Decor To Adore

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Decorating· DIY

Curbside Creativity Inspired By Spray Paint

Curbside Creativity Inspired By Spray Paint. Once a month we have a bulk curbside pickup in our neighborhood. I’ll admit that I stalk other peoples piles of trash. If I see something I like I usually knock on the door and ask if it is ok if I take it. I have never had anyone tell me “No”. The up side is that my neighbors will now often ask, “Do you want this?” before they toss it. This is probably because they don’t want to hear me talk about the benefits of Freecycle again. Hey, it’s not easy being green.

1950's camp chairs
Here is the loot from a recent dumpster dive, two camp chairs from the 1950’s. Ah, they don’t make ’em like this anymore. Mr. Decor and I love to entertain and we never have enough outdoor seating. So, a bit of spray paint ( a favorite tool of mine) and some leftover fabric from my daughter’s curtains and voila!

1950's camp chairs

My daughter adores this Ung Drill frame from Ikea. For months I heard about how much she loved its shape and would ask if I could think of any way that she could use it in her decor.
ikea mirror Given that her bedroom is very modern in style I began looking for her bathroom. It features a double sink that is topped by one very large mirror that I am not very fond of. OK, I’ll be honest, I hate it. In general, I like to see more a decorative mirror over a bathroom sink. But even a decorator can’t have everything. As moving is in our future, Mr. Decor would like to stay away from unnecessary expenditures.

Mirror Makeover

I decided that I would take the backing off and just use the frame itself over each sink. Of course, a brand new perfectly good mirror in black wasn’t working for me, so I picked up a can of jade spray paint.

Old mirror update

 As I wanted an aged patina, I added a bit of stain once the paint was fully dry.

Updating an Ikea mirror
The interior of the frame was visible in the mirror so I covered it by adding some braided trim that I found at Hobby Lobby. It was originally white.
Updating an Ikea mirror

Nothing that a wee steeping in a bit of strong coffee can’t change. As we don’t drink coffee ourselves, this is 2 heaping spoonfuls of instant in one cup of boiling water. The trim sat for about 15 minutes and was line dried and then hot glued onto the mirror.

Updating an Ikea mirror

I recently purchased these two pictures online. The seller had excellent photography skills that masked that the frames were very beaten up.

1960's art

So, I taped off the front pictures, grabbed a can of aqua paint and went to town. I think it’s an improvement.

1960's art

The close up shows that I distressed the frame with a bit of sandpaper. Now the dilemma is to sell or not to sell. (smile)

1960's art
Here is my next victim… err project. It will soon be prairie green.

shelf update
The cabinet was fairly dirty and dirt is your enemy when spray painting. Make sure your surfaces are clean and you’ll also want to use a bit of sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

Ventilation and patience is the key. I use a huge tarp and either my (opened) garage or the back patio.

For those of you that live in humid areas, wait until the fall. Your paint will NEVER dry. Because it is so hot right now where I live, I get up at sunrise (5 am or so) and am able to get one to two coats on before it gets too hot and the paint won’t set.

The key is several light coats for a smooth, even finish. Given my temperature restraints, the piece above will take about 3 days to be fully finished.

That’s where the patience comes in.

Laura

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Comments

  2. Happy @ Home says

    Wow, what wonderful transformations you have made.I especially like what you did over the mirrors. One question, how did you hang the frames on top of the mirror?Great job.Kim

  3. karin@creativechaos says

    What a great idea to coverup the expansive mirror….Love it. So glad I stumbled across your blog!

  4. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    Hello Happy Home,I used the 3M command adhesive hook size medium. The hooks are sold in picture framing departments among other places.It is one of my favorite products as it pops right off when you no longer need it. Then I strung a ribbon through the mirror and hung it over the hook.

  5. Elizabeth says

    Love what you did with the mirror frames, saw something similar on an HGTV show. I recently had luck w/ 2 “found” director’s chairs. Should have painted like you, instead I sanded and re-stained. Color would be so much more fun!

  6. Alkemie says

    WOW! YOu are so good at this! I love seeing transformations and you’ve done a fantastic job! Thank you for sharing.Karen

  7. vintagebella ~ andrea says

    Those chairas are awesome!! come over and say hi!! I have some news on the blog !

  8. Halo Hill says

    Awesome spray can skills!! Love your things, every one of them. Especially love your new cabinet with the cool doors.

