Room transformation + DIY frame

I’ve been so excited about helping our neighbors refresh their living room. Sometimes decorating a space can be daunting, you don’t know where to begin and there’s a fear of spending a lot of money to make it happen.

For this project, to make it easy, we reused some of the items they already had, thrifted about 80% and found a few perfect pieces from small businesses. Plus we came up with a great affordable way to frame large art that cost a total of $80 to make TWO frames. Details at the end of the post.

Let’s talk thrifted items. Some people love thrifting, some people hate it, some people just aren’t sure. Our neighbors were the last category and I can confidently say they are now addicted! We found the couch, huge rattan shelf, mirror, two camel colored chairs, one green chair and table lamp combo all from either craigslist, facebook marketplace or thrift stores ALL for under $700. That’s basically the cost of on cheap sofa.

Enormous rattan bookcase found on facebook marketplace. Rug from Swoon Rugs, pillow from Holistic Habitat.

Now, as much as I love thrifting I do love mixing old with new and see value in investing in good pieces that you love and intend on keeping. We found some great items from some small companies that blend so good with all of our thrift scores.

We chose two rugs from Swoon Rugs, one vintage under the chairs and one new under the coffee table. She has a rotating collection of unique and gorgeous pieces.

Rug from Swoon Rugs. Chairs and glass table lamp combo thrifted.

This terra-cotta plant stand with the pots was so unique and fit perfectly in this spot, it was a must have from Holistic Habitat. We found our pillows there too. A good quality pillow goes a long way!

Face pillow from Holistic Habitat. Green chair found on Craigslist.

The sconce above the TV is truly AMAZING. What a statement piece! Locally made here in New Orleans by Sazerac Stiches.

Lastly these two piece of art created by Christina Flowers. I love the abstract shapes and perfect color combo.

So now let’s get into how we created these custom and affordable frames.

Supplies:

1/4” 4ft. X 8ft. sanded plywood

Any moulding, length depending the size of the art

Gorilla glue heavy duty construction adhesive

Blue tape

Ruler

Saw

D ring picture hanging kit

Screwdriver

Instructions:

Plywood can be cut at Home Depot. Our artwork measured 32” x 40” and I wanted a 6” boarder around the art so I had the plywood cut to 42” x 56”.

I always have wood cut here before trying to fit it in my car. Saves time and effort.

The moulding was cut to fit around the perimeter of the art. We did this at home and cut them at a 45 degree angle.

Measure the board to find out where the art will sit centered on the board and tape it in place. Measure so the moulding will cover half of the art and the other half on the board. Place tape in the corners so you can quickly set the moulding in the correct spot once it has glue on it.

Use gorilla glue construction adhesive to attach the moulding around the artwork making sure that only the edge of the moulding that touches the board has glue on it so if you ever decide to remove the art it won’t be damaged.