Erin Napier Turns Old Flooring Into Upcycled Art And The Result Is A Masterpiece

If you're designing a transitional home, HGTV's Erin Napier has some concepts that will marry classic and contemporary decor. As the co-host of "Home Town" with her husband, Ben Napier, Erin has extensive experience blending trendy and traditional styles. In Season 9, Episode 9, she turns a historic home into a functional space filled with eclectic touches. One of the key additions to the finished space was a painting she created — on an old floor panel!

Upon the reveal, Erin announced, "It's traditional, but it can also be unexpectedly modern." She then showcased her finished floor-to-ceiling painting of an abstract, dancing woman. "This came off of your floor!" she exclaimed. The homeowners were shocked to hear where the painting originated, as Erin explained, "It had glue all over the back of it. Then I look at it and I thought, 'this looks like an abstract painting.' And so, I just added paint to it. I made it a dancing lady and I put gingko leaves on her dress because of the tree right outside the window." Erin Napier's simple touch brought texture to the room and gave the home a personalized feel. Custom elements like this are key when styling a house to feel like a home.

By using a vintage material and hand painting a contemporary design, you can instantly mesh the old and the new, and make this Erin Napier's vintage design tip work for any room in your home. If you don't have floor boards or wooden panels available, the key is to use a surface that already has texture and patina. You can also upcycle vintage artwork by painting over the top of the canvas with additions of your own.

Painted designs can also blend upcycled wood furniture into a modern home. Try painting scenery or an abstract portrait on the side of a wooden credenza or sideboard. If you don't like how the piece turns out, you can always strip the paint later on. Just make sure you use latex or acrylic paint for an easier removal process. If you're not confident about your artistic ability, seek out artwork and decor that has visible texture. This will lean into the handcrafted quality of a vintage home while still adding a modern touch.