A Board Book Inspired, Color-Blocked Dollhouse

By Tracy Pendergast

A friend of mine posted on Facebook that a local tutoring company was going out of business, and the owner set everything out on the curb for free! I drove over thinking that we might score some used books or educational toys, and was shocked to see their little library out for grabs. It was super dirty with advertising decals on it, but I saw so much potential to create something really special.

First, I got it really clean and then gave it 2 coats of white paint (satin). I pulled color inspo from one of my little girl’s favorite books, “All Aboard! California”- and grabbed samples based on the cover.

I taped off the exterior of the house (no real plan, just played around) and then used the 3 samples I bought to fill in the shapes I created. The small samples were MORE than enough!

I was soooo excited when I pulled off the tape! I really had no idea how it was going to turn out. I love the stark white inside with the party on the outside.

Although I love the idea of a dollhouse filled with Etsy furniture, my kids are 3 and 5- and that is not realistic. I wanted to cater to them- so I filled the house with chunky furniture from Ikea!

I also added some peg dolls I found on Amazon. In the bottom baskets I have a collection of little figurines, and any little pieces from around our playroom that I thought might spark imaginative play.

It’s so rewarding to give a piece of furniture new life, and I’m so grateful I stumbled upon this sweet piece.

Product Dets!

Paint Colors (all Behr); Melon Sorbet, Taffy Twist, Seaglass

Ikea furniture: This set and this set

Peg dolls: Agirlgle Toddler Wooden Toys