Mina Starsiak Hawk Shows Us An Easy Way To Breathe New Life Into Old Decor Pieces

That hand-me-down lamp. That garage sale item that's sturdy but not pretty. Most of us have some pieces of furniture that are still working for us, but could use a facelift. Investing just a bit of time can convert these "have-beens" into an eclectic, personal mix of high-energy pieces that are both practical and visually stunning, no matter what your budget. Similar to reupholstering and restyling older furniture, for simple pieces such as frames, lamps, shelves, and stick furniture, a quick dose of color will transform the semi-acceptable to a solid wow. Best of all, this is an easy fix.

Start with a dreary piece you'd like to refresh or repurpose to use in another room. The solution for updating pieces like this is a shot of color, as HGTV host Mina Starsiak Hawk demonstrates. She transforms a decidedly unspectacular faux wood table into an exciting, smooth-surfaced workstation with a few strokes of her favorite spray paint, Colorshot. This Fresno, California-based company makes its vibrant color-in-a-can from sustainable materials and is available at craft supply stores, since it makes acrylic paint, markers, and stencils as well.

In her video, Hawk uses a combination of eye-popping colors: Mermaid (teal), Skinny Dip (ivory) and Extra Guacamole (avocado). It's easy to get lost in the company's vibrant tones and humorous paint names. (Burgundy is dubbed "Wine Stain – evidence of a good time.") Like most paint companies, Colorshot offers ideas on palettes, some neutral, and some decidedly dazzling. Just as important as the color is the surface or sheen of the painted item. Most often, a satin or peal finish is best for a second-hand piece that needs to be spruced up, but if you prefer a more subtle effect, try milk paint or chalk paint instead for a matte finish.

Of course, applying the color is the fun part. Like any DIY project, a little prep goes a long way. To repaint your furniture like a pro, first be sure the surface is clean and dry. Then for wood pieces, it's best to prepare by sanding lightly, and possibly using a primer. After applying the color and letting it dry thoroughly, you may want to add a sealer for added protection and for easy cleaning.

Trends come and go but you're the one who has to live in your house, so decorate it your way. While tone-on-tone has been in vogue for some time, at the beginning of 2024, designers began indicating that all-white kitchens and all-gray interiors are styles that are fading. Use these palettes if you love them but know that using more color in a room is an up and coming style that may be more appealing, especially if you decide on using earth tones, plus blues and greens. The best way to find your perfect palette is by using a color wheel.

Most people have a blend of old and new furniture and accessories in their homes. In fact, decorators tend to steer buyers away from the matched sets or the "furniture store look" in which every piece is new and completely coordinated. If your most durable pieces are hand-me-downs or purchased second hand, you can breathe new life into them easily, giving them an entirely new look with just a bit of work and a big shot of color.