Create a Stir With Paint
Sure, you could whisk up an accent wall and call it a day. But for truly sublime rooms, brush up on these creative paint ideas
Paint is the easiest, cheapest and most satisfying way to transform a room. And if you don't like it? Well, you can always paint over it. But sometimes it's hard to get out of the rut: white walls, maybe gray or a light pastel if you're feeling really daring. And perhaps, just to mix things up, an accent wall. I am guilty of it all.
But this is only a drop in the gallon bucket of what paint can really do for a room. It can literally transform it. It can create interesting architecture where none exists. It can seem to raise ceilings, make ordinary floors look like designer brainstorms and mimic expensive wallpaper.
And the only requirements are some good brushes (really, this makes a difference), a few buckets of paint, some patience and a lot of imagination. Let these rooms be your inspiration.
But this is only a drop in the gallon bucket of what paint can really do for a room. It can literally transform it. It can create interesting architecture where none exists. It can seem to raise ceilings, make ordinary floors look like designer brainstorms and mimic expensive wallpaper.
And the only requirements are some good brushes (really, this makes a difference), a few buckets of paint, some patience and a lot of imagination. Let these rooms be your inspiration.
This daring orange ceiling benefits from great lighting and a surprising color choice. Everything about this room is made better by this ceiling.
Why not enhance what few architectural flourishes you might have? This is not a magnificent room, architecturally speaking, but the complementary turquoise and sunflower colors enhance what's there and make it lively and fun.
The Painted Floor
Original hardwood floors are like sacred cows to many people, and painting one is a bold, bold move. But just look at these results.
Original hardwood floors are like sacred cows to many people, and painting one is a bold, bold move. But just look at these results.
Holy cannoli. This custom-painted floor for a girl's playroom is just gorgeous.
Patterned Walls
This designer made these rings by creating a stencil out of a pizza box. How's that for low-budget awesomeness?
This designer made these rings by creating a stencil out of a pizza box. How's that for low-budget awesomeness?
Stripes and Shapes
The hard part with stripes is taping the wall. But the result is pretty spectacular (and it's a lot less expensive than wallpaper).
The hard part with stripes is taping the wall. But the result is pretty spectacular (and it's a lot less expensive than wallpaper).
These seemingly random geometric shapes add so much to this plain white room: color, for one, but also playfulness, depth and a backdrop for items worthy of display. I love it.
I also love this slightly organic-looking wave pattern. As for color, it looks as if the designer picked a paint chip and just when down the line, from darkest to lightest — a great way to ensure that tones and hues work together.
Murals
Make your walls your canvas. Murals create a complete environment in a room. For me this simple tree on a purple background feels peaceful and calming. You?
Make your walls your canvas. Murals create a complete environment in a room. For me this simple tree on a purple background feels peaceful and calming. You?
Trompe L'oeil
No, this is not an actual skylight. Nor are those real birds or clouds. For all I know, this is a perfectly flat ceiling. That's right, this incredible illusion was created with paint. (Stating the obvious: You'll need a professional.)
More:
12 Ways With Wall Murals
Great Ideas for Painted Ceilings
No, this is not an actual skylight. Nor are those real birds or clouds. For all I know, this is a perfectly flat ceiling. That's right, this incredible illusion was created with paint. (Stating the obvious: You'll need a professional.)
More:
12 Ways With Wall Murals
Great Ideas for Painted Ceilings
Many people think painting a ceiling makes a room feel close or small. This vivid pink ceiling establishes the color scheme for the room and draws the eye up, making the room seem bigger. So there.