DIYer Transforms Surprising Household Staple Into ‘Cute and Whimsical' Masterpiece
Spring has gone from a far-off concept into full bloom, and it couldn't be more satisfying. The season's sudden bursts of color and warmer weather always feels like the most motivating change of pace, naturally inspiring lots of people to get creative and channel that signature spring cheer in their spaces.
This year, with the whimsical aesthetic top of mind, it feels easier than ever. For some, it's sparking ideas for unexpected (and incredible) DIY projects all around the house.
The trend of decorating household trash cans is the perfect example. Across the internet, there's been a surprising movement toward taking the boring and bland household essential and sprucing it up into a stylish statement piece full of color and charm.
One DIYer decided to join in on that fun of turning trash into treasure with a jaw-dropping spring makeover. Once you see it, there'll be little surprise it went majorly viral.
DIYer Gives Household Trash Can a Stunning Spring Twist
@emilywelchstyle I also identify as an internet girl How to: Clean trash can then spray with a primer (doesn't need to be a thick cover). Paint your base coat and let dry at least 24 hrs. Apply your painters tape stripes. Paint one coat in the same color as your base over the painters tape and let dry (gives a crisp line). Paint your second color over everything. Remove your tape while paint is still tacky. Spray with a gloss top coat. #diy#easydiy#diydecor#craft
Run the World (Girls) - Beyoncé
DIYer Emily Welch was no stranger to the upgraded trash can trend. It's what inspired her to completely refresh hers with perfect-for-spring style: "Painting my ugly trash can because the internet girls told me to," she says in her video.
What starts out as a plain, ordinary metal trash soon becomes a captivating pop of sunshine in Welch's already whimsical kitchen. Unlike other trash can makeovers that simply use peel and stick tiles or window film, she meticulously paints hers a vibrant shade of yellow.
Soon, the gorgeous results racked up over 100,000 likes and plenty of obsessed users.
Related: Stunning DIY Using a $1.25 Dollar Tree Dish Has So Much Spring Styling Potential
"I did not know this was an option," one wrote. "Turned out PERFECT," another commented. Others called it "magical," "genius" and "beyond cute."
How This DIYer Took Her Trash Can From Basic to Whimsical
For this makeover, Welch starts by cleaning the trash can and spraying it with a primer before painting a bold yellow base coat. After letting it dry for 24 hours, she applied painters tape to create that iconic striped pattern. Once the crisp lines are applied, she removes the tape and sprays it with a gloss top coat.
It effortlessly brings such a lovely pop of spring color to a room. If you've been searching for simple but effective ways to change up your kitchen for spring, it shows one answer might be waiting at your everyday household trash can.
Related: This DIY Shows Why Vintage Bathtubs Make Unexpectedly Charming Spring Planters
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 6:15 PM.