In a nice sky blue, frumpy Adirondack chairs look completely cute. Whether yours are resin or wood, you'll want to use a spray paint. We've found that a primer coat is completely unnecessary, unless your chair was originally neon orange (though we doubt and, uh, hope that's not the case).

The most startling makeovers tend to be lamps. Even the tackiest, over-the-top or craziest-looking light fixture becomes remarkably modern when you coat the whole thing (eagles, shields and all) in a single coat of paint. For this project, an enamel will create a uniform, glossy appearance that reminds us of Jonathan Adler's home accessories.

Here's another way to revamp a lamp: Add paint to the most detailed part of the fixture, leaving everything else natural. This will preserve some of the hard-earned vintage patina while creating a dramatic focal point. Matte formulas tend to look best in this treatment, as the transition between wood (or metal) and the repainted section will be less jarring.

Though you wouldn't guess it at first glance, this mod chair was in a uniquely awful state of disrepair. Like, to the point where you wouldn't even pick it up off the curb. After a good cleaning, a coat of almost-fluorescent lime green makes this piece really pop.

You don't have to completely repaint a furniture piece in a bold hue in order for it to stand out. In the case of this cabinet, all you have to do is paint the backing. Then, choose the color accordingly. Here, a bright pink interior playfully contrasts the solemn gray exterior. For more info, see the Pleated Poppy.

If you're better with a paintbrush, treat a seat (and back) cushion as a canvas. Simply prime with a neutral color, then get to work. Artist's acrylics can be used to paint, but will take a bit longer to dry. (Our guess is this is because air can circulate better on a traditional canvas than on one filled with stuffing.) Once it's completely dry, add a coat of protection with an all-in-one sealer.

We thought this breadbox was decoupaged with Victorian-era images of roses. Instead, it's all done with paint. Don't you think it's a beautiful way to update one of the most basic items in the kitchen? And though the blooms look complex, they're very simple to paint. It's more about brush technique than artistic skill, really.