It's a quick change and super simple to do.
Come see!
A little while ago, I mentioned that along with our major bathroom renovation, this summer, we were hoping to tackle a few smaller projects around the house.
One of these updates involved a makeover of the shutter doors that cover a bank of small shelves in my master bathroom.
The shutters were painted badly years ago.
They didn't open or close and never really fit properly. The wood had bowed, probably from years of exposure to humid conditions and the paint had become sticky and was hard to clean.
That bothered me. A lot.
So one night, when I mentioned my shutter dilemma to my husband, he said, why not just use your velcro fabric trick and give them a makeover?
I love it when he talks decor to me.
Especially when his ideas are this brilliant. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed I didn't come up with it myself, but either way, once the words were out of his mouth, I was in the car and on the hunt for fabric.
I got lucky at my first stop and found a remnant at JoAnn's for about $5.00 that coordinated with my bedroom quilt perfectly.
So by the next morning, I was ready to go. That was May. Unfortunately, the process of ripping out and rebuilding the hall bathroom was the priority and the shutters just sat. And sat. And sat.
Well, fast forward to this past weekend, when we were finally able to break away from that DIY to do some other fun things, including the shutter update.
I will say, that since the shutters were painted shut, the project was a little more labor intensive than I had expected.
We tried to free the center pieces from the frame, but the paint was so thick and gummy, it was like glue. They weren't going anywhere.
My husband had to get out his trusty saw and cut right down the middle, between the slats. This loosened them up and we were able to wriggle them out.
At first I was little upset, thinking we could never go back, but they were such a mess, I don't think I'd want to.
The next step was to plane them and sand them down a bit, since there were at least three layers of paint under the white.
My husband took care of this job and I made him wear a mask, since I had no idea how old that paint was and if it contained lead.
Better safe than sorry...
I haven't painted in years and I'd forgotten how much I loved it.
The smell and the fumes were not good for my lungs, but I have to say, after painting the bathroom vanity with the newer low odor, no VOC paints, I wasn't bothered at all.
And now that I've become a fan of chalk paint, I've been painting up a storm.
In fact, since tackling that vanity, I've repainted a little garden bench, just for fun and I've even started on an adult paint by numbers kit, since I've enjoyed the process so much.
But that's another story for another day...
Back to the shutters, painting only took so long, I was on to adding the fabric in short order. First I measured my fabric.
I cut my piece one and a half times as wide as my opening so I'd have enough to gather for a pleated look.
It's the exact same technique I've used before, whenever I add fabric to a door.
You can see the velcro tape I use <---here.
I used a few extra tiny strips of velcro on the side to anchor it this time since the fabric was not behind a glass and it had a little more movement than I wanted.
The velcro is so forgiving, it's simple to correct any mistakes.
It warmed the room up immediately and added so much charm.
Psst- this fabric is now on my bathroom vanity instead. Come peek!
So we removed the shower doors to give them a full cleaning, I added a pretty printable to the wall and I made a new curtain for the room, since I had leftover fabric.
That's ok, I think it'll be worth it.
By the time I'm finished with this room, it'll be super clean and look just as new as the new bathroom.
Just don't expect to hear about it until the fall!
😉
What do you think? Was my shutter project worth the wait?
I think it was well worth the wait. Great makeover for those shutters. It took it to a whole new 'customized' feel in the bathroom. On to the next project!!! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana! I have to say I love the look. Of course, now both of our bathrooms are in a state of flux, but I'm looking forward to the changes. Enjoy the weekend!
DeleteBravo so worth the effort. Love the fabric and look. The improvement is amazing and gives it a warm feeling.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing more.
Cindy
Thank you, Cindy! I can't believe I waited so long to address those silly shutters. SO much better...
DeleteThis looks great! I bet you can even have a set of fabric panels on hand to change out for Christmas or whatever holiday you choose. The holiday ones can be flat panels to make them even easier.
ReplyDeletekakingsbury at verizon dot net
Yes! That's why I love the velcro, Kathleen. It makes swapping out the fabric so simple. No staples to pull and it doesn't damage the cabinet at all- you know if I change my mind...but who would do that. 😉
DeleteYou two are quite the duo! A good match for a couple's DIY TV show. I love what you did. It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda! He is very talented and I honestly couldn't accomplish half of what I want to do around here without him.
DeleteKim this is genius and I Love the fabric print and color. I cannot wait to see the whole bathroom done. You are too cute and I love you saying you love when the hubster talks decor to you!!!! Made me chuckle!!!! Have movers today and then we will be ready to close on Monday. Almost to the finish line. Yeah!!!! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
Haha, Kris! He’s so funny. Just when I think he’s not listening to me, he says something like that. When we were looking for bathroom floors he kept suggesting basket weave patterns and I said, nope, just don’t love them. Then last week we were in HomeGoods and he picked up a red rooster trivet and proudly presented it to me. But them he said, oh wait, no, he’s surrounded by a basketweave pattern. You won’t like this. I had to hug him right there. Of course, we took the rooster home!!
DeleteVery creative! Amazing your husband suggested the velcro. My husband doesn't even know that exists :) . I love the work done!
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then I guess he listens to me, Angela!! Or he reads the blog. 😉
DeleteGreat make-over. Never would have thought of doing that!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of a fabric addict, Cheri! If I can cover it with a pattern, I will...and thanks!!
