Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Refresh a Forgotten Piece
Cooler days, warmer palettes, and a nudge to make home feel more like home. If a thrifted or inherited piece has been hiding under a blanket in your garage, consider this your loving nudge: it’s ready for a comeback and start a furniture makeover.
For 15 years, I’ve turned discarded furniture into functional art…soulful, useful, and full of story. Today, I’m walking you through my latest buffet makeover from my YouTube video, using DIY Paint by Debi’s Design Diary (my clay-based favorite) and my fingerpainting technique.
Watch Dionne Woods’ Fall Furniture Makeover using DIY Paint and Fingerpainting Techniques on YouTube
Supplies I Used (Shop My Favorites)
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DIY Paint (clay-based): Bohemian Blue (base), Kissing Booth, Petticoat Pink, Mint Chip, Blue Iris
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DIY Liquid Patinas: Dark & Decrepit (shadow/depth + topcoat), Golden Ticket (hardware glow)
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DIY Clear Wax: to seal and intensify color
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Paint Pixie Tools: VIP Brush, Shortstop, Caddy, Water Girl fine-mist sprayer
You can find these in my shop on TheTurquoiseIris.com.
Step-by-Step: From “Once Loved” to “Cherished Again”
1) Quick Sanding for a Smooth Start
I sanded the top (80 → 120 → 220 grit) to erase rings and rough patches. Because DIY Paint is clay-based, I didn’t strip the entire piece, just cleaned and prepped.
2) Base Coat in Bohemian Blue (Fall’s Moody Teal)
I thinned the paint with a light mist from the Water Girl sprayer so it glides on thin and smooth. Bohemian Blue keeps its intensity even when misted, perfect for layered finishes.
3) Color Wash + Drips (Let Fall Magic Happen)
I created a watery wash (think watercolor-on-wood) and let it drip into the crevices for movement and mood. Imperfect is the point, this is how art breathes.
4) Fingerpainting the Florals (Yes, On Furniture!)
Using both hands (playful + intuitive), I layered Kissing Booth, Petticoat Pink, Mint Chip, and Blue Iris to build abstract tulips across the front. Mist lightly, let color mingle, and keep your shoulders relaxed.
If frustration creeps in, step away and come back with fresh eyes. This process is meant to be relaxing.
5) Shadows, Highlights, and Hardware Glow
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Depth: A thinned coat of Dark & Decrepit along the lower areas adds shadow and contrast.
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Hardware: I brushed on Golden Ticket for a soft, elegant shimmer, fall glam without fuss.
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Seal: Clear wax to finish…watch the colors bloom back to their wet-can richness. Satisfying every time.
Why Functional Art Belongs in Your Home
Bohemian-influenced spaces tell the story of you, pieces collected, loved, and layered over time. A buffet like this becomes a focal point, a conversation starter, and a daily reminder that beauty can bloom again.
Want More Hands-On Help This Month?
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New: Wearable Canvas (online workshop) – launch window is open! Learn how I paint fabric pieces you can wear this season.
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Replay Favorite: Unwritten Flora (abstract florals on canvas) – a cozy fall painting session at your pace.
- Community: Creative Connection – weekly encouragement, prompts, and creative wellness to keep you making (and selling) without burnout.
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Magazine: The Fall “Celebrate” Volume of The Turquoise Iris Journal is mailing—add yours to the coffee table and soak up the inspiration.
FAQs (SEO Boost)
What paint is best for a fall furniture makeover?
Clay-based DIY Paint is my pick. It’s highly pigmented, low-odor, and perfect for layered finishes that feel organic and cozy.
Can I fingerpaint furniture if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely. Start with a moody base (like Bohemian Blue), add a watery color wash, then fingerpaint simple florals. Keep it loose and playful.
Do I have to strip the original finish first?
Usually no. With proper cleaning and light prep, DIY Paint adheres beautifully.
How do I seal a finger-painted furniture piece?
I use Dark & Decrepit for depth or as a protective coat, then Clear Wax to finish and intensify color.
If you’re waiting for a sign to begin, this is it. Pull the blanket off that old piece. Mist the paint. Trust your hands. Your home (and your heart) are ready for what you create next.
