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Upcycled Play Kitchen from Kids Desk

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!

Kids Desk Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Kids Desk Top Damage Before Upcycle by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Empty Kid's Desk Frame for Upcycled Play Kitchen | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Upcycled Kids Desk with Shelves | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Upcycled Play Kitchen Dry Layout by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Jigsaw Sink Cutout on Upcycled Play Kitchen | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Painting Blue Interior of Upcycled Play Kitchen by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

And then also a fun yellow I’ve used before HERE to the outside and top of the cabinet.

Painting Play Sink Top with Yellow by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

REVEAL TIME

Finally, after a bit of whimsy added, here is my upcycled play kitchen with working play sin and all. woot!

Upcycled Play Kitchen with Working Faucet and Kitchen Sink by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #kids #play #pretend #fun #home #homedecor #furniture

WATER

Pretend Play Working Kitchen Sink by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #kids #play #furniture

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.

Girl Washing Dishes in Working Upcycled Play Kitchen by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #fun #kids #play

Pretend Cutting Board in Upcycled Play Kitchen by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #kids #pretend #play #furniture

DIY Video Tutorial Upcycled Play Kitchen by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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.

Pretend Play Washing Dishes in Upcycled Play Kitchen | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #upcycled #fun #play #kids

Girl with Pretend Play Kitchen Sink from Upcycled Desk by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furniture #play #kids

Now, I’m curious…would you have turned it into something else? Noneheless, it sure is fun to mix it up with these finds.

Play Kitchen Top with Working Sink by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #toys

Handmade Play Kitchen by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #toys #farmhouse

Can you tell how much fun it was for me to stage this, and my little having a blast playing too?

Girl Drying Hands on Play Kitchen Towel by Larissa Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #kids #toys #kitchen

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.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Cottage Chic Upcycled Play Kitchen with Running Faucet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #kids #toys

DIY Play Kitchen from Upcycled Desk by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #toys #kids #play

Additionally, pin and share my upcycled play kitchen to inspire others to create their own fun in their home and for others.

How cute! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces found this child's desk set out for trash and turned it into an upcycled play kitchen with working water sink | Video tutorial at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #kids #play #home #homedecor

SIGN UP

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, then take a peek at these awesome DIY projects for our Trash to Treasure Tuesday.

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Trash to Treasure Tuesday | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure Tuesday March 2020 | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

  1. Salvaged Inspirations
  2. Artsy Chicks Rule
  3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  4. Girl in the Garage

While you’re at it, here are more fun projects like this upcycled play kitchen:

What an absolutely adorable idea! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces upcycled a bread box into a pretend play grill set with all the bells & whistles. Take a peek at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #kids #toys #shopping #fun #pretendSay whaat?! This upcycled bookcase was turned into an adorable pretend play farmer's market stand. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces shared the DIY details on her blog prodigalpieces.com | #prodigalpieces #kids #toys #handmade #home #homedecor #furniture #diy

Comments

  1. Cheryl Atkinson says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      I truly had a blast and love that you love it. Thanks, Cheryl.

  2. Debbie says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      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!

  3. Sigrid says

    What a fun project! You are incredibly creative. Hope you are feeling better.

  4. Robin Sabo says

    How did you get running water and how does it drain out?

    • Larissa says

      It has a pump that just circulates the water. It comes in the kitchen set.

  5. Shelley S says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      I wondered if anyone noticed that as I did too. Her piggy toes are betting bigger! 😉 sniff…

  6. Marcie Lovett says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      I’m a nut like that…haha! Thank you so much, Marcie.

  7. Colette says

    Creative and Precious ?

  8. Charleen says

    DARLING!!!!!Where did you get you kitchen sink set. That is clever,more than clever!Great job,

  9. Susie | Chelsea Project says

    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!

  10. Marie says

    Absolutely ADORABLE, Larissa! My grandson would have a blast with this.

  11. Shirley says

    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…?

    • Larissa says

      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. 🙂

  12. Donna Gonzalez says

    So clever & beautiful, as always!

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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