Ikea Hacking the Varde Unit

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUr3Yd5OU9G3SjpfS_nGwWmz8na0K9bSZ8fxoIRburohMY8GTjvcRaeJFfcFZuUQY8Ak9a-bN-j0s8pFp4hiBWbPyt06Rx2J7Lx3s1UUnVxrDMYx8qwSEin5JZawqP4eACWSi0-lR8Vo/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PnSpbBvOJI-BY64F67J7KLEOwjbpZpoB7ChbLu_nbzDWgeVr9_SaAt-OYmhwOTfccsyC1DGErsQ_xfBKjRSKkupFtzsC6R9fqa3pgWrML8xmyL7noVuRbOr9izcqdFOif4HxDdR73ng/s1600/IMG_8302ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PnSpbBvOJI-BY64F67J7KLEOwjbpZpoB7ChbLu_nbzDWgeVr9_SaAt-OYmhwOTfccsyC1DGErsQ_xfBKjRSKkupFtzsC6R9fqa3pgWrML8xmyL7noVuRbOr9izcqdFOif4HxDdR73ng/s1600/IMG_8302ss.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I get things into my head that certain projects <i>need </i>to get accomplished - and it happens at the most random times. It drives Aubrey nuts. But right before the Christmas rush for the shop, I felt that my studio didn't really look right and the major problem was the worktable that I use. I never loved the wood tone of the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/14631607/" target="_blank">Varde Island from Ikea</a> but it was the right price, and, has served well. I've had this table since I started my shop in 2004 and it has been <i>amazing</i>. But the wood tone didn't fit with the darker walnut tones in the floor and my<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/08/making-new-desk.html" target="_blank"> DIY desk. </a> So I took it upon myself to try to fix it, to fit more with my current style. I gave away the "after" above. They really are simple changes, but make a huge difference. To read more about how I did it, and, more shots of the space now, read more after the jump.<br /><a name="more"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUr3Yd5OU9G3SjpfS_nGwWmz8na0K9bSZ8fxoIRburohMY8GTjvcRaeJFfcFZuUQY8Ak9a-bN-j0s8pFp4hiBWbPyt06Rx2J7Lx3s1UUnVxrDMYx8qwSEin5JZawqP4eACWSi0-lR8Vo/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUr3Yd5OU9G3SjpfS_nGwWmz8na0K9bSZ8fxoIRburohMY8GTjvcRaeJFfcFZuUQY8Ak9a-bN-j0s8pFp4hiBWbPyt06Rx2J7Lx3s1UUnVxrDMYx8qwSEin5JZawqP4eACWSi0-lR8Vo/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRUjD6IQxNSBqkUv2kOsnv2dp6HsNJmhB4O6E0NkyVG5j8O7fv9eu-2jP6ZZyVjZuIbmLbeB6JVWozEBKzeQDOWcPANlvgoJsEFAFBId4xsYtxKE5AM9fMNBTx6AFB-hEodf60wkHQbY/s1600/IMG_1521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRUjD6IQxNSBqkUv2kOsnv2dp6HsNJmhB4O6E0NkyVG5j8O7fv9eu-2jP6ZZyVjZuIbmLbeB6JVWozEBKzeQDOWcPANlvgoJsEFAFBId4xsYtxKE5AM9fMNBTx6AFB-hEodf60wkHQbY/s1600/IMG_1521.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 1:</b> The first thing I did was<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/09/wood-slices-sanders.html" target="_blank"> pulled out my heavy duty sander that I used for this project.</a> After 9 years of use the tabletop was worn, dirty and banged up. So I got my sanding on and sanded the wood block top a LOT. I then stained wood the exact same walnut tone as I did my DIY desk - so that it worked together more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cKMqSZHSbD-EWYjLVu9VVysqocK9mXF7jMdrmvoXJQc1wlT_Tt3i3J-JP9n0IxaChrbgwzhrwJTJo491sJaNrmko-w7d-C6oQ4NddBu2laLla5g6rBGKV8WJjo3aRc2hlZv407IXQ9w/s1600/IMG_1528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cKMqSZHSbD-EWYjLVu9VVysqocK9mXF7jMdrmvoXJQc1wlT_Tt3i3J-JP9n0IxaChrbgwzhrwJTJo491sJaNrmko-w7d-C6oQ4NddBu2laLla5g6rBGKV8WJjo3aRc2hlZv407IXQ9w/s1600/IMG_1528.