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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. Decorating

Reader project: A simple cabinet makeover with big results

For under $100! - by Olivia Hart
  • 16 Oct 2020
Reader project: A simple cabinet makeover with big results

After completing a bedroom makeover Leanne Parkes was looking for an old cabinet she could refinish for the updated room.

When she came across an outdated, orange cabinet in her neighbours’ hard rubbish she knew she could work her magic on it.  

Better Homes and Gardens Online chatted with Leanne to find out more about the simple DIY!

Old orange cabinet

Before: An unfashionable cabinet in need of facelift

blue cabinet with timber top and plant

After: A splendid new piece

What did the cabinet look like before the makeover?

I found this cabinet in my neighbour's hard rubbish collection, it was extremely orange and the drawers had this funny moulding pattern that made it look sad!

What inspired your makeover? 

I had been looking for a cupboard like this with the aim of giving it a makeover so that it would fit into a recently renovated bedroom. It had to go with the royal blue colour theme and when I found it, I knew it definitely needed a makeover!

Have you done any makeovers before?

I have completed lots of makeovers around the home, some big and some small.

Some of the bigger ones were an ensuite makeover where I replaced the tiles and created a vanity. Other big projects were renovating my kitchen, office, bedroom and I also installed a fireplace. My husband helped on some of these, but I’m very hands on and the design guru.

Some smaller renovations include painting old bedside tables, giving my son's room a makeover and re-covering an old leatherette bed with fabric using an electric staple gun.   

three empty draws being fitted for knobs

Fitting new brass handles and painting drawers

What kind of look were you after?

For this project I wanted something that was elegant, but it had to have character. It was also important that it matched the bedroom it was going into which had also been made over. 

What was the biggest challenge?

Sanding the unit back was challenging as the varnish ran very deep. It was also hard to get into the small grooves to make sure they were sanded sufficiently.  

old, orangey cabinet

The renovation process

1. Make colour and design choice.

2. Head to Bunnings to buy supplies.

3. Sand back the surfaces using an orbital sander and also the grooves by hand.

4. Cut the ply to cover the drawer panels to size with a circular saw.

5. Use liquid nails and some bar clamps to hold it in place.

6. Give two coats of Porter's Paints Yacht Race.

7. Give a clear coat on top to finish off the raw timber.

How much did spend?

I only had to buy new handles, ply and liquid nails. Everything else I had left over from other projects, so it cost just $87!

side shot of royal blue cabinet makeover

Budget Breakdown

Everything I used for the makeover was either bought from Bunnings or something I already owned.  

Sand paper - $14.90 from Bunnings 

Paint - $83.90 from Bunnings (previously owned) 

Handles - $6.80 each from Bunnings 

Polished brass knobs - $9.78 from Bunnings

Ply - $20 from Bunnings

SikaBond - $5.64 from Bunnings

Clear varnish - $48.80 from Bunnings

Favourite part of your makeover?

My favourite part of every makeover is finishing it as so much goes into it that you have a real sense of achievement once you’ve finished! It’s so rewarding and I’m now looking for the next project.  

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Tara gives an old pine bedside table a makeover

Tara gives an old pine bedside table a makeover

Before and after: The ultimate craft room makeover

Before and after: The ultimate craft room makeover

Before and after: A dramatic front porch makeover on a budget

Before and after: A dramatic front porch makeover on a budget

Before and after: A village hall transformed

Before and after: A village hall transformed

{headline}

{headline}

A Christmas makeover at Prahan Mission

A Christmas makeover at Prahan Mission

11 ways to make your home look more expensive

11 ways to make your home look more expensive

Before and after: a gorgeous caravan transformation

Before and after: a gorgeous caravan transformation

{headline}

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Tara’s tiny laundry makeover

Tara’s tiny laundry makeover

This simple DIY technique will transform dark brick walls

This simple DIY technique will transform dark brick walls

Johanna and Charlie give a backyard a spring makeover

Johanna and Charlie give a backyard a spring makeover

Reader reno: It only cost $126 for this mum to give her bathroom a complete makeover

Reader reno: It only cost $126 for this mum to give her bathroom a complete makeover

Decorating on a budget: How one mum created her forever home

Decorating on a budget: How one mum created her forever home

Reader project: It only cost $200 to transform this fireplace

Reader project: It only cost $200 to transform this fireplace

A House Rules-inspired balcony makeover

A House Rules-inspired balcony makeover

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