Sophia's Retro Play Kitchen
Monday is DIY day in bloggy land and this might be my proudest achievement to date. It is certainly the one that has brought the most joy!
My daughter has always loved play kitchens. She finds hours of fun in making dinners, having tea parties and washing dishes. I think it is just precious. Now my son plays too. My heart melts.
When we go to the mall and “play” at Pottery Barn Kids, we spend at least 30 minutes with the play kitchen (and another 30 with a vanity – next project!) every time. I think all of their little kitchens are to die for. Having said that, my husband would actually die if I was ever to purchase one of these kitchen sets. Currently the cost for a 3 piece kitchen starts at $450 and runs up to a whopping $879! This does not include a 10% delivery and processing fee!
Here was the look I was going for from Pottery Barn.
PB Retro Kitchen
So, I searched the web, found some wood and decided to build her a large kitchen of her dreams! I happened to have had an old closet that had tile in it from before we moved the laundry area so she also has a white tile floor and a WORKING SINK! We love this kitchen and we build it for a total cost of less than $150! Pretty good wouldn’t you say?
Here is where I started. I found a set of plans for a wood play kitchen at Lowe’s.com. The plans I used were taken down but the link goes to a new set they have on the site. The plans were cute and I followed the dimensions but rather than fake on the sink parts and stove knobs I found the real thing for this kitchen. I also built a drawer for below the stove to store pots and pans! The shelves in all of the pieces are closet shelving. The handles were a bit expensive at $20 all together but they were scratched or they would have been a lot more. I think they really add something cute and retro feeling! I also installed a little white shelf in the extra space to hold silverware and pantry items. The paint was a can of red oops! for $5. It is a little brighter than the perfect red but man is it close!
We have so much fun with this! I found bins at Target to store dress up and other toys in cute khaki and red above the kitchen so that all the imagination fun mess would be contained in the closet and the kids would need to ask before we play with this!
Here is where I started after I cut my furniture grade plywood found on clearance!
A Long Way to Go
Here is the basic box assembly of the sink. All of the pieces follow the same simple assembly pattern. After I did one with hammer and nails I got out the nail gun but it is possible with just a hammer!
The Basic Box
Little Oven
Working Little Sink
Working Plumbing
The Fridge fits everything! I love that I can keep all the food in the bins it came in. It’s easy to clean up and easy to transport to the table for “parties” or cooking school!
Little Fridge
Old Laundry Closet
Little Kitchen in the Closet
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What a wonderful project for your daughter. I’m sure she’ll have the play kitchen that other girls will envy.
Miss Mustard Seed´s last blog ..Slipcovered Chair Reveal!
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I love it!
Rachelle
Rachelle´s last blog ..Whimsical Pumpkin
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your play kitchen turned out great – maybe a little more functional than the PB set, very cool that they have a real working sink. I painted a bed red for my son a couple of weeks ago Pottery barn kids style and for very cheap – they have some great inspiration in their stores but I just can’t afford it!
Anna´s last blog ..Tiger Cubs
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How cute is that?! My girls would go wild for a kitchen like that…can we come over for a play date?
You did a wonderful job! Visiting from Kimba’s party. 
Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Personalized Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial
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AMAZING! I’m so impressed – you did a great job. SO SO cute!
Mandy´s last blog ..Step Stool
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That is the cutest thing ever! I just posted the same pictures of the pottery barn kitchen awhile back. I fell in love with the kitchen but refuse to pay that much for it. That was such a creative project. I could never build something like that. You did an awesome job…especially with the working sink!!
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You SHOULD be proud of this project. It’s amazing.
pendy´s last blog ..Before and After
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That is AMAZING!!!!! Nice Work:) Can you build me some storage shelves in your spare time? LOL!!! All your projects are so good!!
MOMSTAR´s last blog ..Dear Grace
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Brittany Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Next I will post a simple storage shelf tutorial. You could seriously do this yourself!
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Wow, what a terrific job!! If I had a spine I would try this myself
onegirliegirl´s last blog ..It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
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Holy Cow! That is incredible! I would most definitely be proud if I were responsible for something like that!!
