Paint is by far the least expensive, and sometimes most effective, way to update your décor.
Even a bit of leftover paint can be enough to give a room that added verve it needs. So, whether you're working with leftover paint from a past project or want to purchase a quart of paint in a fun new colour, you can transform any room in your home in a day.
By using up bits of leftover paint that would otherwise be tossed, these simple projects help the environment as well as your décor and your pocketbook. If you don't have the colour you need, consider asking a friend, who would probably be more than happy to get rid of partial cans of paint, or visit a building supply recycling store. You may even find a great price on a mis-tint at your local paint store.
Of course, you can always buy a new can of paint in your desired colour as well. For the projects in question, you'll probably only need a few quarts rather than gallons of paint.
As you can see from our two feature photographs, courtesy of SICO Paints, creating focus with a splash of colour can give drama to a room. By painting a bright blue square at the head of the attic bedroom, the bed was given the illusion of a headboard as well as a sense of drama. The strong colour was carried over to the partial wall which give the room extra pizzazz. Even just painting the wall at the head of a bed can be enough to get the desired effect.
If you have a headboard, a splash the right colour on the wall behind it can make it a real focal point. Add a painting to the wall and your focal wall is complete!
For a different look you can carry your desired colour from floor to ceiling to create visual height or create graphic stripes with two colours of paint. You could also create a softer, more romantic look by painting a soft arch at the head of the bed rather than a square or rectangle. The options are endless.
There are many other quick projects that can be done in a day or a weekend using small amounts of paint. You could paint window and door trim in a contrasting colour. Partial walls, such as the one in the attic bedroom, can be painted in an accent colour to create drama. Stair railings or risers painted in the right accent colour can transform a dull staircase.
Update a plain slab door with a splash of colour or create a faux raised panel design using paint. Update kitchen cabinets by painting door faces in an accent colour. (This project may take more than a weekend but can be done in stages as time allows.)
Paint a splash of colour above a fireplace to give it new life. A large, dark entertainment unit or bookshelf might be sucking the light out of your room. Transform it by painting the backs of the open shelves in a light, accent colour.
Small furniture and accessories
If a splash of colour won't help your dated headboard then paint the headboard itself to give it a new lease on life. Small accent tables, vanities, wooden chairs or dining tables and so on might be renewed with a fun, new colour.
Accessories like mirrors, photo frames, wooden shelves, lamp bases, wicker accent pieces, wooden waste baskets and the like can be given a new look with a bit of paint. Painting one small photo frame won't do it but painting several frames in one colour then creating a wall collage would make for a stunning focal wall. To ensure success, use the right paint for the job. If you're trying to paint a metal lamp base with regular wall paint the outcome will be disappointing. Ask your paint supplier if you need help or stick to paint-able surfaces to start with and trickier surfaces when you're more comfortable with your achievements to date.
Specialty paints
Our second bedroom has a fun twist. The large painted circle beside the bed definitely draws the eye but is also painted with chalk board paint which is fun for the kids. Again, choose any shape you want to suit your child's room décor. This idea would also work in a kitchen where you might want a chalkboard to make quick notes.
You can also buy magnet primer which allows you to have an instant magnet surface to hold notes or photos. You then top coat it in the colour of your choice. Again, a fun way to add a design to your space as well as having the function of a memo board. Using this specialty paint will keep your walls from damage caused by tacks that might otherwise be used to hang photos and posters. Check it out at www.Leevalley.com
If you've got a few hours to kill on a cold winter day, you might just have the supplies on hand to make a quick update to your décor.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
