I read somewhere once that there is a interior design “rule” that one should never draw attention to the light switches in a room. My philosophy in decorating {and life} is that first, know the rules, and then know when you can break them.
I decided that this was one of the times that I could break the rules and it would enhance rather than detract from {for lack of a better word} the overall effect. The original switch plates are the basic old school beige ones. We currently rent our place and until we build our dream house {a few years down the road yet}, I am lucky enough to have a lovely landlord {who reads my blog!} that lets me paint to my hearts content, but in terms of switching out electrical plates and major changes like flooring and counter-tops, it is just not practical at this point in time for either of us. Sooooo… I decided to switch it up another way {hee hee}.
Since I had to remove the switch plates to paint the laundry room and hallway anyway, I decided to look for some scrapbook paper to bring some life to these boring switch plates. As soon as I saw this paper at Michael’s I knew it would be perfect. The background color behind the script is almost identical to the color of the light switch, so they pretty much look like they were M.F.E.O.
I brushed on a little Mod Podge on the switch plate, put the paper on top and rubbed it flat with a credit card.
Then I flipped it over and carefully cut a little slit at each corner and then folded over all of the sides and put a little Mod Podge on top to hold them.
I then covered the front of each switch plate in two coats of Mod Podge, letting it dry between each coat. It didn’t take long to dry.
After they were dry, I took an exacto knife and carefully cut the paper out {for the holes} from the inside. For the screw holes, I did the same – just poked the tip of my exacto knife through the paper.
Voila! So far, I’ve done all the switch plates for the laundry room and hallway.
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lindastudley said:
I’m going to try this with sheet music!
Tazas y Cuentos said:
Great job! I like your idea very much, and you have chosen a very nice paper.
Besos from Argentina, Silvina
Lauren @ The Well Crafted Home said:
I love this! Its so pretty! I think my lights need a little dressing up 🙂 I would love it if you stopped by and linked up this week! Here is the link:
http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/2012/09/well-crafted-wednesday-19-link-party.html
Kelly said:
Great idea! Doesn’t seem to hard either, which I like! Thanks for sharing!!!
1929charmer said:
Well I’m glad you broke the rules, since this turned out so nice. I have alot of 4 socket plates, and are so ugly. This will definitely add some much needed charm to them. Great idea and oh so pretty! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
Lynn said:
Very pretty!
A Lapin Life said:
Your switch plates are beautiful!!!
Dee
http://alapinlife.blogspot.com/
Anne said:
Really pretty look! The background being the same colour as the switches really makes the whole thing seamless!
must love junk said:
These look so FUN!! Good thing you broke that rule! 🙂
Susan
Claudine said:
I love this idea, Kathryn!!!!
I have been thinking of doing something with handwriting on it…
Hugs!
deborahdorothy said:
Love this idea!
Frances Fatovic said:
I really enjoy seeing your step by step process of doing things. The ideas you have are fantastic. I have trouble deciding what to wear every day, let alone decorating the house !
SoonerLaura said:
Back in the day when I put up a fair amount of wallpaper I always covered the plates to match. Your suggestion to modpodge over the top and then cut out the holes for the switches is awesome. I think it would work much better than the way I have done it in the past. Using self pasted wallpaper you didn’t need mod podge so it never occurred to me to coat the paper since it was vinyl, but it would help with cleaning also.
Cloches & Lavender said:
Very good idea and very pretty. I love it.
Cynthia
Driftwoodesign said:
Very Neat! Love this project Kathryn
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks!!
Lisa @ Paintbrush and ScrewdriverLisa said:
They look fantastic! I have a switch plate cover in the kitchen with four (yes..four!) switches, and it’s currently sporting the tired old beige cover from the original owners, a la 1971.
I will definitely be copying your idea over the weekend – thanks for the inspiration!
Ugly Duckling said:
Thanks! I am doing my kitchen next… 🙂
Ugly Duckling said:
Don’t you just love the 70’s?!! 😉