When shopping at thrift and discount stores, it’s helpful if you can learn to think outside of the color and intended of a particular item and see what it can become. Cheese plates can become dioramas. Homemade student desks can become beautiful pieces of furniture. Discarded cake plates can become pedestals for displaying everyday necessities.
I really needed to use my what-can-it-become eye when I spied this dinosaur lamp at one of my local Goodwill stores.
As you know (and are probably so sick of hearing me talk about that you could just scream), I’m in the process of decorating my son’s playroom in a elegant dinosaur theme. Yeah, I know. “Elegant dinosaur” sounds totally fruity, but I’m not into primary colored themed rooms, so this is my way of forcing a playroom to be pleasing to both children and adults.
When I saw the clown-meets-dinosaur lamp, it kind of scared me a little bit. How could it not, right? Then, I started thinking about what I could do with it, and I immediately fell in love. I took it to the cashier and she cheerily said, “Oh, how cute! It just needs to be cleaned up a bit.” I thought to myself, “Um, yeah. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.” I told her I was going to paint it and she gave me a “Oh, thank heavens!” look.
After throwing the too-ratty-to-save shade in the trash, I spray primed the entire lamp with gray primer. Then, because I couldn’t decide exactly what color to paint the base, it went through several color variations. I started with Krylon Chocolate Brown, but it was too chocolate-y. Then, I tried a basic black gloss, but it was just a little too boring. I finally settled on Krylon Fusion Chocolate Brown Hammered and it was perfect. I added a black lampshade and the transformation was complete.
I think the paint color ended up being more bronzed and much less hammered than I expected, but I think it’s wonderful. It reminds me of a little dinosaur trophy now.
I added the newly transformed lamp to a little bookcase in the corner of the playroom, and I think it’s just the perfect touch.
This is Dino-mite! How cute for you son’s room. Thanks for sharing.
Charla
LOVE it! You sure think outside the box.
I am loving Sarah’s linky party today. 
That looks amazing! Excellent color choice. I would never have had that vision. I wanna come play in that playroom!
So much cooler – Love the new look !
Hugs ~ Kamnmy
That came out great! I would have walked right by it and never even imagined what you did.
Well, I have to give you credit…for the life of me, after that first hideous photo, I couldn’t imagine how you might transform that awful lamp into something I’d like. But, it looks fantastic!!! I love what you did. I also appreciate the fact that you are doing a more upscale playroom for your son.
I am doing a 7 year old girl’s playroon that is more sophisticated as well using black and white (just posted some preview pics on Friday on my blog) with lime green walls. The whole pink thing or bright colors with the green walls seem overdone. I tell you that only because I think we are on the same page. Children’s play rooms don’t have to be “old school” but can be done in a fresh and modern way. You have done that beautifully.
This is ADORABLE! Dinosaur trophy is the perfect description.
Great job! Sometimes shopping at Goodwill really does take imagination.
That’s some transformation! I never cease to be amazed by the power of spray-paint.
That’s a great lamp! Yeah spray paint!
Aww, that lamp reminds me of the movie The Land Before Time. I remember watching it in my third grade class, and I just cried and cried.
The lamp is super cute, I always love lamps that have some sort of creature for the base.
That is so precious! I love that idea!
How awesome that you found a dinosaur lamp right when you needed it! It looks sooooo much better now, I love it!
(And I am not sick of hearing about your dino room. I’ll take all the great ideas I can find.)
Ok, I couldn’t figure out what was going to make that lamp look “elegant” but you did it. Great eye!
Oh my goodness!!! How super cute!
!)
Great job! A real “winner”! (someone already used dyno-mite
Blessings!
What an adorable elegant dinosaur…you are very creative!
Fabulous transformation Linds…
I wish I had the time to be as crafty as you…but someone has to pay the bills in the Angry Household!
I would never have thought of this. Ever. Very cute!!!
I’ve gotta say, I didn’t have too much faith when I read “elegant dinosaurs” but you certainly didn’t disappoint! Awesome for a boy’s room. Yay!
SERIOUSLY, I THOUGHT, WHAT ON EARTH COULD SHE POSSIBLY DO WITH THAT. BUT YOU DID IT!!!
HUGS FROM MAINE
I love me some trash to treasure and spray paint. But I have to admit, I would have NEVER seen the potential in that fugly dinosaur. You rawk sister! It turned out so stinkin cute!
~Amanda
That turned out great! I was at the thrift this morning and I tried to look at things with transformational eyes, but I am pretty sure I would never have seen the vision in that clown dino! If that can be made cool, there is hope for almost anything!
That looks great! What a clever idea. I love thinking outside the box.
Mary Lou
I love the way it turned out! The dots on the dino threw me off a bit and I don't know if I would have been able to see what it could be at the store. Great job Lindsay! Next time you are passing through my area we have to go shopping. I found a great desk at our Goodwill, but I have a few projects lined up before I get to it. Can't wait to see what you come up with next girl!
~Kim
So adorable! Perfect for the room.
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
That diny turned out great! I would never have imagined! I loved her little flirty eyes but she was a little clownish, eh? Wow, this looks great!
Okay that is an adorable transformation!!!
tina
WOW, I'm super impressed with your dino lamp. It was perfectly HORRIBLE, before your transformation. Job well done! ;>
Adorable! That’s the perfect place for it, too! My boys would be so jealous.
I have to admit, if I saw the spotted dino at the thrift store I would giggle and pass it up, but I am shocked, I mean, shocked how much I love your little dino now. Seriously. If I saw that new version in a boutique, my hands would be all over it.
Thanks for the reminder to always think outside the box !
What a perfect example of Tacky to Terrific! Wonderful job. Thanks for sharing your vision.
I love the elegant dinosaur lamp. It is totally awesome!!!
I think this just looks fantastic. It really DID go from tacky to elegant. This is my first post to your blog and I love it. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.
You're inpsiring me to go to Goodwill. Every time I pass one, I think of you.
I seriously LOVE that!!!!! You did a wonderful job!
very cute looks so much better.
I would have probably never looked twice at that dinosaur lamp. You've got a good eye. Nice job, you made that crazy thing look incredible! Wow. I'm so impressed!
Too cute! Love it.
-Jill
Wow. Just. Wow.
Well done, SuperMom!!
I LOVE the lamp! I'm trying to start having the eye for things like that so I can find some hidden treasures!
Dine-O-Mite transformation!!! So awesome!!! Love it!!!
I think "elegant dinosaur" is my new favorite home decor phrase.
That is an awesome transformation!