Brighten up your kitchen with painted utensils

Displayed in jars or hung from holders, wooden spoons and spatulas are a classic component of any country kitchen. Introduce a pop of colour to the handles with this simple upcycle idea – a great way to coordinate your kitchen colour scheme.

You will need:

• Wooden utensils
• Masking tape
• Eggshell paint
• Crafter's varnish (we like Americana DuraClear Varnish, £2.50 for 59ml, Hobbycraft)

Step 1
Before you begin, wipe the utensils with a damp cloth to ensure they're free of dust. Use masking tape to mark off stripes in different sizes.

Step 2
Apply two coats of eggshell paint, allowing each coat to dry first. Remove the masking tape before the second coat dries to avoid the paint cracking around the edges.

Step 3
With a steady hand, fill in the remaining gaps in contrasting shades, once again allowing to dry before applying your second coat.

Step 4
Finish with a coat of crafter's varnish. Take care not to paint or varnish surfaces that come into contact with liquids or food.

For a practical and stylish way of storing your utensils, find space on worktops or in pantries for an open wooden cutlery tray. Paint and decorate it with stencils or stamps for a rustic feel. Why stop there? Continue your colour scheme throughout the kitchen by smartening shelves and drawers with a lick of paint.

Love homespun kitchen style? Get the look with these easy styling ideas using everyday kitchen items...

Recycle glass milk bottles to use for drinks or as vases; plant herbs for the windowsill in tin cans or use scrubbed terracotta plant pots as serving dishes.
Preserve arty food labels and wrappings in creative ways, such as framed prints; make collages or decoupage a recipe book cover.
Hang herbs or dried flowers from beams to give a country kitchen a seasonal feel.
Decant dried pantry staples, such as pasta or rice, into attractive clear glass jars.

For more inspirational ideas, visit the Country Homes & Interiors page.

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