Do you have unwanted decor or maybe want to update your own home story on a budget? Don’t toss those unwanteds as well as seek out a thrift store or garage sale before you spend any cash. Making changes in your home don’t have to break the bank and certainly don’t take oodles of tools and skills. All you need is a willing spirit, inspiration, and know-how tips. For instance, take this metal compote bowl I found when I also found that lantern being swallowed by faux flowers. It’s time for another thrifty update!
What you see here is what caught my eye. It’s a modern mass-produced piece that has seen some wear. However, I plan to give it my own personal touch with farmhouse flair. Let’s get started, shall we?
DIY TIME
First, I need to get this bowl ready for the layers I’ll be adding. I use either rubbing alcohol or a vinegar/water mixture with ratio of 1:2. Wipe clean and let air dry.
Then, as soon as bowl is clean and dry, I apply a light coat of Zinsser BIN primer. You can see how I use it to block stains AND smoke on anything. Check out my entertainment center turned wardrobe or all these projects HERE.
After applying the primer, I wait for it to cure and then take it out to my workshop. For the next layer, I’m spray painting two coasts of this Nutmeg color – the same I recently used on my thrifted candlesticks.
However, you could use any color you prefer or even stop here with simply paint. After waiting for two coats to cure, I’m ready for the last step in this thrifty makeover. To add more dimension and draw out the details, I use a basic white paint to whitewash or dry-brush on coat.
Finally, before it has time to set, I use a lightly dampened cloth to wipe off the excess.
Additionally, you can see this process in action in this mirror makeover below.
FARMHOUSE STYLE
While I could have chosen many kinds of styles for this thrifty update, I truly enjoy the outcome of this mini makeover in an aged style. Isn’t it refreshing over that dark metal?
I’m always a sucker for patina, especially in the raw. However, I’ll take this DIY style too so that I can create my own home story.
With that, I need to ask…what would you have done with this compote bowl? I filled mine with cotton crochet threads, but fruit, nuts, candles, bits and baubles will work too. Also, would you even have turned your attention to it in a thrift store? I’d love to hear your feedback and any DIY questions you may have.
If you want to add this compote bowl to your decor, you can find it and much more in my online store.
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In addition, let’s inspire others to try their hand at DIY too – pin and share!
WAIT ! Before you go, make sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see my latest Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun with this wool sweater. Check out what it became HERE.
Until next time!
Additionally, here is a few more thrifty update projects:
Merry Christmas to you and your family!! You’ve been such an inspiration and spiritual mentor to me these last couple of years. Your love and strength is boundless!! Thank you and may God grant you, his mortal Angel, your slice of heaven on earth!! 🥰
And a Merry Christ-filled Christmas to you, Rebecca! I wish I could give you a hug in person as you’ve meant more to me than you’ll ever know. {{hugs!!}}
Merry Christmas!! I love this bowl and your re-do. The nutmeg color is so pretty, and the whitewash is too!
Merry Christmas, Noelle! I adore your name. Thank you for the smiles. 😀
I like the nutmeg color a lot, the whitewash gives it more of a warn wood look. To be honest I probably would’ve passed it up at the thrift store- unless I had a set plan for it. I will be weeding out and or repurposing many things this next year! I pray for those of you who celebrate it, that your Christmas be blessed with joy, peace, and love, and may 2023 be filled with many as many more blessings as Gods will allows! Merry Christmas Larissa!
It’s definitely a soothing color. Yes, I don’t purchase unless I have a need. Less is more for sure. 😀
Merry Christmas, Larissa! Thank you for all the good you do and have done. Your kindness and generosity of spirit is uplifting. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a glorious New Year!
You just made my whole blizzardy day, Caye! 😀 I’m so glad to hear from you and feel blessed to be able to share. Hugs and Merry Christmas!
I felt my body “relax” reading your post today…in all the hustle and bustle of the Season it is SO good to hear the Story of Christmas from God’s Word – thank you SO much for sharing it..I can’t hear it enough at this season. 🙂 I love this pedestal bowl..great find! And the new color you painted it with the whitewash…it actually does not look like metal at all. 🙂 Great repurpose! I don’t know if people still eat “popcorn balls” at Christmastime, but those would look great in the bowl. Or some nature-inspired rustic ornaments…Beautiful! Merry Christmas to you Larissa! Thank you for all the inspiration you provide faithfully each week with the message of transformation in each project…the same Message that is in the Christmas Story! Wishing you a Blessed New Year too! Appreciate you!
That moved me to hear, Mary. What a blessing you are! Popcorn and me are besties so I’m game for that idea. Good one! Merry Christ to you and yours. {{hugs}}