An easy DIY with a big return on investment? Swapping out your standard-issue hardware for hand-painted wooden knobs.

Spotted on Lushlee several years back, these painted pastel knobs are still a favorite, used to match or stylishly mismatch a dresser.

Above: The inspiration: hand-painted knobs by Finnish designer and stylist Riikka Kantinkoski of RK//Design and Weekday Carnival. The knobs are no longer available, but can be easily replicated with a sample can of paint or two.

Above: For a similar rough-hewn look, don’t bother sanding or priming first. (But do for a smooth, opaque finish.) Use painter’s tape to block the top while painting the base.

Materials

Above: The 1 1/4-inch Natural Wood Mushroom Knobs are $3.30 on Amazon.

Go to our Hardware archive for more ideas. And find your next easy project by perusing our archive of DIY projects:

This post is an update; the original ran on March 29, 2012, as part of our Rite of Spring issue.