Give Ordinary Terra Cotta Planters A Garden Glow-Up With A Fungi-Inspired DIY

Whimsical decor is popular for a reason, and there's nothing childish about adding a fantastical touch to your interior or exterior. For those who lack a green thumb but happen to have a plethora of terra cotta planters, there are several ways to put them to good use. You don't have to be an expert gardener to take advantage of this planter pot trend. In fact, if you're looking for a way to elevate your garden without planting more live greenery, this is an excellent option. In a few simple steps, you can turn your underutilized terra cotta planters and their saucers into adorable, mushroom-inspired decor with just some paint.

Of all the beautiful ways to add trendy, whimsical accents to your home, this is one of the easiest and most adorable. You'll simply paint the saucer red, add white polka dots, paint the pot itself white, and place the pot upside down with the saucer on top. Mushroom decor, both subtle and more literal, is currently trending, and it's a reflection of our desire to add a playful touch to our homes. Your garden is the perfect space to experiment with this nostalgic, charming emblem.

First, take the terra cotta saucer and paint the entire piece with bright red acrylic paint. Let the paint dry completely before moving onto the next step. You'll then need a round sponge tool like these Nakleo Sponge Stencil Brushes. Dip the sponge brush into white acrylic paint and stamp circles around the saucer to create a polka-dot pattern. Finally, put the saucer to the side and grab the pot itself. Use a white spray paint, like the Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch, to completely cover the pot inside and out — or just brush on the white paint. You can either use outdoor paint or spray your pieces with a clear sealant. Finally, set up the pieces in your garden.

If you want to add an extra boost of fairytale-inspired whimsy, try painting the top of your mushroom a more unnatural shade like bright blue. On the other hand, if you want to curate an earthier look, use only the saucer portion of the terra cotta planter and place it on top of a cut tree stump.

If you're looking for a fairy garden idea that is downright magical, you can't forget the addition of fairy lights. Wrap the base of your mushroom pots with battery-operated twinkle lights like these Jmexsuss Fairy Lights. To really commit to the mushroom theme, consider adding these Onemore Mushroom Fairy Lights around your pots. After all, real wild mushrooms do grow in clusters of different sizes. If you still can't get enough of cottagecore accessories, find out how you can turn your empty jars into whimsical mushroom decor.