I recently took on another Trash to Treasure challenge, and this time I transformed my mum’s old IKEA cabinet using pieces that were either forgotten, thrifted, or literally headed for the trash.
The cabinet itself had great bones… but it was way too dark and honestly not doing the space any favors. So instead of replacing it, I decided to give it a high-end personality on a serious budget — starting with a simple IKEA HAVSTA hack to completely brighten and elevate the base.
Cabinet before:
Cabinet after:
Throughout this makeover, I focused on creating that collected, designer look by layering in key styling elements:
✨ An easy wood-look foil HAVSTA cabinet update
📚 Vintage-style books for instant character and depth
🪞 A DIY distressed mirror made from an old glass frame
📦 Plastic-to-metal box flip for that aged brass feel
🧳 A custom leather-wrapped treasure box
🗿 Stone-look cardboard bookends
🏺 Trash-yard ceramics turned faux stone
🕯️ And a simple candle glow-up using Canva (Label Templates)
What I love most about this challenge is that almost everything started as something overlooked or unwanted — and ended up looking boutique and high-end.
If you enjoy elevated DIYs that look expensive but are totally achievable on a budget — and you love a good IKEA HAVSTA hack — this transformation is right up your alley.
Watch the full Trash to Treasure transformation here:
SHOP HORSE ART:
- Framed Horse Art – Buy here