It’s time for the June {ditto} DIY challenge!
Have you noticed gold is back in style and showing up everywhere? For me, gold and brass never really left. I have pieces I’ve loved for years scattered through the house. I enjoy when trends return because it means some of the things you already own feel fresh again.
Gold and brass add warmth and a touch of elegance to a room. I have a brass whale, a brass box and framed art that have been in my home for ages—just a few of the many metallic accents I collect.
You don’t need a lot to make an impact; even a small gold accent in each room can elevate a casual space and give it a more polished feel.
I tend to mix metals, so I’m happy whether a trend favors gold, silver or bronze. When this month’s DIY Ditto Challenge announced the theme “paint something gold,” I hesitated. I didn’t feel I needed more gold and I prefer projects that solve a real need rather than being made just for the sake of a challenge.
Still, I was committed to participating, so I looked for a worthwhile project.
Sometimes I need a prompt or a challenge to finally tackle a small update. I enjoy working on my home, but I can procrastinate or get stuck when trying to solve a decorating problem. When that happens, nothing gets done.
You may remember a dresser I’ve had for years. It started out in the dining room and later moved to the family room when it felt too large for the dining area. It fits better in the family room, but it still feels a bit dull. The dresser is solid and functional—it stores overflow dishes and table linens—so I wasn’t eager to replace it.
- My ideal solution would be built-ins, but that isn’t in the budget right now.
- A free-standing cabinet or modular piece from IKEA or similar was a second thought, but that’s not happening either.
- I didn’t want to paint the dresser because it belonged to my mom and she might want it back; also painting wasn’t the look I wanted for this room.
- There’s nowhere else to move it in the house until my mom takes it, so it would stay in the family room for the foreseeable future.
Just because something isn’t perfect doesn’t mean you can’t make it better. I considered changing the hardware to refresh the piece, but I couldn’t find replacements that fit the existing holes or matched my taste—and I didn’t want to spend much since it’s not a permanent fixture in our home.
Then I had an epiphany.
I had a dresser with so-so hardware and a tube of Rub n’ Buff Gold Leaf. That simple combination was all I needed: a hardware makeover.
Five minutes and a little Rub n’ Buff later, the dresser had a bit more gleam. I’d been looking at that piece for years and suddenly a tiny change made a big difference. Sometimes the solution is simpler than you expect.
This product is fantastic for quick transformations. The new gold hardware ties into the nearby gallery wall and adds a subtle, cohesive shine to the space.
Rub n’ Buff Hardware Instructions:
Open the tube.
Apply a small amount of Rub n’ Buff to your fingertip.
Gently rub it onto the hardware until coated.
Buff the finish with an old T-shirt to bring out the shine.
Note: If you don’t remove the hardware first, be careful not to get Rub n’ Buff on the furniture. It can be removed with some scraping, but it’s easier to avoid making a mess in the first place.
This gold makeover is just the beginning—later I added a gallery wall with gold sunburst mirrors to complete the space.
Want to try a gold project of your own or join the challenge?
Each month, ten bloggers recreate a high-end design element in an approachable way. The goal is to inspire readers to incorporate elevated design into their own homes in styles that feel authentic and achievable.
Go for the GOLD
If you’re inspired, link up your Go for the GOLD projects and take part in the {ditto} DIY party. Check out other entries, share your own, and come back to see more ideas. Next month’s challenge will be posted with tips for using gold accents in your home—sometimes a simple item from a closet can be transformed into beautiful wall art.
Come link up your own DIY Ditto Gold Project!
Enjoy the party!! Have you ever used Rub n’ Buff?