As much as I loved discussing fluffy pillows and bright colors last month, I am here to share a project with you that is more in line with my personal aesthetic. It is probably the easiest project you well ever see on this blog and it isn’t very expensive. I know you all are thinking, “Oh great he is probably going to show us how to replicate Ramona’s vacuum.” (she was the artist on the first season of Design Star) I will show you the finished product first so you can decide for yourself weather or not to finish reading.
Next, stain your piece. Go with a color that works with your space or better yet a color you have left over from another project.
Now we need to talk about metal. There are tons of options, but my personal favorite is hot rolled steel. It is cheap and the scaling from the processing creates some depth and adds texture. Call any sheet metal shop and give them your dimensions. Sheet metal shops tend to be less customer service oriented than most stores you normally visit. Don’t take it personally, just remember they are used to doing big projects and quite frankly your $15 art project isn’t a huge priority, but call around you will eventually find someone is nice enough. Tell them you would like 18 gauge (that is the thickness) cut to whatever dimensions you figured out.
We decided to go with just a single wide stripe, but feel free to go wild. Add more strips, make them thinner, make them thicker, whatever makes you happy, I mean it is just money. While we are talking design variations, you could easily use multiple stain colors or even add some color with spray paint. Since I am going for a sophisticated, masculine look I went for a look that is understated and doesn’t look like we are trying to hard. I wanted to highlight the material and not my artistic abilities.
Next you are ready to attach everything. We used velcro, because we don’t like waiting for glue to dry, but you could use construction adhesive if you prefer.
We also used velcro to attach it to the wall, but we had to use a bunch. If you aren’t attaching to a brick wall you won’t need as much or if you didn’t mind the look, you could put a screw in each of the 4 corners.
i love it!
I think that is pretty cool – for a man cave LOL!! I love what it does for that space – looks wonderful on the brick wall. I’m really liking the metal – hmmm. wonder if I can work in something metal with all my white, french, farmhouse… I’m getting really into the industrial look – just want to add it not have it take over!
I love this! Thanks for sharing.
I like it- a lot!! Does this make me manly? jk
Well you are welcome, glad you like it.
I have to be careful, because I want to include steel in almost every design. It is pretty cheap and can be used in so many different ways. I am sure you will figure out a way to incorporate it without letting it over power your space and when you do send us picture!
Not at all, it just shows that you probably have great taste in men! haha
Love the art! Where did you get/what is that tripod business in front of it? DROOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLL
LOVE IT! You didn’t have to stoop as low as Ramona’s vacuum for comparison…which had to be the worst DIY ever.
Very clever, simple but well…perfect! Great work!