Now that my bathroom closet is beautiful & organized, I’d rather squeeze myself in there to work than be in my actual office. Which is a problem since the closet is like 8 square feet! Since that option is off the table, I decided to start the long overdue office organization & beautification. The full room won’t be done for a few months as we need to save up to purchase some furniture, but in the mean time, I decided I can start tackling smaller projects.
First up is a simple one. We’ve lived in the house two years and I just figured out last week that we don’t have a trash can in the office. This simple oversight was a big contributor to clutter on the desk. I wanted something that would look great even after the room redo, but it needed to be inexpensive.
I got crazy lucky at Target. The day I decided we needed a trash can, I found this gem in the Dollar Spot for $3. Great size, sturdy, just not the color I needed. No problem!
The main ingredient for step one was waiting for a warm enough day that I wanted to be outside spray painting. Our weather is so random. It will be 10 degrees one day & 60 the next, so I only had to wait a few days.
I started with two layers of black spray paint. Here’s what it looked like after it was dry.
Next up, I had to add some personality! Bring on the gold! I applied Antique Golf Rub ‘n Buff
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to the upper lip & lower base of the bin. Really, the shape of the can was begging for an accent color, I didn’t even have to tape anything off.
I found a few spots that the spray paint didn’t cover as well, so I went over them with a dab of craft paint on a dry brush. Much better!
I was liking the result, but still wanted a tad more personality. I mean, this was going to be the first “done” thing in the room, so it had a lot of pressure to be beautiful.
I dug through the craft room and found one last book-plate label. I normally would have just hand-written or printed a label from the computer, but I just got my first Silhouette Portrait Tuesday! So exciting! Anyways, I found a piece of black card stock to cut out, and used a gold scrap of paper behind it to make a pretty label. Fun!
In about 3 hours, I had the new trash can overflowing!
Here is the final product all empty and beautiful.
I’m loving the functionality & look of my new trash can. It’s an inspiration for what the rest of the office will eventually look like. Have you spruced up any Dollar Spot finds?
*Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that when you click links to other websites and buy items, I may receive a small commission. Using affiliate links to show you the products I use helps me offset the cost of running the blog. The products used in this post were all purchased by me.
Jodie says
I saw these at Target last night! Dangerous store… This turned out too cute! Loving all of the ways to use the gold Rub n’ Buff : )
melissa@polishedhabitat.com says
Yes! Totally dangerous store. I seriously keep trying to NOT post Rub ‘n Buff projects because I’m not sponsored by them or anything, and I don’t want to be a one trick pony, but goodness, I can’t help myself! In the last month, I’ve become addicted to using R&B and buying ribbon. 🙂
Katie @ Addicted 2 DIY says
I see from your trash that your new Silhouette came in;). I love that even your trash can is pretty. I am going to have to get some of those adorable bookplates and the rub n buff paint!
melissa@polishedhabitat.com says
Yes – the bookplates are awesome to have on hand. I try to get them when the have the 40% off Avery/Martha coupons in the Staples ad. And yes, the Silhouette is here and we are becoming fast friends 🙂
Kelly says
what a pretty trash can! Thanks for the reminder that even functional things like a trash can can be pretty.
melissa@polishedhabitat.com says
Thanks Kelly! It’s nice to have a few functional things that also make you smile!
Lusine says
How pretty! It’s the cute little accents that always make a room look so pulled together. Gotta love the many uses of Rub ‘n Buff 🙂
Trisha D. says
Oh my goodness, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect garbage can for ages!! I have a little project up my sleeve but yours has me thinking about a temporary solution! Gah I love me some rub n buff. I haven’t been brave enough to use it in my own home. Rather I find myself drooling over everyone else’s amazing projects!!
Love how you put your own spin on an ‘ordinary’ garbage can!
melissa@polishedhabitat.com says
Thanks! You definitely need to try out the Rub ‘n Buff. It is always a crazy fast transformation, which is perfect for inpatient people like me! But if you aren’t sure what color to buy, stay tuned! There are many different shades of gold, so I have a post planned to demonstrate the differences.
Shelly says
You really make trash look classy with this trash can revamp! This is one of my Hit Me With Your Best Shot Knockouts this week! Thanks SO much for linking up!