Last Updated on February 7, 2023 by lindseymahoney
Welcome back to week 5 of the One Room Challenge! This week I have continued to work on DIY paint projects. Paint is my favorite budget-friendly DIY trick to change the look of furniture or a design item. I gave a fresh new look to an old bookshelf and decorative tray through the magic of paint.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5397-540x720.jpeg.webp)
![](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ORC-Guest-400x218.png.webp)
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7
Check out the previous five One Room Challenge transformations:
Dining Room | Master Bedroom | Boys Bedroom | Girls Bedroom | Living Room
DIY Paint Projects in the Guest Bedroom/Office
The large room I am updating for the One Room Challenge has a dual purpose; our guest bedroom and my office. It honestly is used more often as my office and organization and storage are really important.
I have been using a wooden bookshelf that we purchased probably 15 years ago and it works great. If I can make items that I already own work within a design, I do it. Not only does it save money, but it prevents another perfectly good furniture piece from ending up in a landfill.
Painting the Bookshelf
This space is divided into two areas, the guest bedroom on one side and the office on the other. I purchased this gorgeous secondhand Century desk at a local consignment shop and the dark, wood is beautiful.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/A48877FB-B779-4F47-9C46-13F390F6FC9C-720x720.jpg.webp)
The bookshelf I have been using is also dark, but it is not nearly as nice as the Century desk and is made of particle board. I forgot to take a before picture, but you get a pretty good idea of the look based on the image below.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5265-535x720.jpeg.webp)
With both of these dark furniture pieces on one side of the room and the guest bedroom fill with light colors, it started to feel lopsided.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5352-720x540.jpeg.webp)
Last week I painted the nightstands white and the dresser is also white. I was concerned that if I painted the bookshelf white it would look too matchy, matchy. If there are too many painted furniture pieces, it can also start to feel “farmhouse” which I want to avoid.
I decided to paint the bookshelf the same color as the wall to blend into the background a bit. The detailing gives the bookshelf dimension and the items on the bookshelf really stand out.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5358-540x720.jpeg.webp)
To achieve this look, I applied two coats of Zinsser primer and two coats of light blue (leftover wall paint). For durability, I applied a clear, matte finish to prevent scratching and scuffing.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5393-540x720.jpg.webp)
Two-Tone DIY Lacquered Tray
I have been admiring Rita Konig’s lacquered trays for a while now, but I cannot justify paying $200 for a decorative tray. I am attempting a budget-friendly version of my own and I am still working on this DIY project.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5423-720x540.jpeg.webp)
Blue and green are the main colors in this guest bedroom/office design and I decided to keep that going with this DIY lacquered tray. I am a bit nervous that the green is a bit too neon, but we will see how it goes! Check in next week to see the reveal.
![Easy DIY paint projects for the office and guest bedroom | Building Bluebird](https://buildingbluebird.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_5425-720x540.jpeg.webp)
This week I also worked on fixing the wood tannin that showed through on one of the nightstands by applying a Zinsser primer. It worked like a charm and now I just need to add the clear coat.
More DIY Paint Projects You Will Love
- Old Sheet Music Cabinet Makeover | DIY
- Easy IKEA Hemnes Dresser Hack to Try at Home
- DIY Scalloped Edge Shelf | Easy IKEA Hack
- Paint an Exposed Basement Ceiling Black
- How to Paint Concrete Basement Floors
- How to Paint A Pool and Save Money | Tutorial
Now I really need to get working on the artwork that will hang on the walls! Check in next week to see what I decide. Head on over to the One Room Challenge blog to see all of the awesome design plans of the other participants.