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.
Be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter. Until next time!
While you’re at it, check out these other DIY projects like this heart cutout shelf makeover:
Don’t worry about us!! Our Inboxes are always open!! Family (including fur babies) come first!!!! And this cute project was worth the wait. Would be adorable with a child’s tea set in a little girl’s room. 😍
Thank you for such understanding, Rebecca. It’s always something around here, it seems. haha. One day I might just be bored.
You know what… I love that idea! I love my girls as older (some adults already even), but those sweet littles are so precious too.
Hi Larissa,
I’m always excited and pleased to see your emails in my inbox. This piece is an absolute delight! So pretty and so inspirational.
Sherin
Sherin, you just made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to show me love. It truly means so much. Plus, I’m delighted that you enjoy this project. woot!
Love the color and the paper matches it so well!! Very pretty! Yep, the heart needed to go.
I’m glad you think so, Debbie. It’s often shelves like these need the extra apron for structure support, but this one is solid all the way through and it was too much.
I don’t mind the wait, it gave me time to catch up on some other things before checking out your blog. It is so much better with the heart gone. I enjoy the colors in this piece. So refreshing!! I’m glad little Luela is ok, I hate hornets. Working on stripping an old sheet music cabinet- it’s a mess right now. 😖
Have a great weekend Larissa!
Thanks for understanding and for the kind words. It’s good to change things up from time to time. And to do it on a budget. woot! I hope you have fun on the cabinet. Those are fun pieces, typically.
Love the color,love the wallpaper!The hearts were cute back in the day,but less is more. Take care look forward to all your posts. Don’t know how you get it all done!
How fun to hear, Charleen! 😀 Thank you for saying so. I agree…living in Amish Country they were EVERYWHERE. That and country blue with geese or Amish.
Ooo-la-la! So pretty and has such a cottagey-vibe now. I so agree about not needing the heart and how removing it opened up the whole top shelf. Terrific transformation, Larissa! (Its been crazy in my life too this summer..I can’t catch my breath! What is going on?) Sooo happy to hear Loula is back to her old self too 🙂
I’m delighted to hear you like it, Mary! 😀 Thank you.
Funny thing is that many folks have said the same…like unreal events happening. I’m not sure what to make of it all?
Oh Larissa, what a pretty transformation! I love the paint color and the wallpaper combination. I think I have one of these little shelves kicking around in the basement somewhere. Thanks for the inspiration!
I figured you would, Marie! 😀 They’re fun to find and redo. Have fun!
I love the paint color. And I like it better without the heart cutout skirt. I couldn’t visualize it myself until I saw it and then, YES!, it was so much better. And this is coming from someone who previously (?) was in love with everything cutesy hearts and country warmth. Anyway, Brava! I love it.
haha…I think we all have our “why-did-we-like-that” phase. Thanks for the giggle, Michelle!
Very cute. The floral backing goes so well with the paint color. And no one will miss the heart. It’s perfect without it. Glad your little Loula is OK. That could have gone really bad.. Stay strong and keep on keeping on. Your posts come just in time whenever they come.
Thank you for the affirmation, Joanne. It’s fun for me to do and share, but especially hearing from my readers is why I’m here. Yes, I have to earn, like most, so I have to do what I have to do despite my rollercoaster. 😀