Brooklyn Limestone: July 2017

Build a basic tiki bar for your next backyard luau with these easy to follow instructions.

Somehow Oscar is turning one next week and we wanted to make sure to mark the occasion in a way that would fun for the adults and the kids. A backyard luau is something we have never done before so we went with it. In addition to the grass skirts and flower leis, I wanted to build a basic tiki bar to add to the charm. I made this one small enough for our back deck but you could adjust to any size.

I wanted to make something quick (I made this during baby naps over 1 24 hour period), easy (no special tools required) and reasonably cheap. This was my solution and I think it looks appropriately Gilligan's Island. I also plan on reusing it for this year's Halloween display so doubly useful for me. If you wanted to create something that would withstand the elements for longer and/or looked less rustic, you could use cedar which withstands moisture and rot but I just used the cheapest lumber I could find.

Materials used: 13 1x4 cut into 35 inch lengths, 2 1x2 cut into 29 inch lengths, 6 1x2s cut into 13 inch lengths, 1 16x36 inch wood piece for the top, 2 29.5x13 wood pieces for the shelves, wood screws, stain or paint

Build the Tiki Bar

Line up 9 of the 35 inch pieces edge to edge. Screw together using 1x2s. Place those pieces where you want your shelves to sit. I have them at 13 and 21 inches from the bottom. This will make the front of the tiki bar.
Line up 4 of the 35 inch pieces edge to edge, screw together using 1x2. Repeat. This will make the left and right side of the tiki bar.
Screw the left and right sides to the face by abutting the short edge to the back of the long edge.
Screw in the 1x2s to the underside of the top. Screw in at right and left for extra hold.
Place the shelves on the 1x2s support
Stain or paint as desired. I used a mix of brown paint and MinWax Coastal Grey stain.
Optional: use scrap wood to create Tiki Bar sign hanging from the counter

The only tools you need are something to cut the wood with (or get your local hardware store to do it for you) and a drill. It came together pretty easily and has a lot of rustic charm perfect for a luau display.

A dramatic hallway makeover is completed on a small budget including an original hand painted floor, some modern accents, and white walls.

Shot of hallway with hand painted floor

As you might expect, I love talking decor with friends so when my bestie shared she was working on her hallway, I was eager to see what she had in mind. She was on a strict budget so she was going to do what she could with the space without spending a fortune. That included keeping the vinyl flooring that was ahem, less than ideal. A few weeks later I stopped by and was stopped dead in my tracks with the impressive makeover she completed. I so wish I had a before photo to share but you'll just have to take my word for it that this hardly feels like the same home. Yes, that floor is hand painted. I don't know how many hours it took but I think "a lot" would probably not cover it. She did not use a stencil but rather marked out the pattern with car detailing tape. Hard to believe this is all just old vinyl.

Hand painted floor close up

Hand painted floor from outside front door

Hand painted floor facing front door from inside

I'm just in love with this space and wanted to share it with you too! I call it moody in the best way possible. This space tells me something about the owner while still being practical. While it's small in size, the flooring and the art draws the eye in giving it a feel of more space. Hooks and a bench make it functional. The "hello" and "goodbye" give it whimsy and finally, the floor gives so much style.

Horizontal pic of hand painted door from outside