It is so satisfying to remake a worn, chipped or ugly item and turn it into something beautiful and useful again. It is good for the environment, and it is easier on the checkbook, but the best part is the gratification of seeing the transformation occur under your own hands. I expected that I would complete more do it yourself (DIY) projects in retirement, but somehow other things have taken priority. So, I am trying to delve into them a little more again.

I recently decided to try upgrading a couple of nightstands that we had in our guest room, even though I vowed I would never pick up a paintbrush again after painting all of our kitchen cabinets a couple years ago. It took me almost two years to recover from that little project, What Were We Thinking?

Back when it was new

When we first got married, we bought the proverbial waterbed. Back then waterbeds were pretty cool, and cheap (as beds go) but totally impractical. I clearly remember when we decided it was time to grow up and get a real mattress. I was eight months pregnant with son #1. Have you ever tried turning over in a waterbed when you are eight months pregnant? I do not recommend it. I had to roll from side to side a few times to get enough momentum (and wave) to roll over. By then I was wide awake. Yep, it was time to bite the bullet and get a real bedroom set.

I remember the day our lovely cherry wood bedroom set arrived over 35 years ago. It was a big extravagance for a young couple just starting a family. It was our first really nice piece of furniture that was not a hand-me-down and as expected, it lasted us for years. (It was also much easier to turn over in it when I was pregnant with twins a few years later.) But eventually it became chipped and outdated and so it was relegated to the guest room. Now, as we prepare to move, I am evaluating what stays and what goes to our kids or gets donated to charity. I looked at the nightstands with a critical eye and realized that I simply could not part with them. So, why not give them a DIY facelift instead?

Years ago, I went through a phase where I painted almost every old piece of furniture we had a shiny black color. I was dangerous with a paintbrush in hand. I told Mr. U that if he stood still too long, he might be painted too. Fortunately for him, life got busy, and the paintbrush was set aside for carpools, kid’s sports and sleepovers. Now that I am retired and the nest is empty, I have picked up a paintbrush again. Watch out Mr. U!

The transformation begins

Every DIY project begins with four planning phases.

• First off is the fun part of deciding what kind of look you are going for. The internet offers more than enough ideas, as well as information on how to do it. And don’t even get me started on the deep hole that you may never come back from, aka Pinterest. In this case, I wanted a more modern look, so I chose a flat black paint and simple brushed gold handles.
• Next, is an inventory of what tools you currently have on hand such as sandpaper, paint remover, brushes, etc. I have made the mistake of planning to use some paint I already had on hand, only to discover that it was much older than I thought and no longer usable. Note to self – always open old paint cans to check on them.
• Once you know what you already have at home, you can make a list of what items you still need to complete the project. Then it is time to make a trip to the hardware store. There are so many great paints available now that are self-leveling and do not show brush strokes.
• Lastly, round up any help you can muster. In this case, I needed some assistance with the sanding tools. And I never decline offers to help with the painting, even if they require bribery.

It seems like every DIY project has some unwanted surprise along the way and this simple project was no exception. I took the old handles off only to discover that they do not carry that width handle anymore. Mr. U came to the rescue and put putty in the previous holes, then sanded and painted over them so we were able to put the new hardware holes wherever we wanted. See why you want to enlist any help you can get? (Refer to phase four above.)

Whenever I am partway through a DIY project, I prejudge how it is going to look. I always, and I mean always, feel like it is going to look terrible. I get frustrated that this has all been a waste of time. But it is amazing what a difference the finishing touches make. It truly transforms a project. I was happy with the outcome of our nightstands. Beware, I just may start painting everything in sight again. And if you come to my house, you may be enlisted to help.