How to Handpaint & Upcycle Furniture, Plus 5 Favorites

One of my number one goals when furnishing my apartments or buying clothing, accessories or basically any fun stuff for myself or others is to try and buy handmade, vintage or used. Not only do I happen to generally like those types of items better, I also love how it avoids adding another piece of Ikea furniture to a landfill (I apologize for my early twenties, okay?). In some ways, I can’t believe that I ever bought anything new, since buying used (if not always vintage or handmade) is almost always cheaper and more personally fulfilling. I love the chase and scouring thrift stores and Craigslist for great finds and I love all the people I meet and the stories behind their items and why they have to let them go. I also am not ashamed to admit that I love having stuff that isn’t currently housed in thousands of other homes across the country.

Having just moved cross-country to California late last year, much of the past few months of my life have been spent decorating my new pad. I cut everything loose when I left New York, aiming to set myself free a bit and start anew — which always seems like a great plan until I spend four weeks sleeping on an air mattress and arguing with myself outloud at an antique market (don’t ask).

So it is with great pleasure that I tell you that I have finally – as of this week – finished unpacking and decorating. This is by far my favorite living space yet and I am thrilled with my findings and new surroundings. My style is a bit, er, loud? Definitely unique but ultimately just really girly and maybe a little “young.” Like teenager young. But hey! Nobody is judging… right?

Amongst my most favorite of finds is the dresser pictured above. When I first set out in full force checking out local handmade markets, antique shops and design blogs, I found an enormous amount of what is commonly referred to as “shabby chic” furniture. I was already familiar with the style, as my best friend back home often repurposes furniture in the same fashion. But I’d definitely never seen so much of it or such a variety. It’s obviously hugely popular here in Los Angeles and makes sense as it often has a certain laid back, beachy feel. I found many artists that I love and eventually settled on someone to do a desk for me and someone to do a dresser (both people were found on Craigslist, ultimately). Since I was having trouble finding pieces I loved once deciding on the style, both artists sent me their stripped items as they came in and I waited patiently until something I liked came in.

Next: DIY Handpainted Furniture + 5 Inspirational Looks

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katarzyna p.

7:54AM PDT on Mar 13, 2013

some of the last pictures were terrible! i'd imagine some of it in a kid's bedroom! each to their own i suppose! although i do buy second hand or donate, sometimes you really do have to go for new. but new doesn't always mean expensive. it's called 'shopping around' for the best price of things

March 13
send a green star

Latoya B.

8:41PM PST on Mar 5, 2013

One of the most beautiful pieces of furniture I've seen had an Indian mural on it.

A lot of people see outdated or plain looking funirture and think it should taken apart and dumped. It's great that there are people that see the value in them and can make them look as good as new or even better than they did before.