Built-in cabinetry and shelving makeover

[Ebd267]

A dated and cluttered shelving area was transformed using paint and the addition of a VidaXL cabinet. Even the mirrored back of the shelving was painted in Taubmans Dark Green Velvet. It was the winner of best paint project in our 2024 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• How to paint like a professional

The project

This was a pretty dated timber shelving unit with mirrors when we purchased the home four months ago. I have transformed it now and cannot stop staring at it! Very proud!

Steps

Step 1

As you can see  by the before photos - this dated shelving unit quickly became a dumping ground for clutter and mess and had no closed storage.

Step 2

First I cleaned the whole cabinet with sugar soap and gave it a light sand. Then I did a full coat with the primer to cover the mirrors and the timber on all sides. This took ages to cut in the lines around the mirrors and the tongue and groove boards, but was super important for me to be able to paint the mirrors.

  

Step 3

I left it for a week to cure (as per the instructions on the tin). I then cut in with the Taubmans paint with paintbrushes and then finished with 4mm nap micro fibre rollers.

Step 4

It took four coats to get it to be perfect but I’m ecstatic with the results. 

Step 5

I also built the VidaXL cabinet you see in the bottom. I filled the predrilled door handle holes with putty. I then sanded, primed this and painted this unit as well. I cut its feet off for a more streamlined look and I added the pull handles to the top of the doors. 

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:
 

• Dulux 1L Precision white maximum strength adhesion primer
• Taubmans endure in Dark Green Velvet 
• VidaXl cabinet  
• Matt black handles
• Sugar soap.

Tools used in the project:

• Paint brush
• Paint roller.

How to paint like a professional

Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform your home. Whether you’re painting a room, reviving old furniture, or giving your house an external makeover, the principles for great painting are the same. Experienced Bunnings Workshop community member Rob shares How to paint like a professional in his comprehensive 10-step guide.

Benskimo built a mid-century modern shelving unit that could be adapted to suit any space or display layout.  

Community member den1ska built shoe shelves under the staircase using plywood. 

Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular painting projects and Top 10 most popular storage projects. 

[Dave-1]

I am not surpprised with your win! Congratulations @Ebd267  

You really brought the area into the modern era, It would be a pleasure to just sit there and let the eyes wander.

Nice work.

Dave