Feeling a bit stuck in a rut with your home’s style? Sometimes a little paint is all you need to transform you space! While home paint projects have the misconception of being large, messy, and time-consuming, that is not always the case. There are dozens of paint projects that can be done in a day or a weekend. The results? Pops of color that are sure to brighten any area of your home.
Accent Walls
Accent Walls are a trendy way to add a splash of color to your space without committing to painting the entire room. While a solid color is still most popular, accent walls have developed over the years into many different styles. Patterns, stencils, and free-hand designs have taken the trend by storm, allowing everyone to find a style they adore.
Solid Colors
Solid hues are the most popular form of accent walls. It is used to enhance the space, without changing the whole room. The most popular rooms for accent walls are living rooms and bedrooms, but really they can work in any area of the home. The color of your accent wall needs to compliment the space and the mood you want to create. For example, pastels are bright and soothing, while dark hues are more cozy and sophisticated. With accent walls, the possibilities are endless.
Stencils
Stencils are the newest way to create a stylish and unique accent wall in your space. The stencil ensures that the pattern will be even, and they are a great way to break from the traditional, single-colored wall. With dozens of options available, you are sure to find one that suits your space. For an extra style tip, try using hue-on-hue paints (for example, dark blue over light blue) for a subtle but effective look.
Chevron
The chevron, or zig zag pattern is one that is bold, and trendy. So why not try it on your walls? Since the pattern itself is so bold, make sure to pick colors that compliment your space, rather than distract from it. This particular pattern takes some precision, so be sure to plan and tape your lines before painting.
Freehand Patterns
For a little less structure with your accent wall, go free-form! The beauty of it comes from the fact that it’s not perfect; it’s uniquely your own. Just make sure to stand back from the wall every so often to make sure your pattern is staying balanced.
Accent Ceiling
The wall isn’t the only place you can add accent color. The ceiling is up for grabs as well! Literally. Adding color to your ceiling adds an interesting, yet subtle splash of color to your space. One of the best places to try this is in the dining room, especially if you have a layered ceiling or crown molding that separates the ceiling from the walls.
Furniture
Painting your furniture can add new life to old pieces. It is also a way to add cheery pops of color without having to paint the walls. These paint projects range from big to small, and are easy to do in a weekend.
Bookshelves
Brighten up your bookshelf with a splash of color. Just paint the back of each shelf a bright color, and you instantly have an eye-catching display for all of your books and decorations. Choose one color for the whole bookshelf for uniformity, or multiple for a color-blocking look.
Dressers
Dressers are actually very versatile when it comes to paint. For a bold approach, paint the entire exterior of the dresser. You can use one bold color, an ombre pattern of complementing hues, or a graphic pattern. For more subtle pops of color, paint the sides or inside of each drawer, creating a fun surprise every time you open them.
End Tables
You can completely transform an end table or side table in just an hour. All you need to do is paint the top! Pick a bold color for a modern look, or a pastel hue for a more subtle approach. It’s an almost-instantaneous success.
Fireplace
Fireplaces can be an automatic focal point in the living space, but sometimes they need help living up to the attention. A fresh coat of paint is a simple way to transform the look of your fireplace. Just be sure that if you have a working fireplace, you get the right kind of paint for the job.
Colorful Chairs
Wooden dining chairs may be an unexpected place to add some color, but the result can be bright and cheery. Instead of painting your dining room walls, paint the rungs on your chair back bright colors. Cherry red or lime green chairs surrounded by an otherwise-neutral space creates a light and summery feel. Or for a bit more of a modern twist, try dip-dyeing the chair legs. The secret to success here? Taping it off.
Kitchen Cabinets
Tired of your kitchen cabinets? Replacing them isn’t the only option. Sometimes a little paint is all you need to change the look! When painting your cabinets, it is best to remove doors and hardware first. A bright white or soft gray can completely transform the look of your kitchen. If you have glass-front cabinets, try painting the back wall a bright color. It gives your space a pop of color without being too dramatic.
Creative Touches
For fun day projects and more personal touches, let your creativity flow. These projects are perfect for if you have bits of leftover paint, or just want to try something new. The best part is that you can completely make it your own.
Chalkboard/Dry Erase Paint
Chalkboard paint and dry erase paint are extremely versatile when it comes to creating a multi-use wall or area. Paint a block of this paint within a frame to display the weekly menu or personal reminders, or paint a whole wall in the kids’ room for endless drawing fun. The possibilities are endless! And what’s even better – these kinds of paint now come in most colors.
Staircases
Staircases, with the exception of the grand-entrance type, are hardly noticed. Yet you can think of your staircase risers almost like little accent walls. Painting the risers can completely transform your staircase. Paint ombre colors for a multi-layered look, or add a pattern for a more whimsical touch.
Frames
Give old frames new life just with a fresh coat of paint. The possibilities are endless here. Metallic paint like gold and silver give an elegant touch. Bright colors give a modern edge. Pastels and earth tones give a calming, natural touch. With whatever look you choose, this simple project will have stylish, lasting results.
Rugs
Do you have a plain rug that just seems a little…meh? A little paint can go a long way. Just use tape to design your pattern of choice, and paint away! Weave rugs absorbs the paint well, especially if you do multiple coats. Your once boring rug will suddenly look like a high-end style piece for your space.
Doors
Who says bright colors are only for the front door? Believe it or not, you can paint interior doors as well! It is a great way to add a pop of color to a neutral space, or to draw attention to a particular room. For another approach, use an accent color on contractor-grade doors to make the insets look more modern.
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