The Question Was, "Do You Want This?"
"Do you want this?"
That was the text I received one afternoon from my daughter, along with a picture of a dark faux wood laminate credenza she no longer wanted. I looked at the photo for about one second before texting back, "Yes!"
The next message made me smile. "It'll probably be hard to refinish because it's laminate." I laughed and replied, "No worries." Laminate, shaminate. I was already imagining what this piece could become.
Seeing Possibilities Instead of Problems
One of the things I love most about redesign is that it teaches us to see possibilities instead of problems.
I had been wanting additional storage for my office, and the size and shape of the credenza were exactly what I needed. The finish didn't matter because I already knew it wasn't going to stay that way. My daughter saw a piece of furniture she no longer needed. I saw hidden potential.
It's easy to focus on what something is today that we never stop to imagine what it could become tomorrow. Sometimes the best pieces of furniture aren't found in a showroom. They're sitting in a family member's spare bedroom, tucked away in a basement, or waiting in someone's garage for a second chance.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Since the credenza had a laminate finish, I gave the surface a light sanding to help the paint adhere. Then I mixed up a batch of my favorite homemade chalk paint—a recipe I've used successfully for years on furniture projects.
Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe
½ cup warm water
½ cup Plaster of Paris
1½ cups flat latex paint
Dissolve the Plaster of Paris completely in the warm water before stirring in the paint. Mix well, and don't worry if it thickens as it sits—that's exactly what it's supposed to do.
After several coats, the dark cabinet completely disappeared beneath a crisp white finish that instantly brightened the piece.
The Details That Made the Difference
While the paint transformed the credenza, it was the finishing touches that gave it personality. My one splurge was a set of black-and-gold drawer pulls that I found on Amazon for about $22. They instantly updated the cabinet and made it feel more custom. The lamp was already in my house, but its bronze finish no longer coordinated with the new hardware. Rather than buying another lamp, I simply gave it a quick coat of rustic bronze-gold spray paint. The candlesticks, which I also owned, received a fresh coat of paint as well. My only other purchase was a woven basket from Dollar Tree for just $5. Everything else came from “shopping” my own home.
It's a good reminder that before buying new accessories, it's worth exploring your own house. You might already own exactly what you need.
A Designer Secret
Can I let you in on a little secret? That little white planter sitting on top of the credenza isn't there simply because I thought the space needed a plant. It's actually hiding the cutout in the top of the cabinet designed for an electric/computer outlet and cord.
That design didn’t fit my needs, so I thought outside the cutout. Since all I needed was a table lamp, using the opening would have meant a big black cord running down the outside of the credenza where everyone could see it. No, thank you! Instead of trying to patch the opening, I simply placed the planter over it. Problem solved. Mom was wrong this time: it was better to sweep the problem under the rug. Now the lamp cord disappears neatly behind the credenza, the opening is hidden, and the styling looks intentional. Don’t tell.
Sometimes the prettiest decorating decisions begin as practical solutions.
One Piece...A Whole New Look
Today, it's hard to believe this bright, welcoming credenza started as a dark laminate unwanted cabinet. A little paint, a few thoughtful updates, and less than $30 in new purchases completely transformed it into a favorite piece in my office.
An important reminder: Creating a home you love isn't about having the newest furniture or the biggest decorating budget. It's about looking at what you already have—or what someone else no longer wants—and seeing the possibilities hiding beneath the surface.
Sometimes all a piece needs is another chance. And sometimes all it takes is answering a simple text with a "Yes."
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
Be sure to visit The Redesign Habit to share your redesign stories or reach out with your questions. We’d love to hear what you’re working on.
For more great stories and ideas please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
