Update accessories with specialty paint

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/04/2015 (3874 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Today I thought I’d share some tips and tricks that can help solve everyday decor problems. Some of these we’ve reviewed before but it’s a good reminder in case you’ve forgotten. Many of these ideas came from my own trials and tribulations, which confirms that they work in the real world. Others are just great ideas that I’ve come across that are worth a try.

Wonky walls

Sometimes it’s tough to get a seamless line between the wall and the ceiling when you’re painting. Most seams are not straight and it can be a real pain to get a perfect line. I came across this issue a few times when repainting, but there is a great solution. Bring the ceiling paint (usually white) down onto the walls about 3 to 4 inches. By masking a straight line, on the wall using a level, you’ll create a straight line between the wall colour and the ceiling colour. This will allow you to easily cut in at the corners to create a professional look. This technique mimics crown moulding and is a great look in most cases. If you have ceilings higher than eight feet, you can make the border even wider for a more dramatic look.

If your walls are rough and/or slightly cracked, use paintable wallpaper to cover the imperfections. It’s a little more work to wallpaper and paint but it’s a great solution to cover imperfections. Adding some texture to the walls also adds visual interest.

If you’re tired of those dated mirrored closet doors, then cover them in paintable wallpaper and paint them the same colour as the surrounding walls. The effect is similar to fabric and is easily removed if you change your mind.

A small nail hole in a white wall can be filled with white toothpaste in a pinch.

Free accessories

Use food as an accessory. You have to eat anyway so you might as well display the items before you use them. A fresh bowl of lemons or crisp green apples makes a great centrepiece. Pasta comes in interesting shapes and colours and can be displayed in clear containers in the kitchen or pantry. Display specialty cooking oils in decorative bottles rather than hiding them away in the cupboard.

Consider creating unique accessories out of driftwood, twigs, stones, beach glass, birch logs and dried grasses. There are tons of crafty options for any one of these items.

Broken stuff

Pieces of a broken clay pot can be laid in the flower garden among the blooms. This will provide somewhat of an Old World look to the garden.

An old lamp without a shade can be saved from the landfill by painting out the base and creating a globe shade out of string and papier mache mix. (Basically flour and water.) Dip the string into the mix and wind it all around a filled balloon until almost completely covered, leaving an opening on the bottom big enough for your hand to fit through. Let dry overnight (or longer if needed) then poke a small hole in the balloon and gently let out the air. You’ll be left with an interesting globe that you can fit onto a lamp harp and use as a lampshade.

A broken tine rake end can be used to hang everything from pots in the kitchen to tools in the garden shed.

A leaky canoe might make a great planter at the cottage or can be turned into an upright shelf by cutting the canoe in half, creating a base and fitting the inside with shelves.

On the cheap

Collect a bunch of ornate picture frames of various sizes and shapes from thrift stores. Paint all of the frames the same colour and create a wall collage using the empty frames. The designs and textural element can make for a wonderful display, especially white frames on a coloured wall. Consider using a textural spray paint (like stone) to provide even more visual interest to the frames. You can take this idea a step further by having mirrors installed into each frame. This would make a stunning display in a dining room.

Update just about any accessory by using specialty paint. Turn a table top into a chalkboard, paint a ceramic lamp base in textured spray paint, paint a plain, wooden mirror frame with a sleek metal spray paint and the list goes on.

Whatever decor problem you have, there is usually a clever solution. Think outside the box and see what ideas come your way.

Connnieoliver2015@gmail.com