Breathing New Life into an Old IKEA Cabinet: My First DIY of 2025

I hope you’re doing well and feeling inspired! I’m so excited to share my first DIY project of 2025 with you. It’s been such a fun adventure and a great reminder that giving your home a fresh look doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Let’s talk about how I gave a little TLC to an old IKEA cabinet I’ve had for years.

A Little Paint Goes a Long Way
I have always said that paint is a simple, budget-friendly way to transform just about anything in your home such as furniture, cabinets, and even walls. In this case, my IKEA cabinet was looking a bit tired and faded. It was a little wobbly so we replaced the feet with adjustable leveling glides to solve that problem. After a quick wipe-down and light sand, I picked out a beautiful navy blue paint from Valspar called “Dress Blues.” You’d be amazed at what a couple of coats of paint can do! It instantly brought a fresh, cheerful vibe to my dining room. Moral of the story? Don’t underestimate the power of a paintbrush and a can of paint!

Tracking My Colors
One thing I’ve learned over the years is how handy it is to keep track of the paint colors you use around the house. That’s why I created a “Paint Tracker” section in my book “The Beautifully Organized Home Planner.” It’s a simple tool, but it’s been such a lifesaver! Any time I need to touch up an old paint job, all I have to do is flip to that page and see exactly which color, brand, and finish I used. No more guessing games—and it means I’m way less likely to end up with a paint color that’s “close” but not quite right.

A Clever Cover-Up
The other thing I love about this project is the new look I gave the cabinet doors. They’re glass, and sometimes you just don’t want to display everything inside, especially if you’re storing random odds and ends. To create a more streamlined look, I added a small café rod and a piece of fabric on the inside. Instant interior curtain! It’s optional, but I personally love it because it adds a cozy feel and hides any not-so-pretty clutter.

The Big Takeaway
The best part of this project is that it reminds us how little tweaks can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, a clever curtain, or any other small update, you really don’t have to break the bank to get a look you love. I hope this inspires you to tackle a fun DIY project of your own because there’s nothing like a little creativity to breathe new life into your home.

Thanks for joining me on this DIY journey, friends. And remember: if you’re ever in doubt about your color choices, be sure to keep track of them! You’ll thank yourself later when you need that touch-up or want to repeat that perfect hue somewhere else.

Happy painting, and stay beautifully organized! -Nikki