In my last post, I mentioned I'd be starting work on a couple of armchairs that we picked up for a song.  I'm at the upholstery stage on those but while waiting for paint to dry on the frames, I figured I'd get started on some smalls that have been waiting in workshop queue. So today I'm sharing four quick and easy updates to thrift store decor with paint.

4 Quick And Easy Updates To Thrift Store Decor

Deciding to do these makeovers on the fly,  I didn't take the time to run upstairs for my camera to take before pictures. What can I say, the paint cans were open and the brushes already loaded with paint and I just went with it.

Let's start with this interesting sculpture.

Project One - Dated Bronze Sculpture Makeover

It used to be dark bronze and looked dark and dated. I loved the silver and gold crackle finish but to me, it needed a pop of color to make it modern and current.

All I did to update it was paint over the bronze with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in one of my favorite the colors in her line called Provence. After the last coat of chalk paint dried I rubbed Pearl Wax with a lint-free rag, making sure to get more into the crevices.

I wish I had taken before pictures because it is a night and day transformation. Such a lovely modern contemporary piece now.

Project Two - Flower Pot To Kitchen Utensil Holder With A Parisian Flair

Thrift store flower pots make wonderful kitchen utensil holders because of their wide opening and height. This one used to be dark green but I gave it a brand new look with a Parisian flair for my kitchen.


First I spray painted the flower pot with two coats of Rustoleum Spray Paint in my favorite Heirloom White color.

Next,  I dry brushed a custom mix of chalk paint from the Country Chic Chalk Paint line in the colors Simplicity and Luscious Lime. To do this you dip just the tips of an inexpensive chip brush into the paint and dab the excess onto a paper towel. With very little paint on the brush and little pressure, apply the paint in long brushstrokes across so a lot of the base color still shows through underneath.

To protect the finish  I applied two coats of a waterbased clear coat. It was starting to look very pretty but I couldn't stop there.


I wrapped thick jute around the top rim of the painted flower pot and secured it with hot glue. Next, I dry brushed some white and graphite color chalk paint over the jute.

I had some peel and stick French decals in my stash and rubbed one onto the front of the flower pot to give it some Parisian flair.

Loved the graphic but wasn't fond of the shiny plastic finish making it obvious it was a decal. To tone it down and make it look less stickerish (new word), I brushed some Graphite chalk paint over the decal, especially around the edges.

The perfect pop of color and French goodness in the kitchen

Project Three - Small Clay Flower Pot Topiaries

Recently we had a bay window installed in our kitchen and I wanted French Country topiaries to sit on the window sill. These are so simple and inexpensive to make with dollar store finds and can be finished in an afternoon.


Give small inexpensive dollar store terracotta pots vintage country charm with paint. Much like I did for the cutlery holder above, I painted the pots with the same chalk paint but went a little heavier with the white dry brushed chalk paint over top.

Once the paint was dry I stuffed the painted pots with florist foam and headed outside to cut a couple of straight branches from my dogwood. I pierced the branches into two faux boxwood balls and stuck them in the florist foam. Easy peasy!

I laid some moss over the florist foam and voila, two pretty kitchen window topiaries with supplies from the dollar store.

Project Four - Farmhouse Wall Sconce Shelves

I've had two wooden plain jane run-of-the-mill golden oak wall sconce shelves collecting dust in the basement for months. In fact, I contemplated donating them back to Goodwill at one point.

In less than five minutes, I was able to completely transform them with farmhouse charm and I loved them so much, they are keepers! I don't know what took me so long.


All I did was mix a 50:50 ratio of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the colors Pure White and Old White and dry brushed one light coat over the honey oak. Once dry, mere minutes, I lightly sanding along the edges to distress them with 220 grit sandpaper. I sealed that farmhouse goodness in with clear wax. So easy and to think these pretties sat in the workshop all that time.


I hope these thrift store decor transformations inspired you to turn thrift store decor into beautiful treasures for decorating your home.

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Now it's time I best get back to the armchair makeover. They are finished and you can find them here in my Living Room Queen Anne Arm Chair Makeover post.


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