Hey, hey, hey! It’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday! It’s the second Tuesday of the month where my blogger friends and I share our latest DIY inspiration for you. I found this super cute kids’ desk that used to have a hutch (and drawers) set out for trash. However, it’s going to get a new life as an upcycled play kitchen. woot!
Yes, this little desk is mightily worn and ragged, but there is still life there. You know I’m a sucker for the unloved in furniture, especially when it’s made of wood. Funny thing is my teen daughter was driving to earn driving hours, and I had my older son hop out and grab it. Good kids. haha.
KID FUN
You see, I’m a sucker for making awesome things for kids. I tend to live vicariously through them. You can see my upcycled bread box grill HERE, or my upcycled bookcase farmers market HERE. Even more kid fun projects in these posts too.
Likewise, if you look close at the top, you will see nails poking out that once held a hutch of some sort. It really looks like this was handmade special for someone who very loved.
DIY TIME
To show you exactly how I made this upcycled play kitchen, I’ve created a video below. However, I will briefly outline the steps I took as well. First, I removed the top and all the scary nails. Plus, I also removed the drawer runners on the right side.
My goal is to create shelves that can be used in those spaces instead. Afterward, I use my circular saw to cut a few pieces of cabinet-grade plywood. Then, I shortened it with my miter saw. Then, I notched out the pieces with my jigsaw to make them fit. Once cut, I used my Kreg Jig to make pocket holes that I can use to attach the shelves.
MORE SHELVES
Next, to add more storage and stability, I added a larger shelf to the open side using the same methods outlines for the drawers. In addition, I added beadboard to the back with my stapler.
Now for the top. First, I used the play sink to make a tracing. Then, I used my drill to create pilot holes so I could cut an opening with my jigsaw.
As you can see, I have also used a ton of wood filler to take care of holes and blemishes all over. To finish it off, I used my sander to knock that down and give a fresh surface.
PAINT TIME
Finally, once I felt all was in place to begin finish work, I used my paint brush to add a fun color pop to the interior.
And then also a fun yellow I’ve used before HERE to the outside and top of the cabinet.
REVEAL TIME
Finally, after a bit of whimsy added, here is my upcycled play kitchen with working play sin and all. woot!
WATER
So, so fun for me to get this DIY job done. Aren’t you glad I made my kids grab it for me? And of course, I still have a little, little enough to help me make sure this all works properly.
This desk originally had a pull-out board, I believe. So I added one back in, but made it a cutting board for more fun.
Now, I’m curious…would you have turned it into something else? Noneheless, it sure is fun to mix it up with these finds.
Can you tell how much fun it was for me to stage this, and my little having a blast playing too?
Likewise, if you’d like to make this play kitchen your own for your kids, grandkids, or…even yourself, you can find it in my online shop.
Additionally, pin and share my upcycled play kitchen to inspire others to create their own fun in their home and for others.
SIGN UP
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While you’re at it, here are more fun projects like this upcycled play kitchen:
Larissa this the cutest thing I have seen. I just love how you take the old, ugly and unloved and turn it into something that is going to be lived again. You are amazing.
I truly had a blast and love that you love it. Thanks, Cheryl.
What an amazing upcycle…this is adorable Larissa! 🙂
Thank you! I can’t wait to see your DIY fun.
This is so adorable and creative! Great job! I think this started out as a child’s roll top desk. I’ve seen lots of them around. Love what you did with it.
I thought so too, but some of the markings made me think it was a hutch of some kind. Either way it was too cute to be trashed. Thanks!
What a fun project! You are incredibly creative. Hope you are feeling better.
Thanks so much, Sigrid. I had a blast. 😀
How did you get running water and how does it drain out?
It has a pump that just circulates the water. It comes in the kitchen set.
Perfectly adorable! Both the kitchen sink AND your sweet daughter who is getting so big!. I love that first pic where she’s got her cute feet crossed.
I wondered if anyone noticed that as I did too. Her piggy toes are betting bigger! 😉 sniff…
So creative, as usual! xoxo
Thank you, Nancy.
Larissa, no one but you would have thought this up. It is amazing! What a great save for a piece that was destined for the trash.
I’m a nut like that…haha! Thank you so much, Marcie.
Creative and Precious ?
Thank you so much, Colette.
What a great idea Larissa! And your little one is a cutie! 🙂
Thanks! She’s getting so BIG. sniff!
DARLING!!!!!Where did you get you kitchen sink set. That is clever,more than clever!Great job,
Thank you! I have the link to it up in my text. 😀
This is totally adorbs. I love seeing little girls playing like we used to in the old days…barefoot. ponytails. baby dolls. play kirchens. This time is a blessing to her that she may not understand until she is grown. You go, momma. Great job!
You so get it, Susie. Thank you!
Ohh, that is adorable!
You are so sweet! Thank you!
Absolutely ADORABLE, Larissa! My grandson would have a blast with this.
I would join him!! haha! Thank you so much, Marie.
Larissa this is one of the cutest up-cycles I have seen in a while! I read through but I think I missed where you found the little sink? Was that a road find? Anyway, adorable! You’ll have to have another child though as I think your baby is a little big for this one…?
Thanks! I have the link to it in my post. No worries on another babe as this is available in my shop. haha. She already has a larger set we made years ago. 🙂
So clever & beautiful, as always!
Thank you for the love, Donna. 🙂