I spent a couple of weekends making the knockoff West Elm Doll Houses using these free plans, as Christmas gifts for my 3 year old honorary nieces. The plans made building the doll houses quite easy! I opted to add trim pieces on the door and window openings, which saved me some headache, since they didn't need to be cut perfectly straight, and I also decided to cut the door and window openings out before attaching the front side to the rest of the house, just in case I messed up. The furniture was a bit harder without any plans (it's noted that the plans will be available soon, but they weren't when I did this build), but I just looked at the photos and made things up as I went along, using scrap wood and wood glue, which was pretty fun. Total cost was about $75 for both of these doll houses, the furniture and spray paint. For the finishing, I used Minwax Wood Finish Oil-Based in Ebony for the roofs and exterior window and door trim, which I stained before attaching. The rest of the house is Benjamin Moore Advance in Chantilly Lace, since that's what I had on hand, followed by two coats of Rust-Oleum spray paint in Satin Clear Enamel. For the furniture I opted to spray paint it all in satin white or black, also followed by two coats of the enamel spray. I used acrylic craft paint on the faucets, to give them a pop of silver. And I added some scrapbook paper for wallpaper and some cut up rug samples, for a little color! Both of my friends' 3 year olds are a little on the young side for these, but they've been enjoying learning how to play with them!
Comments
groovymom2000
Mon, 07/04/2011 - 08:43
Very nice! I like it!
Very nice! I like it!
Pam the Goatherd
Mon, 07/04/2011 - 09:46
Spectacular!
Spectacular!
Ana White
Mon, 07/04/2011 - 12:40
wow, this is just perfect!
wow, this is just perfect! Love it!
emmarosemc
Tue, 07/05/2011 - 14:06
That looks so adorable!
That looks so adorable!
Guest (not verified)
Fri, 07/29/2011 - 23:37
BEAUTIFUL!!
this is perfect! i totally need a bunch just like this! I love the added doors!
Pam in Colorado (not verified)
Sat, 09/17/2011 - 12:48
Perfect
This is the look I'd like, fit the baskets and hide them behind doors until you are ready to do the laundry. These could be made for bedrooms, bathrooms, toy rooms (okay, toys instead of dirty laundry)...
Amy Pugh (not verified)
Tue, 10/11/2011 - 20:42
Would you mind sharing the
Would you mind sharing the dimensions for this cabinet? Love this idea!!!! Great job!
Guest (not verified)
Fri, 11/11/2011 - 08:05
Help!
I absolutely love this! Could you please add instructions on how to make/paint and install the doors? I am a newbie to making my own furniture. Thanks!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 08:29
I love this idea! I will have
I love this idea! I will have a new bathroom soon and I think this will get used! What are the dimensions, or what style cabinet would you suggest to look for? TIA!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 01/24/2012 - 16:42
Share dimensions!!!
Share dimensions!!!
Jennifer Simmons (not verified)
Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:57
The dimensions are the same
The dimensions are the same as Ana's plan: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser except that the top is slightly bigger (3/4" overhang on front/sides) to look more like a countertop. On the doors we just made a frame w/ angled pieces, routed a notched line on the back & glued/nailed some beadboard in from the back. Sorry I can't be much more detailed on that, a friend did most of the doors for me!
Guest (not verified)
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 07:42
Baskets Used?
I actually got the plywood to do this project and I was going to add doors. I looked at the baskets suggested but it seems they would stick out the front. I was just curious, did you use different baskets that would fit inside the cabinet or did you make the cabinet slightly deeper?
Jennifer Simmons (not verified)
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:36
depth/baskets
Actually I discovered the same problem after it was built. I just didn't put a back on and they stick out a tiny bit in the back. I actually kind of like it that way because it lets some air in (being in the bathroom and putting towels in I could see it getting mildewy without much circulation). But if I had gotten the baskets first I probably would have made it about 2" deeper, then leave some open space, but not all, on the back.