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from SILVERWARE to WALL HOOKS
We love mismatched flatware at a dinner party, but some silverware deserves to be on display. Seek out vintage forks or spoons that are pretty enough to use as hooks. Having trouble bending them? Drop them in a pot of boiling water and then bend them around a round object to create the shape you desire.
Source: Shelterness
from BASKET to LIGHT FIXTURE
Oversized wicker or rattan baskets abound at local flea markets. Pick one up in a favorite shape and material. Make a hole at the base and then pick up a hanging light pendant kit from your local hardware store. We guarantee the finished project will get glowing reviews.
Source: Young House Love
from TCOHTCKE to OBJECT OF AFFECTION
A flea market wouldn’t be a flea market without the occasional ceramic cat doorstop. You can turn these tired trinkets into a chic object for your bookcase with a simple coat of white spray paint.
Source: Ciburbanity
from PLAIN LAMP to METALLIC LIGHT
Glass hobnail lamp bases are easy to score and even easier to update. This makeover requires a little painter’s tape and a can of silver spray paint. Try it in any color of your choosing, from gilded gold to a bright fuchsia.
Source: Home Sweet Here
from FRUMPY SEAT to FABULOUS CHAIR
Don’t get scared away by a crazy upholstery print. Focus your attention on the shape of the chair and choose one where the fabric is in good condition. Once you’ve settled on the seat in your favorite style, update it with a layer of chalk paint! Tip: try painting in an area where it can’t be seen first to see how well the fabric takes to the paint.
Source: Artsy Chicks Rule
from EMPTY FRAMES to WALL ART
Pick out a bevy of empty frames in a variety of sizes and colors. Paint them in a monochromatic palette and hang above the bed as a point of interest in the bedroom. We also love using this approach with different sizes of vintage mirrors too.
Source: Jennifer Rizzo
from SUITCASE to SIDE TABLE
The more distressed, the better when you’re looking for an old-fashioned hard cover suitcase. Use these sturdy cases as the top for a coffee or end table. Simply screw on new or reclaimed table legs in the length of your choice. Bonus: it doubles as storage inside.
Source: The Budget Decorator
from END TABLE to DRINK STATION
You might need to dust off your jigsaw for this project (or borrow one from the neighbor). Look for a side table or end table with multiple shelves and a vintage tin or brass bucket. Use the bucket as a template and cut to fit for a drink station for your next backyard party.
Source: I Should Be Mopping the Floor
from DULL DRESSER to BOLD BUREAU
Behold the almighty power of paint. When on the hunt for a great vintage piece, pay attention to the shape and the hardware. If the bones of the piece are great, all it takes is a new coat or two of paint. We love the transformative power of this blue and brass makeover.
Source: DIY on the Cheap
from WINDOWS to HEADBOARD
If you need some high impact in the bedroom with a small budget, go treasure hunting for vintage windows. Size depends on your preference. We love a grid of four (as seen here) or three vertical or two oversized windows above the bed.
Source: Liz Marie Blog