Transformation of a $10 Microwave Table

About 6 years ago, my husband was moving into his own apartment and was needing some furniture to use, but not like the really expensive stuff. He just needed some items that were still in good shape and were useful. He wasn’t buying a house at the time and knew that he would want different furniture when that time came.

So where else would he start shopping…YARD SALES!!!! Mark and I were just dating at the time, and I was still living in an apartment at my college. Of course being the DIYer and loving to decorate, I wanted to help out anyways. He didn’t mind since that really isn’t his thing anyways. So the two of us and his mom started on a fun thrifting adventure one Saturday.

And that adventure brings to you this microwave table that he actually bought for $10! Yep that’s it! I just love a good yard sale. It worked perfect in his kitchen which was very small giving us extra much needed counter space. Take a look below at some of the before pictures.

It has been holding my printer in my craft room for quite some time, but I never really liked the wood especially in this specific room. I wanted to paint it but add a little pizazz and color at the same time.

That’s when I came across Royal Design Studios and their beautiful selection of furniture stencils. It was the perfect solution to add some color and design to what would have been such a plain and ordinary piece of furniture.

Stencils are so classic and don’t have to look outdated. I couldn’t wait to try the shattered allover furniture stencil. It seemed simple enough to not be overwhelming for someone who hadn’t stenciled much but still has enough design to make it gorgeous.

The wood of this particular piece didn’t require any sanding beforehand so I just jumped right in and got to painting. I used an interior latex paint in the color white. I had to paint two coats to cover completely.

I’m not going to lie either. I was a little worried when I got started and almost stopped and just gave up. Mark, my husband, was sitting outside in the rocker with me while I painted and could see I was getting so frustrated. He reminded me actually of a post I wrote not long ago about lessons I have learned from failing. Sometimes we need that reminder and encouragement. I am so glad I didn’t give up.

Once the white painted had dried, I measured the top and centered the stencil taping it in place with painter’s tape.

I was a little nervous at first to start painting with the stencil because I didn’t want the paint to run under or smudge at all. I haven’t really had the best history and success with stencils. Luckily though Royal Designs Studios offers tons of great tutorials and tips for using stencils with the best techniques to get started.

I chose to use 3 different colors for the stencil using the copper kettle stencil crème. They offer these stencil cremes that I had never really heard of before. They are so creamy and soft that I wanted to just dip my hands all in them. I know that sounds sort of weird but they just look so pretty when you open that bottle for the first time.

To add a pop of color to the copper kettle, I decided to accent with shimmer pink and pearl oyster. I couldn’t go without using pink since it is my favorite color. Mark would have never went for pink on furniture, but by using it for just a pop of color I could totally get away with it.

The 1/2 “ stencil brush was the perfect size to use for this design. I was worried that using a circular motion to paint the stencil would wear out the bristles and bend them too much. I washed the brush with soap and water. I am happy to say that the brush is still in great condition and ready to be used again. It is one brush that I know I will be able to use for many more projects. I can’t wait for my next one.

Once the crème had completely dried, I removed the painter’s tape and the stencil to a brand new beauty. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to stencil. I have tried several times in the past and was not successful at all. Royal Design Studios stencils made it so easy.

I also painted the knob with the copper kettle stencil creme so it would match, and it pops off the white so beautifully.

This previous microwave table is something that I can use for so many different things. It would be a perfect drink station at an outdoor BBQ or gathering. When I’m not hosting a party or dinner, I love using it to show off fresh flowers, my copper lantern that happened to be a $3 find at Target, and my latest favorite candle. I also found this white basket at Target for $10 on clearance and love placing magazines or books inside of it.

I hope this transformation has given you some inspiration to shop for bargains and change them yourself with a new technique that you never thought you could do before.

Enjoy the little things like stenciling!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

P.S. Please share this post with others if you enjoyed it and found it helpful. We love when you pass on goodness to others.

This post was sponsored by Royal Design Studios but all opinions are my own.