Drab to Fab in a Can

Remember on Monday when we wrote about spray painting picture frames the same color in order to bring a disparate collection into an attractive and cohesive whole? Well picture frames aren’t the only thing you can spray paint pretty. If it’s not in the hands of an angry or untalented teenager, spray paint can really work wonders on a whole slew of old junk.

We found our first spray paint example on my favorite blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere. She writes on everything from — you guessed it — cupcakes to cashmere, including ideas for your home. She used a glossy black to make several different candle sticks into a seamless set. Of course, not every type is going get excited about this project. We can see many a Classic polishing their old brass religiously until it gleams bright. But if the brass is beyond saving, they might get on board. And it was probably first done by an Organic and will definitely appeal to some Smarts and Funs. Regardless, it’s a great and cheap way to refinish many items in your house, and sometimes brighten old tables, chairs, cheap wood or battered brass.

Now, if you don’t have a bunch of disparate and yet similar items that would benefit from a good spray, a flea market is a great option. Search any local market and find treasures at the lowest price possible and don’t be scared to buy the really dinged up ones that look like they’re in bad shape. Like make-up, paint can hide a multitude of sins.

Some types, ahem Smarts, might not want to go to all the trouble of spray painting the candle sticks themselves, but will like the look. For these types, there are ton of sets on Amazon that won’t break the bank and would be a nice edition to any home.

Also, Katie just saw this After photo on a great home design site called Splendid Willow. This rocking thing was created from the most boring and apparently “developer standard” brass chandelier. And Katie’s sister once used black enamel paint to transform Katie’s utilitarian, but crappy wood veneered flatware cupboard into a thing of beauty. She also switched out the cheap handles, but more on that little trick when we do a week on refurbishing!