Last year, San Francisco renovator John Clarke Mills bought an 1890's Victorian that needed a ton of work. So far, he's worked on everything from the foundation to rewiring. I love the changes that he's made in his San Francisco Victorian, as well as some of the smart, simple renos he's completed with existing fixtures. I was particularly impressed with an existing chandelier that he took from drab to fab.

John writes, "When my housemate and I moved into our new place we weren’t thrilled with the Victorian-style knockoff chandelier that was in our living room. Our friend recommended we paint it and see if we still wanted to throw it out. So, I took the idea and ran with it."


To see how he improved upon this boring chandelier, read more.

After cleaning and painting the fixture, the more intricate work began. John used some small lampshade covers as the template for the chandelier shades. He writes, "I simply wrapped a big enough piece of paper around the lamp shade and taped it. Then I trimmed up all the excess and unwrapped it. Voila template." Then, using fabric, scissors, and glue gun, the shade was finished.

This is a great upgrade on the chandelier paint makeovers that I've been sharing with you. Depending on the fabric you use, you can really affect the entire mood of a room, with very little expense.

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