Sometimes it’s okay to put your ongoing ‘to-do’ list aside and focus on tasks that stem your creativity. This past week, I moved my focus onto a project that i’ve been wanting to do for years (literally).
6 days ago I managed to snag an old playhouse for just $50. I had been eyeing up the new Costco models but couldn’t quite justify spending $400 on something I wanted to pull apart and paint. So when I saw this I knew I had to grab it.
The playhouse makeover in total took 3 days, multiple late night shopping trips to Target, Homegoods, Walmart, Home Depot and Hobby Lobby, and a few mandatory Amazon purchases. And i’m so happy with how it turned out (as are the kiddos)!
The Lemonade Cafe is really a compilation of my favorite things – yellow, cute chalkboard signs and a ‘no shoe’ policy. Overall, it really create a positive, happy vibe! Perfect for another California Summer.
Now came the evening glow. With hot days and warm evenings (most of the time), I wanted to make sure that the kids still had the option of playing all day. So we installed battery operated lights (operated from a remote control) suitable for outdoor use – we don’t really have to battle with rain, but the sprinklers might otherwise pose a problem.
So, who wants to come over and play?!
This is just BEAUTIFUL!!!! So much fun for the kids ahead. You did an incredible job.
Thanks so much!! Your playhouse is equally as beautiful and absolutely inspired me to get out the tools and fix it up!
Hi! Adorable. Where did you get the house from? My Costco has a different style but I really want this one.
Hi! Adorable! You did such a great job!! Where did you find the house? My Costco has a different style but I really want this one.
Hi Rachel! Thanks so much! I actually bought this one second-hand. I believe they purchased it from Costco a couple of years back. It’s possibly an older style. This is the link from the manufacturer:
https://www.kidkraft.com/us_en/georgian-manor-playhouse-sw-p280068x.html
I tried searching and both Amazon and Walmart are out of stock. I’d definitely recommend checking local exchange pages to see if anyone is selling one, especially if you intend to renovate it! 🙂
Did you end up sanding it first and then painting it? Or just use primer and then paint? I just got my hands on a used one 👍
Hi Danae! Yay! We just went straight in with the paint, BUT, the old owners had sanded / stained it which definitely helped us do just that. If it’s the original wood with no adjustments, I would recommend primer first, otherwise you’ll likely be doing multiple coats. Please post a link / send over images when it’s done – can’t wait to see it! 🙂
Howdy! I simply want to give an enormous thumbs up for the good info you could have here on this post. I might be coming again to your blog for extra soon.
This is beautiful! I’m getting ready to paint our cedar playhouse. What paint would you recommend for outdoor protection? We live in Ohio, so it’s unoredictable.
How exciting!! I just used an exterior wood paint, and exterior spray paint for the windows and accessories (lining of the chalkboard, stove top, faucets, etc). The weather’s been terrible for the last couple of months in Southern California and it’s upheld really well! If you haven’t primed it before I would definitely recommend doing so or you’ll need lots of coats of paint. I ended up using 2 coats on pretty much everything, but it was previously primed / sanded. Please send photos when you’re done – can’t wait to see it!