You no longer have to settle for a cheesy reindeer door mat to welcome your holiday guests! With your style in mind and a little bit of paint you can make something that feels much more like home. I chose a simple geometric design that mimicked pine trees and used gold and white to make it more festive.
I found an inexpensive, bristly door mat at a local box store with an unpleasant design that I knew I could cover up. Since my door mat was a dark color I went with a base spray paint color that would easily show on top, metallic gold. You can choose from a variety of colors but keep in mind that a light spray painted base might not cover the darker mat as well. You'll also need a paint brush and acrylic craft paint in your color of choice. I chose warm white to contrast with the metallic gold base.
One can of spray paint should cover your mat easily but feel free to use two. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area and protect the surface you're working on with cardboard or a drop cloth. Follow manufacturer's instructions on your spray paint can.
After you've allowed for drying time you'll want to paint your second layer with your acrylic paint. I free-handed my triangles and varied the height and width but you could also measure things out for a sharper design. A bristly mat will give you the effect of flocked trees. I used a whole tube of craft paint to fill in my trees. Once you're finished let it dry before putting it to use.
A custom door mat will cheer up your space for the holidays but would also make a great house warming gift for any season. Happy Holidays! xo. Rachel




so cute and festive!
Posted by: Miranda | November 23, 2011 at 01:22 PM
This is so simple and brilliant! It's a rainy winter here now and I've been thinking of buying a door mat for the first time ever. But tell me, door mats are for scrubbing the bottom of your shoes, won't that make the gold paint come off and track all over your floors? Have you noticed any stains after?
Posted by: Naomi | November 23, 2011 at 01:41 PM
super cute idea!! perfect for the holidays :)
Posted by: Paula | November 23, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Such a cute idea! It would be fun to see what designs other people use. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Melissa | November 23, 2011 at 01:53 PM
this is so funny, i painted a star theme on my porch this summer and had an old target mat that had lost all of it's original painted design over time...so i took the stencil i had made for the star and spray painted it onto the doormat...just like this. it looks so great! two great minds? :)
www.kittymclewin.blogspot.com
Posted by: heather | November 23, 2011 at 02:08 PM
this is such a cute idea!!
Posted by: Michelle Sexton | November 23, 2011 at 02:11 PM
cute, love the idea
Posted by: Zane | November 23, 2011 at 02:24 PM
wow, its so amazing!
with love,
your opinion is VERY important for me!http://chocarome.blogspot.com/
Posted by: chocarome from chocarome.blogspot.com | November 23, 2011 at 02:24 PM
another great diy! who would've thought of this! such a cool idea!
Posted by: Katie | November 23, 2011 at 03:29 PM
I am completely doing this. I have just moved home, have none of my xmas decorations but this will work super well as an alternative. As ever Rachel, you are full of amazing ideas on a budget!
http://iputonmywolfsuit.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Hanna | November 23, 2011 at 03:31 PM
Such a great idea :) So excited for the holidays!
Posted by: Bohemian Kate | November 23, 2011 at 03:38 PM
This is great!
Posted by: Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark! | November 23, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Love it, Rachel!
Posted by: Faith | Ordinary Mommy Design | November 23, 2011 at 04:03 PM
Love it, Rachel!
Posted by: Faith | Ordinary Mommy Design | November 23, 2011 at 04:04 PM
I Love this! Thank you Elsie!
Posted by: Lisa.SundayOwl | November 23, 2011 at 04:06 PM
So cute!!! i love festive DIY ♥
Posted by: Georgia | November 23, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Thank you Rachel!
Posted by: Lisa.SundayOwl | November 23, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Great idea. I love the simple triangle design. It could be used all year round, not just the festive season. Well done Rachel.
Posted by: Lois | November 23, 2011 at 04:30 PM
great idea. i have to try this out as it looks so simple and good.
Posted by: Lisa | November 23, 2011 at 04:40 PM
Soooooo excited for christmas! love this idea!
Posted by: retroballerina | November 23, 2011 at 04:42 PM