I always like to tackle paint projects in the warmer summer months, as good ventilation is super important, so opening all those windows is a must!!! This summer was not shy of projects, and I look forward to sharing what I delved into, hopefully providing some ideas and suggestions that you can put to good use. My first project was the HUGE, UGLY grates for our HVAC registers, which have always been an eye sore in the middle of our entryway hall. First of all, as our home is a 1980’s build, we have come to the point where things have started to break down a bit. So originally there was only one HUGE, UGLY grate on our entryway wall. But when we had to have our heating and air conditioning system replaced last year, much to my dismay, they told me they needed to add another HUGE, UGLY grate to the same wall for our new system. So when one HUGE, UGLY grate became two HUGE, UGLY grates, I knew I had to come up with a design solution to all this HUGE UGLINESS. So I immediately broke out the paint brushes, grabbed my daughter and went to work…
If there is one thing I love it it is architecturally salvaged items. I found these grates (appropriately) at Architecturally Salvaged in Little Italy. I love the beauty and character they bring to the space, and I originally fixed them to the wall over the one HUGE, UGLY grate. After painting, I found a console table at Urban Barn in Escondido. (Love, love, love this gem of a vintage gallery!) And while I had envisioned a console table with more going on to cover up the grates, I jumped on this one because the price was right, and I can always sell it if I find a better option down the line. So with the antique grates placed behind it (also painted the same as the wall color) the goal of covering up the HUGE UGLY grates has been accomplished, but truth-be-told my designer brain is never satisfied, and I’ll probably keep my eyes peeled for a more perfect table solution so I can scrap the vintage grates. What do you think?! Please vote in the comment section and tell me which you prefer… with or without the vintage grates?