Paint Panache
Bring style to your walls with these colorful treatments.
Photography by Brian Francis
Styling by Tracy Sisson
If cooler weather has you retreating to the comforts inside your home, take this opportunity to create your own sunshine with these inspiring updates. All you need is a few paint tools, your favorite color palette, and a spare weekend. Let these four ideas spark your project. Note: The paint colors featured here are mixed with Valspar Ultra Premium or Valspar Signature Colors paint.
Idea 1: Block Party
- You Have: Blank walls that lack individuality and excitement.
- You Want: A fun and inviting backdrop that suits children and adults alike.
- You Should Try: Wall patterns. Whether you choose blocks, stripes, diamonds, or even polka dots, accenting your walls with playful shapes and designs will provide a light-hearted atmosphere.
- Getting There: You'll need painter's tape, a measuring stick, and four coordinating paint colors for this project. First, measure the height and width of your walls. Subtract 5 inches from the height (to allow for the five 1-inch rows of painter's tape), and divide this number by four to determine the dimension for the squares. Then use painter's tape to create a grid pattern on the wall. Apply a coat of paint to each square, and allow to dry.
- Tip: Before painting the squares, draw your grid on paper, and write in the colors that you plan to use in each block.
Color Combos To Love: We used the Neapolitan Delight palette here, but there are endless options. Check out these other selections.
Neapolitan Delight (shown): Bistro White 7006-4, Chantarelle MS096, Macaroni MS089, and Silk Kimono MS011 from the Martha Stewart Colors collection
Natural Neutrals: Bungalow Gold EB26-2 from the Eddie Bauer Home collection, Oatlands Gold Bluff 3004-8A, Homestead Resort Antique Lace 7003-18, Sumatra Blend 2008-9A
Calm and Cool: Chartreuse Frost 7005-14, Cool Elegance 7005-1, Yellow Bliss 3008-4C, Light Raffia 3008-10B
Idea 2: Adding Architecture
- You Have: Long walls with few doorways, windows, or details.
- You Want: An elegant look that brings intrigue to the room without any structural changes.
- You Should Try: Trompe l'oeil, meaning trick the eye, is a painting technique that can be used to create the illusion of moulding and other architectural features.
- Getting There: To replicate the pattern shown, use painter's tape and a level to create small and large rectangles on the wall where the faux moulding is desired. To create the curved corners, use a compass to draw four circles of the same size on contractor's paper. Cut out the circles, and use painter's tape to attach them to the wall at each corner of the rectangle. Use a 1-inch brush to paint the half-circle pattern for each rectangle. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat if needed.
Color Combos To Love: Rich, ink-tone walls with a cream-colored stripe are shown, but the options are endless. Dark and light shades pair nicely to create contrast and add detail.
Ink and Cream (shown): Birdhouse MS331 from the Martha Stewart Colors collection and Honeymilk 7003-4
Purple Haze: Twilight Sky MS046 and Siamese Cat MS168 from the Martha Stewart Colors collection
Chocolate Pair: Pumpernickel Loaf MS249 and Yellow Narcissus MS109 from the Martha Stewart Colors collection
Idea 3: Break the Mold
- You Have: Neutral walls with existing crown, base, or chair rail moulding.
- You Want: A classic look that makes a bold statement.
- You Should Try: Painted moulding. Give neutral walls a splash of color.
- Getting There: Select a color that will complement your walls. We choose two shades, one for the chair rail and base moulding, and a lighter shade for the crown moulding. This gives the room a more open, airy feel. Use painter's tape to cover the wall area around the crown, base, and chair rail moulding. Apply a coat of paint, and allow to dry. Add additional coats if necessary.
- Tip: Use a high sheen paint to give the moulding a crisp, polished look.
Color Combos To Love: Green tones were used here, but check out these paint-worthy options for your space.
Prep-School Greens (shown): Bakery Box MS186 (walls), Tulip Leaf MS295 (chair rail and base moulding), and Sea Glass Green MS293 (crown moulding) from the Martha Stewart Colors collection
Basic Blues: Bakery Box MS186 (walls), Beach Bike Blue MS278 (chair rail and base moulding), and Igloo MS258 (crown moulding) from the Martha Stewart Colors collection
Pretty in Pink: Deep Earth 6010-2 (walls), Berry Red 6 LA206 (chair rail and base moulding) and Berry Red 4 LA204 (crown moulding) from the Laura Ashley Home collection
Idea 4: Behind the Scenes
- You Have: Simple bookcases that function properly but need personality.
- You Want: Your favorite colors to pop in unexpected places.
- You Should Try: An accent color on the back panel of a bookcase. This can pull the room's palette together.
- Getting There: Whether your case is built-in or freestanding, begin by removing the shelves and any hardware or brackets. (If the shelves are stationary, simply cover with painter's tape and contractor's paper.) Next, use painter's tape to protect the sides, top, and bottom of the case. Prime and paint the back panel, allowing each coat to dry. Apply additional coats if needed.
Color Combos To Love: A bright gold was used in this project, but pair any of these favorites with a white bookcase for a vibrant look.
Bold Gold (shown): Gypsy Gold WV32012 from the Waverly Home Classics collection
An Apple a Day: Apple 5 LA1005 from the Laura Ashley Home collection
Deep Sea: Ocean Soul 5009-9