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dwAGXETAHjRYdAm74jGnKHGksNtU4kiyuvNDMi2XlwaALUCA3FeS6LonGSo5wvCnSD_gNPQ6vTHeU95ESB6gHycc-Qx5XA8StukJHROj-vPuetVCIUW2N47uEWhwBR8BumDR4xw1mj4/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dwAGXETAHjRYdAm74jGnKHGksNtU4kiyuvNDMi2XlwaALUCA3FeS6LonGSo5wvCnSD_gNPQ6vTHeU95ESB6gHycc-Qx5XA8StukJHROj-vPuetVCIUW2N47uEWhwBR8BumDR4xw1mj4/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" /></a></div>Next, it was time to paint the laminate base. I took my time - first , sanding the laminate base with a fine grit sandpaper. Then I primed it, After priming it, I sanded it <i>again </i>lightly. The extra care in sanding between coats makes the paint smoother and gives a more professional look. Having a sander (<a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/product/black-decker-gelmax-mouse-sander-and-polisher-with-touch-zone-technology/971128" target="_blank">I used my mouse sander for these steps</a>) was key. After the primer, I painted the base in<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/stoneharbor" target="_blank"> Benjamin Moore's Stone Harbour</a>, using their Advance line of paint. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MGJIC51YS3KZ13sUITyvhK-91spKXGICldIngjGzPrR7vdR97KUs8lFfg2CJnwMclCxfIu_W2Heztb6gzI8znl8alAwEYd9ml0-uhVPvQT4Rze4g6as_eJEC_ss9MBJH7_A0ObR9Oe8/s1600/IMG_1675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MGJIC51YS3KZ13sUITyvhK-91spKXGICldIngjGzPrR7vdR97KUs8lFfg2CJnwMclCxfIu_W2Heztb6gzI8znl8alAwEYd9ml0-uhVPvQT4Rze4g6as_eJEC_ss9MBJH7_A0ObR9Oe8/s1600/IMG_1675.jpg" /></a></div><br />Skipping back a step, I didn't like the handles that came with the Ikea set so I filled the screw holes in the drawers with wood filler, and switched out the handles for the exact same that we used in our kitchen. And on the wall I switched out the art for a new piece that is in my shop that I love. It's a saying that my Dad used to say occasionally to me, and so I find it both a beautiful piece to hang in my space and also a reminder to keep it pretty fun around here. ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4dG2o6GXkcwPSvMrCGFqChQhB6EjNmb4tlUIT-Iqbj6S9k4BKziQ1wE7hfF2baPZoC4WjbC_8VEi93Ojfztr4-VMuJPaiTFnA7s-wqBnYdGV_t6lpw0Yu9B3c5UxBVg0Dz_BXJX1sTo/s1600/IMG_8286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4dG2o6GXkcwPSvMrCGFqChQhB6EjNmb4tlUIT-Iqbj6S9k4BKziQ1wE7hfF2baPZoC4WjbC_8VEi93Ojfztr4-VMuJPaiTFnA7s-wqBnYdGV_t6lpw0Yu9B3c5UxBVg0Dz_BXJX1sTo/s1600/IMG_8286.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxQ0Kz_49qGfHGsf3RZpKEOdfTcuPRfsB5jwO7RZvCWM59GNFmlvB_MHIkqUsdaLZHrGonqXgicXVu7k_ClRIbShpRxL9Kqxl8NPzi6f83JE1CB-J0XUu5-cGqGgjEA5_fnWRdFfEaWU/s1600/IMG_8286b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxQ0Kz_49qGfHGsf3RZpKEOdfTcuPRfsB5jwO7RZvCWM59GNFmlvB_MHIkqUsdaLZHrGonqXgicXVu7k_ClRIbShpRxL9Kqxl8NPzi6f83JE1CB-J0XUu5-cGqGgjEA5_fnWRdFfEaWU/s1600/IMG_8286b.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLGPLT_4IJuiBjCdJmDiKuQhnnR2QbXpwgTS-BodyNbn86QlxP8sZFaqk2bOJMx0ed2jQ_5OGd-tw-o4nBMm6UCEStx0DP3Q4q3JG0h-gNk6LVBocl2ycCM7EJbooaBHWz8Ys8Dytgvs/s1600/IMG_8292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLGPLT_4IJuiBjCdJmDiKuQhnnR2QbXpwgTS-BodyNbn86QlxP8sZFaqk2bOJMx0ed2jQ_5OGd-tw-o4nBMm6UCEStx0DP3Q4q3JG0h-gNk6LVBocl2ycCM7EJbooaBHWz8Ys8Dytgvs/s1600/IMG_8292.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I installed a hook on one side of the table, to hang gift bags for the store. Friends in the area get personal deliveries, so instead of stacking these away, I used a hook that we had in storage and installed it on one side of the table.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7-2QWvikx3EbKHvO1T-g2O8o2z41L9Dh8hQpqNb6jb3MVS1dLfw-0sXKSK4SoDXyWydaIqlIAculIFk2VMAayYZT5uuaEAgrtmtNkYqt5Mt8xjg-frRKhPY-4u1yoJc8hT5cjmPqF_k/s1600/IMG_8299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7-2QWvikx3EbKHvO1T-g2O8o2z41L9Dh8hQpqNb6jb3MVS1dLfw-0sXKSK4SoDXyWydaIqlIAculIFk2VMAayYZT5uuaEAgrtmtNkYqt5Mt8xjg-frRKhPY-4u1yoJc8hT5cjmPqF_k/s1600/IMG_8299.