Thursday, May 23, 2013

Liv Maple Lodge Remodel

From this

To this

Okay, it's less of a remodel and more about just chopping the "lodge" off, lol. Still, for my purposes, it's an improvement. It went through a few changes before I settled on a look that I liked.


First I used my dremel to cut the top metal rod holding the two sections together and wiggled the lodge up until it came up off the bottom rod.  Next I made a backsplash by gluing scrap paper to cardboard, covered it with ribbed shelf liner made by Contact (at Target $5) and slid it into the back groves. I didn't like the paper color in the end and went with a graphic floral instead.


I then decided to make a cupboard shelf to place on the top section of the frame using cardboard and covering it with contact paper. The cardboard already had the large crease in it so I used the actual width of the ruler and a metal emery board to score the sides.


Again, I wasn't feeling the results.  It was too tall and kinda lumpy.  A thinner cardboard and a shorter height would have been better. Instead I just covered a single strip of cardboard and this way the kitchen frame is about the same height as the fridge.


I had some chairs that were the same pink/glitter as the fridge doors so I gave them a magic marker treatment as well and sealed them with satin varnish. Pretty sexy, yeah?  It may not look like much, but I made a island table using a metal thingy I got at the thrift store for 99 cents and covered it with a clear lid from a 50 cent (1/2 off price) box I got at Target.


Even though I abandoned my cardboard shelf idea, I still wanted some shelves so I used the ribbed shelf liner to jazz up the Target boxes.  It's not glued together.  I placed the liner inside the lid, put the box on top of it and taped the lid to the box at the top and bottom.

Put all that effort together and you get this:


Heck yeah! That's pretty sweet if I do say so myself.  It's a simple redo but I think it came out rather swanky. I like it!



43 comments:

  1. Hello from Spain, i have the same kitchen. I adore your restyling. Your table is very original. I love IT. I Will try to do IT for my girls. Keep in touch

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    1. Hi, Marta! The table is extremely simple but I think the chairs give it some pizzaz.

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  2. Very creative! You inspire me to work on re-modeling some of the small, fold-up houses I have. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

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    1. You're welcome, Limbe Dolls! I've had that Liv Lodge for over a year and it finally got the makeover I swore it would. Better late than never, lol.

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  3. Thats hot right there Muff! Loving that fridge. how many applications of the marker are you using on it?

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    1. Jay, let's assume you are using a Avery Marks-A-Lot because it's the only brand marker I'm familiar with. If black is your color you only need one application but you have to do it on both sides. The coverage it provides is really nice. If you missed any spots when you hold it up to a light, let it dry first (15 minutes) and then pat, not stroke, over those areas. If you stroke over it while it's wet it's going to smear off.

      For small or hard to get into areas I use my "B" size Faber Castell artist pen. I had to use that on some places on the chairs.

      If you use a colored marker you'll have to put one application one each side, seal it and then apply a second to third layer to cover the glitter color underneath.

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  4. So that's what the fridge was for! I think the set looks a lot better like this, and the table is just perfect.

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    1. Yes, Anderson, I needed a fridge to go with my Liv kitchen. Even though that cabinet underneath the Liv sink is supposed to be a fridge, it's really too small.

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  5. Interior design by Dr. Muffenstein! Yes, I agree...that is swankier than all get out. WOW! I absolutely love it! I'm going to start using magic markers, that's a nice look with the Satin Varnish. I'm gonna try to be patient but I'm dying to see the end result. Tasha is one lucky girl. ;)

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    1. "Interior Design by Dr. Muffinstein" I should start that business, Tracy India, lol!

      You are going to have a loooong wait on the end result. I swear I keep distracting myself thinking of new furnishings to make. It's a sickness I tell ya.

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  6. Sweeeet! Very nice. I liked the upper cabinet idea, too. Didn't seem that bulky in the pictures.

    LOL at Tracy's comment.

    I've been wanting to tear apart one of my Barbie My Houses. One day.

