It’s nothing new that 80’s blue paired with geese, Amish, and hearts make my eye twitch and actually inspire me. You can see what I mean in these past posts. However, apples are new to me, but this vintage potato bin needs help ASAP!!

Okay, let’s pause for a minute and ponder this “lint rentals”. 

One’s mind wonders (1) can I rent lint? (2) will someone pay me to rent my lint? (3) maybe they’re like Alf (remember that furry alien?) and eat belly-button lint for a snack. Either way, I had a good belly laugh when I spied that scribble. Oh, and so you know, it’s written on the inside as well. In addition, the bottom knob is broken off and the glass is missing from the top bread bin.

I will admit that I really debated on taking it fully apart and building something new like I did to this paper towel holder, or this shelf, or even this desk into nightstands.

MAKEOVER TIME

First, let’s take a closer look at what I’m dealing with. If you look closely, you’ll see all but the back of this is made of oak. Not only can I see the grain through the paint, but also that it is heavy. I’ve seen these made my Amish in my neck of the woods, and it is built SOLID. Sadly, at some point someone spray painted all of it black. Then, at another time painted that awful, drippy blue.

On the inside, there is rust and gunk on the hinges, and even piles of something that drew Ivan’s attention (he’s my tabby kitten so you can imagine what those piles were). ewwww…

And, of course, those apples just aren’t speaking to me. So, they’ll be going buh-bye as well.

To begin, I remove all the hardware and take this vintage potato bin down to bare bones. Using my Bar Keepers Friend, I clean and polish the door hinges.

At the same time, I take off the wire mesh from the doors keeping all parts for later.

NEXT STEPS

Next, I’m tackling all the doors. Let’s just say it took me HOURS and a pile of sanding pads to get down to that gorgeous red oak. Note, I am freezing in my heavy down coat and snow is falling with gusty winds. yay.

After that, it’s time to de-apple the bottom bin doors. I use my jigsaw and cut them out leaving a frame.

Talk about therapeutic! I feel the bin breathing a sigh of relief.

Once I have all the wood prepped, I clean the bin properly and add hemp oil to the raw wood.

Then, to cover the black paint, I use the same slate green I use in my own kitchen, living room, and family room.

REVEAL

Y’all ready for this? I am skip-happy with the fresh new look this bin has now.

Finally, good-bye to blucky black and blue and hello new. Isn’t it so much better?

Further, I spray painted the mesh a rusty penny color and turned the mesh supports the other direction. Also, I had two knobs in my stash that suited the doors perfectly after I paint them copper. Likewise, I happened to have a couple of baskets to stage with from my laundry room, but they are staying with me.

 

Meanwhile, the bread bin would have normally had a piece of glass with bread painted on it, I used a piece of luan and my transfer technique to hand-paint it on.

Now, I’d be keeping this if I didn’t already have the stacked bins I built with my free plans HERE. So, if you’d like to add this to your home story, you can find it and more available in my online store.

SHARE

At this point, I want to hear from you. Would you have bought this as-is? I hope I’m inspiring you to see past the obvious to the potential. What is more, pin and share to inspire others.

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter because up next, I’ve got another DIY adventure for you with this other apple goody from the thrift store.

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What is more, here are more transformations like this vintage potato bin makeover: