Weekend Warrior Project: Revive Lackluster Accents With Paint
Get inspired to transform everyday items into objects of beauty! Our favorite bloggers show you how.
Photo: Four Generations One Roof
http://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2014/05/paint-baskets-hate-paint
With chalkboard paint and a little creativity, blogger Lesley Graham transformed budget-friendly baskets into a set of minimalist-chic plant pot—finished with adorable (purposefully not-so-perfect) chalk X's and stripes.
For a more traditional feel, Jessica of Four Generations One Roof painted simple stripes onto her basket. Perfect for both outdoor and inside spaces, these planters add color and life to any room.
Tip! To keep baskets free from water damage, lay down waterproof lining before inserting the potted plant into the basket. Have a black thumb? These baskets are ideal planters for faux greenery, too!
2. Bold Storage Baskets
Photo: Southern Hospitality
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/painting-stripes-on-a-basket/
Swooning over the ombre trend? Kate of DomestiKated Life is too! To achieve this look, she dipped the basket into a large plastic bin filled with a solution of dye, vinegar, and water (where extremely porous fibers naturally soaked up the pigment). To increase the vibrancy of the fuchsia, she let it sit in the solution for four hours, and then—patiently—let it drip dry for several more.
For a truly one-of-a-kind accent, freehand designs are the way to go. Amy of This Heart of Mine painted black-and-white loops along the bottom of plain tan baskets—leaving some open for a cool effect.
A simple but impactful addition, Rhoda of Southern Hospitality painted a chunky black stripe along the middle of her woven wood basket to complement her existing living room decor. Using spray paint—with newspaper tucked along the inside of the basket—Rhoda was easily able get in all the nooks and crannies.
Tip! When updating your own baskets try additional patterns and motifs—stars, plaid, quatrefoil, trellis, florals, hound's-tooth, ikat—the possibilities are endless. If you have a handled basket, consider just painting the handles a different color—the bolder the better.
3. Patterned Curtains
Photo: Squirrelly Minds
http://squirrellyminds.com/2014/05/15/diy-gold-painted-curtains/
Lidy of Hello Lidy created a quirky vibe by stenciling polka dots in a triangular pattern on plain white curtains. To construct this look, Lidy envisioned an imaginary triangle where the two curtain panels meet and painted circles within that space. The end result, polka dots that look like they are gently falling from the sky.
Bold metallic stripes make a statement in any room. To dial up the glam, Tan Rutley of Squirrelly Minds painted thick gold stripes onto simply sheer curtains. For crisp lines, mark off the stripes with painter's tape and cover the parts of the curtains you want to remain unpainted with plastic.
Tip! For a fresh twist on polka dots, stencil them on in an organic manner—vary the size of the dots and paint them on randomly for casual appeal. With stripes, try going smaller or alternating colors for a different take.
4. Updated Rug
Photo: Mac & Marlborough
http://www.macandmarlborough.com/2014/05/diy-painted-jute-rug.html
Lindsey of Mac & Marlborough (also a member of Wayfair's PR team) created this fun herringbone runner for her kitchen. By taping off the pattern with painter's tape and using paint in a shade that matched her wall color, Lindsey turned an ordinary rug into a playful accent.
Tip! When making a precise design, a good rule of thumb is to measure twice and paint once. You'll be happy you did all the math when you see the beautiful end result.