  9. perilloparodies says

    from one trash “junkie” to another… love what you have done. and just wanted you to know, that you have been awarded. please got to perilloparodies.blogspot.com to see more. 🙂 it is simple, but all i have… havea great day.

  10. Shimmy Mom says

    I love the frames on the mirror idea. I’m sending a link to your post to my mother-in-law right now, she will love it too.I live for thrift store finds. And I too have been known to get things from others trash. I’m so glad to hear that you go green as well. Recycling can be so much fun.Thank you for the wonderful advice and ideas for more fun.*hugs*Shimmy

  11. MoziEsmé says

    I will never look at trash the same again! I’ve been having such fun doing crafts with “trash” with my baby – when I’m back in the US with more valuable trash on the streets, I will have to start on MY OWN crafts.

  12. Liz says

    Hi Laura, Thanks for your lesson in what to do with that big dated mirror. We faux painted our bathroom a few years ago but I didn’t replace the mirror at that time. So now to take it down would mean either repainting or trying to match the existing paint. I have seen this idea before but you really did a good job of explaining how to make it work. Thanks! ~~Liz~~

  13. deb mills says

    i’ve so enjoyed perusing your blog, especially seeing your transformations of reclaimed items. being a sahm most of my adult life, my home is pretty much furnished in this style…at first by necessity, lol, and now by choice.

  14. Cindy ~ My Romantic Home says

    I love the Ikea mirror idea! I think I may have to copy that if you don’t mind. I’ve never been to Ikea but I always see that mirror here and there around the web and I love it!

  16. paintinpatti says

    I have huge mirrors in my bathrooms, too – and I hate them! You have given me a few ideas! I can’t wait to see what you do with the cabinet with the pretty doors!

  17. rösti says

    Hi, can you tell me what type of spray paint to buy if I want to spray paint the plastic Ung Drill frame from Ikea?

  18. SugarandSpice says

    Not that I'm not creative…cause I am. Just Not like this. When I see Junk it's Junk. Yet other people do amazing things with what I want to throw away!!!

  20. Jennifer says

    What great ideas you have. The transformations are fab! I use Freecycle here in the UK but the idea of a kerb-side pick up sounds even better! 🙂

  21. So Not Mom-a-licious says

    You are a decorating genius! There is no way those chairs were from the 50's! And then they turned out all modern and stuff. I love your idea of framing out a large mirrow the way you did. No one ever wants to rip it off the wall and then figure out what to do, so this saves a lot! Great ideas!

    Congrats on being today's Featured Blogger. Hope you have a wonderful day!

  22. mub says

    Wow, that mirror transformation is awesome! I wouldn't think to hang them over an existing mirror, but I really like the effect!

  26. La Belle Mere UK says

    Wow!!! I'm so impressed with your Vision. To be able to see the potential in old junk, and then actually transform it is a skill indeed. You are the perfect antidote to todays “throwaway” mentality. During the current economic crisis we should all be learning to “Make do and mend” and you've given us lots of ideas!

    Stopping by from SITS. I love your blog!

    Bec xxxx

  28. Housewife Savant says

    I already think you're fabulous.
    Congrats on being SITS' featured blogger.
    Thanks for helping us all be decor savvy. I love your blog.

  30. meandtheblueskies says

    What great ideas. I especially like what you did with the frames in your daughter's bathroom. Speaking of which, how old is your daughter? That bathroom is huge. I'm 49 and my bathroom is smaller than that. 🙁

  31. Travel With Lilliy says

    Hello Laura,
    Your decorating ideas are great! I am always the kind that gets too scared to change things and usually don’t have a clue as how to go about but I like the details of what you have used in each transformation. I am going to keep looking for ideas on your blog may be have a weekend project inspired by you the next time I go to a flea market.
    You are the new Shabby Chic! I was always a fan of her books.
    Thank you for the inspirations.
    Lilliy… new member of SITS and loving it.
    http://travelsightswithlilliy.com

  33. she's so blog [nicholette] says

    o my gosh! I would never think of this kind of stuff. your awesome. im a new follower 🙂

  35. Mommys Online Garage Sale says

    Oh you're like me….love to make old new! I'm a die hard Thrifter/Yardsaler and I'm always looking for a “victim”.

    Great Blog!!!!

  36. Ungirdled Passion says

    what a BEAUTIFUL site – I love the mirror idea! I am in the same (big mirror, outdated) situation now. Great, inexpensive update! Happy SITS!

