When you are eyeing something at the store or garage sale, does it speak to you? Not like, “Hey, look at me!”, but more like you see the potential that it has. I have always had a passion to antique radios ever since my parents had one in their home that had original parts and still worked. If you know me, then you know I love to tinker with mechanical things, and they always drawn me in. Much like this one I found. I’d like to show you this repurposed radio cabinet and the fun it holds inside.
Unlike my last post, this was a sight-unseen purchase that I was pleased with. The owner delivered me this cabinet and another dresser I made over in this post. Happy camper am I!
When I finally got to lay hands on this cabinet, I was so excited to see it in such awesome shape. I instantly said to myself, “no paint needed here..this wood is gorgeous!” Though it did have some wear and was mostly dirty, that didn’t stop me from seeing the potential.
BACKSTORY
The previous owner already added a wood piece to make a bottom for the top. So, I’m happy that I’m one step ahead of the game. If you look up Pooley Radios, you’ll see some wonderful creations that are sure to take you down memory lane. Such beautiful craftsmanship!
The last repurposed radio cabinet wasn’t in as great of shape, so I funked it up and took it to a new level. You can read the full story and see what’s inside HERE (it’ll surprise you!).
Another repurposed radio cabinet I had the pleasure of finding has become secret storage in my boys’ bedroom makeover. They love it!
DIY TIME
So, you maybe wondering what I have in store for this one. Well, I have always wanted to make one into a dollhouse, and today’s the day! That sweet bow on the top front is what decided it for me. I seriously believe that is providential. Just as I was about to start on it, I thought to check Craiglist for some doll furniture. Look what I found!
Instead of this just being a repurposed radio cabinet post, I get to do a mini furniture makeover too! I’m like a kid in a candy store because I have thing for dollhouses. hee hee hee. We have made our daughters their own dollhouses and treehouses for our boys (as seen here) from scratch. I get so caught up in fine-tuning every detail. It is so fun!
MINI FUN
I even make the furniture and the dolls. Yes, I am a nut, but I have a blast. It may be because I wanted one so badly as a kid that I would make my own out of cardboard boxes. I even made my own furniture using my dad’s tools and still have them to this very day.
That dollhouse furniture set I picked up had some damage and needed some pep, so I repaired and gave them new looks. Since the bunkbed set is missing mattresses and bedding, I have to make new. I had leftover foam from our Pottery Barn style leather bench that would be perfect, but needed cut. Did you know you can use an electric carving knife to cut foam super fast? I nabbed one from the thrift store and love this thing!
NEXT STEPS
Okay, so after a few hours of building up the inside of the radio and making repairs, as well as tweaking the furniture, here it is. I wanted to share that I only needed to clean the cabinet and then used my go-to product for refreshing wood. Have you ever used Old English Scratch Cover? I have had this bottle for about 17 years and it never fails me.
Well, my friends, I put waaaay more time into this than I probably should have, but…ya know.
THE REVEAL
I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Let’s take the tour. The master bedroom has a king size bed, dresser and mirror.
The kids room has a fun new bunkbed complete with reversible comforters, dresser, and nightstand. Oh, and a rocking chair for a reading nook.
Down below is the kitchen with food stuffs and plenty of places to prepare lovely mini meals. Just outside the kitchen is a baby grand piano that actually plays music. It is a music box! So cool.
Every home has to have a fireplace for ambience and function for hanging stockings, of course.
However, no home is complete without a dining area for sure. You can see the accessories with hutch, bird cage, grandfather clock, and…
…yes, I made mini moss balls in a tiny wooden dough bowl. We must have the essentials, ya know.
One of the coolest parts is the top being for all the extra furniture. That way, the rooms can change up and flipped around to the littlest imagination’s desire.
If you think I went all out, this is nothing compared to the miniature beadboard I make from balsa wood, the stairs and balusters I usually add to our builds. Not to mention the hand-cut hardwood flooring and curtains – and the lighting! I just didn’t have it in me as I got this done in two days. I want to say a huge thank you to my husband, JC, who cut the pieces for me and got it ready for me to install. We make an awesome team.
