It's often I'll get asked, "How can I afford to decorate my home without breaking the bank?" Well, if you know me, I prefer to create my own decor as much as feasible. Not just because it's affordable, but because it's MINE. Not one out of twenty items sitting on a box store shelf that I could find in a random person's home. To me, that is where the heart of the home is. Yes, I realize not everyone wants to live like that, and what a boring world this would be if we were all the same, right? Take, for instance, this vintage, solid oak, heart cutout shelf.
I found it at the thrift store, however, it may not suit my style. What to do? Get my DIY groove on and make it my own. Let's do this makeover!
SOLID WOOD
In the past, I always say that the wood section of the thrift store is a must-see. There is always oodles of potential there just waiting to be found. For instance, check out these past projects:
Those are just a few of the makeovers I've completed in my 11 years of blogging. Also, keep in mind that many of my "thrifted" finds come from Curb le Chic as well. People toss good stuff that I call
trashure.
First, I take a minute to evaluate this heart cutout shelf. It is made of solid oak, so that means it's heavy and built to last. However, let's say that the knubby screw plugs and the heart cutout aren't your thing. You can take them off! (tee hee) Since I still need plugs for the screws, I simply take my sander and knock them down flush with the surface.
Then, once that's done, I decide to take off the heart cutout apron to see if I want to keep it.
Well...I could go many ways with it with or without hearts, but without won this time around. You can see all the ways I embrace or remove these hearts in
these past posts.
PAINTING BLUE
Next, I use my milk paint in this Highland Blue to give it two coats letting cure in between.
However, as soon as I apply the second coat, I use a basic white to add dimension on the middle of each panel using a different brush and then slightly blend them together.
Likewise, you can see this same technique I use in
this antique dresser and
matching chest. (tap each to see). It's not only easy to do, but really can change the whole vibe of a piece.
Last, but not least, I want to add a bit more to the back. In order to do that, I cut a piece of luan (thin plywood) the same size as the back. Before attaching it with my stapler, I add a piece of pretty wallpaper for an added punch.
SHELF STYLIN'
Finally, my handy little heart cutout shelf has a new vibe and style that softens it up perfectly.
Yes, I could have left the heart with this color and design. However, I found that that heart skirt impeded the use of that top shelf just a bit. As well, removing it didn't alter the structure at all as this is SOLID built.
Would you like this as part of your home story? You can find it and more in
my online store.
SHARE
Now it's your turn. What would you have done with a shelf like this? What's great about it is that it can go in any room...bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, laundry...you get the idea. Before you go, leave me some comment love below, then pin and share to inspire others to create their own home story.
WAIT! Don't forget that next is
Trash to Treasure Tuesday featuring this freebie that found me and looks like
new HERE.
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While you're at it, check out these other DIY projects like this heart cutout shelf makeover:
