Have you ever looked at those gorgeous MacKenzie-Childs kitchen pieces and thought, “I wish I could afford that!”? Well, I’ve got you covered with a budget-friendly DIY that will give you the same whimsical charm without the high-end price tag.
Today, we’re taking a simple metal utility cart and turning it into a MacKenzie-Childs-inspired statement piece with bold black and white checkers and elegant metallic gold accents. Let’s get crafting!

DIY Black and White Checkered Rolling Cart
Supplies You’ll Need:
- mDesign 3-Tier Rolling Cart (or any similar metal utility cart)
- Green Frogtape (for creating crisp lines)
- Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint in Matte Black
- Rustoleum Metallic Gold Spray Paint
- Craft knife (for precision cutting on the checkered design)
Step 1: Prep Your Cart
Before painting, wipe down your cart to remove any dust or residue. This ensures that the paint adheres properly. If your cart is glossy, a light sanding can help the paint grip better. Remove any shelves or wheels if possible to make painting easier.

Step 2: Create the Checkered Pattern
Use Green Frogtape to mark off evenly spaced squares on the cart’s shelves or any surface you want to feature the iconic checkered look.
Lay down vertical strips of tape first, ensuring equal spacing. Then, lay horizontal strips over the top, creating a checkerboard pattern.
Using a craft knife, carefully cut and remove every other overlapping section of tape to reveal perfect squares for painting.


Step 3: Paint the Checkers
Lightly spray the exposed squares with Krylon Fusion Matte Black. Apply thin coats to avoid drips and ensure even coverage. Let it dry completely before removing the tape to reveal the crisp black-and-white checkered design!

For the accents, spray the cart’s handle, legs, or wheels (whichever parts you want to highlight) with Rustoleum Metallic Gold. This adds a touch of MacKenzie-Childs elegance. Allow everything to dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the checkered pattern is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Touch up any edges if needed with a fine brush. If desired, seal your design with a clear protective spray to ensure longevity.
Step 5: Assemble and Style
Put your cart back together, reattach any wheels, and place it in your kitchen as a stylish coffee station, bar cart, or storage solution. Add MacKenzie-Childs-inspired accessories like floral dish towels, teacups, or decorative trays for the full effect.

I use my cart outside to hold gardening tools, seeds, and smaller plants. Check out my other post for the 3-tier plant stand shown in the photo above.

With just a little patience and creativity, you can turn an ordinary rolling cart into a charming MacKenzie-Childs-inspired piece! This DIY is not only fun but also a fraction of the cost of designer furniture. Give it a try, and let me know how yours turns out! Happy crafting!
