The Rocket Upcyclist

The Rocket Upcyclist Saving furniture from Landfill one item at a time and giving it a new lease on life.

This 1930s cabinet had been in my garage a while, just waiting for some TLC, and once I decided on a clear vision it all...
09/05/2026

This 1930s cabinet had been in my garage a while, just waiting for some TLC, and once I decided on a clear vision it all came together. The original veneers have come back to life and I added a subtle deco wallpaper to the back panels to highlight the curves in the glass doors.

Such a versatile piece, perfect as a cocktail cabinet, bookcase, hallway storage or statement piece in a living room. The timber has so much warmth and character in person and the wallpaper gives it just enough drama without overpowering the wood.

One of those pieces that feels classic but still works in a modern home

Finished this retro dresser with a mix of warm wood tones and deep green drawers.The grain came up really nicely on this...
29/04/2026

Finished this retro dresser with a mix of warm wood tones and deep green drawers.

The grain came up really nicely on this one, and the original handles work perfectly with the new look.

Solid, practical piece that would fit a range of spaces and is ready for its next home.

Just finished this cute little matching set and I’m pretty happy with how they’ve come up. The 3 drawer unit is solid wo...
19/04/2026

Just finished this cute little matching set and I’m pretty happy with how they’ve come up. The 3 drawer unit is solid wood and has been fully refreshed while keeping its simple, clean look. The smaller cupboard + drawer isn’t solid wood, but it’s still really solid and sturdy, so it’s had the same treatment to tie them together as a set.

They’ve both been refinished in a soft neutral tone with new hardware, plus some subtle textured wallpaper accents that add a bit of interest without being over the top. They’ll work in pretty much any space now.

This sweet vintage drop-leaf table has had a full refresh, all the dents, scratches and stains are now gone.Originally a...
05/03/2026

This sweet vintage drop-leaf table has had a full refresh, all the dents, scratches and stains are now gone.

Originally a darker timber piece, it’s been carefully refinished in a soft light neutral with a natural timber top to keep some warmth and character. The result is fresh, simple and perfect for smaller homes.

I love pieces like this, practical, solid, and made to last. Both sides fold down so it can sit neatly against a wall, then open up when you need extra dining or workspace.

Space-saving and sturdy, with plenty of life left in it.

I just finished up this cabinet project and I am so happy with how the color turned out. I went with a custom soft cream...
08/02/2026

I just finished up this cabinet project and I am so happy with how the color turned out. I went with a custom soft cream/ white and used the same shade to do a wash on the timber top so the wood grain stays the focal point. It is amazing what a difference a fresh palette and updated hardware can make compared to the original dark finish.

I’ve just finished up this tallboy project and it’s a total change from the blue, sticker-covered unit it used to be. I ...
21/01/2026

I’ve just finished up this tallboy project and it’s a total change from the blue, sticker-covered unit it used to be. I wanted something cleaner and more versatile, so I mixed up a custom shade that sits somewhere between grey, taupe, and sage green. It’s one of those colors that looks slightly different every time the light changes. I kept the vibe casual but added some solid details like a pop of colour in the top cubby, a surprise stencil on the drawer sides, and some modern matte black pulls to replace the old wooden k***s.

From workshop to forever home.This buffet has been styled beautifully by its new owners, and I’m so grateful they shared...
15/01/2026

From workshop to forever home.

This buffet has been styled beautifully by its new owners, and I’m so grateful they shared these photos with me. Messages like this are the reason I love refinishing furniture.

Just finished this bureau desk and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It's a wee bit quirky as the front rolls up ...
12/01/2026

Just finished this bureau desk and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It's a wee bit quirky as the front rolls up to a special surprise and then that panel folds down to make a generous writing space. Everything tucks away neatly when you’re done, great if you like things looking tidy and you can pick your mood, serious or statement.

It’s been refinished in a deep green with warm timber details and has loads of character without feeling heavy.

Green, Grain, and Graphite. The exterior is locked in on this writing desk, now to bring a secret 'pop' to the inside. R...
08/01/2026

Green, Grain, and Graphite. The exterior is locked in on this writing desk, now to bring a secret 'pop' to the inside. Reveal coming soon.

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Pukete
Hamilton
3200

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