We’ve all had that one piece of furniture that just doesn’t fit anymore — too dark, too dated, or just plain dull.
One of our community members, Michelle McDonald, found herself staring at an old black IKEA buffet that clashed with her bright new home.
Instead of tossing it or calling in help, she rolled up her sleeves, grabbed some paint, and turned it into a stylish TV stand, all for under $100.
The Spark to Start
Necessity is often the mother of innovation, but in this case, it was the motivation behind picking up the project.
With her husband recently laid off, kids and a dog keeping things lively, and a tight household budget, spending hundreds on new furniture wasn’t an option.
So she decided to give her old buffet a second life. Like many of us, she believed the paint label when it promised “no sanding required.” Spoiler alert: it lied.
Chaos Meets Courage
Once she started, the reality of DIY hit hard. The paint wouldn’t cover the black surface. The brush roller technique failed miserably. And, because life loves a good laugh, her neighbor called just as she started painting.
But Michelle did what Handy Women do best — she kept going. She stayed calm, ditched the roller, and worked in patient, light coats.
When her wallpaper insert didn’t match the exterior color, she pivoted, using the wall color as contrast instead. That adaptability? Pure DIY brilliance.
Finding the Spark
Every project has that one moment where frustration shifts to quiet pride. For Michelle, it came after hours of persistence. What was supposed to be a two-hour refresh stretched into nearly eight, but the result spoke volumes.
As the black disappeared under soft new tones and fresh knobs went on, she realized she had just proven to herself she could handle it. Her mantra was simple but powerful: “Sand first!! Stay calm. Trust yourself.”
The finished TV stand now fits perfectly with her home’s lighter look. It’s a visual and emotional upgrade that proved you don’t need to break the bank to class up your home.
For less than $100, Michelle created something that feels personal, intentional, and entirely hers.
What We Can All Learn
As a community, we’ve learned from Michelle’s story that the goal is persistence, not perfection. Mistakes happen (especially when paint cans lie), but every brushstroke teaches something new.
Whether you’re reviving an old dresser or fixing a leaky faucet, the best advice might just be Michelle’s: stay calm, trust yourself, and sand first.
Do you have a similar story to share? We’d love to feature your story next.
Drop your photos and notes about your projects here so that we can share them with the whole community and celebrate together.