DeleteThey're adorable, but I was wondering if they are just for décor, or are they hiding storage? It's a grand idea either way. Clever hubby for thinking of that.
ReplyDeleteThey do cover shelves, Florence! There is actually quite a bit of storage back there. It's just a much more attractive space now. Thanks for asking and for your kind comment!
DeleteGreat job, Kim! Those shutters are so hard to clean. Now you can just take the fabric off, wash it, and put it back on...so much better!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Ann, they were impossible to clean, especially since the paint was so gummy. The dust would not budge. So far, this is much better. It’s also much prettier! Enjoy the weekend!
Deletethey're beautiful Kim! and so is your husband! xo
ReplyDeleteHe is...inside and out, Tammy, I agree!! And I hope you are well my friend. I miss your posts. xo
DeleteLove your shutter look . . .
ReplyDeleteAmazing the things we can create . . .
Looking forward to the final reveal . . .
Thanks Lynne. Decorating is wonderful distraction to me, I love the creative aspects. Keeps me grounded in this nutty world...
DeleteThose shutters look so charming now!
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny! I love the fabric. It makes a huge difference.
DeleteVery pretty. And you know how I love EZ-PZ projects :)
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you, Cheryl! EZ-PZ all the way.
DeleteThat is so cute! What a great idea. And isn't it funny how one little thing leads to another? :)
ReplyDeleteTotally, Mari!! I have quite a list now, but it's been fun getting my hands "dirty" again.
DeleteLooks really cute! It does have me wondering, what's stashed behind those cupboards?
ReplyDeleteHa! Jeanieq, nothing exciting! I would love to tell you that they were filled with pretty little cottage style bottles and lacy towels, but the truth is they're filled with razors, shaving cream, q-tips and soap! The outside is way better than the in! 😉
DeleteVery clever use of the velcro Kim. It really does look so much sweeter.
ReplyDeleteTHank you, Mary! Gotta love that velcro.
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me! This is just the perfect charm for your bathroom. Well done to the both of you.
How are the girls doing this summer? Are they busy touring this summer?
Carla
Carla, you are so sweet…and truly, nothing amazing here, just some fabric and tape! 😉 And thanks so much for asking about the girls. They're singing everywhere, they just made their first live radio appearance and have a few more coming up in the next few weeks. It’s all very exciting and a great way to spend the summer.
DeleteKim, that project turned out gorgeous! I love the new look of the shutters and that material is so pretty! You guys did a great job on them! Regardless of how long you had to wait, it was well worth it! Hope all is going well and that you had a great 4th! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Benita. I love that fabric, too! Can you believe I found a corner of it peeking out from underneath the big rolls at JoAnn's? My kids thought I was crazy pulling it out and tracking down someone to help me find a price. Ha! And thank you, we had a lovely 4th! Hope you did, too!! Hugs back!
DeleteAnother winner, Kim, and I also love the fabric you chose. I like that all your projects feel simple and doable and I'm immediately looking around the house to see where I can try it on. Hope you had a lovely 4th!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks so much, Amalia! I am all about the simple DIY. I don't have patience for any other kind. 😉
DeleteKim, it certainly was worth the wait. They look so pretty and I can see that they would brighten up the room. Sometimes our hubbys have the best ideas and maybe we don't give them credit enough..Hope you had a great 4th..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Judy! He's has a very good eye and I take his opinion into consideration, but he always laughs because he knows I'll do what I want anyway. And he's usually right! 😉 xoxox
DeletePerfect!!! And I think the new valance with the same fabric will tie it in nicely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie! I think so, too. Now I just have to find the time to make it.
DeleteYou made the shutter doors look so pretty with the fabric. How creative of your husband to suggest that and he sounds like a winner. I love how nice it looks and you can always change out that fabric to something different when you get tired of it! I can't wait to see what the bathroom looks like!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Julie! The bathroom is really shaping up and I'm thrilled with the new look.
DeleteYou are so crafty and handy! Your hubby, too! I love the makeover, it looks beautiful. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Melanie! It really changes the whole room.
DeleteHi Kim - What a good idea - glad you shared the why and how.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in for a visit today.
Joy
Thanks so much, Joy! I have to say I really like it now.
DeleteLooks great, Kim. Fresh, crisp. I like it. Your hubby's really catching on with this whole decor thing. Do I see a home makeover TV show in your future? ;) Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy! The guy has a good eye and some mad DIY skills. There's no doubt about that! Hugs!
DeleteI love this idea with the Velcro because when they finally get dusty you can wash the material and re-Velcro. I have two sets of closet doors that are full shutters and completely full of dust (disgusting!). Rather than destroy the doors completely by removing the shutters I think I will use your idea to at least cover the front of the doors with material (probably Martha Stewart sheets I bought years ago) using your Velcro idea. The backs (inside the closet) will still get dusty, but at least the fronts will be more appealing when clean!
ReplyDeleteOh Kathleen, I'm so glad that you found this idea helpful! I bet it will look beautiful. I was so tired of the dust and debris. Plus, this way, I get a pretty pattern added to an otherwise boring room! And thanks for the comment, it's aways nice to hear when an idea I share sparks inspiration! Have a great day!
DeleteThey look so much better! I love the green! Sometimes husbands are useful haha!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christina! I love the green, too...and yes! Gotta love those DIY guys.
DeleteWhat a great helper. Smart that he wore a mask they turned out charming!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Maria! And yes, he's a keeper!
Delete