When I hauled this baby home, I think my hubby thought I was completely crazy. This thing was ugly, dilapidated, and really, really gross. As a matter of fact, my brother asked if he could use it for fire kindling. Um, I don't think so!
The top was a gross, crumbly, peeling laminate and yes, that is red tape holding the bottom together.
But. the piece was nice and sturdy, and I loved the shape of the doors.
First things first, I dragged it out in the driveway and sprayed the tar out of the entire cupboard to get as much of the big gross stuff off as possible.
Then, I peeled up the laminate top, and removed the metal edging.
I was surprised at how pretty the wood was underneath, so I scrapped the original plan of planking the top with new wood. I wanted to use this cupboard outside anyway, so it didn't have to be perfect.
I got out my metal scraper and Goof Off and got the rest of the gunk off of the top.
Then I peeled all of the REALLY gross contact paper off of the inside shelves and put a coat of paint over the whole thing... inside and out. {Sorry about the bad cell phone before pictures}
Ahhhh, that's better!
The laminate adhesive wouldn't come off of this one corner completely, but I don't care. If I am feeling ambitious in the future, I may sand it down further, but not today.
I also spray painted the knobs green, which you can't really see in these pictures. They are fun and add a pretty little pop of color.
I dragged it to the backyard and put it outside of Ella's window. I thought it would be a great place for my little garden tools, watering can, etc. And I love that my girlie can see these flowers from her window {which she will probably enjoy a lot more next year}. I still need to put a Spar Varnish all over it to make it more weather resistant, but I am waiting for the hubbs to help me with that one.
I think it is so pretty up against our new house color. I know it won't last forever outside, but we will bring it in during the winters and that will help. I got it for next to nothing at a yard sale, so it is completely worth it to me.
Now let's hope my garden perks up a bit. Turns out that I have been over-watering her : /. Whoops!
I also have a bunch of flowers to plant in the rest of this planter.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Courtney @ Sweet C's Designs
Love it! Such a fabulous way to tie your indoor styling outside. And you totally scored with the wood underneath!
Courtney @ Sweet C's Designs
Love it! Such a fabulous way to tie your indoor styling outside. And you totally scored with the wood underneath!
Laurel Stephens
Your cabinet brings back many memories of one my mother in-law has. She loves it so much that it's one of the few things she took when she moved into her little apartment. Great redo!
Kristin @ Yellow Bliss Road
You have an eye for true beauty my friend. Love!!!
Bronwyn
Now THAT'S a makeover! I bet your hubby won't second guess you again!
Jennifer Taylor
Kristen, this turned out so cute! Love it! It's perfect and you really turned it into something awesome! Way to go!
20 North Ora
That's a darling piece Kristin! You really did it proud! And little one can enjoy those beautiful flowers outside her window.
Judy
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home
Perfect little gardening cabinet!
Dawn
What a lovely piece. There was a treasure under all that gunk.