Nothing like a new challenge and build to get the blood flowing. Today is Themed Furniture Makeover Day, and I have a sweet project for you! This month’s theme is “Pottery Barn Inspired” – it could be anything furniture-related either being transformed or newly created in Pottery Barn style. I wanted to go DIY mode this time around because I’ve had the itch to get outside (now that it’s above 20 degrees) and use my tools. yesssss….
While perusing the Pottery Barn website for the first time, I was drawn to their rustic trunks. I honestly don’t care for new looking furniture because I want it to have a story. This Josefa Trunk caught my eye with its rustic appeal. I like the red version, but the white….swoon!
Source: Pottery Barn Josefa Trunk
Pottery Barn recreated this trunk based on a similar one they had found in an antique store. I love the character it has along with its function. As a mom of 6, almost all my furniture has to perform a function, it cannot just be pretty, right? Maybe one day I’ll be one of those grandmas with white carpet, coffee tables for the grandkids to finger up, and running around with a dust buster sucking up all the crumbs….I’ll love it!
DIY TIME
So off to the store we go, and with kids in tow it’s always a fun time. They love to come shop and scheme on what they would build if given the chance to purchase anything they lay eyes on. Do you shop with your kids? (sorry for the fuzzy pic – it’s hard to push a cart to keep baby from screaming and snap a cell phone picture. tsk.)
For our materials, we chose builder grade plywood for its smooth finish and minimal imperfections, even though we want a few marks here and there for that time-worn feel.
My littlest helper was there to help me choose the good pieces of lumber for the trim on the trunk. She’s telling me the one on the bottom looks good, of course. Seriously though, whenever you’re looking for wood, be sure to pick them up, turn them over, and look down them for warping before adding them to your stock.
BUILT TIME
Now onto the building. (Yay!) I love to create my own pieces and recreating someone else’s can be just as fun because it’s like a puzzle. Since the dimensions for this trunk are on the Pottery Barn site, it’s just a matter of plugging in the dimensions of the wood I was using.
I can’t believe it’s finally warm enough outside that I can do my work in the sunshine and not all bundled up in hats, gloves, and layers upon layers. It’s time to break out my saw and get to work.
Because the ply is large, we can’t just run it through the table saw. So, I cut it down to be easier to handle.
* partnered with at Hickory Hardware (see full disclosure)
CUTTING
Because I nearly lost my fingertips (after 12 long years of cutting wood myself) in my closet remodeling project, I have yet to get the gumption up to run large pieces through the table saw, so I left that to my hubby. Even the sound of it makes me cringe, but I still do small items.
You’ll notice the above Pottery Barn trunk has metal corners. Because I wanted this to look handmade, I cut my own out and created them with some simple tools.
One of my other favorite tools is my Dremel. I requested it for my birthday one year and have used it for making toys, cutting hangers up, car repair…you name it! This thing is awesome.
COOL TOOLS
I whipped out my grinding stone attachment to make sure those metal edges were safe for little fingers.
Now it’s time to assemble…Yay! I used screws to attach the side panels together, but the bottom of the trunk was nailed in. My other favorite tool is my brad nailer (another birthday gift), which I would be lost without because it helped us save sooo much time, like in our bedroom remodel.
FINISHING
With everything cut and ready to go, it’s time to do the finish work. At this point, I move the project inside because our lovely Ohio weather is like that. Now I’m back in my layers and the heater is on. It was nice while it lasted!
My kids are allowed to play and make a mess, so why can’t I?
After some painting, distressing, and the addition of this awesome hardware with the escutcheon from Hickory Hardware (I used their awesome pulls in my Ikea Hack), and the pulls found at a local hardware shop, it’s ready to go.
THE REVEAL
The price tag for the Pottery Barn recreated piece is $499…ouch. My DIY price tag: $90. What fantastic savings!!
With its rustic details and farmhouse appeal, it goes in most any setting from French to industrial. Or, from man cave to equestrian – really, anywhere.
I so happy with how it turned out, and love that we did it ourselves. It’s rustic, is new, but looks old, and perfectly ready for blankets, boots, bedding…anything!
What’s your favorite feature? I’m diggin’ the trunk handles and that key hole escutcheon.
I also love that the top can be used as a bench for slipping on some shoes or storing your bedding.
If you love this trunk too, but are not the DIY type, it’s available in my online shop for purchase.
Also, don’t you agree that knock-offs are the best? Share if you do!
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Also, more projects like my Pottery Barn knock-off:
Now before you head off, make sure to go check out these ladies’ Pottery Barn creations…they’ll knock your socks off!
Wow girl! You have some mad building skills! Beautiful chest!
hee hee hee… thanks, Susan! I couldn’t have done it without my hubby though. We make a good team, right?
