(IMAGE CREDIT: KATHY KUO HOME)
The transformative power of paint never ceases to amaze me! Everyone knows that a fresh coat of color on walls, ceilings, and trim can really do wonders to update a space. But even small, unexpected pops can make a big visual splash. Today, we've rounded up some out-of-the, ahem, can, paint-hacks to help keep you inspired and loving your home!
HACK ONE: CREATE A CHAIR RAIL
Stairwells can be so boo hoo boring! Creating a graphic stripe all the way up not only adds an dash of unexpected sophistication, but helps curb kiddy fingerprints and suitcase dings. Sounds like a win-win, to me! Mirroring the height of the railing on the opposite side, instead of going all the way to the ceiling, makes the stripe feel more modern and cool.
HACK TWO: ACCENT THE BACKSIDE OF YOUR ISLAND
Your island is already the center of your kitchen. Why not celebrate it as the steadfast focal point it is by making a wham-bam statement on the backside? (Wait, did that come out wrong?) Try choosing a secondary or tertiary color from your room's palette to really make a statement. You could paint it a single color, or even try masking off a graphic shape or using a wall stencil.
HACK THREE: POP YOUR PICTURES!
(IMAGE CREDIT: THE LEARNER OBSERVER)
This hack is one of my favorites! Looking for a way to inject a little color-pop personality into your room without buying a thing, or getting too loud? Try painting just one edge of your picture frames! Choose an odd number and paint them all in the same color, or various ones, depending on your vibe. Either way, this little hack creates such a fun sense of discovery as you move about the space.
If you're on the more fearless end of the spectrum, you can try diluting your paint and masking off an old art piece, for a more dynamic expression of color.
HACK FOUR: BRIGHTEN YOUR WINDOW FRAMES
(IMAGE CREDIT: ANDREW HOWARD INTERIOR DESIGN)
I have become a big fan of dark trim lately, but it never occurred to me to paint just the window frames until I came across this photo! The light blue is so unexpected and airy - I love how it brings the outdoors in, and creates a beachy space that's sophisticated but not too precious.
HACK FIVE: CREATE AN UNEXPECTED CEILING MOMENT
(IMAGE CREDIT: EMILY HENDERSON)
I NEED TO DO THIS IN MY HOUSE IMMEDIATELY. Painting the door, the trim, and the ceiling all in the same color elevates this tiny hallway from a pass-through space to a sexy statement. Even the black door hardware almost disappears. The contrast of the brass on the dark background makes the light fixture feel like even more of a showpiece.
HACK SIX: WAKE UP YOUR STAIRS
Back to the stairs again. I know most of you have probably seen painted stairs/risers at some point, but in bright yellow?! How about in ombre? Using paint in an unexpected way, and in an area that's usually overlooked, can be a fun way to modernize a tired, dated space.
HACK SEVEN: HIGHLIGHT INTERESTING ARCHITECTURE
This is also one of my favorite hacks of this segment. Sure, this MCM home would be effortlessly cool without the edge of that beam painted yellow, but don't you feel like you REALLY want to stay for a Rob Roy now that it is? Several colors would have worked here, but the yellow invokes sunshiney days, and fun nights.
You don't have to be Renoir to use paint to make your home feel like a masterpiece. Whether you're going for big impact or subtle charm, using paint in creative ways can easily take your space from drab to fab.
Any cool paint hacks you've tried? We'd love to see them! Tag us on Instagram @KLHHomeStaging and @TheFreshmakerDesign!
- Stacey Martin (AKA The Freshmaker) is the Interior Design Lead
at KLH Home Staging. Visit her @TheFreshmakerDesign