Bookcase Turned Modern

Patient diagnosis: Stable. A few dings and scratches made this already-unattractive laminate bookcase look worse. Still, it was a solid piece with plenty of useful storage potential.

 

Design triage: Turning the vertical bookcase on its side transformed it into a clean-lined storage unit. After the frame was stabilized with screws, scratches were filled in with putty. Next, three long partitions and two small shelves were installed to carve out interesting storage nooks. The back of the unit and base were removed, and the unit was propped up on legs made from threaded metal flanges and pipes. Finally, the piece was painted a high-gloss white.

 

Expected recovery: Full. The makeover is amazing. You'd never recognize the same, tired laminate bookcase in this sleek modern storage unit.