Painting for Home Decoration

Painting Walls

• Walls may be the most predictable place topaint when planning your home’s decoration, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Opting for multiple colors for walls adds dimension to any decor, whether you’re sticking with the simple second hue on a feature wall or layering shades with texturing techniques. Take wall painting a step further by creating crisp multicolor patterns with tape or stencils. If you’ve got the time and talent, try your hand at painting a full-on wall mural.

Painting Furniture

• A new coat of paint goes a long way in refreshing wood furniture, but there’s no reason to stick with the neutral shades of white, black, grays or browns. Add a pop of color to a room by painting out wood bookshelves and end tables in brilliant jewel tones for a modern, eclectic touch. If you’re after a look that’s more shabby chic or French Country, stick with muted, dusty shades and give the paint an weathered look by lightly sanding it with a fine-grain sandpaper. Update dated glass shelves and coffee tables by painting the underside of the glass with a durable spray paint. The color shining through gives the see-through surface a lacquered look.

Painting Canvases

• Finding the right art for your home can be quite the challenge, especially when you don’t have the budget to pick up quality works from a gallery. If you want to avoid hanging mass-market prints and you have an appreciation for modern art, you can create your own artwork with a couple canvases and some acrylic paint. Mimic the blended color blocking created by artists like Mark Rothko, or the crisp graphic designs of a Piet Mondrian with complementary colors specifically selected to match your room’s color palette. For a less controlled look, imitate the wild splatter technique made popular by Jackson Pollock. Save even more money on your art project by painting over used canvases salvaged from thrift stores.

Painting Accessories

• Like the bright yellow picture frame surrounding the peephole of the door to Monica and Rachel’s apartment on “Friends,” paint can transform ordinary objects into beautiful decor items. Flea market finds, like old toys or dated lamps, become modern works of art with a simple coat of spray paint. Old-fashioned items like gilt mirror frames or cheesy dark wood tiki masks can be transformed into chic accessories by covering them in one solid, contemporary color such as a hot pink or a deep crimson. Even fabric items, including curtains and pillows, can be transformed with fabric paint.