade cake stands are simple and easy, here are two tutorials that outline the step-by-step directions for (1) an eclectic vintage mix and (2) a lovely all-white dessert buffet:

Kate’s recycled cake stands (shared on design*sponge back in 2008) make the perfect eclectic tea party addition. These would make beautiful table centerpieces for an outdoor shower as well.

I originally found this classic white dessert bar tutorial on Weddings & Cookies, but Renee’s creations are featured here on design*sponge as well! I love the clean, crisp look of all white – it would make a lovely dessert buffet for a wedding or party.

These would also look perfect lined neatly in a buffet cabinet or on floating shelves in the kitchen/dining room (for a fraction of the price of a store-bought collection!)

Can you believe they started as this?

Before we jump into the How-To, be sure to check out great Etsy artists like Burlap & Blue as an easy alternative if you’re looking for an option to purchase.

More pictures (and the How-To) after the jump! Read more »