If you can spare a couple of hours on a Saturday, you can transform the look of your rooms with a can of paint, a brush and some painting tape.
Two of my favorite techniques, the ones that had the biggest punch but were relatively easy to do, are stripes and ragging off.
I remember the first time I saw painted stripes on the walls of a friends home. She had used a gorgeous burgundy and gold combination. The possibilities are endless – just choose colors that fit the scheme of your room. Or, use the same shade but with different sheens (matte and gloss.) Both of these techniques are the perfect technique for areas that you want a little interest but don't want additional busyness on your walls.
To create the stripes:
Use a plumb bob to create lines on the wall. Alternate different size stripes – fat, thin, medium. Then using the painter's tape, tape the lines (stripes.) Paint inside the the tape. Let the stripes dry and then remove the tape. Retape for the remaining stripes and repeat the process.
To Rag Off:
(This is a two coat process, so allow extra time for this technique.)
Paint your base coat and let dry. Prepare your glaze and paint mixture, following manufacturer's instructions. Roll on the glaze mixture, using irregular directions. Work in a small (approx 3×3) area. Using a damp lint-free rag, soften the edges of the area and then gently press the rag over the glaze to remove some. Remove as much or as little as you want, depending on the effect you are wanting. Change the angle of the rag and the position you hold it in your hand. You'll go through several rags using this technique – you'll want to switch to a clean rag as your working rag becomes saturated with glaze.
Have fun with it! Enlist friends to help and make a girl's night of it. If you make a mistake, don't fret. Hang something over it or move a piece of furniture in front of it. No one will know and they'll all marvel at your abilities!
Join me back here Thursday for links for more wall painting ideas. If you've discovered an easy painting technique that transformed your room, why don't you email me a photo and a description of the technique. I'll include them in Thursday's post.
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Another stripe hint. Instead of using a second color, use a clear high gloss. It ends up looking like two colors in the same family.
Hi Karla,
Thanks for your post. Painting stripes is one of the most popular faux techniques. Stripes can add visual interest to any room or space, and can accomplish a variety of different looks. Stripes are a great decorative technique: they're classic and elegant and never go out of style. Horizontal stripes make a room appear more spacious; vertical stripes make the ceiling appear higher.