HAPPY DANCE
I’m offering this sweet set in in my online shop (they are our favorite next to making my own!). I know some little girl is going to love this because the best part is that it grows with you. It can be placed in any part of the home, and as girl grows she can use it in her home for endless uses.
We all know our children grow up too fast. I insist there be a pause button invented.
SHARE
Truthfully, I had a blast sharing this repurposed radio cabinet with you and would love it if you would take a minute to pin and share to inspire others.
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Also, more makeovers like this repurposed radio cabinet:
Oh this takes me back to playing with my own doll house as a child. What a wonderful makeover. Who ever gets this is so fortunate. I love all of the details that you thought of.
Those are sweet days for sure. It’s what made me hunger to be a designer and create. So fun!
Larissa, you are so clever! And talented! This was a great idea for the perfect Christmas gift for some little girl! I know someone will snap it up quickly! How great that you seem to attract these music cabinets! Makes me wish I had bought the one I saw at the flea market.
Ooh…you should, Patty! They are just begging to find new life. I have a blast with me. Thanks for the love!
What a wonderful idea. A doll house does not need to be for a child, but for the child in all of us. You are very talented and I look forward to all your repurposed treasures. I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday season. Simple is ok! I’m going to remember that.
You nailed it, Bobye. Yes, simple is the way for me in all things. Now to get my home done and keep it simple! 😀 Thank you for your sweet words.
Waw! this is amazing! This is absolutely exquisite. I would have love to have such a doll house when I was a kid.
I am also absolutely fond of the radio cabinet in your boy’s room. It has so much character with all its modern style features. This is really beautiful!
Yay! It’s so fun to read your comments as you appreciate all that I put into it. Thank you so much, Joelle. 🙂
Love this! It would also be a perfect piece of furniture in a grandma’s house. A beautiful table/plant stand/…then when granddaughters visit it has a special doll house! My mother in law had a chest she used for plants but it held toys for the grands.
Yes, that’s exactly why I did it. So that the focus isn’t always on toys or clutter. I wish I thought of this before making my girls’ dollhouses. 🙂
I am so impressed! The detail–even wall art! Some little tyke is gonna love this! You have quite an imagination, and the will to see it materialize. The cabinet itself is beautiful, brings me back in time…..Kudos, Larissa!
It does for me too, Tina. I have such fun creating these little vignettes and could do it all over again. Thanks for stopping by!
What a really sweet transformation. I took a peak at the green cabinet redo post; I love that one, too.
That was my first love and still have ideas for future pieces. Time will tell. Thank you!
Larissa this is absolutely adorable. Makes me wish I had a little girl still. What a great gift for the girls. Merry Christmas!
They had a blast helping me, but since they already have their own, this one is going in my shop. What a fun project!
What an awesome makeover! And guess what?? We OWN a radio cabinet that has been waiting for me to do something with!
🙂 gwingal
Awesomeness!! I hope you have fun with it, Nikki.
What a wonderful idea. I know a little girl would enjoy that so much.
I loved the dollhouse my Dad built and the furniture and linens my Mom made to go with it for us girls one Christmas. Ever since I adore dollhouses and miniatures and on my DIY Wish List is to make one some day. I love your creative use of an old radio cabinet – so adorable. It is going to make one young girl very happy! Pinning and sharing 🙂
What a wonderful treat for your parents to gift you with. Do you still have it?
Oh my gosh! As a child, I always dreamed of having a doll house like this! You have thought of every detail and it shows! As an adult, I’d like to find an old radio cabinet to restore or redo since my husband and a long career in radio! Pinned and shared your amazing project!
That would be a treasure for you both, Jane. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and showing love.
I’m a small sized doll collector so I’d like to have this. If anyone else likes dolls out there, Facebook has all kinds of Doll Groups with lots of very nice people. I’m going to share your Radio cabinet doll house with a few groups.
Thanks so much for the love, JeanieQ. 🙂