A few days ago I revealed my sister’s one day budget living room makeover. Your feedback has been so kind- thank you! One of my favorite parts of it are the DIYs I added in the space. I had two- the diy bucket ottoman and a super easy to make rainbow planter. Ready to learn how to make those?!

how to make a DIY bucket ottoman

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:

If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!

SUPPLIES

• hardware store 5 gallon bucket (this was leftover from my magazine photo shoot!)
• lid
• wood circle
• gold craft paint
• 1 1/4 yard fabric
• 1 1/2 yard trim
• hot glue gun
• 1 1/4 yard 1″ foam
• 1 1/4 yard poly fill

*note, my cut lengths are for a 5 gallon bucket

step 1

Start by tracing the lid on the foam with a Sharpie. Cut the foam out with scissors and use hot glue to adhere the foam to the lid.

Cover the body of the bucket with foam. Again, use hot glue to adhere.

step 2

Next, paint the wood circle with gold craft paint. This will be for the base of the ottoman.

step 3

And now, cover the foam with poly fill. I used hot glue to attach it to the foam. At the corners, I cut them and glued the edges down.

 

step 4

Finally, start covering the bucket with fabric. This is the step I wish I would have done better. Specifically, I wish I’d pull it tighter so the fabric was more taut.

For the top, I cut out a piece of fabric that was bigger than the top and then cut slits in it. I next used the hot glue gun to attach each piece.

For the body of the bucket, I sewed a hem at the top and on one edge. Then, I hot glued it to the ottoman. Again, do better than me and pull it super tight! I didn’t have a bunch of tools with me, but if I were to do this again, I’d use a staple gun for this step.

To finish off the bottom, flip the ottoman upside down and pleat and glue the excess fabric down. Then glue the wood base to the bottom. Hint- use construction adhesive or wood glue instead of hot glue (it’ll last longer). Turn the ottoman back over and glue the trim on for the final detail.

If I were to do this again, I’d cut slits in the bottom fabric (like I did for the top) and use a staple gun to tightly apply.

after

Ta da! Here she is looking pretty! The excess fabric is a little sad, but now you know what to avoid :). I love that this can be done is any fabric. The customization options are endless!

I just love the idea that you can make a piece of furniture from a hardware store bucket!

This is perfect for extra seating in a living room or for putting your feet up. The lid isn’t accessible on mine, but that’d be another great upgrade on this!

chair and tufted bench

Did you notice how cute the tufted bench and chair are in this room? They’re both from HomePop and I love them!!! Let’s start by talking about the chair. It is a modern wingback and I love, love the blue stripes. They’e both traditional and a subtle statement. This chair is super comfy and will be perfect for reading a book in or snuggling.

The ottoman is a versatile piece. It’s great as a replacement for a coffee table, especially with young kids in the house (look at all those soft edges)! It could also work at the foot of a bed or in an entry. The tufts are beautiful and add interest in this neutral space. 

The best news is that both of these are super affordable! Click the photos below to shop- 

diy rainbow pot

Let’s finish up with the easiest DIY from this room- the rainbow planter! This is super easy to make and ridiculously cute! Check it out-

Yield: 1 Planter

DIY Rainbow Pot

Print

Active Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $20

Materials

• Over Bake Pastel Clay
• Clay Cutter
• Cutting Mat
• 8" Terra Cotta Pot
• White Paint
• Hot Glue Gun

Instructions

1. Paint the terra cotta with two coats of paint
2. Knead clay until it's pliable. Roll each color out
3. Repeat with each color of the rainbow. Trim the ends so they're even
4. Put the finished rainbow on a cookie sheet and bake it. The clay package has instructions, so follow what your package says. I baked mine for 15 minutes at 275 degrees.
5. Hot glue the rainbow onto the pot

Ok, there you have it! 2 fun DIY’s and affordable furniture. If you missed the room reveal, make sure to check it out here! Have any questions? Leave a comment and I’ll answer. Lastly, if you want to see how this room came together on my Instagram Stories, check out the highlight “sis’s house.”

 

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