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    1. Thanks, Vanessa! In person, the cabinet looks kinda jacked up. I should have covered it with copy paper first and removed two of the sections on the side. It was a prototype so I was sloppy with it to begin with.

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  7. Sure you like it- cause it looks great! Can't wait for some photos in this kitchen. I adore the table and wallpaper. Pity MY kitchen isnt so neat and nice looking.

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    1. LOL, Major, my kitchen doesn't look that nice either. I should fix that, but working in dolls scale is a whole lot easier.

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  8. That is a fantastic kitchen!*.*

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  9. I like it Muff and those are some smoking markers those things just keep going and going.

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    1. Mustiwait, I've been using the exact same marker for years and it's finally giving up the ghost. I just ordered a box of 12. I should be able to pass these off to the grandkids I won't be having.

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  10. Love it!! The shelves seemed to have sealed the deal. This makes me regret not buying it. Great job on it all Muff!!

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    1. Thanks, Georgia Girl! It's been awhile since I've been to Toys R Us but they still had a bunch of them the last time I was there. If not this version then they had the Hayden's House one. I think I got both of mine for $15.

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  11. I'm absolutely in love with this. It looks great! :)

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  12. LOVE that lotion caddy turned table! Very chic and elegant! Next one of those I see at Goodwill, I may have to try this out!

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    1. Presto, it's a lotion caddy? I had no idea what that oblong metal thing was. I just got it because it was 1:6 size, lol. The Liv kitchen actually came with some copper pots to match the sink so I will be leaving the color as is. I also have some blue dishes and such so they will go along with the blue handles. I'll have some other black elements in the room and don't want it to get overpowered.

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  13. Oo! Have you thought of giving the cabinet handles and sink the magic marker treatment so that they'll match the chrome and monochrome look that the fridge/table/chairs have?

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  14. Swanky indeed! Great makeover lodge! I love the use of plastic for the shelves!

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    1. Thanks, Chynadoll and I like your new profile photo!

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  15. That is one very swanky kitchen. I love your island table - you have a great skill at combining things to make very covetable 1:6 items.

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    1. Hi, Carrickters! I do enjoy finding things that I can turn into 1:6. It keeps me constantly on the look out.

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  16. Wow!!! I just love that change! I saw that cabin a few months ago, but it was really expensive and I had to leave it in the stand. You did a great job, it looks modern and very stylish, and those chairs in black have gained a lot. Your table is also awesome, it does look expensive and exclusive! Congratulations on your work!

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    1. Thanks, Rosetti! I waited a long time to catch the Liv sets on sale because they were way more than I was willing to spend. If you find one at half the cost then you are getting a bargin because they are rather sturdy and come with a lot of neat accessories.

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  17. Hi Muff, you are very creative :) Congratulations on your job !!! I like black chairs and kitchen after changes. It looks great!!!
    Greetings from Poland :D

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    1. Thanks so much, Marille! Greetings from Florida. ^__^

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  18. I love the idea of using magic markers and then a clear varnish coat for the chairs. Ditto for the clear table topping the metal lotion holder and the clear plastic shelving. Thumbs up on the floral wallpaper too. That looks customized and arty. One of a kind kitchen indeed.

    Thanks for sharing your creativity!

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    1. Hiya, Dana and you're welcome! I keep giving those markers a workout.

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  19. Yes, this is well deserving of a pat on the back, it looks AWESOME! Well done, all around!!! I really love all your mods, and the clever little shelving that is in the corners. *nod* Yup, love it.

    http://travelingtwig.blogspot.com

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  20. Can I come to your kitchen for a coffee? I bring cookies

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    1. Sergio, cookies will gain you entry anywhere - come on over!

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  21. Although I liked the original maple lodge set up, I have to say this is SMEXY! Lol :) Which one of your lucky dollies will be living here?

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    1. Thanks, Tracey! It's going to be used in the dio I'm working on for the Tasha and Kevin videos.

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