It’s the small details that can make an item fit with a carefully styled room or stand out in it. Softer colours will blend easier and bold pops of colour will draw the eye and make a statement. In this tutorial I wanted the planters to give background colour. Something that was interesting but that wouldn’t steal focus.

The stenciling of the matt paint colour over the shiny reflective surface of the pots not only adds colourful accents cut also adds subtle textural contrast creating a more interesting overall aesthetic. Use a good quality masking/builders tape to make sure there is no colour bleed and the lines are striking for maximum impact!

Materials you’ll need for plant bucket:

Chrome plant potsMasking tapeMetal Paint or PrimerSponge paint dabber

Instructions to paint the plant bucket:

Step 1: Use a tape

Cut off small lengths of tape about 1 inch long and press them onto the pot to create exposed triangular sections. Make sure the tape is overlapping at the corners to provide good coverage from the paint. Run your fingers along the tape to secure in place firmly.

Step 2: Create design

Continue to do this until the whole of the pot is covered. I kept my triangles random but they formed a natural pattern. Don’t let odd ends of tape cover any of the triangles. Cut off any excess if necessary.

Step 3: Sponge painting

Dip your sponge paint dabber into the paint and begin to apply a layer of paint onto the planter where the chrome is exposed within the triangles. Keep the layers thin and once dry apply another layer. Repeat this process until you have good coverage. Make sure to only paint the triangles you have sectioned off and not any other accidentally exposed metal.

Step 4: Remove tape

Once the paint is dry carefully peel back the tape to reveal the pattern. If you want to create an all over shine then spray a layer of gloss varnish and leave to dry fully before adding your plant.

I’ve added plants that have complementary colours to the painted sections. The pink accents bring out the rose hues on the plant pots and the cactus helps highlight the bold line and colour. What plants would you add to these planters?