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With spring cleaning comes the fever to refresh and rework your current furnishings. Alternatively, perhaps you’ve recently moved into a new home and simply want to upgrade your current style to something a bit more sophisticated and hip.
Giving your furniture a makeover doesn’t have to break the bank; in fact, you can find bargain deals on the fly, or roll up your sleeves and offer your pieces a little TLC on your own.
Starting From Scratch
There are plenty of ways to upgrade and update your home’s look without spending a fortune. Devote a weekend to estate sales in nicer communities within your city, or some of the boutique, independently owned furniture stores. If hitting the pavement seems too ambitious, stick close to home and browse through countless furniture pieces with affordable price tags online from a retailer like Wayfair.
Painting
There are fewer ways to easily and cost effectively update your existing furniture. Whether it’s an entirely new paint job, a fun stencil, or a much needed touch-up, transforming a lackluster piece is as simple as the following four steps:
Sand
Regardless of the surface you’re working with, you’ll first need to sand it. Sanders range in size and price, but for something small, a hand-held sander will suffice. Ensure you’re sanding along the edges, and looking to even out any old or chipped coats of paint that still remain. The goal here is to create a more textured surface, allowing the paint to adhere, ultimately leaving you with a thicker, more durable result.
Prime
When painting an item that will endure versatile use, priming is ideal. A simple option is to buy an all-in-one prime and paint. Popular paint brands offer two-in-one options, and endless color palettes to choose from.
Paint
Now that you’ve taken the steps to properly prep your surface, it’s time to paint. If you’re working with something large, a foam roller is your best bet. Quality brushes make all the difference and are worth the extra cost. Before setting out, determine what specific technique (if one) you’d like to mimic. Perhaps you won’t need a roller because you’re going for a more distressed aesthetic. Do your research so you don’t have to redo any of the above mentioned steps.
Protect
Once your paint has fully dried (typically within 24 hours), it is time to seal it. Protecting your surface with a sealant or wax combats chipping and staining. It also preserves the item and allows for easy cleanup, without the fear of damaging the paint. Sealing your paint is especially important if you intend to use the surface as a dining or coffee table.
Accessorising/Embellishing
If you’re looking for a quick-fix, or an easy project to tackle over a long weekend, accessorising or embellishing is the way to go. Swap out the faded, outdated knobs on your credenza for elegant crystal bulbs, or mix and match pastels. Opt for a retro wallpaper or pattern for your media console or frumpy cabinet. Chic DIY blogs offer endless inspiration on ways to accessorize, reupholster and reinvent your space.
Antiquing
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. This statement couldn’t better describe your local antique trove or monthly flea market. These hidden gems are ridden with regal furniture of the decades, timeless pieces and funky finds that really give your home that desired “wow” factor. The best part? Prices are generally up for negotiation, so that vintage wardrobe you’ve been eyeing may actually be within your grasp. They often do the work for you, restoring old pieces back to their former glory.