There I was just minding my own business heading out to pick up the week’s groceries for my family of 8, plus two pets. Obviously, this is a weekly occurrence that is actually flanked with the week’s trash in my neighborhood. What’s a gal to do when this bright pink vertical wall file organizer is sitting flagging me down? tsk.
Whether I wanted it for me or not, it certainly doesn’t need to go to the landfill. Am I right? There is literally nothing wrong with it, unless you count the hideous stickers and very vibrant color. Those features don’t bother this #trashure hunter. What’s even more funny is that I’m constantly pulling stuff out of this neighbor’s trash. One week, it was two complete metal twin bed frames, another was an entertainment console with this basket I upcycled.
So, as you can imagine, I wasn’t surprised to see this pink hottie sitting out. I’m not anti-hot pink, but it surely doesn’t fit into my decor naturally. However, it does mean I can make it my own like I did this thrifted trash can.
On top of that, my kids know that having that in the trash is a shame, so they have no problem with me pulling over to rescue it because if I don’t want it, I donate it to a local ministry instead. Imagine if we all did the same…
FARMHOUSEIFIED
While it’s no surprise that I adore authentic farmhouse (not box store farmhouse), my style is also a mix of European, industrial, cottage, and a bit of shabby chic. With that in mind, I want to tone down the pink and make it more my style.
First, I need to spend the excruciating time picking off those stickers….joke.
If you do it right, it’s not that bad when you use the right tools and supplies. As soon as I remove the top layer either with my knife or fingers, I apply rubbing alcohol or goo gone to remove the residue. Likwise, see this sticker-i-fied Brasilia chest of drawers I revived from the thrift store.
Next, it’s time to drastically change this pinky up. My mind went from white with flowers, blue with texture, or even to a more rustic pink. Eventually, I settle on a farmhouse industrial vibe because they are metal and have that vintage locker feel going on with the bin labels.
As you can imagine, this flat black is pretty basic and, well…kinda boring. Therefore, before I do the next step, I use an old candle to rub in spots that would normally get wear or where I want it to show wear. *note: I also use an old candle to rub on bottoms of drawers and drawers guides for smooth, and easy opening and closing.
MORE PAINT
After that, I also use this smokey beige color next for a very light coat.
Furthermore, I’m not done yet! After the paint cures, I add one more bit of nutmeg paint.
However, I do this in small batches so that I can take my old paint brush and wipe across to remove a bit of paint from where I applied the candle wax.
Last, but not least, I use my number stencil to trace and then hand paint in to add a bit of whimsy to my Curb le Chic find.
STORAGE & STYLE UP
Finally, my pink hottie find is now telling a story of time-worn wear and oodles of storage. It’s definitely not trash, right?!?
Not only do the three colors add depth, but also that storytelling part that really creates a feeling in your home. I want my own home to be welcoming and cozy so that those entering don’t feel like they need to worry about touching or hurting anything.
With this idea and transformation in mind, what would you tuck into this curbside find? Also, I’m curious if you saw this on the side of the road, would you have stopped to get it?
What is more, if you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find this organizer and more available in my online store.
SHARE
In addition to leaving some comment love below for my vertical wall file organizer (let me hear it!), I also encourage you to pin and share to inspire others to give a makeover to their decor too.
Before you go, take a peek at my next gem…er…victim. tee hee. Wait until you see it NOW…
Additionally, to be sure to see the end result, sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!
While you’re at it, check out these other makeovers like this vertical wall file organizer:
When you said “pink,” you weren’t kidding!! What a great find AND makeover!! 🥰 Wouldn’t it be funny if your neighbor was a blog reader who put these out just to see what you can do them?? 🤔 I bet they’d be amazed!! 🤣
Funny you say that because my youngest son asked the same question last night…”do you think the people you pull from ever see what you do with it?” Wouldn’t that be a hoot? Thanks so much for the giggle, Rebecca!
Another wonderful rescue Larissa. I so enjoy your creativity when you breathe new life into old, discarded pieces. I have a house full of rescued finds that I find new life for. My neighbour once put out a dark, vintage wood dining chair which was in nice shape but dated. I cleaned, scuff sanded and painted it a lovely shade of blue and strategically decoupaged some pretty pink and rose coloured roses and leaves on it. I didn’t know the neighbours at that point but I put it back on their driveway when I finished it. This is how I met the couple. They were so surprised, as was I when they told me that they were expecting their first child who they knew was a girl. They brought me into the nursery which was the same shade of blue as the chair and decorated with huge roses on the walls. Their daughter’s middle name would be Rose after a grandmother and that chair, had been the grandmother’s. Life is certainly full of surprises but this was a nice one.
That just gave me goosebumps, Catherine!! I just love a story like that. One of my favorites is when I rescued a pair of French Provincial chairs that I did nothing to,but posted them for free. They ended up going to an older couple who just moved to the area to be near to ailing family and needed furniture. They were so thankful and all I did was bring them to my house and list. Easy-peasy!
Trad-Farmhouse, Euro-industrial, cottage, shabby chic!!! Nailed it! 😊 I really like how this turned out- so much character. Also I’m so with you on the spring cleaning, that is, if winter would go away. I have so many projects to get to so I can sell or barter to make room for nothing at all.
tee hee. So fun! Yes, I’m itching to get rid of more and more…I just need to get my kids to do the same then we’ll be good to go.
That yuk pink. A great transformation. I like it!
Too funny! Yes, maybe back in the 80’s but today…it’s not a thing. 😉 Thanks, Fran!
I love pink, BUT i don’t want to be blinded by it LOL! Great repurpose, Larissa.
bwahahaha!! Yes, exactly!! I have a long-time passion for pink, but mostly in soft hues or coral shades. Thanks so much!
Ahhhhh….. so much more pleasant to look at – And use. 🙂
I also love to refresh old things. It’s very rewarding to give them new life – and of course ! – keep them out of a landfill.
You have so many creative ideas !
Thanks
It doesn’t require sunglasses to look at any longer. hahaha! 😀 Thanks so much for repurposing and joining me in my fun!
I love that you took something plastic and made it look metal. I live in the country so I don’t have the option of picking up things. I do go to Goodwill and thrift stores and pick up things to redo. My best ever Goodwill find was a Dooney and Bourke crossbody bag for $4.99. I don’t think they knew wht they had. I grabbed it fast. I love going to thrift stores.
Sweet score!! That’s so fun. 😀 This was metal to begin with which led to even say it could be scrapped, but not trashed for sure. It was fun to rescue!
I LOVE this upcycle!
I love to use spray paints as well, so I will have to try out your nifty triple combination on a future project! One of my favorite rustoleum combos is to use black and paprika(?)
(basically the dark orange) sprayed together at the same time to give a faux rust finish. Sometimes you have to monkey around with it, but the results have been pretty fun. 👍🏻😄
How fun! Yes, making your own “time-worn wear” is not only a blast (literally), but is a creative art that really gets you using different styles. Here’s to making age! haha. Thanks, Jill.