Painting is a simple way to update just about any surface. You can create a fresh, new look by simply repainting a room. But you can also do so much more with decorative painting - which is the industry term for techniques and styles of painting that provide pattern, texture and unique styling to a surface.
Sponging, stripes, stenciling and stamping are all examples of decorative painting techniques. This style of painting can take your home from blah to beautiful with very little money invested. It will take some extra time and likely a little more training, but the effect is always well worth the effort.
What Decorative Painting Can Do For Your Home
Painting with distinct designs and techniques will obviously result in something more than ordinary. Sponging, for instance, adds depth and texture to a flat wall, which can accentuate an area or make a large room feel cozier.
Sponging and other texture-related paint designs (like marbling or rag-rolling) are also wonderful for hiding imperfections on the wall. If uneven surfaces, hairline cracks and drywall patches are marring the surface and drawing the eye, paint over using a textured design and the problem will virtually disappear.
Do you want wallpaper without the fuss? Try stenciling or stamping. Longing for marble tile or natural stone without the price tag? Try a faux finish that uses decorative painting techniques. You'll be surprised at how authentic looking these projects can be.
Visual Separations
Sometimes a separation is needed between rooms with different purposes, even in the open concept homes of today. Many people want the spacious feel, but are also longing to set their living space apart from a home office area or a more formal sitting room.
Instead of putting up a wall, try painting with a different design to create a visual separation. Stamp or stencil in a vertical border that will break up the wall space and set one section apart from the others. Or use a textured painting technique with similar colors as the rest of the room - the change in textures will break up the wall even while the matching color provides continuity.
Art That Goes Beyond a Frame
When it's done right, decorative painting can truly be like a work of art. To achieve this you need to choose the right location, the perfect style and pattern and execute it extremely well. Bold stripes in bright colors on a lone wall can give the impression of a modern masterpiece. Likewise a mixture of pastels in a free form shape can evoke thoughts of the great impressionists. Use your imagination and tap into your personal tastes to create art with true expression.
Remember that you don't need to paint a landscape or portrait - simply use shapes, patterns and colors to accentuate a wall, an archway or even an interesting piece of furniture.
Painting is a popular and relatively inexpensive way to redecorate. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, decorative painting will change a room in both dramatic and subtle ways. Add zip to your interior design with painting techniques that surprise, separate, add texture and accentuate features in the room.
Posted by: diana