If you're going to go through all the trouble of repainting inside the home, you might as well have some fun with it. One solid colour can be lovely but being a little creative with your application can turn into something really eye-catching.
As you can see in our two photos, courtesy of Dulux Australia, creating a design with paint can give personality to a room. The simple graduated bands of colour in the eating-nook photograph provide tones of colour, character and visual movement while the pinstriping in the second photo adds a more tailored, finished look.
The technique of using horizontal stripes can make a small space feel and look wider, which is another bonus of using creative paint techniques. You can use other tricks with paint to widen a room, add height, camouflage imperfect walls or create a focal point while adding colour and charm.
One or two quarts of the right paint colour might be all you need to transform your current space. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Paint a vertical band of vibrant colour at the head of the bed to add drama to the focal wall. Take the colour right to the ceiling to a width you desire (usually the width of the bed) and hang a stunning piece of artwork in co-ordinating colours over the bed. If you're not sure what colour to use, consider using an accent colour found in the bedding or the artwork.
Use this same colour-block technique to help define a space. For example, if you have a home office floating along one wall of a room, consider using a splash of colour to help define the home-office area. Paint the end wall in the dining room of an L-shaped living/dining room to give the dining area focus.
Don't forget about the ceiling. Older homes that have ceilings with decorative trim (like ceiling medallions for instance) are fodder for the creative painter. Consider painting the ceiling a pale colour, leaving the ceiling trim white to help accentuate it.
Create drama in a small bathroom by painting a bold band of colour behind the vanity or even consider painting the vanity itself to give it a fresh look. Divide the walls with paint using a darker colour on the bottom third and a lighter colour (or wallpaper) on the top two-thirds.
Have fun with paint in a home office by painting large geometric patterns on the wall to create a space that's inspiring and invigorating.
Paint the wall around a fireplace in a strong to create focal drama. Use contrast as your guide. A light stone fireplace would look stunning in front of an orange, red or dark jewel tone while a modern, flush gas fireplace might be further enhanced with tones of grey.
A co-ordinating band of colour painted at eye height along a hallway can be used as a backdrop for a gallery-style photo display. The band of colour will visually strengthen the display and add a bit more drama to the space.
Painting kitchen cabinets can be a big job, so why not create similar drama by painting the backsplash (if it's not already tiled) or the walls around the cabinets to give the room a new look.
In a child's room, use paint to create fun characters like letters, numbers or shapes in playful colours.
Other accents in the home that can be updated with paint are window and door trim, stair rails and spindles, interior doors and built-ins.
Sometimes it is the furniture that could use a new look. Paint a headboard, coffee or side table, nightstands, bookshelves or wooden chairs to transform them into something new and exciting. Don't forget about framed mirrors, shelves and photo frames, which may also benefit from a colour lift.
If you're renting and can't paint the walls, you can still add large splashes of colour by painting plain sheets of artist canvas in your chosen colours and hang them on the wall where they'll add the most oomph. Simply roll them up and take them with you when you move.
A bit of paint and a little time can go a long way to updating your home. You may even have leftover paint on hand for which you can find a new use. Don't forget you can change the colour of acrylic paint with a little acrylic craft paint. Mix small amounts at a time until you achieve the colour you desire.
On a cold winter day when the winds are a blowing, what else are you going to do? Have fun with paint!
connieoliver@shaw.ca
