Until you think about how many hours you’ve lost gluing…
Hello hello!
Welcome back to aquahaus, and this week’s progress in the One Room Challenge, an endeavor to re-decorate a space in 6 weeks, hosted by Linda of Calling it Home. This is the most fun internet party I’ve ever been a part of. Please check the amazing line-up here.
First off, let’s all stand and do a slow clap for Amal Almuddin, the beautiful and smart barister (lawyer in British speak) who hooked Clooney.
And let’s congratulate him too, for he apparently designed this 7 carat of a stunner himself.
Well done Georgie. (both images from people.com)
Back to the ORC. Well, to make up for my slack-tastic last week, I hope to make it up to you this week, with pretty pictures, facilitated by my numb fingertips and aching biceps.
Enough teasing, here is the pool house in all its white- walled, empty glory.
When you paint those walls white, and take out all the crap, it’s a pretty nice room. I should probably just stop here and call it a win.
But nope, I decided the room would probably be more useful with furniture.
I moved in all my prized thrifted finds: the vintage sofa, chrome/ wicker rocking chair, drum coffee table…
I also hung this vintage rattan hanging chair on a stand from Pier 1.
I’ve been hoarding this chair FOREVER (more than a year) since picking up a pair off Craigslist (yes, Craigslist). And I’ve been waiting for the perfect place to hang it.
You may have noticed those black cabinets in the corner. They will serve as the base of my new bar. Of course there would be a bar. What pool house doesn’t have a bar? Where else do you go to refill your gin & tonic?
I picked up these 15″ base cabinets from Home Depot.
They got the genius Erin Williamson India Ink treatment. (Yes, I copied her in the SAME ORC) Because as I said before, she’s a genius! I mean, can you blame me? How else can you get the perfect black, with visible wood grain, for $4 a bottle?
But cabinets alone do not a bar make. You need a countertop, dodo!
I had lofty ideas, but too little time and $ for custom countertops of marble.
Easy, cheap solution with big impact? The answer is right in your change jar.
You want to paint the back a dark color, because it will show through the gaps in the pennies.
Then you get to have fun and come up with a design. I went through some iterations.
Version 2 was too pricey. Those dimes add up quickly!
I decided to stick with version 4.
I stuck them down with plain old Elmer’s glue.
Finally, after many hours of mindless gluing…here she blows in all her glory.
I like the gradient of all the different shades of copper. I still have to work on the edging around the bar top, and I plan to seal it with epoxy.I hope the dark cabinet/ penny bar top combo turns out okay.
I have a ton to do in the next week, and too bad I’m not doing anything this weekend since I’m hosting a Derby de Mayo party.
Can you say Mint Julep Margarita?
Have a great week! I see some late nights ahead for me next week.
Celine
Oh yeah! It’s all good stuff you have put in there! And of course you know that “imitation is the most sincere form of flattery,” right? Then there is your genius countertop… I may have to copy that!
That’s what I think too!! Imitation is def the most sincere form! 😉
I can’t decide if I am happy someone finally bagged George Clooney or not?! I kind of liked that he never committed (until finding me of course!) I am dying to try Erin’s black ink method!
You should. It is AWESOME and idiot-proof. I did it without difficulty.
Shut. Up. That countertop is so damn cool. Its like the best disco top ever. Cheers to you my friend!
Love that. I have a disco top counter!! Thanks E!
WORD. This is so good!!! Did you seal the ink with anything? If you don’t want to order the osmo you could try clear danish oil.
What?!? Did you think I would even dare deviate from the Erin Williamson method? I bought the Osmo, you goo goo! Are you coming over?
DUH. Be there in a flash!
awesome awesome countertop! The pattern looks great too–glad you didn’t just stick the change in any ol pattern. Cant wait to see the rest of the space next week!
Thanks! I like the pattern too! xo
Are you kidding me?! Those penny patterns are freaking awesome! That’s the best bar ever!
Aww..thanks so much Kathleen. Cheers!
There’s so much to look at!!!!! I think those pennies are better than Clooney’s ring. Hurry up Week 6!
Ha ha. At first I thought you were gonna say Clooney’s ass. Thanks Eris!
That must have took so much patience to do the countertop, but it is SO cool! Seriously can’t wait til next week!
Yes, alot of patience. But I used to sit in the library and study for 12 hours straight, so this was more fun. At least you can drink and glue safely.
That countertop kicks ass. Pretty damn excited to see this room next week.
Thanks Erin. Right back at ya sister!
I always wondered why Clooney ran with those Dancing with the Stars type floozies. Finally, he has come to his senses. But I digress… I’d love to see the process of the epoxy seal, so if you don’t blog it, do snap a few instagrams. It looks very cool.
I will blog it just for you. I agree about Clooney. Finally, smart girls win!!!
So ridiculous is that bar top. In the best way possible. Love!
Okay, well, come drink with me on the bar top. I mean it.
How VERY COOL! So excited to see this whole room next week!
XO,
Krista
http://www.goodwillglam.com
Thanks Krista! I’m excited for yours too! xo
Mmm… margaritas!! Brilliant solution on the bar top! And I have always wanted a rocking chair like yours. Can’t wait to see you bring it all home next week! 🙂
Thanks love. Margs make everything better, right?? xo
Oh Wow! Loving that penny pattern! Can’t wait to see your final reveal!
Thanks Sabrina! Hope to not disappoint. 😉
So AMAZING!!!! I love it all!
you’re so sweet jen. thanks!
I love the bar! I’ll have a Long Island, please! 🙂
Shelia
http://www.houseofhighlands.com
coming right up!!
That is the coolest bar top I’ve seen! I already pinned it, thank you!
Wow, thanks so much Sherry. That is very sweet. Made my day!
I never would’ve thought to do that for a countertop, so chic looking! Excited to see your reveal!
Thanks Ashley! xo
It already looks amazing! The Hubs and I have considered a bar but who are we kidding—it’d end up being a permanently empty cabinet 😛 Can’t wait for next week’s big reveal. This truly is an amazing space!
Wow. Thanks Jennifer! I know what you mean about the empty liquor cab. 😉
Oh my gosh! How cool is that table! You rock girl!! Can’t wait till it’s done!
Thanks so much! xo
This is absolutely censational! Smashing, bold, inventive, chic and you did it yourself so you get all the credit! Congratulations!,,, do Nancy
Thanks so much for your very kind words. Yes, I am a teensy bit proud of my little bar top. 😉
This is crazy cool. I’m impressed by your vision. I want to see a close-up!
Thanks Naomi! Hopefully the bar will be ready for its close up next week!
I am so insanely impressed! The India ink IS genius and I just love the penny bar top.
New follower here! I am loving what you are doing to your pool house! We, too, have a pool house and just use it for storage because it is so ugly and awful. Think baby blue wallpaper (even covering the ceiling). Can’t wait to see your final reveal of the ORC!! xo, Emily
Celine! Your penny bar is AMAZING! I really enjoy your blog!
Seal! So sweet! Thanks so much for reading!!