HOME IDEAS: Lift yourself out of post-holiday funk with DIY projects

Taking down the holiday decorations is never a fun task.

Once they are all removed the house can look a little bare.

In addition, the weather is usually rainy this time of year and the removal of decorations can suddenly make our homes appear to be a little on the dark side.

So what better time of year to tackle a few projects and give the house a bit of a lift?

If you’re in the mood for a few DIY projects here’s an idea that’s simple to do and will give your chest of drawers a pop of colour to stave off the winter blues.

Painting the sides of drawers is a great way to bring colour into a neutral piece of furniture.

For this project you will require some sandpaper, paint, a paintbrush and a drop cloth.

You may or may not have to sand the sides of the drawers for this idea, but be sure the surfaces are clean and dry.

Sanding is a great way to prepare the area for paint application.

The sandpaper creates a nice smooth finish and also adds adhesions for the paint to stick to.

Depending on the type of paint you choose, you may require a primer. Best to check with your paint professional. Choose a paint that will co-ordinate nicely with the outside shade you have chosen.

If you are going for a neutral look, I have found that painting the exterior of the chest of drawers in a cream or white colour, followed by adding a nice pastel colour on the sides of the drawers, can be just enough to give the furniture piece that extra special touch of colour.

Another easy idea is to paint or wallpaper the back of a bookshelf.

I have seen many creative ways designers have given life to old, forgotten pieces of furniture with just a coat of paint.

A white bookshelf in a girl’s bedroom can be painted white and the back sections wallpapered in polka dots, floral and stripes.

The result is very chic and stylish.

Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. You can find more information at bludogstagingandredesign.com.

By: North Shore News

GuidedBy is a community builder and part of the Glacier Media news network. This article originally appeared on a Glacier Media publication.