Old Kmart shelf transformed into high-end apothecary cabinet: 'Best hack ever'

When it comes to upcycling furniture, there are some transformations that really are unbelievable.

And this incredible transformation of the $37 eight-cube storage unit from Kmart is no exception.

Mum-of-three Sandra Diele is being called a "genius" after turning a damaged shelving unit into a high-end apothecary-look cabinet.

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, she said her inspiration came from her childhood home.

“Growing up my home was surrounded with science equipment as my dad was heavily into science and medicine,” she explains.

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“Years ago I watched a man build an original apothecary cabinet and I wanted to do the same but I don’t quite have the technical skills.

“I saw a cabinet being sold with the faux draw fronts and came up with the idea to use a cube unit as a base - this would eliminate the need to build the entire structure.”

She added that the budget piece was made from mostly recycled materials as well, making it environmentally friendly and relatively cost-free.

“I used repurposed material which would otherwise end up in landfill. So I started not really thinking it would work out that well.”

"I love this so much"

But to her surprise, the piece, which now stands proudly in her living room, absolutely stunned hundreds of DIY fans. Some said her creation was "absolutely heavenly genius" while another said it was the best Kmart hack they'd seen.

“Well... isn’t that genius. I’ve used cube units in all sorts of ways but this takes the cake! Well done! It’s awesome!” wrote one impressed person.

“Wow. I had to go through the photos a few times to see the magic that you created. Love it. None of us will look at a cube stand the same, ever again,” added another.

“This project is probably the best hack I’ve EVER seen. You are amazing!!! It just perfect!!” Added a third.

Her post racked up more than 4,800 likes with many stunned that she created such a high-end looking piece for next to nothing.

How she did it

Sandra says that when she first received the storage unit it was damaged with watermarks from pot plants.

Explaining the step-by-step project, Sandra says it took her one week to complete but says it could easily be completed as a weekend project.

“I covered the side panels with plywood so the surface could be painted, added timber to the top and bottom as a trim, and added scrap MDF for the doors,” she explained.

“The faux doors are plywood cut into 120 x120 squares. The cabinet top was found wood that I laminated together with wood glue and clamps.

“The interior I lined with fabric I had already purchased a while ago. The bowl is made from wooden curtain rings and macrame rings and hot glued together.”

This isn’t Sandra’s first successful DIY project either. She often gets creative with old, unused furniture giving it a little love and sharing her results on her Instagram page.

“I started just with renovating my home over a year ago. I walked into every room and thought ‘a cabinet would look beautiful here, or table...’ so I decided to research on how to make things,” she said.

“I’ve had no training, I guess I just learned along the way. I’ve made a BBQ area and pergola with recycled materials, and made a bathroom vanity, again, all recycled pallets and a few other bits.”

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