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That is absolutely fabulous. I’ve been drooling over the pink retro Target ones (you know, the PBK knock offs) for years but can’t hit “Buy”. I know I could make my own, I just have been so busy with “house” stuff that “fun” stuff gets put down on the list. But you just moved it all right up.
I’m dying over the sink. Great work!
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YOU ARE OFFICALLY THE COOLEST PARENTS EVER! I have been thinking about making my daughter a play stove….but a WHOLE kitchen…with working plumbing!!!! WOWZA! AWESOME!!!
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This is fantastic. And the PB one doesn’t come with a working sink so take that expensive PB! Your daughter is one lucky little lady.
Beth@The Stories of A2Z´s last blog ..Making Burlap Work for You
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Brittany – you have been busy! It’s awesome! Great job! Looks like a DIY Show Off feature to me!
Roeshel´s last blog ..Fall Festival – Week #8
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Brittany Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Oooh I would love to be a show off! Please let me know if you decide to feature this. How exciting! Thanks so much!
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You did this yourself? You are amazing!!!
EcoMeg´s last blog ..25 Great Green Ideas
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And this is going on the “favorite posts” list on my website!
EcoMeg´s last blog ..25 Great Green Ideas
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Popping over from SITS!! That kitchen is a great idea!! I love it!!
xxoo,
Liberty
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This is fabulous! I sort of want you to come over and build me a real kitchen! I love the color as well
Alana´s last blog ..Announcing the Blog Friend Crush Award!
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Oh what a great job! Working sink? Wow!
Dee´s last blog ..DIY Caramel Macciato
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wow that is amazing. I bet that will be played with for years. You are very cleaver!
Snafflesmummy´s last blog ..Career Contentment or Lack of Ambition?
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What a great job – I love it!
Just because I’m curious – how much did you spend total on the project?
Kristy´s last blog ..quote canvas.
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Brittany Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Don’t know if you got my reply – I posted it in comments!
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WOW. All I can think of to say is, WOW! I am very impressed!
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Let’s talk money! Let’s see the wood – My home depot had this huge clearance pile of furniture grade double sanded plywood last year for $29 per sheet. I used 2. $60. I had scrap for the 4 foot piece from another project. Other wood trim pieces etc. were app. $5. The oops paint was $5. (at $70). I used extra base moulding from my house for the fake “ogee edge” on the counters = FREE. The handles were $20 (big discount) like I said (now at $90). I always have a huge box of nails on hand and I used my nail gun but this would probably run a couple bucks in nails. Then the SS sink (got a big discount online) and basic faucet and plumbing stuff was about $40 ($130). Clearly if you went a different route here you would save this entire amount basically! The knobs for the stove were $5 ($135) and then the shelving was about $10 ($145). So about $145 total for that Little Kitchen! Of course I did have wood filler and stuff like that on hand!
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Wow! That is unbelievable. You have quite a vision and mad skills!
Dropped by from SITS.
debbie´s last blog ..Adventures on Facebook
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Wow, that is incredible!! I’m totally in awe of your DIY skills.
Candice´s last blog ..Best news of the week
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FABULOUS! Just Fabulous! Looks like so much fun!
Thanks for sharing!
Kate
Kate´s last blog ..Gabe’s Birthday Bash!
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That is AMAZING
Leah´s last blog ..Boo Your Neighbor!
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Oooh run and boo is so much fun!
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THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! … IS SOOOOOOOOO AMAZING.
My goodness. You put all other parents to shame. What a huge project, what an amazing accomplishment. It is indeed every bit as beautiful as the PB one, and in fact more real!
I am completely wowed.
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I think the end product looks amazing. It was so much helping with you parts of this! Just seeting up the compression unit for the nail gun! Tons of laughs. I cant wait to come visit and have a tea party with Sophie and Miles!!
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That. Is. awesome. I am in awe of your handiness. I’d probably nail my hand to the wood if I tried it, but the hub? He might have to make one of these when my daughter gets a bit older.
amber´s last blog ..Seven Things They Forget to Tell New Moms
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Yep get the hubby on it! You need those hands to clean up all the poop
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She’s going to blog about that retro kitchen. Mark my words. It will be a nostalgic post that will make her cry joy tears. Your DIY projects make me want to marry you. Is that unrealistic?
