A Pinterest-Inspired Alternative to a Dated Trash Compactor

1 Material
After removing a {hideous} non-working, dated trash compactor from a house-flip, I turned that eye-sore into functional, creative storage in a kitchen.
**I buy old, ugly houses and flip them all by myself! It's a crazy house-flipping life, but come follow along at my blog, The Bachelorette Pad Flip.
Hello, 1974
Flip #2 was cursed with harvest gold appliances. I love a good retro vibe, but these hideous, non-working appliances were certainly not adding any value to the property.
Looking a little less like the disco era!
I immediately removed them. Replacing the dishwasher was a breeze. That trash compactor, on the other hand, was a bit trickier. As a REALTOR, I know that trash compactors have become dated in design, so I wanted to put something totally different in that space. While some people do use trash compactors (but definitely not in my region), BUDGET dictates every choice I make in a flip.
I opted to create a built-in that looks original to the space. By adding adjustable wood shelves, the space is actually functional. Adjusting the shelves is easier with small pegs that easily move to the different holes. This custom built piece is unique and adds character to an awkward space. This project could be created anywhere- regardless if a trash compactor was there or not. Once could even do this project with a normal cabinet and remove the door.
After the wood was installed, I stained it to match the original cabinets. I tested different stains to find just the right match. After a few coats and a coat of Poly, I had unique shelves that look original to the space!
Is that even the same space?!
I added some vintage locker baskets and cookbooks in to that space. It's eye catching and functional- an asset in a house flip!


To see a complete post about this project, please check out my blog!
Suggested materials:
  • Wood   (Lowe's)
The Bachelorette Pad Flip
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Dee Dee on Apr 04, 2016
    Hi: Since you're a flipper I have a question. We've bought a fixer upper in need of everything. Walls are some type of cardboard-ish board. We've covered over them with plywood beadboard in some areas but are looking for ideas on how to cover over with 4x8 sheets of something other than beadboard. Paneling is a bit too flimsy as the walls are always even in places or flat. Any thoughts? Thanks
  • Lesley Brisco Lesley Brisco on Apr 04, 2016
    Coming from South Africa, I have never heard of a Trash compactor! what are they & how do they work? Do they mechanically compact the trash?
  • Carol Carol on Oct 04, 2016
    How do you get these ugly compactors out? Ours is very tight in the space. Surely you don't have to remove counter top. Thanks
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  • Shirley Shirley on Jul 04, 2016
    We made my cubby into a divided cookie sheet/chop board area.
  • Ella Ella on Apr 19, 2019

    We took out a trash compactor and used the small cupboard for a kitchen trash can.

    FYI : The trash compactor never worked very well, a total waste of space.

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