As I often mention, in my adventures, I always look for the wood section or wood items at Curb le Chic. Why? Well, there’s always potential in wood. Whether it’s remade into something new or simply updated to suit our style. Take, for instance, this vintage heart cut-out shelf.

It’s handmade of soft wood, has oodles of charm but also a bit worn and definitely dated with that stain color. While I could dismantle it all and refinish, I have a different idea so that anyone can do this.

GETTING STARTED

First, to be clear, this shelf could be used as-is with a little clean-up and touch-up of those nicks and scratches. But let’s say you don’t care for the 80’s dark pine look. I could do a paint or stain wash like I did on this dresser HERE, or sand it down as I previously mentioned, or paint.

With this in mind, do know I embrace or erase these wooden hearts all the time. hee hee. To see what I mean, peek at these other 80’s hearts makeovers HERE.

So, to follow the K.I.S.S. method, (Keep It Simple, Stupid) I’m going with paint and a bit of added fun. Before I start painting, however, I use a water/vinegar mix of 2:1 ratio to clean it and prep.

Then, use a custom-mixed paint I created just for this. It’s a soft green with blue undertones. This will not only soften the dark feature, but also give me a great backdrop for the next part.

After I paint two coats, letting cure in between, I take this remnant caning from a curbside blanket chest I restored and tack it on the back.

This works to provide a refreshed look and can even be embroidered like I did on this curbside rocking chair I dressed up.

DONE AND DONE

Literally, I painted and added a bit and now it tells my story. What would your story look like for it?

The color is one of my favorites and the caning adds a soft, natural touch. I also debated on using botanical prints or even pressed and dried florals.

Here’s the last bit of my blooms from my garden… sigh. Summer goes by far too fast for my liking.

Now I’ve shown how simple it can be to create your own home story, you surely can’t say you can’t now, right? {{wink, wink}}

Likewise, make it even easier and find this and more in my online store.

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Now it’s your turn. In addition to pinning and sharing, leave some comment love below. Share your own DIY adventures!

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While you’re at it, here are more updated projects like this heart cut-out shelf: