Complete Built-in wardrobe makeover and renovation project
We recently completed a new built in wardrobe makeover and renovation project for our newest family member “little MJ”.
The best materials to complete this Built-in Wardrobe renovation and makeover.
- Driftwood Edging
- Melamine Driftwood colour
- External plaster beads/trim angle
- Hafele Drawer – Soft close drawer runners
- White Sliding doors Sliding Doors (as purchased second hand on Facebook marketplace)
- Wardrobe Top and bottom door tracks/runners (came with the doors)
- Plaster sheeting
- Plaster base and topcoat
- Plaster jointing tape.
- Gyprock screws
- Paint as required. Undercoat, sealer, and topcoat (Colour of choice)
Where to start ?
When we found out we were expecting our first Baby together we quickly set about to put a plan into place to renovate and update the built in wardrobe along with the spare room into a neutral themed nursery.
Alongside styling, painting, and buying nursery furniture we knew we needed to makeover the existing built-in wardrobe as it was old fashioned, dark, and lacked any style.
We wanted something that would last our little one, from birth through to his teenage years and beyond so a neutral pallet was our aim.
We also had no idea at the time if we were expecting a baby boy or girl so I wanted something that would suit both genders.
As soon as we started to plan the new design, we were quick to realise the old built-in wardrobe was not square to the wall and the entire fit out would need to be replaced along with a new cornice.
We began by designing and drawing up a new layout and set about removing the existing shelves, and doors, so that we had a blank space to draw out our new design.
Handy Tip – Sell your old built-in wardrobe.
Be careful with the removal of your old built-in wardrobe as many people will pay for your second-hand wardrobe if it is in good condition.
In fact, we even numbered the parts for the new owner for ease of reinstallation and ensured we had good pictures so that it could be rebuilt without concern, much like a puzzle.
The old wardrobe was placed on Facebook marketplace and within 24 hours sold for $300 cash to a lovely couple who were fitting out an old farmhouse down the coast.
It was a win win situation; they got a much-needed wardrobe at a great price, and we had some extra cash to put towards the building materials for the new wardrobe and fit out.
To begin any new fit out you need to have an idea of the design you are after.
Previously we had only built basic wardrobe fit outs which honestly lacked design and imagination, (see pics in our granny flat renovation).
I spent some time on Google and Pinterest looking for the right style and ideas that suited our needs and the room and area we had to work with.
Time and a lot of patience…
It would be fair to say that the Nursery renovation took a fair bit of time to complete and took us away from our main renovation project, but as this was a labour of love and we were excited to see the room completed before our newest addition joined us.
Time was certainly ticking, and every spare weekend and afternoon was taken up completing this project.
Mike did his usual measuring out and sourced the materials at the best available price.
We were lucky that Bunnings had most of the materials we needed to complete the project and with Mikes self-taught cabinetry skills it was not long until the wardrobe started to take shape.
During our material search we also came across some very handy and easy to assembly draw fittings which helped bring our vision to life and saved Mike some time in terms of building the 8 draws that we wanted for inside the built in.
We trolled the online second-hand marketplaces such as Facebook, Ebay and gumtree and found a set of wardrobe doors in like new condition and measured perfectly for the job.
We paid around $150 and the previous owner was even kind enough to deliver them to our door.
The only thing they required was a good clean with Jiff.
Renovation and Pregnancy during a Pandemic
I found online shopping my best friend. I was after all pregnant during a global pandemic and all though I did need to venture out to the shops from time to time I kept my outings shorts and took as many safety precautions as possible.
Mike oversaw the Bunnings shopping spree and before he would set out to buy our materials, we made sure he had a clear list of ideas that were needed so that he too could get in and out as quickly as possible.
You can save even more time by using the Bunnings power pass app which allows you to create a shopping list, check instore stock and isle location.
Never be afraid to ask for help!
You may need help! We sure did, help from family, friends, and a lot of patience and maybe a few long days.
Feeling quite tired and heavily pregnant by this stage we needed to rely heavily on our family to assist in the completion of the built in and nursery room, which included painting and lifting the heavy doors and cabinetry in place.
My beautiful sister-in-law, who has a flare for design assisted us in a lot of design, style and theme for the general layout of the wardrobe and bedroom itself and honestly, we could not be more appreciative and thankful for all her help and the help of everyone who got involved.
The reality is, you can just about order anything online these days and then sit at home and wait for your goodies to arrive safely at your door.
The result is simply beautiful, and I know it will grow with MJ and continue to suit his ever-changing needs throughout the coming years.
The best part about the wardrobe build was seeing the result and beginning to fill it with our little one’s belongings, from clothing to books and soft toys.
Stay safe
Mike, Nat and MJ
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