  38. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    I love your camp chairs makeover, and the cabinet is pretty cool. 🙂 Stopping by from SITS!

  42. Miss Madras says

    Just stopping by from SITS. I agree with you about spray paint. I would be lost without a few cans around. It's inexpensive and does so much.

  43. Julie says

    Hi Again,

    Love what you do with a can of paint! I can't wait to show this to my husband, he thinks I'm crazy when I say I'll just spray paint it…

    Julie

  44. Susan says

    I love that bottom cabinet, going to need to look through your other posts and see what you did with it 🙂

  45. Creative Junkie says

    OMGOsh, I love those mirrors!

    I have a hate/hate relationship with spray paint. My problem is holding down the nozzle. After awhile, my fingers are killing me! And, I'm not sure if it's the paint I'm using or my technique, but I get drips all the time.

    Love your craftiness!

  46. mommy4life says

    Great job! I have visions of grandeur, but sometimes have trouble with follow-through!!!

  48. SarahovertheRainbow says

    Fantastic mirror idea, I'll have to use it in my bathroom ~ I prefer a more artistic mirror as well.

  50. Elizabeth Patch says

    these are great examples of DIY creativity! love the trash to treasures vision.

  51. Tiffany@eatathomecooks.com says

    Congrats on being Saucy today! You're a miracle worker with a can of spray paint.

  53. Joy says

    Laura, the mirror frames over the big mirror was nothing short of genius. And the camping chair makeover came out so crisp and adorable!

  54. Morgan says

    These are some great projects! I'm glad to see I'm not the only person that uses spray paint for projects! 🙂 Congrats on being FB!!!

  56. skinner studio says

    The camp chairs are great. You are right, you can never have enough seating, and saving somehting from the trash AND making it gorgeous? – Fantastic!

    I really like the frames you re-painted as well – much better color – makes the pictures really pop!

  57. Pink & Green Mama says

    Happy SITS day!! I'm with you on the spray paint and freecycling. I'm the Queen dumpster diver of our street and my neighbors will call to ask if I want it or to freecycle it for them!! LOL! : )

  58. (army)Wife says

    I am in love with the mirror idea. I never would have thought of just putting the frames onto a bigger mirror. That is definitely in the future for my bathroom!

  59. Debbie in Nashville says

    These projects turned out great! I love seeing before and after photos.

  60. Michelle says

    YOU are talented. And thanks for the tip…especially the heat one. I didnt know that and have had a problem with that in the past.

  62. Danielle (Life with the Hewitt Family) says

    Your transformations are just beautiful! I especially love how you updated those camp chairs.

  66. The Main Ladybug says

    I ADORE the camp chairs!! You know I'll be watching out for some of these at yard sales from now until mission accomplished (sorry I'm such a copy cat – I just am)!

    Great work on all the projects!

  67. Jenette says

    I love taking something old and turning it into something beautiful. I love that mirror!

  71. Cynthia at A Shimmy in My Spirit says

    Love the frames and your new project…off to find out what you did with it.

  73. Mary at My New 30 says

    What a great job on everything! You definitely have an eye for this – sure wish I did. I can't see past the “present” to see the gift!

    Happy SITS Day!!

  76. Kimi says

    Too flippin cute. I love the new/old camp chairs! And the mirror and pretty much all of it. 🙂

  77. Brooke says

    i've got a couple of spray paint projects in the works too…although i seem to be going the opposite direction from you. i'm doing mine in pewter.

    happy sits day! and i'm in awe of your creativity!!

  78. Anna says

    Oh my goodness … I wish I was as creative and talented as you. Those are very cute camp chairs. I never would have thought to turn them into that.
    Happy SITS day!!

  79. Amy says

    You just amaze me…

    YOu should come by my place next month on Aug. 7th to show of your talents…

  80. Lance and Jewls says

    I love spray paint! A co-worker and I sprayed an ugly bright blue pamplet holder to a dark sparkly brown so it would match our new office…everyone was impressed and it only took us ten minutes!!
    Happy SITS day! 🙂

  81. missy says

    i have some of those little stools too…..and one of ours is tore too……that is a very cool idea!!!!!!

  85. HollyS says

    I wish I had the time to do creative things like this. Everything is beautiful. You certainly have a gift

  88. Hanneke Nelson says

    Wow, very inspirational! Being in the middle of a perpetual home make-over, this is a perfect place to stop by for ideas!

