{diy} rustic foyer shelf

before i begin i'd like to explain my absence the past few days.

like most of the country, i have been glued to the news since early friday morning watching the horrific events that transpired in newtown, ct and the grief that has taken over all of our hearts since. words cannot begin to describe the sorrow that we are all experiencing along with the anger many of us have towards these senseless and selfish acts. how anyone can harm a child is incomprehensible to me. and yet, out of this tragedy  comes stories of bravery and courage by the educators at sandy hook elementary. may God shine down on your families in their time of need and welcome you with open arms at the gates of heaven.

so as i resume my blog posts, do not think that i am brushing over these events. i am doing so with a heavy heart and continued remembrance for heaven's newest angels.
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the search has been never-ending. i knew what i wanted, yet couldn't find exactly what i had envisioned. yes, i am referring to my foyer table. i know, i know. this is somewhat of a minimal item. but here's the thing- i don't really have a formal entry. my front door opens into my living room. however, i still wanted to assemble something that didn't take up too much room yet provided a place for keys, etc. and i have looked everywhere. pottery barn. crate & barrel. target. bed, bath, & beyond. overstock. amazon. so what to do when you can't find what you need?! make it yourself.

diy foyer shelf

i came to the conclusion that i wanted a shelf so there was still floor space. so to home depot i went and collected a piece of pine measured to about 40 inches and a wood stain in jacobean. total about $10. i wanted a rustic looking shelf to put underneath my home goods mirror. so sanding and staining began...

i purchased the two brackets from anthropologie for $25 each, totaling $50. so all in all, the shelf cost me about $60 and it's exactly what i wanted. here's the final product:

love, love, love. so happy. and proof that if you become familiar with your local hardware store and have a little vision, you can make it happen.

xoxo Lauren