I picked up this thrifted shelf decor piece at a garage sale. If you are part of The Salvaged Society with me(and if not you should be!), you saw when I got this rickety old shelf and what it looked like when I got it.
It was a bright submarine yellow color that was very loud and obviously doesn’t go with my decor. BUT – I love the bones and the look of it and knew it would fit in my house in one of two spots. First, it just needed a fresh coat of paint.
I used Amy Howard At Home paint in a color called Kembel (you can order it here), it’s a gray putty type color that’s very versatile, changes colors and kind of goes with everything. I also added clear wax and dark wax to the piece to help age it and give it some extra dimension. (Here are some tips on waxing!) I knew I wanted to use this for a plant stand of some sort so the wax comes in handy to help protect the wood.
This piece fit perfectly in a small nook in my bathroom. The space gets just enough light to allow indoor plants to thrive. 🌿🌱🪴 Since I’ve sort of tried to become a plant lady this was perfect for my growing plant habit. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect size table to add to my bedroom, I’d like to have a little plant corner in there as well.
I can’t remember if I paid $10 or $15 for this shelf, but I think it was worth every penny! AND OF COURSE I bargained for it. 🤣🤑 These are the best kinds of finds and if you are bold enough to look past color and seek out good shapes and sizes of things at garage sales you will find some real treasures!
I needed some extra storage in my bathroom too, so this shelf will double duty as a place to keep towels, bath salts and miscellaneous bathroom things. I honestly have never loved my bathroom, but little changes and touches like this make me appreciate it more and more.
I think every room needs a touch of something old, something alive and something new. This fun little shelf checks all the boxes! Toulouse adds to the LIVE part in every room. 😂 She follows me everywhere, how sweet is that little puppy face?
Have you passed up something because of the color? DON’T DO IT next time – remember the yellow shelf that could! 😉
Margaret says
Love this with the new paint color and it looks great in your home!
Kim at Salvaged Living says
thank you Margaret
Tambra Childres says
You did see through the ugly yellow and brought the shelf back to life !!! You gave it CPR !! Lol I love it And of course I love all you do . Hope you are doing well.
Kim at Salvaged Living says
Thank you Tambra – I appreciate it and I am loving the new shelf as well!
Missy says
It’s a perfect fit where you placed it and it came out beautiful. God has truly given you an amazing talent.
Kim at Salvaged Living says
well thank you Missy – I appreciate your kind words so much!
Jackie says
So perfect! And look at ALL YOUR PLANTS!
Deb says
Perfect!! I love to renew and refresh pieces….A little paint makes such a big change!!!