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This DIYer Used On-Hand Finds and a Viral Paint Hack to Transform a Plain Terracotta Pot

Megan Baker Detloff
Megan Baker DetloffDirector of Home Projects at Apartment Therapy
I cover home upgrades, DIY projects, hacks, how-tos, and plants. I’ve written about home decor and renovations for more than a decade since earning my degree in Magazine Journalism from Northwestern University. Before AT, I was an editor at HGTV Magazine and This Old House Magazine.
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published Mar 31, 2021
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before: A wide, shallow, terrcotta planter on a table
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Credit: AT Video

Good DIYs take something plain and turn it into something remarkable; great DIYs do all that and on a budget. That’s why last year, we created a fresh new challenge for some of our favorite makers and creators. As part of Megan’s Mystery Makeover, we mailed every DIYer a mystery item and had them make it over with just $50 in materials. This season, we took a cue from spring and Apartment Therapy’s Plant Month and sent each of our featured DIYers a different terracotta pot, plus some starter supplies and a $30 budget.

Why a terracotta pot? For one, it’s something that’s easy (and affordable) to pick up at any hardware store, nursery, or even big box store. Not to mention, the material is readily paintable, glue-able, and even drill-able, so options for customization abound.

Last week, KC Cibran of @thecasaverde showed how she turned her plain, cylindrical terracotta pot into a disco-style hanging planter. This week, it’s Hana Sethi’s turn to show off her stylish redo.

Hana (@hanashappyhome) showcases her cheerful builds and small-space designs on her Instagram feed and on her blog, Hana’s Happy Home. Her projects have ranged from colorful murals to geometric accent walls and trendy fluted-wood upcycled nightstands — so she’s no stranger to a paintbrush or a toolbox.

Hana’s surprise box contained a bowl-shaped terracotta planter, some paint brushes, and craft paint. But Hana was inspired by something she already had on hand: a lone cup with a cool honeycomb texture. Using this as her jumping-off point, Hana created a piece that’s fun, funky, and full of personality.

Watch the video above to see how Hana pulled off her redo, and what the terracotta planter looks like now — and check back next week to see the third project in this DIY challenge.

But wait! There’s more! This season, we want you to DIY with us, too. Show us your best terracotta pot makeover by posting a photo of your redo on Instagram with the hashtag #megansmysterymakeover. We’ll be showing off some of the best creations at our @apartmenttherapy account at the end of the series. Happy DIYing!

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