Ikea Rast Makeover
Last week, I went to Ikea. There are just some things that Ikea is perfect for like inexpensive furniture and lighting. The closest one to us is the Pittsburg store. The ride took and hour and forty-five minutes each way, which was long, but the beautiful sights made it worth it. I drove through lush valleys and saw lots of beautiful barns that I wanted to take pictures of, but I didn’t stop. I did not want to make the trip any longer than it already was. One of my purchases was an Ikea Rast 3 drawer chest. They are only $35. I know. I know. I couldn’t believe it either. It comes in a box that is only 24″ by 36″ by THREE inches. I was sure I must have picked up the wrong box. Ikea is the master of super efficient packaging.
I needed the chest for storage and I had been looking for one at flea markets and furniture consignment shops to no avail. I didn’t have a plan for how it would be finished until I saw the Handpainted Architecture Chest at Anthropologie. I loved the idea of the white hand painted details on the black background. It reminded me of a chalkboard. I already had some tinted chalk paint that looked black, leftover from my kitchen project. I also had a white Sharpie paint pen. It was meant to be.
Handpainted Architecture Chest on sale $499.95
The first step was to make a pot of coffee, so that I could figure out what the cute little Ikea helper wanted me to do with all the parts. There were a lot of parts.
Once it was together, I gave it two coats of the chalk paint. While it was drying, I “googled” images of the Cleveland skyline and then close ups of the buildings for details. I lightly outlined the skyline with pencil, and then went to town filling in details of each building. Instead of using the wooden knobs that came with the Rast, I added some antique brass knobs from Hobby Lobby.
Now, I have storage and a sentimental piece from our Cleveland adventure.
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Mary you’re amazing! I want to be you! Love this project and you finished the art superbly . ❤️
Beautiful Mary! I thought your skyline was a vinyl decal when I first looked at it. Your skyline is awesome and I appreciate even more with your hand drawing! You have an incredible eye for design!!
Once again, a “Mary Masterpiece”!!!!
i love this! what a cool idea!
I just love the modern look of the chest, Mary! Sometimes new furniture is the way to go when you can personalize it the way you’ve done. So fun!
Great idea! Sentimental, practical, fun….like reading your blog! Love the paint-by-number, too : )
amazing what you did with that piece . you are so talented.
Well done! I think your chest is even cuter than Anthro’s!
This is the best RAST hack I’ve seen. So unique.
How did I miss this one? Great idea and what a wonderful way to embrace your new hometown.
Best IKEA hack I’ve ever seen! Love it.