DIY Play Kitchen Set
This past month I took on one of my most favorite projects to date; a play kitchen for my niece. My sister and I had talked about getting Ems a kitchen. We were either going to purchase one and make it our own or I could build one for her. My niece has my whole heart so naturally I really wanted to build her one. I had so much fun working on this project and I was really able to stretch my building wings. I did not use any actual building plans, but figured the structure out from adopting ikea’s DUKTIG child’s kitchen set as my model. From picking out my lumber at Home Depot to the very last finishing detail, this project gave me joy. I just could not wait to finish it and see my sweet little niece “open” and play with it.
This is one of the very few projects I have done completely on my own…aka no plans and I loved it! Not only was I able to stretch my building wings, but I was also able to stretch my creativity for this project.
While I will not go step-by-step for this post (that will be for a later post) I would love to show you the process and some of the ideas and add-ons for this project I instituted.
One of the very first things I did was sketch out a basic idea of the play kitchen and thought about each of the parts. Did I want the legs to be fat? skinny? How did I want the doors to open? How tall should it be? I wanted her to be able to use it now, but also still be able to grow into. After looking at ikea’s child’s kitchen set and a few adapted ikea kitchens on Pinterest, I decided I definitely wanted to model my kitchen after the structure of ikea’s child kitchen set. I went with the skinny legs. To gain the desired look I chose to use 2×2’s and common board (which is 3/4″ thick). Once I knew what I was doing and what lumber to get it was time for Home Depot.
Home Depot Trip: Bringing home some lumber for the play kitchen
Side-note: With every Home Depot trip I am always amazed at what I can fit in my little Honda CR-V! When I returned home I unloaded the lumber and could not wait to begin. Once I am in project mode Good Luck! getting me to do anything else. To say I am focused would be an understatement.
I would say the hardest part of this project was the beginning stages of planning. How did I want it to look? How was I going to actually put it together? Was I ready to go off the grid and build on my own without using building plans? The answer is Yes! Yes! I was ready. I just needed to believe in myself and believe that I could figure anything out if determined enough. For my niece I would do absolutely anything and everything so the determination was there.
Once I figured out how to put the sides together I knew I was going to own this project! Would I say it was smooth sailing from there? Probably not, but it was easy to figure out how I would continue to piece this kitchen together.
I also painted each section as I went along to make sure I covered every inch and did not miss a spot. For me it is more convenient to paint as I go. It makes it easier too to reach those weird places that form once you start putting pieces together and are harder to paint. It may take a little longer to stop and paint than to just paint all at the end, but to me the extra time is so worth it! I used Annie Sloan Antoinette Chalk Paint. Within the last year or two I have begun to use Annie Sloan Chalk paint and I just love it. It is a little more expensive, but totally worth it.
It’s beginning to actually look like something now… Just ignore Polar Bear and funny mustache wrapping paper that made it into the picture. Oops!
I took a quick break from building to give my hardware a little update. I wanted all of the details to be gold to go with the pretty pink. The hardware, sink, faucet, and other details were all painted gold.
Now back to regular scheduled programming and a little bit further down the assembly line I have installed shelving.
The most fun I had with this project were in the small details. I think the most shock I have had from people who have seen the finished product is the counter top. It actually looks like real marble, but in actuality it is fancy shmancy contact paper from Wal-Mart. Thank you, Wal-Mart! (not sponsored)
A few of the details I had to think a little outside of the box. The sink being one. I actually used an old mixing bowl I had and just never used. I figured it was all for a good cause. To make it even more real I purchased an inexpensive faucet from Wal-Mart and installed.
The stove top is something I really struggled to figure out. It took me a few ideas in to see what would work, but I ultimately chose to use cut out plywood and attach to the counter. The burners are what I got really excited over. I actually used coasters I found at Wal-Mart. Coasters? Can you believe it? I almost could not believe it myself. These coasters very much resembled stove top burners. Sometimes you just really need to think outside of the box.
On one of my various Home Depot trips I decided I really wanted to use Magnetic Primer with this project and I am so very glad I did. While the magnetic bond is not that strong it just really makes the project stand out.
I have gone on and on about this play kitchen set, but you still have not seen the finished project. Are you ready for the Viola! photo? I know you are. Drum roll please…
Love this project? Then stay tuned for I will be posting building plans for this cute play kitchen set very soon so be sure to check back!
Like this DIY post? Then you might like some of these other DIY posts:
DIY Vintage Book Lamp