The weather today was irresistible and I matched my outfit to my mood, bright and cheerful. That got me thinking: with Spring being right around the corner, it's going to be time for everyone to get busy with DIY projects around their homes to get them prepped and primped for proper Spring and Summer partying.
First and foremost: a fresh coat of paint to any interior (or exterior wall) will do wonders to liven up any space. I paint any and everything to add new life to old things and to surround myself with the colors that brighten my day.
A successful color palette creates a smooth flow room to room and can help a small house feel larger. Here is how to put color to work:
Spread the love around- Connecting with color doesn't mean that every room should use exactly the same hues in the same proportions. For color to flow, start at the front door, then move that shade through the house along with the others you pick up along the way. You dn't need to migrate the entire palette every time- just pieces of it. For example, if you start with rich coral walls in the entry, carry that hue to pillows in the living room. Continuing through the house, the coral might evolve into pink in the bedrooms or even yellow in the kitchen.
Use are to transport color- Select artwork or make your own pieces featuring the dominant colors in your palette to help pull the hues neatly together.
Let architectural features provide a smooth transition- Trimwork and molding create definitive starting and stopping points that make switching colors between rooms easier. To maintain a united front, keep your trim color consistent from room to room.
With that being said, let's discuss the basics behind wall painting.
Painting 101:
1) Prep School- Before getting started on any painting project, prepare the surface. Fill nail holes with a small dab of patching compound. No need to sand such petite blemishes; simply wipe with a damp rag. Larger holes and cracks may need to be patched and gently sanded. Finally, be sure walls are clean. Remove any grease or residue.
2) Cutting Class- Before dipping your brush for the first time, cover floors and furniture with drop cloths and plastic. And be sure to remove outlet and light switch covers. Tape around windows, doors, and trim with low-tack painter's tape. Then start small. Cut in around the room's edges with a quality 2-inch brush, hold it near the base of the handle. Keep a wet edge as you work around the room.
3) The Big W- Painting isn't brain surgery, but knowing proper techniques will make you more efficient and give you better results. Using a quality roller, start in a corner painting as close to the edges as possible. Paint a large W on the wall, filling in and overlapping areas while the paint is still wet. Repeat around the room until complete.
4) Edge perfect- An edging tool may allow you to skip a step when dealing with windows, doors and other trim. The small wheel on the tool allows you to glide it along flat woodwork without taping it off. Take your time, though. Patience is key.
5) Clean Sweep- Cleaning up the mess after working with latex paint is fairly simple. Wash brushes and rollers with soap and water until water runs clear. To remove excess water and paint, run the curved edge of a painter's tool along the roller. When the water runs clear again, dry the roller or brush on a roller spinner, holding it inside a garbage bin or deep sink.
Spend more for Quality- Choose your paint wisely. You'd be surprised (like a great pair of denim or stellar suit) what the extra bucks can get you!
Consider Luster- Sheen refers to the degree of shine. Generally, the higher the gloss the better the finish will stand up to stains, abrasions, and cleaning.
How to Choose a Paint Finish
Use the Right Equipment- Choose brushes with long and dense bristles. Nylon for latex and natural for oil-based paints. Talk to your local paint store employee. They should be able to set you up with all the necessities.
And?... Don't be afraid! Paint, although permanent, can always be redone. If you don't love it, change it until you do!
Have fun with it! Not only do bright colors really liven up the space and get us looking forward to spring and summer but it's therapeutic for me. Whether you are choosing a plain white to add freshness and crispness for the approaching season or adding chartreuse to your master bathroom to liven it up. Either way, enjoy yourself!
"One must act in painting as in life, directly."
-Pablo Picasso
First and foremost: a fresh coat of paint to any interior (or exterior wall) will do wonders to liven up any space. I paint any and everything to add new life to old things and to surround myself with the colors that brighten my day.
A successful color palette creates a smooth flow room to room and can help a small house feel larger. Here is how to put color to work:
Spread the love around- Connecting with color doesn't mean that every room should use exactly the same hues in the same proportions. For color to flow, start at the front door, then move that shade through the house along with the others you pick up along the way. You dn't need to migrate the entire palette every time- just pieces of it. For example, if you start with rich coral walls in the entry, carry that hue to pillows in the living room. Continuing through the house, the coral might evolve into pink in the bedrooms or even yellow in the kitchen.
Use are to transport color- Select artwork or make your own pieces featuring the dominant colors in your palette to help pull the hues neatly together.
Let architectural features provide a smooth transition- Trimwork and molding create definitive starting and stopping points that make switching colors between rooms easier. To maintain a united front, keep your trim color consistent from room to room.
With that being said, let's discuss the basics behind wall painting.
Painting 101:
1) Prep School- Before getting started on any painting project, prepare the surface. Fill nail holes with a small dab of patching compound. No need to sand such petite blemishes; simply wipe with a damp rag. Larger holes and cracks may need to be patched and gently sanded. Finally, be sure walls are clean. Remove any grease or residue.
2) Cutting Class- Before dipping your brush for the first time, cover floors and furniture with drop cloths and plastic. And be sure to remove outlet and light switch covers. Tape around windows, doors, and trim with low-tack painter's tape. Then start small. Cut in around the room's edges with a quality 2-inch brush, hold it near the base of the handle. Keep a wet edge as you work around the room.
3) The Big W- Painting isn't brain surgery, but knowing proper techniques will make you more efficient and give you better results. Using a quality roller, start in a corner painting as close to the edges as possible. Paint a large W on the wall, filling in and overlapping areas while the paint is still wet. Repeat around the room until complete.
4) Edge perfect- An edging tool may allow you to skip a step when dealing with windows, doors and other trim. The small wheel on the tool allows you to glide it along flat woodwork without taping it off. Take your time, though. Patience is key.
5) Clean Sweep- Cleaning up the mess after working with latex paint is fairly simple. Wash brushes and rollers with soap and water until water runs clear. To remove excess water and paint, run the curved edge of a painter's tool along the roller. When the water runs clear again, dry the roller or brush on a roller spinner, holding it inside a garbage bin or deep sink.
Spend more for Quality- Choose your paint wisely. You'd be surprised (like a great pair of denim or stellar suit) what the extra bucks can get you!
Consider Luster- Sheen refers to the degree of shine. Generally, the higher the gloss the better the finish will stand up to stains, abrasions, and cleaning.
How to Choose a Paint Finish
Use the Right Equipment- Choose brushes with long and dense bristles. Nylon for latex and natural for oil-based paints. Talk to your local paint store employee. They should be able to set you up with all the necessities.
And?... Don't be afraid! Paint, although permanent, can always be redone. If you don't love it, change it until you do!
Have fun with it! Not only do bright colors really liven up the space and get us looking forward to spring and summer but it's therapeutic for me. Whether you are choosing a plain white to add freshness and crispness for the approaching season or adding chartreuse to your master bathroom to liven it up. Either way, enjoy yourself!
"One must act in painting as in life, directly."
-Pablo Picasso
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