Layer Color, Texture, and Shine for Contemporary Home Decor
A vase doesn’t have to be just a vessel for flowers—it can be a design object in its own right. In this DIY, a collection of modern round and oval vases is transformed into a cohesive series of contemporary statement pieces using layered color, texture, and subtle sparkle.
By combining deep black, shimmering gold glitter, earthy natural tones, and a concrete-inspired finish, each vase becomes part of a custom color concept that feels both modern and timeless. Whether displayed with fresh bouquets, dried flowers, or as sculptural objects on their own, these vases bring personality and creativity into any room.
Materials Needed
- 6–7 round and oval-shaped vases
- Drop sheet, mask, and gloves
- Masking tape
- Montana GOLD Line spray paint in Black
- Montana Glitter Effect spray in Gold
- Montana GOLD Line spray paints in Browns, Beiges, and Greens
- Montana Concrete Effect spray
- Monatana Cans Primer
- Montana Cans Varnish
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Vases
Set up your workspace with a drop sheet and make sure to wear gloves and a mask. Clean all vases thoroughly to remove dust, fingerprints, and any residue. A clean surface helps the paint adhere evenly and ensures a professional-looking finish. Arrange the vases together and consider them as a collection. Although each piece can be unique, keeping a consistent color palette will help create a harmonious final set.
Create the Glitter Base
Prime the vase making sure you work on a clean and dry surface. Let it dry thoroughly. Next, begin by spraying a band around the middle section of each vase with Montana GOLD Line Black. Apply several light coats rather than one heavy layer to achieve a smooth, even finish.
Once the black paint has dried, apply Montana Glitter Effect Gold over the same area. The transparent glitter particles allow the black underneath to remain visible while adding depth, sparkle, and a luxurious metallic shimmer. As the light catches the surface, the effect changes throughout the day, giving the vases a dynamic quality. Allow the glitter layer to dry completely before continuing.
Mask the Center Section
Using masking tape, carefully cover the glittered center band. This will preserve the black-and-gold section while creating clean, graphic transitions between the different finishes. Taking a little extra time with the taping process will result in crisp lines and a more refined overall look.
Add Natural Color and Texture
For the upper portions of the vases, choose a selection of earthy browns, warm beiges, and soft greens from the Montana GOLD Line. Spray each vase individually, varying the colors throughout the collection while staying within the same natural palette.
Next, tape off the lower section and apply Montana Concrete Effect to the bottom half of each vase. The textured finish creates an architectural, stone-like appearance that contrasts beautifully with the smooth painted surfaces and shimmering center band. This combination of glitter, color, and texture gives the collection both visual depth and a contemporary design aesthetic.
Reveal the Design
Once all layers have dried completely, carefully remove the masking tape. Varnish the pieces with Montana Cans Varnish to ensure the best possible quality. The clean separation between the glittering center band, the earthy color fields, and the concrete-textured base creates a striking color-blocked effect. Arrange the finished vases together and observe how the different shapes, tones, and finishes interact as a collection.
Styling Your Finished Pieces
Fill the vases with fresh seasonal flowers, sculptural branches, or dried arrangements—or leave them empty as standalone decorative objects. Their combination of shimmer, texture, and natural color makes them versatile enough for shelves, dining tables, sideboards, or studio spaces. Grouped together, they create a curated design installation that feels both artistic and functional.
Contemporary Design with a Personal Touch
This Color Block Vase collection demonstrates how a simple set of vessels can be transformed into unique design pieces through thoughtful layering of color and texture. The contrast between glittering gold, deep black, earthy tones, and concrete-inspired surfaces creates a modern look that feels sophisticated yet approachable.
A simple project with a big visual impact—and a beautiful way to bring a custom color concept into your home. Happy crafting!
