Decorating & Design
15 DIY Projects That Prove A Little Paint Goes A Long Way
Published on April 26, 2017
Whether used to brighten a room, update old furniture or call attention to a unique design feature, one thing is for sure: paint has the power to transform. With spring in the air, we’re sharing our 15 best DIY projects that will have you opening a can of paint in no time.
When H&H‘s Sally Armstrong couldn’t find that perfect piece of artwork to fill the bare wall in her foyer, she decided to make a piece of her own. She used blue and yellow paint to create this cheerful custom letter art, which welcomes guests with a smile.
Get instructions for these DIY: Custom Letters.
For an easy and effective way to enhance the look of your window frame, pop open a can of paint. A trompe l’oeil design in the shape of a window ledge adds architectural interest and isn’t hard to recreate — just search online for a profile that suits your needs, print to size and create a stencil.
Get instructions for this DIY: Faux Windowsill.
For a playful (and educational!) piece in a child’s room, create an alphabet banner like this one by Annie Sloan. Paint the dots behind the letters in your son or daughter’s favorite colors for a personal touch, or match them to the room’s palette for a clean, cohesive look.
Get instructions for this DIY: Alphabet Banner.
Decor pieces with a patina — like an antique mirror — add instant character to a space. In place of purchasing a pricey authentic piece, designer Sarah Hartill achieved the same look using basic mirror tiles, spray paint and water.
Get instructions for this DIY: Antique Mirror.
Applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to repurpose old furniture. Here, H&H‘s Joel Bray transformed an unused console table into a stylish kitchen island with a butcher block countertop and green-grey paint.
Get instructions for this DIY: Kitchen Island.
Glass paint is inexpensive and can transform simple vessels into vibrant, standout vases. For a translucent effect, apply one coat; for a more intense color, apply a second.
Get instructions for these DIY: Colorful Glass Vases.
Rather than splurging on a statement headboard, design one of your own! This simple yet elegant display of rose-painted canvases establish a necessary focal point and soften the look of the space.
Get instructions for this DIY: Painted Canvas Headboard.
If you’ve got plain — but good quality — furniture at home, a coat of paint can give it new life. Here, Chalk Paint™ creator and author Annie Sloan transformed a basic coffee table into a striking piece that demands attention thanks to its ombré legs.
Get instructions for this DIY: Ombré Coffee Table.
To make these black and white sketches pop against a white wall, H&H‘s Kai Ethier painted the mats in different colors using water-based interior paint. For a more subdued look, opt for variations of a single shade.
Get instructions for this DIY: Mod Gallery Wall.
Bright pops of color add creative flair to this concrete stool, which you can customize to your heart’s desire. The stool works perfectly in an outdoor space as an extra seat or mini table, or even as a plant stand.
Get instructions or this DIY: Painted Patio Stool.
For a personal touch in her bedroom, H&H‘s Stacey Smithers gave a basic fabric lampshade a pretty spring update using watercolors. Tip: For a warm glow when the lamp is switched on, use warm paint colors.
Get instructions for this DIY: Painted Lampshade.
A bouquet of flowers is a classic way to dress up a dining table, but if you’re looking for a less traditional centerpiece that’s sure to impress guests, try these pretty gilded leaves. You can use whatever greenery you like — just keep in mind that once painted, the leaves will wilt after a day.
Get instructions for these DIY: Gilded Leaves.
Switch out ordinary closet doors for these pretty, Parisian-inspired bifold ones. Used here, a playful blush color — Wild Watermelon (PPU1-4) by Behr — picks up on the wallpaper’s subtle pink undertones and perks up the room.
Get instructions for these DIY: Ornate Door Moldings.
Revive vintage furniture with a trendy, two-toned look. In this breezy, beach-inspired entryway, a bentwood chair finished in a nautical palette adds major style. To achieve the dipped-in-paint look, designer Cameron MacNeil painted the top third and ends of the chair a classic blue.
Get instructions for this DIY: Two-Tone Chair.
Spice up a plain wall with a rich layer of paint, like this earthy terracotta hue. Painting the bottom third of the wall is a contemporary alternative to traditional wainscotting (and is less of a commitment). An accent stripe in a delicate pink shade provides a subtle transition.
Get instructions for this DIY: Faux-Clay Half Wall.