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Paint it White


Paint it White: A Quick & Easy DIY Vase Makeover

While flipping through a stack of old magazines before tossing them into the recycling bin, I stopped dead in my tracks. A Ballard Designs ad caught my eye, and I loved every single thing about it. 

But the real showstopper? 

A stunning trio of crisp white vases styled perfectly on a table.

It was one of those "Wait, I have that!" moments.


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I've owned a classic Chinese-style vase for nearly 20 years. For the last 15 years, it's been gathering dust in the basement because the original color scheme just didn't vibe with my current decor. 

After seeing that inspiration photo, I knew exactly what I had to do: it was time for a fresh coat of white paint.


I also grabbed a pair of $1 vases I scored at a flea market last year to join the transformation.

The "Sacrilege" of DIY Paint

I know some of you might be screaming "sacrilege" at the thought of painting over a classic pattern! But here's the thing: I knew I would actually use and love this piece if it were white. 

Plus, let's be real—it wasn't a priceless antique; it was a budget-friendly reproduction.


The Secret Ingredient: Homemade Chalk Paint

To get that perfect matte finish, I gave everything two coats of my favorite homemade chalk paint (you can find my go-to recipe HERE).

By stripping away the distracting old colors, the vases' textures and elegant silhouettes finally became the stars of the show. 

It's amazing what a little paint can do to highlight the "bones" of a piece.


Refreshing the Living Room for Spring

These vases were just the spark I needed to give my living room a mini-makeover. Even though there's still snow on the ground outside, it officially feels like Spring has arrived indoors.


Following my original inspiration, my coffee table now proudly sports its own trio of vases. The mix of white, green, and yellow has completely brightened the space.


Design Tip: 

Grouping items in threes (the "Rule of Three") creates a balanced, professional look that’s easy on the eyes.



I bet your eyes keep wandering toward that window art in the background, don't they? 

I'm obsessed with it, too! 


You can catch all the details on that project [HERE].




🍃



27 comments :

  1. I love the white. They look so much better. I love the window art and my have to copy a bit of that. We have stacks of old windows stored away. Can't wait to hear more.

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  2. I have also two same vases and I have not use them almost 13 years. What a great idea to use them again!

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  3. I love your daring scheme to paint them white! Seriously, what use are they if you don't use them!! I love the white, and the window art is so awesome! Can't wait to hear how you did it!

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  4. I'm not screaming at the sacrilege, especially as it was in your basement for ages, I think they look great and the room is looking really pretty with the touches of green and blue and the great window art.

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  5. Great idea! They look beautiful. :) I can't wait to hear about your window art.

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  6. i love how paint can transform! great DIY

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  7. I love painting things white! It is actually a brilliant and cost effective way to change things up!

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  8. Tu pintaste ese jarrón chino Cristina ? Eres muy valiente .. La verdad yo también tengo una pieza China de hace años que no se qué hacer con ella ya que no me gusta el color ., me encanta en blanca !!

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  9. So funny how we are on the same wavelength. I just went out and got a bunch of knick knacks (vases, figurines etc) for the sole intent of painting them white to use in a vignette. I love how they become neutral and go with anything.. no matter how ugly they were to begin with! Great post!

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  10. I love the transformation! The white is so fresh. Love it!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  11. Gorgeous, Cristina! Another beautiful idea. Your living room looks amazing!

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  12. I think they look very nice white. I've been thinking about doing the very same thing to some old vases and knick-knacks I have.

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  13. Way to show people that they can re-use what they have. So much useful stuff ends up in the landfills every day. If only people could take a lesson from you Cristina! Cheers.

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  14. Love the bisque look of your new collection Cristina! Definitely looks way more high-end than before!

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  15. I so agree - I love it more painted. I think change is always appropriate when an item has outlived its usefulness as it is. Very nice makeover.
    Cindy

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  16. oh that looks so fresh and refreshing cristina...finally after 20 years, you are able to decorate that vase♥

    love the chalk finish too...huggies♥
    rea

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  17. Oh, I love it. I am a spray paint any random object I can find aholic

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  18. Ya, why not paint it, love your spring colour scheme Cristina!

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  19. Love it! Why keep it if you aren't using it? Love the update.

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  20. wonderful !! I always believe it painting anything before you trash it or give it away. I have even painted lamp shades

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  21. OMG I can't believe you destroyed that Ming Dynasty treasure!!! Ha!

    ;)

    Love it white! Pinning! Thanks so much for sharing at the Super Saturday Link Party, my friend!

    :) Linda

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  22. Ooh la la! I love the was the jar looks! And the whole room is lovely!

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  23. Love how you recycled so many things with ... white paint!

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  24. Haha. I see these all the time. Great redo. Love it!! Please come share this on my Chic By You Link Party @ http://chicbytab.blogspot.ca/2014/03/chic-by-you-wednesday-link-party-5.html . Hope to see you there.

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  25. Hi Christina,
    The painted vases turned out wonderful. Love how the texture stands out now. So pretty in white.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes

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  26. Wait......you did not explain how you got the dots /texture added on the vases!!!!!

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