Every so often a prop needs a refresh, and the newborn drawer had been quietly due one for a while.

It had last been painted over a decade ago, originally blue underneath with white on top and blue handles. This time I wanted something more neutral, so a couple of coats of chalk paint, a wax finish, and a quick trip to B&Q for new handles later and it’s back in business. Plain white, no more dog-eared edges, and I no longer have to feel slightly embarrassed about it. It can be dressed up in so many ways to suit different styles and colour schemes, which is exactly what a good prop should do.



