Friday, October 5, 2012

My trash is out of sight!!!!

I live in an old house, and the kitchen is very--unique, shall I say. A decent size, but it had only one counter top and no upper cabinets when I bought it. No shelves. Nothing. I have added an upper cabinet, found discarded when somebody remodeled. And open shelves, so I have a place to put things, as I am one of those people who love to cook. Mainly because I love to eat.  Anyway, there was nowhere in this kitchen for a trash can. Underneath the sink is a jumble of strange plumbing configurations. Since I moved here eight years ago, I have had the trash can sitting exposed, which was ugly, and a temptation to the dogs. Now, I would like to pretend that my dogs are beautifully behaved, perfectly trained, and would never dream of sticking a nose in the trash. But the truth is, they are spoiled rotten, pampered, over-indulged, much-loved brats free spirits. Hey, they are dogs, and dogs do doggie things.
Annnyway, I found this cabinet thingy at a yard sale (7.50). I am not sure what it was intended to be, as it is very sturdy, but has this huge open area underneath, with no evidence of ever having had shelves. Maybe it was intended for a trash can from the start? No idea.(oh, my goodness, these pics are horrible, especially the before shots. Note to self: check before shots BEFORE I change anything!!!!)


But it is perfect, I stuck it in the middle of the room as an island, which is very handy. I built a pull-out contraption with casters, so I can put the trash can inside, and it rolls out at the touch of a finger. Bear in mind that I am not a woodworker. I had never touched a saw before I bought this house. I have no clue about the "right" way to build anything. I just picture what I want in my head, and go for it. 


 I wanted a big, easy to grasp pull. I had this oval cork from an old jar candle, so I put lots of glue so it wouldn't fall apart (although it is a very hard cork, not the crumbly kind), then attached it with one screw in the center. I glued a shiny penny over the screw, just for fun. Put a cheapo towel rack from the Dollar Store on the end. I had this slab of some sort of granite-type stuff, which is oddly shaped, but just the right size to put on the top. (My son-in-law got that someplace a few years ago, and knew I would like it. Thanks, Joe). Some leftover  bead board that I took down from the living room, and a piece of trim (cost, 2.00 at the local lumberyard), and I have a covered trash can. Plus a handy surface, and a place to hang a towel.And there is space at the back, behind the trash can, for cartons of trash bags. The bead board was somewhat lighter in color than the original cabinet, so I stained it with homemade stain, then waxed it with Trewax clear wax. The trim isn't right, I may, or may not, redo it. I attached the cork before the trim, and neglected to take into consideration that there would not be room to trim across the top. Duh. With aallll that glue I put on the cork, no taking it off and then putting it back lower!
This is not the place the cabinet belongs, which is in the middle of the kitchen, with the open side toward the stove, but when I took pictures with it there, my cluttered shelves showed,the light was bad.


In any case, it serves my needs quite well. As a friend says, "it is plenty good enough for who it's for". 
The dogs don't think much of it, but mommy is happy.
 

23 comments:

  1. Wow, Sandra, the 'trash' cabinet looks absolutely GREAT....ya did good. Looks like "Frank" is wondering 'how high will I have to jump to get in there?' Thanks for sharing all the pic and the work you had to go through to make such a great cabinet...The Lord has certainly blessed you with many talents. Betty

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    1. Thanks, Betty! Glad you came by and glad you like it. I really absolutely, positively have to get a better camera! Frank better keep his fat little feet on the floor, lol. At least he did until it was closed again!

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    2. I forgot to mention that I love the little cabinet on the casters between the stove and the counter that you had mentioned to me awhile back...Fits nicely and looks good.

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    3. Thank you, I love the little cabinet, sure fills that space nicely. Might or might not end up painting it, but it works great.

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  2. Sandra, I can relate. I have a spoiled rotten doggie as well...who often gets into my garbage. This solution is brilliant and it gives you some added counter space as well. Really great solution for such a reasonable price :)

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  3. Thanks, Amy. My theory is that doggies should be spoiled. And mine certainly are, but they are my support system, best friends, protectors, comfort and joy. I have four. Which might be a bit much, but I do have a big house~~~

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  4. Hi Sandra - thanks for visiting! Your trash bin/island is ingenious! Sounds like we have much in common, I also love junking but usually have more projects going than I'd like and would rather go hunting more junk than work on them. I usually get to things sooner or later, as I'm sure you do. Take care!

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  5. Hi, Tracy! Thank you for coming by, and for following.I know just what you mean, I have so many projects "in the planning stage", but it is so much fun to go hunting for more! Since I discovered blogs, I look at things in a different light, every item is "what can I do with this for my blog?" LOL, but I am having a blast!

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  6. I love old houses, but know the kitchens are usually lacking when it comes to storage. Your find has worked out perfect and it looks good too! Good Job!

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  7. Thank you, Geneva, and thanks for following. My trash container is working great, I love having the trash can right at hand, but out of sight, and the top is very handy, which is a bonus. I just wanted to hide the can, hadn't really thought about how nice it would be to have the extra workspace!

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  8. Hi Sandra,
    It looks like it is working well for you. Can't wait to see what else you are doing with the kitchen.
    Congratulations on the beginning of your blog. Have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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  9. Little steps and take a look on line, my camera is not the best either but I do fix a lot of the problems with increasing brightness, or shadows..ect..love the way you solved you problem with the perfect doggies...and gave your self more counter space..

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  11. Hi, I love your new 'cover' the wooden boards.....'Cover' may not be the correct word to use, as I've been on Facebook too long..LOL I can't wait to see your next project that you will be taking on with the new items you recently purchased. This is my first experience being on a blog, so I've got to learn my way around. Everything certainly looks nice. Betty (p.s.sorry about my other post, I'm trying to change my profile pic)

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  12. Thanks, Betty! I don't know what it is called, either, LOL. I know nothing about blogs,except that I love reading them, and just had to have one. Other bloggers are so kind and are helping me. I have a small project to post tomorrow!

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  13. That's such a great idea! I love finding new ideas for organizing! I know all about old houses and kitchens :)

    Have a wonderful day rock star!
    karianne

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  14. Oh Goodie, thanks for the heads up...I'll be looking for your project tomorrow...don't let us down....Lv Ya, Betty

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  15. You did an excellent job and I like how it turned out! It's amazing what we can do when we're left to our imagination.

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  16. Thanks, Sherry! I so love repurposing old things into something I can actually use.

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  17. Great job Sandra! I have a quirky kitchen too. Constant challenge. Thanks so much for the beautiful comment you left me!

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  18. Thanks, Jacqueline, and thanks for following. I love your blog, and maybe, in time, mine will be good, too! I am having a ball doing it, and learning so much.

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