    Hanneke

  89. Sarah Jensen says

    So I'm not the only one who finds treasures in trash. 🙂
    Stopping by from SITS.

  90. Kristi says

    I am always so in awe of your creations! Way to go, once again. What incredible makeovers!

  92. Transparent Mama says

    Ooooh! You are so good at this. I just love what you did with those chairs and the mirror frames. You are too clever.

  94. Mindie says

    Wow. Beautiful. You have such a great imagination and a sense of creativity. I really love the mirror idea. =)

  96. Rae Ann says

    Happy SITS Day!

    Those projects look amazing! I am too much of a spaz for spray paint… And the caliber of bulk trash is much lower!

  100. Live.Love.Eat says

    Happy SITS Day. It's absolutely amazing what you did with those chairs and the mirrors. SO Creative.

  101. sandy says

    A girl after my own heart! My dad taught me how to find treasures in the trash! He has found some pretty fabulous things!

    You've done a great job here!

  103. C. Beth says

    Ack–so great!

    I loooove Freecycle and have blogged about it a few times too. I'm proud that a few people have joined Freecycle after I told them about it. 🙂

  105. Ashley Clark says

    I guess I should start keeping my eyes open for goodies on the side of the road 🙂

  109. The Laughing Idiot says

    The chair thing is great. What did you use to attach the fabric, just staples or something stronger?

    The frame on the mirrors is awesome. We have a new house with all those plain mirrors in the bathrooms. In the master bath, it is actually GLUED to the wall so getting it down would be a major ordeal. Putting something right on top with the ribbon is sheer genious!

  111. Tiaras says

    Now – I Really ADORE the idea with the mirrors – that is what i have in two of my bathroom s- big plain mirrors – excellent idea!

  112. Cindi @ Moomette's Magnificents says

    My favorites were the mirrors and the staining coffee.

    When DD26 had her first apt. in college, we did quite a bit of “finds” and redecorating!

    Nice Blog! Stopping by from SITS.

  113. Collette@Jesuslovesmums says

    visiting from SITS – love your work and I too use Freecycle it's fab isn't it!

  115. Stereos and Souffles says

    I adore spray paint!! My new fav is the Krylon no prep that works on everything, including plastic.

  119. Smitten by Britain says

    This must be a record for the most comments I've ever seen. Congrats on the FB.
    I love the mirror idea. I've been pondering changing that stupid hollywood type mirror in our bath with two individual ones. This is a fantastic idea. If we weren't selling our house in a couple of years I would steal it.

    I love the idea of finding old or broken things and fixing them up and using them to save money. Awesome post.

  121. Rachel says

    Everything looks so good! I love the transformation power found in a bottle of spray paint. 🙂

  123. Mama Mair says

    You certainly have a talent. I'm going to steal your line about being green by freecycling. My husband calls it bringing home junk when I find useful items on the curb.
    Happy SITS day!

  127. Atlanta says

    Happy SITS day! Sorry Im so far behind! We have company! I really love the mirror idea!!! My Bathroom mirror is exactly like that and I ALSO love that frame from IKEA!! Ita actually goes with my Black and white damask bedroom! yay!

  128. Aubrey says

    OMGoodness! I love what you did with each and every item. What GREAT ideas!

    I will starting my very first, spray paint makeover. I'm SO excited! Thanks for the inspiration!

  129. MarcomMom says

    Came from SITS and, OK, now I want to be you. Can I be you without any discernible decor skills or talent?

  131. aforestfrolic says

    Love the blog & Happy SITS day. Paint is the best and you did wonders with that color on the frame, fun, fun!Jamie 🙂

  135. CoffeewithZooly says

    What do they say 'one man's trash is another man's treasure' – you're living proof.
    Coffee seeping – a great idea.

  136. Beth in NC says

    Coming over from SITS. I love the camping seats and the frames over the bathroom mirror! Those really look nice!

  138. Say Anything Notes says

    Visiting from SITS…my dad still knocks on doors to make sure it's okay that he takes what they have sitting on the curb. I have a perfectly working drawing table thanks to him. ;). He also picks me up tons of great book buys from the local library all the time for a buck or two. Or even less! Nice work on everything featured..they all look great! Always, Sarah Elizabeth

  139. Mel says

    Those mirrors are absolutely gorgeous! I am so glad I found your blog! Stopping by from SITS!

  142. Kim says

    Wow! Those look great! I especially love the color of the mirror pieces after your done with them. Now I just long to be as creative as you are!

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