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Ikea Forhoja DIY Project

So while I am on this burnout leave, I am trying to get back to doing creative things that make me feel good. It's been a while since I've done anything crafty. I decided to tackle (slowly) my Ikea Forhoja side table in the kitchen. I bought it last year, and kept putting off painting and staining it. Last fall, my son decided to write in pen "Fish" all over one side about 4 times in huge letters while I was out and hubby was watching him. At first I was p-oed that he did that, but then I figured, he's practicing his spelling right? Lol. So that gave me good incentive to finally take care of the table!



I started with sanding the top and sides, especially where the writing was. I chose a walnut colored oil stain from Minwax that I got from Canadian Tire for the top of the table to match my walnut cupboards.


I stained the top with the oil based finish with just one coat. I didn't want it to be too dark. I used a regular paint brush and let it dry overnight. 


The next day, I painted the rest of the table, in a blue-green paint that was leftover from my bedroom paint color when we first moved into our home almost four years ago. It was still good!! Apparently, latex paint can last up to ten years if it's sealed properly! Who knew right? I just love a pop of color! I did 2x coats.



I decided to make the table a coffee station/mail area. I have been collecting over the years fun animal mugs for the family and decided they should go on display. I went for small brass wall hooks to match the decor I already had previously above the table. I spaced them 4" apart underneath my mail basket.



And finally, here is the final look. You can see my before and after. I love the colors, and the pop of color. It ties in with my rustic decor. And my animal mugs look cute and no longer hidden in the cupboard :)




It took 3 days to complete, cost me around $25 dollars (for the stain, the hooks, and the sandpaper), and made me feel good for doing something I've been putting off while working on something that I feel passionate about. If you have one of these tables, I encourage you to make it your own! :) 
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