Kitchen Cookbook Stand Refresh — from tired to trendy with Chalk Couture & the magic from Upcycling
This is the cookbook stand I did last Spring and it isnt “doing it” for me these days
This is the redo… Yay I love this retro feel for the kitchen
Have you ever walked into your kitchen, spotted a small piece of décor you’ve barely noticed for years, and thought: “You know what? Let’s give you a second chance”? That’s exactly what happened with my faithful cookbook stand.
In this short clip (watch here 👉 https://youtu.be/1TNVS4nx8UA) I take the stand from “meh” to “yes!” by removing the old design, repainting it, and adding a fresh new transfer that ties in beautifully with the garland hanging above my kitchen window.
Why upcycling matters
Upcycling isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset. Instead of replacing something that’s still functional, we give it new life. It’s about creativity, resourcefulness, and keeping items out of the landfill. Plus, it’s far kinder to your wallet and the planet.
In this project:
I didn’t buy a brand-new stand. I reused the one I already had.
I repainted instead of replacing. Simple chalk paint did the trick.
I transferred a new design using Chalk Couture so it matches my window garland and the rest of the kitchen décor.
Step-by-step overview
Here’s how the refresh went down:
Remove the existing design – I scraped off the old Chalk Couture transfer and cleaned up the surface so the new paint would adhere smoothly.
Sanding & prepping – A light sanding helped to rough up the finish, ensuring better adhesion for the next layer of paint.
Apply chalk paint – I used a color that complements my kitchen garland. Chalk paint is ideal because it gives good coverage, creates a lovely matte finish, and doesn’t require complex treatment.
Wax or seal (optional) – For durability, I added a light wax/top coat. Especially useful in a busy kitchen where things get used.
New transfer application – I chose a fresh Chalk Couture design that picks up the tone and motifs of the garland above the window. Aligning color, motif and space makes the stand “feel” like it belongs.
Final styling & placement – Once the transfer dried, I returned the cookbook stand to its spot under the garland. The whole look now feels cohesive and intentional.
Why this small project makes a big difference
You might be thinking: “It’s just a cookbook stand. Does it really matter?” I’d argue yes. Small décor pieces like this are quiet anchors in your space. When they’re out of sync, they subtly pull the room off. When they match and resonate, they help everything feel connected.
Choosing to upcycle instead of replace also means less waste and more intention. And since you already had the piece, the cost was low, and the satisfaction high.
Final thoughts
If you’ve got a piece sitting around—maybe a little wonky, maybe faded, maybe just plain boring—don’t rush to the store. Ask: “Can I upcycle this? Can I paint it? Can I add a transfer or decal that brings it into the now?”