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm really, really happy with how the studio is feeling now, the worktable now fitting in a lot more with the whole room.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5m2-M9zyoubWPA5-QtHtVTYeqlfrg4-318q7K6Qy4DJBR7uSpg8KcpGV4ACgFenGuwisVCEp5NdCQ8dLHPfYOiUCnh3AIv3no5ilNTZ9XmLenUu6Y8kmGfhjJseqG4t2mJRuj_8XzTIQ/s1600/IMG_8302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5m2-M9zyoubWPA5-QtHtVTYeqlfrg4-318q7K6Qy4DJBR7uSpg8KcpGV4ACgFenGuwisVCEp5NdCQ8dLHPfYOiUCnh3AIv3no5ilNTZ9XmLenUu6Y8kmGfhjJseqG4t2mJRuj_8XzTIQ/s1600/IMG_8302.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPle77eCmauJflopvVkIpVWIZqZsDXKiVKEkJD6x36vm_F27tx3BvH8cnAyA4Do78iPiVwBAwAk93zFRI-yJEmQfVXw9DVuROh1sS8D_T9Z4t6GZ7reJA8bfvu4CsCWKZqzf72nMjBB9Y/s1600/IMG_8304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPle77eCmauJflopvVkIpVWIZqZsDXKiVKEkJD6x36vm_F27tx3BvH8cnAyA4Do78iPiVwBAwAk93zFRI-yJEmQfVXw9DVuROh1sS8D_T9Z4t6GZ7reJA8bfvu4CsCWKZqzf72nMjBB9Y/s1600/IMG_8304.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The back wall has the organizational shelves for orders, but we quickly grew out of that this year so we're planning on eventually building a few more rows up. I'm determined to keep my office here at the house, as there is a comfort to being here for Oscar, and being able to work. So I'll keep finding ways to modify my space to grow as the business does.<br /><br />Anyhow, I thought you'd like the transformation of the Ikea table - as it's super easy to do even though it seems intimidating at first (at least for me it did). Hope this inspires you to hack some Ikea! ;)<br /><br /><b>SHOPPING GUIDE:</b><br /><b>Ikea Work Table:</b> <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/search/?query=V%C3%84RDE" target="_blank">Ikea Varde Unit</a><br /><b>Stain</b>: <a href="http://www.minwax.ca/wood-products/stains-color-guide/" target="_blank">Minwax Walnut</a><br /><b>Base Colour</b>: <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/stoneharbor" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore's Stone Harbour</a>, using their Advance line of paint.<br /><b>Sanders Used: </b>For Top: <a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-heavy-duty-variable-3-in-x-18-in-belt-sander/906070" target="_blank">RIDGID Heavy-Duty Variable 3 In. x 18 In. Belt Sander</a>, For Base: <a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/product/black-decker-gelmax-mouse-sander-and-polisher-with-touch-zone-technology/971128" target="_blank">Mouse Sander</a><br /><b>Handles</b>: <a href="http://www.shophickoryhardware.com/hickoryhardware-all-products.html?text=studio&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Hickory Hardware Studio Line, in Polished Nickle</a> purchased at Lowes (special order in store)<br /><b>Don't Grow Up, It's a Trap Art Print,</b> <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/childrens-art-collection/products/dont-grow-up-its-a-trap" target="_blank">The Penny Paper Co. </a><br /><br /><b>RELATED BLOG POSTS: </b><br /><a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/08/making-new-desk.html" target="_blank">DIY Wood Desk </a> and <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/02/diy-desk-updates.html" target="_blank">DIY Desk Update</a><br /><br /><br />

Ikea Hacking the Varde Unit

I get things into my head that certain projects need to get accomplished - and it happens at the most random times. It drives Aubrey nuts. B...

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