For several years now, I’ve always wanted to embark on my very own, relatively high-effort, DIY project. Especially one involving transforming a useful piece of furniture seen at Goodwill into something I could envision in my own bedroom.
I’ve tried to paint counter tops and other small items in the past but the projects were always a mess. Paint spilled everywhere, there were streaks in my final products… nothing ever worked the way I wanted it to.
So awesome to meet Bahia from On the Purple Couch
So I decided to try it once more with the help of some fellow Goodwill fans. The family at On the Purple Couch, a DC/MD based woman-owned business, who helps DIYers like you and me get our DIY grooves on. On the Purple Couch is actually an Annie Sloan chalk paint-specialized retailer. They teach local residents who embark on easy painting projects by using the simple and quick-drying materials.
I first stopped into On the Purple Couch in Kensington, MD (it used to be in Silver Spring but moved to a cuter space), to pick up my materials.
As you can see the interior is absolutely gorgeous and filled with eye-catching home creations. And guess what! A lot of these home decor and furniture pieces were from Goodwill and transformed by OTPC instructors!
Bahia, the owner, showed me around the store and told me the story of the shop and her own life journey. It was amazing to hear about how she got to where she is today and her previous social welfare background.
Hearing her stories I thought we had many similarities. We were truly meant to meet! She’s all about showing us how be resourceful and helping the community.
On the Purple Couch gave me the perfect materials to complete my DIY transformations
Bahia help me put together my first ever chalk paint starter pack comprised of brushes, different kinds of sandpapers, wax, and gray and bright blue paint. She honestly made this seemingly expensive and daunting task cheap and easy.
The stand and drawers before my DIY transformation journey
After my stop at OTPC I hopped over to the Rockville and Gaithersburg Goodwill stores to pick up my first pieces to paint. I chose a side table and bamboo organizers.
The stand looked like it would take more time so that was going to be my focus of the day. The drawers are a project I want to transform at another time and then give to some friends as a holiday present.
The stand was already cute but I just wanted to paint it a new color that would fit my style. The bamboo containers were cute as-is too but I wanted to still spice them up further as well.
I had an amazing time working on these great Goodwill finds
The brown stand is now a beautiful shade of blue
I LOVE how the stand turned out
And ta-da! My final product! As you see, I already put some of my fun Goodwill knick-knacks on it :). I love the bright blue color – it’s so unique and so DCGF!
And guess what? Because I was already at-it I began painting the bamboo boxes too.
They’re not done yet but I just wanted to show you how I started. 🙂
Thank you Bahia and On the Purple Couch for helping me start my obsession with your products and Annie Sloan chalk paint! Y’all were so helpful and patient with me when I didn’t even know where to begin.
Fashionistas, if you want to embark on a similar project, hit up a Goodwill and find some starter pieces to transform and take baby steps. Then, head to Kensington, MD’s antiques row area to On the Purple Couch to pick up some easy-to-use paint and accompanying materials. You won’t be let down. No joke. I’m HOOKED!
Here is the address on On the Purple Couch, if curious. The Rockville Goodwill location is just down the street!
10513 Metropolitan Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
P.S. I can’t wait to trying some more distressing next time around. And maybe even use some more salmons and pinks! Thinking we maybe should have a DIY paint party….thoughts?
