The Block’s Georgia Caceres reveals how to ‘upcycle’ furniture for just $30

Not every household has the luxury of being able to fill their home with designer furniture, often turning to budget offerings from the likes of IKEA and Kmart.

And while many may believe there’s simply no affordable way to fill a home with unique, statement pieces on a budget, Georgia Caceres begs to differ.

On Saturday, The Block Season 13 contestant – who alongside husband Ronnie netted a cool $161,000 on the show – told Nine exactly how to source unwanted old furniture and transform it into a masterpiece for just $30.

 

 The Block’s Georgia Caceres reveals where to find ‘diamond in the rough’ furniture and how to ‘upcycle’ it into a designer masterpiece in under an hour… and it only costs $30! (pictured with husband and Block team mate Ronnie)

REVEALED: On Saturday, The Block Season 13 contestant revealed exactly how to source unwanted old furniture and transform it into a masterpiece for just $30

REVEALED: On Saturday, The Block Season 13 contestant revealed exactly how to source unwanted old furniture and transform it into a masterpiece for just $30

Before you begin your search, it’s important to create a plan for the style of design you want: industrial, vintage, art deco, rustic, contemporary?

Once you’ve nailed down a design style, decide on what item you’re looking for, and then begin your search.  

‘Don’t settle for the first piece you find just because you’re desperate to upcycle something. Do your research, shop around and make sure the size and dimensions are right before you commit,’ Georgia said.

Decision time: Before you begin your search, it's important to create a plan for the style of design you want: industrial, vintage, art deco, rustic, contemporary? Georgia said

Decision time: Before you begin your search, it’s important to create a plan for the style of design you want: industrial, vintage, art deco, rustic, contemporary? Georgia said

Option 1: For those willing to spend the time, the most cost-effective solution to finding a hidden gem is to keep a schedule of Roadside Collection dates for local councils - available on each region's website

Option 1: For those willing to spend the time, the most cost-effective solution to finding a hidden gem is to keep a schedule of Roadside Collection dates for local councils – available on each region’s website

Option 2: Option two is finding the Salvation Army/Vinnie's store's that stock furniture - there's plenty of suggestions and debate about which charity stores are the 'best' online, with many suggesting venturing to stores located in more affluent areas

Option 2: Option two is finding the Salvation Army/Vinnie’s store’s that stock furniture – there’s plenty of suggestions and debate about which charity stores are the ‘best’ online, with many suggesting venturing to stores located in more affluent areas

For those willing to spend the time, the most cost-effective solution is to keep a schedule of Roadside Collection dates for local councils – available on each region’s website.

Where to look 

1.  Budget: Source council pickup dates per region, and go hunting for ‘hidden gems’

2. Risk/Reward: Charity shops that stock furniture are hit-or-miss, try searching online for tips on the ‘best’ stores in your area

3. Quality: Gumtree is Georgia’s favourite. There’s millions of hidden gems, although at a slightly higher price. Always negotiate.

‘It’s often a case of first in best dressed, so the sooner you’re there, the better!’ she told the publication, describing the ‘buzz’ of finding hidden gems in plain sight.

Option two is finding charity store outlets that stock furniture – there’s plenty of suggestions and debate about which charity stores are the ‘best’ online, with many suggesting venturing to stores located in more affluent areas.

Gumtree is Georgia’s favourite for quality, and while often slightly higher in price, the sheer quantity of products on offer means bargains are inevitable.

It's not all good! 'Don’t settle for the first piece you find just because you’re desperate to upcycle something,' Georgia insists

It’s not all good! ‘Don’t settle for the first piece you find just because you’re desperate to upcycle something,’ Georgia insists

The reality star insists she’s never paid the asking price for an item on Gumtree – negotiation is the key. 

In a demonstration video, Georgia upcycled a chest of drawers in under an hour, using just sandpaper and one-and-a-half cans of Chalk Spray Paint.

$30! In a demonstration video, Georgia upcycled a chest of drawers in under an hour, using just sandpaper and one-and-a-half cans of Chalk Spray Paint

$30! In a demonstration video, Georgia upcycled a chest of drawers in under an hour, using just sandpaper and one-and-a-half cans of Chalk Spray Paint

Executing your master plan 

1. Remove handles/hardware from your item to make it easier to paint

2. Sand all over with medium or course paper 

3. Apply two coats of paint – Georgia’s current favourites are ‘chalk’ paints

4. While waiting for the paint to dry, prepare equipment for distressing the furniture (sand paper is the most subtle approach)

5. Weather or wax the furniture if desired – note, this can change the look considerably, but provides longevity

6.  Re-install handles/hardware, or add new handles/hardware to suit your style choices

 Georgia suggests two cans should cost around $32, although her personal favourite product is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which only comes in a tin.

After a quick sanding, it’s time to paint: ‘Use smooth, clear motions, and keep the can at a distance where it’s not dripping, that’s sort of the key,’ she said in the video. 

She also suggests a clear furniture wax to seal the paint job to increase its longevity before deciding on a style choice.

‘Distressing’ furniture isn’t just in vogue, it can also be fun. Georgia recommends a ‘light-to-medium’ grade of sandpaper on surfaces and edges. 

The key is not to get carried away and to frequently step back and take a close look to ensure you haven’t gone overboard.

 For those going for a really unique look, other websites even suggest placing nails in old socks and physically hitting the furniture to give it an aged look.

'Smooth and clear': After a quick sanding, it's time to paint: 'Use smooth, clear motions, and keep the can at a distance where it's not dripping, that's sort of the key,' she said in the video

‘Smooth and clear’: After a quick sanding, it’s time to paint: ‘Use smooth, clear motions, and keep the can at a distance where it’s not dripping, that’s sort of the key,’ she said in the video

Lock it tin! Georgia suggests two cans should cost around $32, although her personal favourite product is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which only comes in a tin

Lock it tin! Georgia suggests two cans should cost around $32, although her personal favourite product is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which only comes in a tin

Taking to the corners with the back of a hammer is another option for those wanting to make it look as if they’ve splashed out at an antique store.

Georgia also gets stunning results from simply replacing handles or other hardware elements with ones that more closely suit your theme. 

Basically, it comes down to three phases: Create a plan, use Georgia’s guide to source an item with potential, and then execute your master plan.

No stress! 'Distressing' furniture isn't just in vogue, it can also be fun. Georgia recommends a 'light-to-medium' grade of sandpaper on surfaces and edges

No stress! ‘Distressing’ furniture isn’t just in vogue, it can also be fun. Georgia recommends a ‘light-to-medium’ grade of sandpaper on surfaces and edges

Winners are grinners! The Block Season 13 contestants a netted a cool $161,000 on the show

Winners are grinners! The Block Season 13 contestants a netted a cool $161,000 on the show



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