Sometimes while shopping, do you ever see something and say, “I have to have it.” You may not need it, but you know it shouldn’t be left behind because it has potential. If you know me then you know this is my life story. ahem. Earlier this week in our Trash to Treasure Tuesday, I said I would be tackling this thrift store cupboard and today’s the day. I’d like to show you what I saw when I spied it in the store, and watch how it becomes a farmhouse cupboard.
At first glance I thought it was a basic wall cupboard. However, upon closer inspection, I found that it had once been some sort of add-on to other cabinets. It has beads in the shelves for displaying plates, even on top.
What puzzled me the most was how in the world did they mount this thing to the wall? It had nails going every which way through the frame and out the back. A couple of screws still poked here and there. You typically want to have a cupboard like this sitting flush to the wall with hidden hardware. Hmm…I see a hot mess that needs fixed, don’t you?
DIY TIME
First order of business is take off that back panel and create a wall cleat. What’s that you say?? It’s basically like two puzzle pieces that interlock to create a hidden way of hanging large items or even can be used in workshops, craft rooms, etc. Let me show you…
First, you cut two lengths that would have a corresponding angle like this. One to fit inside the back of your project. (aka. hidden part), and one for your wall. We used our table saw to run two pieces through.
This is what they look like on the ends. They slip into one another as one is attaches to the wall. The other attaches to the item you are wishing to hang. Make sense?
NEW TOY
So, after I got my cabinet prepped with a whole lotta wood filler to hide all those holes, I added the cleat with my new toy. Meet Ms. AirStrike (she says as she giggles with glee).
What you see here is an over-the-moon-happy lady. What you don’t see is a ginormous compressor, a naughty hose, or any other get-in-my-way stuff to use a nailer. eep!
Best part is that I now have two nailers. One for in my workshop (which I still love because it’s a stapler too) and one for wherever I want to get naily with it! 😆 (ya gotta love my outfit, right? just keepin’ it real, y’all) And…the batteries are interchangeable with my circular saw and my jigsaw with only one charger needed. Win-Win!
Okay, so after I added the cleat, I begin to paint.
LAST STEP
Once everything has cured, I mount my wall cleat. I use a level and attach it with my drill and screws. Likewise, notice I have it angled toward the wall.
Next, I simply slip the farmhouse cupboard on the wall cleat. Nice and snug.
REVEAL TIME
Finally, let’s take a peek at how it looks from the front, shall we?
Since I removed the original hardware to paint, I decided to leave it off and replace it with one of my leftover glass knobs from my vanity makeover ( a must see). They are so gorgeous!
Also, because I removed the backing, I decided to replace it with beadboard for a rustic effect. My nailer made attaching it a breeze.
As you can see, there is an intentional gap to be able to fit the cleat into the cupboard. However, no worries as no one will notice. Ideally, if we were building the cupboard from scratch, you would make it deep enough to have the backing in front of the cleat so none would be visible. Since I retrofitted this, we make do.
Do you love it too? This farmhouse cupboard is now available in my online store.
SHARE
Additionally, I had a blast sharing with you how to update and improve your thrifted finds.
Next up, I will have a fun project involving this side table my parents gave me. There’s a little hilarity here, so be sure to come see it HERE.
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Also, more projects like my farmhouse cupboard:
What a transformation, I love it!
How awesome to hear, Cheryl. Thank you!
Hi Larissa….Thank you for another wonderful tutorial!! Beautiful makeover!!! I know it takes a lot of time to post blogs and I thank you for sharing your talents and your family with all of us throughout this year <3 I want to wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas and New Year to come!!!
That makes my heart happy, Patti, as yes, much work and hoping to encourage others to try and visualize to make their house their home on a budget. Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!
I like it in your “entry”, hanging on YOUR wall. You styled it nice. I love looking at your styling “stuff.” Seeing your stuff, gives me inspiration to style MY stuff better. What a talented lady you are! Not a dull moment in YOUR house! You have the same 24 hours I do…what am I doing wrong? Love your blog.
If only I could keep it! I have nowhere to hang it and in the current spot I couldn’t get past it at my dining table, plus we have our chalkboard there for homeschool normally. Ah well. thanks for the love!
Love, love, love it
Makes my heart happy! Thank you, Patty. Merry Christmas!
Great Job Larisa I Have a question for you have dried orange slices for craft projects??? Ann
Thanks, Ann. Yes, I have in the past.
Well it’s official Larissa I know what I am gonna ask Santa for this yr….an all inclusive month of you n your talented family n tools to come stay at my farm n work your magic on my stash! N bring this cupboard it is exactly what my kitchen needs!
Ha! You are a gal after my own heart. We would have a blast!
What a difference Larissa – love the soft blue inside too. Pinned to share 🙂
It was fun to update and improve. Thanks, Marie!
Wonderful inspiration for taking “blah” and making it “ahh”. I like to use a homemade French cleat also to hang anything heavy. They can be pricey but so easy to make yourself.
Love it! Those wall cleats have endless uses. I want to implement them in my workshop.
That was so clever Larissa. It looks like it snapped into place just like that. And it is so pretty now to place all of your lovelies inside.
Love when things are simple fixes. I wish life was like that! 😀 Thanks for stopping by, Mary.
love this, especially the blue-ish beadboard on the back! i used a cleat to hang the back of a church pew as a headboard. they’re great for heavy objects!
That has to be one sweet headboard. I don’t even have one, so headboard envy here!
Larissa…..omg this is a very creative blog. I’ve been dying for an hutch to go in my dining room, but honestly my dining room is too small…something I’ve been denying to anyone that would listen! I could add a display cabinet so much easier!!! I need storage and a display for my teapots that are sitting in the attic waiting to be broken w my heart BC they were my great grandmothers. I will be brainstorming for a corner cabinet like you have perfected. Thanks for the idea…wisk me luck! Sincerely
That just made my day, Brooke! You just confirmed why I do what I do. I am so excited for you!