Storage…isn’t that what many people strive for? It’s crazy how vast the differences are from one home to another and how the space is used. For me, less storage means less stuff…less to take care of. I learned that the hard way many years ago. I remodeled by sons’ bedroom and added storage. That only caused more mess, more stress. With that being said, I’m also for the use of furniture to serve more than one purpose. Let’s look at this farmhouse wooden trunk.

My friend, Mandy, sent me a picture of this handmade goodie saying it looked like. No, not wonky with messed up parts (haha…maybe not in my head, anyway), but rather something that would spark my interest. She is spot-on! This may be a shop class project from back in the day or a make-do creation with what was on hand. In either event, it’s held up and is ready for a mini makeover.

Notice the funky aluminum trim that makes no sense. Also, there are rope handles and hardware to hold it open as well. BONUS!

With that in min, I’m not new to the whole trunk game. I’ve built them to copycat a name brand HERE. In addition, I’ve made over several other trunks and chests featured OVER HERE.

DIY TIME

First, I am so anxious to remove that metal trim. Not only is it unsightly, but also dangerous. After having 6 toddlers over time in my house, you know that this kinda thing is perfect for emergency visits. ahem. So, I grab my hammer (it is also from the trash…just sayin’) and yank that stuff OFF.

Mind you, I don’t throw that trim away, but I do recycle it. woot! Next, I remove all the hardware so I can cut down the lid on my miter saw. When the original craftsman made this, they add to the lid dimensions so that aluminum trim fits. Essentially, I need to cut it down to fit the trunk better.

Then, after that, I want to dress this farmhouse wooden trunk up a bit. Enter in this hardware I had hand-forged for this workbench I made from a set of underbed drawers (one of my favorite builds!)

In addition to that, I have these iron pulls from my DIY succulent centerpiece planter.

Finally, I add the finishing touches. The hardware gets a few coats of a flat black paint to match those hand-forged brackets. Also, the trunk gets an antique white stain, while the interior gets a neutral color paint I used in this past project.

All I need to do is assemble and share my fun with you.

THE REVEAL

Last, after a few hours, I’m excited to share with you the new (old) look of this cast-off trunk. woot!

While it may not be a phenomenal new look, it sure is head-over-heels better than the before. Agreed?

The whitewash is topped off with a clear wax. Meanwhile, the hardware all gels now and is a striking contrast to the washed wood effect.

Open wiiiiiiiddddeee! This fun piece not only works as extra storage in any room, as well as serves as a coffee table, toy box, or whatever floats your trunk boat. What would you use it for?

If you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find it and more available in my online shop. There’s something being added weekly, so stop by and see.

SHARE

Likewise, after you leave me some comment love below, do pin and share so that others can be inspired to see past the obvious and take hold of the potential that is there.

Last but not least, next week is Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION TIME! be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. PLUS, you will get your Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

Also, more DIY makeovers like this farmhouse wooden trunk: