The Forgotten Cabinet
Ever since I was a kid, I remember this cabinet sitting in the corner of my father’s garage.
It was always covered in dust and cluttered with tools, but something about it caught my eye.
My dad used to say it was junk—“Anita, when you take a closer look at it, you’ll see it’s rubbish.”
But I didn’t care. I loved its rustic charm and clean lines, and deep down I always believed I’d fix it up one day.
The Rescue Mission
Years passed, but I never stopped admiring that old cabinet. Eventually, my dad gave me the go-ahead to take it. I asked my boss if he could help paint it—he has a spray booth—and thankfully, he said yes. That’s when things really started coming together.
Jim, our talented handyman at the time, offered to remake the missing drawers in the original style. I was over the moon. But he didn’t stop there.
A Total Makeover
Jim gave the cabinet a full structural makeover. The flimsy shelves were replaced with sturdy ones that could actually hold dinnerware. He fixed the uneven feet and filled in the joins so well that you’d never know there were any issues. It finally stood straight and strong.
Gary and Grant, our amazing Evic tech reps, helped with the prep and priming using Evic’s 766A Polyester Primer—perfect for the shaker-style design.
Original shelves replaced with stronger shelves.
This cabinet was given a structural makeover
This is now ready to be primed with Evic’s 766A Primer.
Choosing the Colours
I knew from the start that I wanted two tones: a crisp white and Country Blue by Evic. I used Evic’s stock white for the base—clean and bright. For the top, I went with my current favourite Country Blue. It’s a colour I’ve loved since its creation and it suits this cabinet perfectly. The 690 series in 30% gloss finish gives it a silky, elegant feel.
Looking good in Evic stock white and Evic’s Country Blue.
The Finishing Touches
The original handles were long gone—only one remained. I tried to source similar ones but had no luck. I even bought some brass handles online, but when they arrived, they just didn’t feel right. Jim didn’t like them either and took it upon himself to find new ones. Thankfully, he has great taste.
He also replaced the broken locks and added working keys—something the cabinet had never had in my lifetime.
From garage junk to sunroom centrepiece.
A New Life, A New Story
What started as a dusty, forgotten piece in my dad’s garage is now a stunning showpiece in my sunroom. It’s more than just furniture—it’s a reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes all something needs is a second chance.
I’m so grateful to everyone who helped bring this cabinet back to life. They didn’t just help me renovate an old cabinet—they gave it a new story, and a forever home.
Thanks for reading!
If you’ve ever upcycled something you love, I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below or tag me in your photos—I’m always inspired by creative transformations!