A DIY I didn't do: suitcase side table

On a daily basis there are tons of ideas for projects swimming around in my head, some I do, some I tell my friends, family and clients about and they do, and others, well, in the past they have just gone un-shared.... no more!  From here on out, I promise to share with you, loyal and new readers alike, the things that are bouncing around this ol(d) brain of mine with the hopes that something sparks your imagination and the beginnings of an idea or a project for you. No regularity to this feature, I'll share only when an idea is there.

Out and about last week looking for pieces for a client project, I spotted this kitschy side table in a local furniture store. I was taken with not only the colors, but the functionality (storage for those who need every inch).

 Not a bad price for $179, but what really inspired me was that it could be a really inexpensive DIY project.  So I figure I would do a quick search for vintage suitcases from the comfort of my own home in order to see if this was the case. Noodling around the web, this number turned up for $32 (thank you etsy).

Wilshepherd on etsy

Now if you are really inspired and motivated, you can scout your local vintage and 2nd hand shops for these and probably score a better deal. But for today's purposes, I thought this was perfect.

Then for the base of the table...I thought the bottom of a chair would work nicely to mimic the lines on the piece from the furniture store. So, again, shopping from the comfort of my chair, with a cup of coffee in hand and yes, still wearing my pajamas, I found this for $15. I like the cross bars on the bottom, sturdy and interesting...

Craigslist -  Madison, WI

I would leave the suitcase as is and paint the chair/table base in a color to match whatever room the piece would live in. Fun, no?!  How adorable would these be as nightstands, used with wall mounted swing-arm lamps for lighting? Or in a family room, with a great floor lamp, so you have a place to hide all of the remotes? 

If you like this and decide to make one, please do share, I'd love to show it off for you! You never know, maybe a project like this will move up on the que in my world... I'll keep you posted!

Does your room need a “prescription” for a change of decor, function or design?  If so please contact me, I would love to help your room feel better with a Design Concept Board or a complete Room Rx.