Weekend Project - Ikea Rast overhaul

I normally don't do "Home" posts, but creatively, this was a fun project that I just had to share! (But if you'd like to see some home posts, pop over to our house blog here)

When we bought our first house back in the winter, we immediately jumped into renos. Now that the renos are complete (the first phase anyways) I've been able to turn to some decorating around the house. However - with a limited budget, the decorating hasn't been as quick as I first anticipated.

When I was flipping through my latest issue of Style at Home Magazine last week I came across a set of side tables that were PERFECT for our bedroom. It had a little hint of glam, mixed in with a little bit of mid-century modern, which I adore. Then I realized the ring pulls were the same pulls that I put on my vanity that I had purchased from Lee Valley and.... upon a closer look (and reading the details) it turns out that the side table was a $44 RAST side table Ikea.

Here is what we did to make them look "un" Ikea.

1.) First you need to pick up a RAST table. We bought 2, one for each side of the bed.
2.) We assembled the tables, except for the drawers
3.) I primed the fronts of the doors in oil primer, and then painted the fronts in Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore.
4.) I found it easier to stain the piece fully built, so I stained the "body" of the table in Antique Brown. I did 1 coat, as I didn't want the side tables to look too dark. I think the lighter the tone, the more modern it looks.
5.) I then did 2 coats of varnish after the stain had dried.
6.) I then put the drawers together on the built shelf, and threw out those ugly Ikea knobs, and put in the beautiful bronze knobs from Lee Valley Tools here in Toronto. They have an online shop, so you can easily pick up your own too. :)

And voila! Amazing side tables, thanks to that little hidden gem in Style at Home Magazine. :)

Ps., I haven't included drying times, I suggest you consult the containers for the specific instructions. I found that having patience, and waiting for it to dry longer in between paint, or stain coats was best.