I bought this trolley for a steal on Craigslist. You may have seen it here. You can’t tell in the photo, but it’s banged up and rickety from years of use. My friend Peter added some reinforcement to make it sturdy, then I filled in the nicks with wood filler and oiled the squeaky wheels with WD-40. Finally, I made cosmetic changes—using paint and wallpaper left over from Sunset’s Menlo Park Idea House. Thanks, Sarah!

Wallpapered cart

Supplies

• latex primer
• latex paint (I used Benjamin Moore Aura in Steam [AF-15])
• craft glue (I used Mod Podge in matte)
• wallpaper
• painter’s tape

Tools

• paintbrush
• foam brush
• drop cloth
• scissors
• ruler & pencil
• craft knife (optional)
• brayer or small paint roller (optional)

1. First tape off the wheels with painter’s tape, then paint one coat of primer on the frame only. Let dry.

2. Apply two coats of paint (also to the frame only), letting it dry several hours in between coats.

3. Measure, mark, and cut the wallpaper to fit each of the three shelves.

4. Using a foam brush, paint glue in sections on the cart surface.

5. Smooth the wallpaper down with a brayer. I didn’t have a brayer, so I used a dry paint roller, which worked well. Keep adding glue and smoothing as you go. Trim any excess paper, if necessary, with a craft knife. Let dry for about an hour.

6. Add a top coat of glue to protect the surface of the wallpaper and make it easier to clean. It will cause slight bubbling of the wallpaper, but will lessen as the glue dries. As an alternative top coat, you could spray the wallpaper with clear lacquer.

7. Let the top coat dry overnight before using the cart.

I picked up these drawers on Freecycle. They were salvaged from the kitchen of a 1940s house that was demolished. My original plan was to put the drawers on wheels and use them as under-bed storage. Turns out, no two drawers are the same height, which would look janky. So I tried stacking them vertically instead (anchoring them to the wall, of course). You could also hang these drawers as individual shadowboxes.

Salvaged drawers = modular bookcase

Supplies

• primer
• 2 coordinating paint colors
• decorative or wrapping paper (I got mine at Paper Source)
• découpage glue (I used Mod Podge)
• drywall screws
• wood filler

Tools

• paintbrush
• drop cloth
• scissors or craft knife, straight edge, and cutting mat
• tape measure or yardstick
• brayer (optional)
• drill
• sand paper
• vacuum or tack cloth

1. Fill the drawer-pull holes with wood filler. Let dry. Sand the rough edges and vacuum off the dust, then paint one coat of primer.

2. Paint the outer sides one color. I used Ralph Lauren Aged Mint (IB25).

3. When dry, paint the inner sides the other color. I used Infinity Edge of Wedgewood (no longer available). To achieve a clean edge where the two paint colors meet, pull your paintbrush toward the edge. No taping necessary. Let the paint dry for several hours.

4. Measure and cut the decorative paper to fit in the bottom of each drawer.

5. Insert the paper to make sure it fits. Trim as necessary.

6. Paint a layer of glue onto the wood, then place the paper on top. I found it easier if I poured a thin line of glue onto the surface, then spread it with my paintbrush. Flatten the paper with a brayer or your hands. Smooth out the air bubbles before the glue sets. Let dry.

7. Then spread another layer of glue over the top of the paper. Wipe off excess glue on the sides before it dries. Let dry.

8. Affix each drawer to the wall with a drywall screw. Pre-drill into studs or use a drywall anchor or molly bolt.