Erin Napier Shares A Genius DIY That Turns A Dated Home Feature Into Chic Storage

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you live in an older home with questionable design choices, think about upcycling before tossing out old furniture, decor, and architectural details. Erin Napier, star of HGTV's "Home Town," is no stranger to transforming thrifted pieces. With her penchant for vintage furniture that needs a little TLC, it's no surprise that she has introduced more than a few brilliant repurposing hacks. If you live in a compact space or you're simply running out of shelving, there is one genius storage solution from Erin Napier you'll want to steal.

Erin explains in an HGTV video, "A lot of older houses have really outdated decor that you might be tempted to throw away." She showcases an old valance box that doesn't fit the current interior. Napier breaks down her creative concept for this dated home feature: "You can take it down, wrap it in pretty fabric, and then it becomes an upholstered shelf or cubbyhole that's perfect for a kid's room and is super cute!" You can also repurpose leftover or deadstock fabric for an additional eco-friendly touch. To finish up, Erin secured the fabric in place with a staple gun and mounted the storage piece on the wall.

If you don't like the look of fabric, you can also paint the wooden valance box in the color of your choice. Use a durable furniture paint, like Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Cabinet and Furniture Paint, for a reliable finish. Be sure to sand the wood prior to painting, and follow a few savvy tips for repainting your furniture like a pro. Once your valance box is painted or covered in fabric, you can screw it back into the wall in one of two ways: Hang it upside down to create a cubby that will hold and conceal items, or place the decorative portion of the valance against the wall to create an open shelf. 

For the second option, you can add a boost of functionality by installing hooks on the valance box's overhang that extends below the shelf. Screw in several hooks across the bottom of your valance box, creating space to hang clothes, accessories, or baskets. When it comes to choosing the right hooks, consider selecting a set that matches the style of your valance. Options like these CRAFTSMAN ROAD Vintage Cast Iron Wall Hooks will complement a traditional valance box, whereas these KIBAGA Decorative Coat Hooks will give your display a more modern or industrial look. If you love the way this finished storage solution works in your space, look for other opportunities to decorate your home like HGTV's Erin Napier.