Revamp Your Kitchen: Turn an Old Dresser into a Trendy Island
Revamp Your Kitchen: Turn an Old Dresser into a Trendy Island
Looking to infuse your kitchen with added storage and a dash of style without draining your wallet? Upcycling an old chest of drawers into a chic kitchen island is a brilliant DIY endeavor that marries functionality with aesthetics. Follow these steps to craft a unique piece that will elevate your kitchen space.
Materials Needed
- Vintage chest of drawers
- Plywood for top and shelves (at least 18mm thick)
- Screwdriver and/or spanner
- Measuring tape
- Saw and drill
- Resene EzyFill Quick Sander and sandpaper
- Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
- Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen waterborne enamel in Resene Milk White
- Resene Colorwood wood stain in Resene Deep Oak
- Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish
- Liquid glue suitable for timber
- Handles and roller wheels
Step-by-Step Guide
Assess and Prepare the Chest of Drawers
Begin by examining the chest of drawers to determine which sections to use for shelving. In our project, the bottom drawers were uneven, so we kept the top two for cutlery and removed the bottom two. This step ensures that you utilize the best parts of the furniture for your new kitchen island.
Remove and Replace Handles
Carefully remove the existing handles from the drawers. This will allow you to replace them with new handles that match your kitchen’s decor. Set the old handles aside and prepare the drawers for the next steps.
Measure and Cut Plywood
Measure the depth and width of the dresser and cut the plywood to size. The plywood will sit on the drawer supports to create shelves. For the top, leave an overhang of at least 50-100mm on either side to provide a larger working space. This extra surface area will be useful for food preparation and other kitchen tasks.
Remove Unwanted Backing and Fill Gaps
If your drawers have any unwanted backing, remove it carefully. Fill in any holes and gaps with Resene EzyFill Quick to ensure a smooth surface. This step is crucial for achieving a professional finish.
Sand Thoroughly
Sand the chest of drawers thoroughly to expose the natural wood and create a smooth surface. This step is essential for ensuring that the primer and paint adhere properly, resulting in a durable and attractive finish.
Apply Primer and Paint
Apply one or two coats of Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat to the chest of drawers. Sand between coats to achieve a smooth finish. Once the primer is dry, finish with Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen paint. This will give your kitchen island a sleek and modern look.
Stain and Varnish Plywood Shelves
Lightly sand the plywood shelves and top to ensure they are smooth. Stain them with Resene Colorwood wood stain, following the instructions on the product. Apply the stain with a large brush and quickly wipe away any excess with a towel. Once dry, finish with Resene Aquaclear waterborne urethane varnish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.
Attach Wheels and Handles
Drill a hole in the center of each leg to attach wheels. This will make your kitchen island mobile and easy to move around. Find the center point of the drawers and attach the new handles. Consider adding extra handles on the sides to hang tea towels, adding both functionality and style.
Assemble the Kitchen Island
Finally, use liquid glue to attach the shelf and top to the new kitchen island. This will ensure that all parts are securely fastened, creating a sturdy and durable piece of furniture.
Enjoy your new kitchen island! For more project ideas and inspiration, visit your local Resene ColorShop. For more tips on upcycling and DIY projects, check out Resene.
