Designer dupes are an affordable version of a more expensive product. Therefore, this DIY designer dupe is inspired by handmade stone pottery from Pottery Barn. While Pottery Barn pottery can range from $50-$300+, I found this planter at the thrift store for $3. Then, I used a few materials that I already had at home to replicate the natural finish of unglazed stoneware pottery with paint, joint compound and coffee grounds.

Pottery Barn Designer Dupe

This is a great way to reuse old vases, planters, jugs that you no longer use. In addition, you can find ceramic or glass pottery at the thrift store, garage sales, or dollar stores for just a few dollars. Just look for containers with simple lines and shapes. The color can easily be changed.

Once you try this DIY project, you will be hooked. Again, it’s an affordable way to give new life to old decor. Plus, it works on a variety of mediums including wood. Simply, prime any plastic, metal or glass with spray paint primer before applying the first layer of paint compound.

DIY Designer Dupe Pottery

DIY Designer Dupe Pottery

Upcycled thrifted pottery with a few craft supplies.

Materials

  • Joint Compound
  • White Latex Paint
  • Medium Grit Sandpaper
  • Crystal Clear Matte Spray Sealer
  • Light Brown Acrylic Paint
  • Coffee Grounds

Tools

  • Paintbrush
  • Paint spatula
  • Disposable cups

Instructions

  1. Sand. Lightly sand the ceramic pot with medium grit sandpaper to roughen the smooth surface. This will allow the paint to stick better.
  2. Paint. Mix one part latex paint and 3 parts joint compound with paint spatula. Next, brush on mixture to ceramic pot in horizontal layers. Allow to dry several hours.
  3. Add texture. Next, mix 1 tsp coffee grounds with 1 tbs light brown colored acrylic paint. Then, brush on randomly.
  4. Whitewash. Mix 1 part water with 1 part white paint to get milky consistency. Whitewash entire pot to create a chalky finish.
  5. Lastly, allow to completely dry overnight. Then, seal with a matte finish spray sealer.

Steps to Create the Pottery Barn Look

Have fun and experiment with a variety of materials to create the texture that you like. For example, dirt or sand can replace the coffee grounds. Instead of joint compound, mix in plaster of Paris or baking soda for a chalk like finish. Lastly, use any color of paint that you want! Love the look of terra cotta? Then, add joint compound to any terra cotta colored water based paint.

  1. Lightly sand surface of pottery.
  2. Paint with joint compound and white paint. Dry.
  3. Add coffee grounds to light brown paint. Paint randomly to create a weathered look.
  4. Whitewash with white or light colored paint and water.
  5. Seal with spray sealer once dry.

Style your Pottery Barn Inspired Pottery

Once dry, style your vase or planter with real or faux greenery, foraged branches or fresh flowers. For instance, I added a houseplant to my upcycled planter and placed it on a few deconstructed books. However, this weathered looking pottery is so pretty that it can stand alone on a shelf or work with a collection of pottery to create a beautiful display.

Follow me on Instagram or Pinterest for more Pottery Barn designer dupes and DIY inspiration!

3 Comments

  1. Diane

    February 7, 2022 at 7:46 am

    This looks soooo good! Love the simplicity of the pot you started with.
    I’ve done many with Joint Compound and craft paint, but have not tried the coffee ground trick. Now I’ll add that to the list.

    Thanks for sharing at Fabulous Friday. Great to find your blog . . . again!

    Reply
  2. renaepeacockridgefarmcom

    February 7, 2022 at 4:29 pm

    This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing on Fabulous Friday Link Party. We sure appreciate you. Hugs and blessings to you.

    Reply
  3. Julie Briones

    February 8, 2022 at 5:16 pm

    Love these knock-off pots/planters, Amy! We’d love to see them over at Tuesday Turn About! This week’s party just went live! Hope to see you there each week! Pinned!

    Reply

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