Though my project features the make over of a tired, wooden clothes hamper, the application and technique is wonderful for any furniture item that has worn out it's welcome in your home.

I've always loved this hamper. It was one I picked up at a craft store 15 years ago, then used as a demonstration piece for the store. It found it's way in to my dressing room and I've used it as my personal hamper all these years.

It's sturdy construction has given me many years of use, but it's finish is now tired and is no longer compatible with my current decorating. So I re-did it.

Because I had varnished it previously, I gave it just a quickie light sanding to rough up the surface then coated it with two coats of KILZ Primer.

After the primer had dried, I then painted it cream color with interior latex semi gloss.

I love the look of raised ornamentation so I went to Rachel and Pia's Cottage store on Ebay and purchased onlays to give the hamper some detail. Their designs change periodically so if you don't find exactly what you are craving, email them and maybe they can help.

Raised Plaster Stenciling would have also done the trick as would have any of our Ornamental Mold Designs.

I pre-painted the onlays then glued them to the front of the hamper. Another coat of cream paint over the top made them look as though they were carved right in to the wood of the hamper.

To give the design more detail, I taped off the rectangular front and scrubbed a pale gray paint over the surface, wiping it off as I went to give this area more pizazz. This brought out the detail even further and gave the entire piece an antique look.

A coat of Wipe On Poly by Minwax gave it shine and protection.

Situated back in my dressing room, it's now a lovely piece that compliments my decor and will give me many more years of service.

Furniture such as tables, night stands, armors, bookshelves and cabinets can benefit from similar treatments and the addition of onlays.