One of the things I love most about thrifting is the opportunity to see past what an item looks like in the moment and imagine what it could be. On a recent trip, I found a set of small, square frames. The size and rich wood tone caught my eye immediately, but the original art inside wasn’t my style. That didn’t stop me—I knew they had potential. 

The Before

These little frames came with soft, traditional images: garden hats, florals, and countryside scenes. Pretty, yes, but they didn’t fit my home’s look. Still, I loved the warm wood frames and the circular mats—they felt like the perfect base for something unique. 

Set of three small vintage square frames with pink mats and circular art prints, featuring a countryside hat, flowers, and garden scenes.

The Transformation

Instead of leaving them as-is, I decided to give the mats a bold refresh. I sprayed them with a coat of black spray paint, instantly updating the look and making them feel more dramatic and modern. Next, I selected three of my favorite John Derian prints—beautifully whimsical, timeless, and perfectly in line with my decor style. I resized and printed them, then popped them into the freshly painted frames. The contrast of the dark mat with the quirky, detailed prints completely transformed the set. 

Small vintage square frame with black mat featuring a John Derian art print of a detailed right eye illustration.

The After

I arranged the three frames together on a narrow wall in my living room. What was once dated art is now a mini gallery wall that feels curated, intentional, and very me. The black mats highlight the vintage imagery, while the warm wood frames tie everything together.

Mini gallery wall of three vintage square frames with black mats and John Derian prints—a pink peony, stag illustration, and eye portrait—styled above a fiddle leaf fig plant beside a stone fireplace.

Why I Love This Project

This project is a great reminder that thrifting is about potential, not perfection. With just a little spray paint and thoughtfully chosen art, I was able to create something stylish, personal, and affordable. Plus, by reusing these frames, I gave them a new life instead of letting them end up in a landfill.  ✨ Next time you see a dated frame while thrifting, don’t pass it by—imagine how a simple update could make it perfect for your home.