Let's talk alternatives to panting, just plain painting.
Wall coverings come in many forms. Wallpaper. vinyl coated, paper, fabric backed, paint ( faux) or regular, cork, mirror panels, or regular fabric applied to the walls.. Today, they have many forms of paint for various purposes. You can even paint a chalkboard in a laundry room, mudroom, child's room or garage. It really works and can be covered over at another time. Check with a local pant dealer and see what options are available to you.
Wallpaper is making a comeback, personally I love wallpaper , especially ones I can wipe down in a bathroom. I think they add class to what is normally a blah room in a house. Check on the internet for wallpaper or check places like Sherwin Williams.
Of course, painting is the least expensive way to go. If you choose this way, you may make it more interesting by Faux painting, or stenciling borders or Trompe L'oeil (pronounced tromp loi) which means "fool the eye". The library has many books on how to do these things as well as surfing the internet for information.
If you want to paint a design, I suggest you make a pattern. You can get the things to make your own stencil at any craft store. Today it has become so very simple to do all these things. Back in the 60's , 70's and even early 80's, these things were not readily available. Always work from left to right starting in the most inconspicuous place.
If you are painting stripes, ( I will be soon), you will need painters tape, a small level available at Home Depot , Lowe's, or Ace Hardware and a metal yardstick. For either of these ideas, paint your walls all one color ( the lightest) first. That is your base color. Even if you decide to do a Trompe L'oeil, paint your walls first with your background color. Let this dry several days to make sure it is thoroughly dry. If striping measure off your stripes and tape down the walls. Use the level to make sure your stripes are even. I like to use a foam brush and depending on the amount of space, I buy how many I think is enough. They don't last a long time. If money is a problem, use a paint brush. Stripes usually take 2 coats.
Decide how wide you want your stripes. I usually do mine 2".
Faux (pronounced fo ) finishes are an alternative to wallpaper and can be customized and personalized to tie the design of your room together. Use this finish on walls, ceilings, floors and furniture. I have even marbleized an old statue and it turned out gorgeous. Right now, I am painting ( the same statue) gloss white to make it look like porcelain. There is that word "White" again. This actually is a bust of a girl and now has had 3 different finishes on it since I bought it in the 80's. You can even use faux finishes to make accessories go together. Another trick is to put plain old sand in your paint ( be sure to mix it in a container and not the can) and use it on items, wow the texture you can get. There are paints available to do many faux surfaces. If choosing custom colors or finishes, get small canvas boards or use paint stirrer sticks to try out your color or finish. I always try something out before attempting a large project.
Sponge painting, rag rolling (always use paper towels made into a pretzel knot) are good alternative methods. There is a lot of information out there and supplies to make these jobs easier. Be patient as these do take time to do.
Stenciling or free hand painting is another alternative. There are great stencils available, and the looks you can create can be fabulous. I just saw some in a show house in one of my new magazines this morning, I think House Beautiful.
Tomorrow, pictures on some finishes.
Til then, "All the World is Color".
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