Chic Walls on the
Cheap!
By Kathy Wilson
Editors Note: This article may only be suitable for renters that are
allowed to paint their walls.
Walls are usually the largest surface area in your room, so it makes sense
that to create a fabulous room, you should start with fabulous walls! That
is easier said than done when you are on a tight budget. Here are 5 great
treatments for walls that are easy to do, and even easier on the pocketbook!
1.Sponge
Sponging is perhaps the easiest faux technique to master. It takes very
little paint, just a touch of practice, and looks great in nearly any style
home! I prefer to sponge one color over another for a more subtle look, but
you can sponge over white if you prefer. You don't have to use those
expensive sea sponges, either. Just rip and tear an ordinary kitchen sponge
to create an irregular surface. Dip into paint, dab off so that it is almost
dry, and pat onto the wall. Vary the direction of the sponge as you go to
create a more natural look. You may wish to practice a little on cardboard
first to test your technique.
2.Stripe
This is a classic favorite.
A quick way to add interest to a room without worrying about it competing
with pattern or being too busy. Use painter's masking tape to tape off the
stripes on the wall. Match the width of the stripe to the size of the room a
larger room should have wider stripes. You can even alternate wide and
narrow stripes if you prefer. You can measure this out or do it by eye. Now
paint inside the tape. For a casually chic room, don't use masking tape and
just roll the stripes right onto the wall!
3.Stamp or Stencil
Stamps or stencils can be
used to accent, border, or provide an overall design similar to wallpaper.
They are very inexpensive, or simple ones can be made at home with
lightweight cardboard (cereal boxes work great) and a craft knife. Stamps
can be made the old fashioned way, with a potato! To stencil, simply tape
the stencil in place, then pounce the paint over the stencil with a nearly
dry brush, rag, or sponge. To stamp, brush a small amount of paint onto the
stamp, dab off , then stamp onto the wall.
4.Frame
Many of us don't want to
paint our entire rooms, but want to add some color and flair. Try painting a
"frame" behind a group of photos. It can be a block of paint to hang the
photos on, or just a border to enclose the group of wall hangings. This also
saves on paint, but adds a lot of interest and brings a room together.
5.Colorwash
Colorwashing is a lot of
fun. It is a wonderful finish that creates a lot of depth and texture, and
is a quite popular paint finish in luxury homes. It is simply a method where
you add water to a paint or paint base, then rub over the walls with a rag.
That simple! I have mixed my own paints for this, but it can be difficult to
get the colors and ratios right. If you want to try a product made
specifically for colorwashing, give WaterColorWalls.com a try. I've used
their products, and they go a long way with beautiful colors. A bonus with
colorwashing? You can use this technique for all of the ideas above!
Now that you know you don't
have to buy out the paint store in order to make a change, give one or two
of these ideas a try! Better yet, combine them! In no time you will have
made a creative, low cost improvement to your home.
Kathy Wilson
shares her expert advice on her popular website and newsletter The Budget
Decorator, which is available online at www.TheBudgetDecorator.com . She
is a national freelance writer seen in such magazines as Country Woman, Country
Sampler's Decorating Ideas, and Decorating Solutions. Copyright 2003 K. Wilson
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