All it takes is a little paint. By adding paint in strategic places around the home, you can easily and inexpensively transform a space. Plus, there is a good chance you could accomplish at least one of these painting projects during the course of one weekend.
Here are seven locations to consider painting and tricks for making even the smallest spaces provide big impact.
1. Entryway. When a guest arrives, their first impression is based on your home’s exterior and the front door. The very next thing guests will notice is the area right inside your front door, so you should use it to make a statement.
If your home has a formal entry, choose a paint color that is one to two shades darker than the next room. A darker paint color in the entryway can make the space feel more inviting.
If your home has an open floor plan, without a defined entryway, use paint to create one. Try a bold color on the wall surrounding the front door and an adjacent wall as visual borders for the entry.
2. Hall bath. Small bathrooms might appear to be limited when it comes to design, but they can easily be transformed.
How do you pick a color for this small bathroom? Look around your home for spots of color that crop up in your art or drapes. For example, a living room that is mostly beige with blue accent pieces would coordinate well with a bathroom painted in that same shade of blue.
Dark colors also have been trending with homeowners I’ve worked with lately. To offset the dark nature of the paint, we typically recommend keeping the other design details, such as the floors and sink, light to make sure the room still feels open and bright.
Worried one color will overwhelm the small space? Consider installing a chair rail as a natural divider. Then paint the lower portion of the wall in a statement color while leaving the wall area above a neutral tone.
3. Bookshelf. Whether the bookshelves in your home are built-in or freestanding, you can easily create style with paint. Remove the shelves from the surround and paint the back wall of the case. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your paint color, because once the shelves and objects on the shelves are in place, your color choice will seem more subtle. You will get an instant pop of color without being too in-your-face.
4. Closet. This space is often overlooked, but a fresh coat of paint on the walls and shelving in your closet can go a long way. With a small- or medium-sized closet, keep your color choice bright and light.
With a large walk-in closet, consider using a color that complements the attached room.
For shelving, use an oil-based paint for durability against scratches and scuffs.
5. Hallway. Hallways are typically long and narrow and, depending on the lighting, can also be dark. When choosing a color for the hallway, consider the paint colors in connecting rooms and then go one to two shades lighter. The colors will complement each other and coordinate the home’s overall design. Plus, a lighter shade will brighten up the passageway.
6. Accent wall. If you have a small amount of paint and want to make the biggest impact on your home’s design, then an accent wall is your best bet. Choose a wall in your living room or master bedroom that you want to highlight, such as the area behind the sofa or bed.
Related: Add a Bedroom Bench for Another Pop of Color
7. Laundry room. You can’t avoid the task of laundry, so at least make it a room that is easy on the eyes. Think of a paint color you would never dream of using in the social areas of your home but would make you happy, such as a playful orange, a bold purple or a sunshine yellow. Who knows, being around your favorite color might even make the chore a little more enjoyable.
Houzz.com