Animal hutch storage solution

If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you know how I love to turn junk into something usable and pretty. Since we moved into our new house last week, I’ve been needing more storage solutions for the kiddo’s toys. We had a corner of our mudroom that I turned into a little play area for the kids and needed furniture to store their things.

Randomly, a few weeks ago I saw this old animal hutch at a barn sale and bought it on a whim. It confounded my husband that I actually paid money for it. You would probably have agreed if you had seen it in its original state…

But I saw the potential in its metal cages and big old casters. I took it all apart and cleaned it thoroughly. It was used for animals, so needless to say, it was dirty and smelly. I had some metallic spray paint on hand, and I sprayed the metal parts.

Then I stained the wood sides a darker brown to make it look more finished. Of course, I also had to make some numbered labels for the cages. I used pieces of cardboard that I cut to size and painted black, then painted the numbers on. Free + easy.

I had canvas bins that fit perfectly in the cages, and it now holds a bunch of toys.

It has been so much fun working on furniture for the new house. There is something so rewarding about giving these old, tired pieces a brand new look! I’m also loving that over-sized chalkboard! It’s perfect for the mudroom. If you want one for yourself, they are available in my website here.