Amy´s last blog ..No Girls Allowed
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Brittany Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Nope I’ve got a girl crush on your beautiful posts! Thanks you are TOO sweet!
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Amy Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
No, YOU are!
Amy´s last blog ..No Girls Allowed
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WOW! i’d like to play there myself! really nice
i was thinking that just a few weeks back, since my 4yr old played in this wonderland and chose to spend her time in this really neat kitchen.
will link/ff you, hope you can visit my blogs real soon…and do the same?
life round me N you
earthy me
at-a-blink
heartQUAKES
jenie=)´s last blog ..SOCIALITES STOOPED DOWN A LITTLE
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The play kitchen is awesome… and even more so because you did it yourself!!!
(Following you from MBC).
Buckeroomama´s last blog ..Mini
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to have the time and the skills…
You dis a fabulous job
Night Owl Mama´s last blog ..Uprinting Blog Sponsorship Program
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Seriously this is amazing! Im blogging about this on my up and coming popular baby blog!
If you would like come check out my blog and enter my current giveaway at littlemissheirlooms.blogspot.com
I hope you decided to follow me because I try to bring my readers a new and AMAZING giveaway every Monday!
Xo
Priscila
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Let me know when you blog about it! How exciting! I am following you!
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wow I am jealous… My inner child was like WOW… I made my own of out cardboard……….
Starlite Morrison´s last blog ..I got a Bamboo Cutting Board!
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Freakin’ Genius! I am in awe. And you made this while preggers? I’m gobsmacked! Your child are so lucky to have the coolest mommy ever.
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Gobsmacked I love it! Since I have been pregnant forever yes – I was preggers when I did it!
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This is wonderful! I have been looking for projects like this for a playroom in my house I am slowly working on for my nieces and nephews.
Olivia´s last blog ..All Personal Growth Involves Change
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
It would be a great playroom addition!
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Great Job!!!! This is awesome, you rock! Your little girl will always remember her little kitchen. When i was a child my Dad built me an A-FRAME house, it had real windows and an adult could stand in it.
Christine´s last blog ..Come Fly With Me!
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Seriously, wow! That is some serious DIY project.
Following you from MBC!
Joanna´s last blog ..H1N1 Flu Vaccine: What’s Your Take?
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Following you too!
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That is Awesome!! You have some skills!!
Katrina´s last blog ..The great Santa debate
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–>My mouth dropped open…I AM IMPRESSED. Plus, I think that kitchen is cleaner than my real one at home. ha!
~deb
WebSavyMom.com´s last blog ..Wordless Wedneday – 16 Candles plus 34
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that is amazing! super job, love the color.
gail
gail´s last blog ..I’ve been keeping a secret
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Wow what a great effort! I LOVE before and after photos and yours are brilliant.
I found you on Friends following friends on MBC. I would love to see you follow/comment at my blog Organize Your Life Now
Thanks,
Claire McFee
Author
Organize Your Life Organizers
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I am now following you are you following here? Oh boy organizing…i love it!
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I wish I were a little girl that gets to play with this kitchen. Wonderful job! I love all the thought that went into making this playset special.
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Oh thank you! I can’t get your blog to come up!
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impressive! good job!
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Thanks I really loved your letters!
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First of all, I am so happy to finally know what DIY stands for. There is a reason I didn’t know. I never DIMS. How amazing and fun. I would feel so terribly proud and happy if…..So, for now I will share in your pride and joy. It is beautiful. Better than our actual kitchen. Can’t wait to hear what she wips up in there. xoxo
magda´s last blog ..Birthday? Check.
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Brittany Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
You are so cute thank you so much for your compliments!
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wow!!stunning job!!!
i am so proud of you!
shraddha´s last blog ..Elmo
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that’s awesome! what a great job you did!
melissa stover´s last blog ..Bunny costume
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I am planning my ladie’s play kitchen (to be ready for xmas… I’m crazy I know)
And I have to say; YOURS IS AWESOME. I’d never could do one from stratch!
Andréann´s last blog ..Sunday; Something about me!
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