I live in ohio as well. Do you sell any of your pieces. My email is [email protected]. I live in tallmadge. I love your work
Hello Tricia! Yes, we do sell them and I’ll send you an email. 😉 Thanks for the love!
Great job Larissa! You really nailed this one!
Yay! Thank you, Jill!
Skills! You have major skills! I love this! You hit a homerun with this project! What I love most is how much $$$$ you saved! Great job!
Hahahaha…that made my day! Thank you, I needed that! 😀
This project rocks my friend. Who needs to spend big bucks when you can build one on a budget …and with little helping hands that make it special? Love, love, love! Sharing & pining:)
Thank you so much, Wendi. Yes, those hands are priceless! I’m a penny-pincher for sure, but what’s more fun than DIY?
Terrific knock-off…would love to have a materials list, cut list, and assembly instructions and final dimensions. (I run the workshops at one of the Home Depots in Sonoma County, CA and I’m always looking for new projects to build). What metal did you use, how did you bend it and attach it? Projects like this one encourage folks to build things they never thought they could.
Thanks!
Thank you, Nancy. 🙂 We are hoping to provide the plans in the near future, just couldn’t get them done with our remodel going on right now too. I will share when we do…thanks!
WOW! I love it! I think I even like your more then Pottery Barns. I love the handles on the side and I also like how you did the top. GREAT job!
Woot!! Happy to hear it! Thank you so much, Karie. 🙂
Lots of eye candy! The chest is beyond words fantastic. Love the fashion statement gloves,chic!
Wow – Awesome – I love it.
You’re so sweet….thank you!! 😀
Wow! Your version looks terrific and I can see it being used in so many places in your home. DIY certainly saves money if you have the skills.
Thanks, Paula! We made ours a tad shorter, but think the next time we’ll go a little taller. Yes, being able to DIY is a plus!
I am really, really impressed. You did this one up right!!! Great work. Now, make me one…………………….lol
Hahaha…you bet! Thanks, Linda. 🙂 Seriously though, if you want one this one is available and we’ll do custom too!
Another piece that has my mouth wide open as I look at my computer monitor. Wowee Larissa – you rock the power tools!!! There is very little difference between yours and the Pottery Barn version except yours is loaded with sentimental value and something you can be proud of. Love it!
I could just hug you, Marie! {{hugs}} Thank you. Couldn’t have done it without my husband too – we make a great team! We went with a shorter version this time, but may add the extra height in the next build.
Seriously, lady, if I had the talent in your little finger… 🙂 I love it!!
Haha, we both must have trunks on the brain this month. Mine is cute and all but girl you show true talent constructing that piece. It looks amazing! well done!
~Tami
Couldn’t have done it without my hubby! Thank you, Tami! Remember, great minds think alike!! 😀
OMG STUNNIG!!! you rock larissa!! and your little one is way too CUUUUTE!! xoxo
You’re too sweet, Ananda! Thank you and yes, she and all my gang are my best buddies.
I’m blown away!!! What an amazing piece. I love yours better!
Ha! Thank you, Christy. It was a fun project and feels so good to get back to my tools. My mantra is “Tools over jewels”. 😉
Ok this is seriously awesome. Love it WAY more than the PB one! And I love that you’re using power tools while wearing a skirt 😉
Ahahahaha…it’s the only way to be, Bre! Thanks for stopping by and showing me love. 🙂
Whoa. You built this?!?! I’m so impressed! It looks amazing. And now I just have one question for you? Where is your cape because you must be superwoman to do this and homeschool 6 kids. Great job!
Ha! Yes, with my husband’s help. My skirt is my cape…tee hee hee. You’re the best, Angie!
Love it!!! This is a great piece
Thank you, Stephanie! 😀
This is beautiful! I might have to knock off your knock off, love it!
Hahaha…I love it. Thank you, April! 😀
Larissa I do not know how you find the time to do all that you do lady! This turned out fabulous.
So happy to have you stop by, Pamela. Thank you! psst…I just don’t sleep…really. 😉
Wowzers!!! That is ahhmazing! Really Larissa…so great!
Nancy
Girl, You are awesome. I soooo love that trunk. I wanted to do the trunk in red. But I was looking for a trunk I could work with. I’m still on the hunt. May have to get my hubby to help me build one. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is beautiful! I am also impressed by the savings. It is amazing what a wonderful project can be created with such a small price tag. Great job!
Thank you so much, Crystal. Just imagine what we could create with a little knowledge and some DIY skills. 🙂 So glad you stopped by!
I’ve probably said it before but I’ll say it again…..I like yours much better than PB’s!
Awww…thank you so much! It was a fun challenge and we’re happy to have these regularly stocked in my shop now too. 🙂
keep this kinda thing up and you’ll put Pottery Barn outta business 🙂 awesome job…
Woot! 😀
I love everything that you do!!! I wish I had the tools and learn from you!!
Aww…you are so sweet. Thank you!