Clever mum transforms a storage unit into an incredible cabinet

A clever mum has transformed a basic storage unit into an abstract cabinet using supplies from Bunnings Warehouse.

Jaharn Quinn, from Queensland, shared the process in an Instagram video – and the end result impressed hundreds online. 

‘I have been walking into our guest bedroom every day and smiling with pure joy and satisfaction knowing I made this myself,’ she wrote. 

‘That feeling is the absolute best and is the very reason why I love what I do.’

To bring her idea to life, she used MDF wood cut to size, glue, paint and pine ball furniture legs. 

After: The end result (pictured) looked incredible. To bring her idea to life, she used MDF wood cut to size, glue, paint and pine ball furniture legs from Bunnings

Jaharn said alternative cabinets of the same size can cost up to $400, which she wasn’t willing to pay. 

After seeing a similar cabinet crafted by interior designer Atelier Akuko, Jaharn wanted to recreate the look for her own home. 

‘As with all DIY’s, there were many ups and downs as I learned how to make a cabinet for the very first time,’ she wrote on her website. 

The Bunnings team in Noosa assisted Jaharn with her project and gave her suggestions in store.

She began by measuring the width and height of the cabinet then divided the number in two to confirm the measurements for the doors. 

‘Head to Bunnings, pick up your Melamine White MDF panel and Premium Plywood Pine, and get the cabinet doors and the melamine MDF cut to size,’ Jaharn said. 

Using a staple gun, she attached the melamine MDF (white side facing in) to the back of the storage cube.

The cabinet doors were painted white and left to dry. 

In the meantime, she turned the storage cube horizontally and attached the hinges for the doors by following the instructions. 

The Bunnings team in Noosa assisted Jaharn with her project and gave her suggestions in store. She began by measuring the width and height of the cabinet then divided the number in two to confirm the measurements for the doors

The cabinet doors were painted white and left to dry. In the meantime, she turned the storage cube horizontally and attached the hinges for the doors by following the instructions. Next, she measured the diameter of the pine legs on each corner

Next, she measured the diameter of the pine legs on each corner of the bottom of the cabinet then dilled a hole in the centre. 

All four legs were painted then attached onto the cabinet using a drill. 

To create the abstract design, Jaharn cut out a range of shapes from the MDF board.   

‘Smooth the edges down using a sander. Position the abstract shapes onto the cabinet and glue them down using Liquid Nails,’ she said. 

‘The shapes may slip on the sides of the cabinet so use painters tape to hold them into place, and let the glue dry overnight. 

All four legs were painted then attached onto the cabinet using a drill (left). To create the abstract design, Jaharn cut out a range of shapes from the MDF board (right)

The cabinet doors were painted a couple times then one coat of Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer was applied

The cabinet doors were painted a couple times then one coat of Zinsser B-I-N Primer Sealer was applied. 

‘Once dried (and it dries really quickly), apply a couple of coats of white paint and set aside to dry. And your cabinet is finished!’ Jaharn said. 

‘I cannot tell you how satisfying this project has been. It took a lot of work.’  

Hundreds dubbed the design as ‘so beautiful’ and ‘amazing’.