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A Prettier Place for My Trash

Who says trash receptacles have to be dull, boring, and/or ugly?

I’ve been using a pine cabinet to house the trash can in my office since October 2011. That’s when we moved into our Virginia home.

This little cabinet used to sit in the kitchen at our Maryland house. The VA home has a trash can cabinet in the kitchen, so we no longer needed this little cabinet, which Meg-proofed our kitchen trash.

The cabinet, with its unfinished pine exterior, has been on my mental list of things to paint for a long time. It was boring. So I finally decided to add some color.

I actually painted it during my lunch hour and then waxed it last night.

While it may not be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever painted, at least it’s now a bit more interesting.

For those of you who might be pressed for time and/or don’t care about the whole reincarnation process, here’s a before and after pic.

Before (left) and After (right)
Before (left) and After (right)

What do you think?

For those who like detail and seeing a painted piece as it evolves…

I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (ASCP) and wax. Of course.

My friend, Carol, asked if I’ve started working for “that company” yet. I guess I talk about the stuff too much?

Sorry, I can’t help myself. It’s so easy to use. And it’s fun transforming old stuff.

I snapped some pics of the piece in its various stages with my phone.

Plain Jane Trash Bin
Plain Jane Trash Bin

 

After one coat of Old White
After one coat of Old White

 

trashcan_3
With Arles added to the drawer and panel.

 

trashcan_4
After Olive was added to the frame.

 

trashcan_5
After Olive was added to the top.

 

trashcan_6
After applying one coat each of Clear Wax and Dark Wax.

 

trashcan_7
Face on shot of the finished product.

There you have it. A quick and easy project. Instead of disposing of that boring cabinet and replacing it with something new, I have given it new life.

Hey, does that make me a furniture God?

What do you think?

I’m not sure it fits perfectly with the yellow walls, but am planning on embellishing the front with some butterflies. After, um, I locate said butterflies. I’ll be sure to share another image once that part is done.