Decorating
20 Ways to Inject Personality With Paint ... Inside and Out
Let these bright creative spaces inspire your next painting projects
The sheer variety of paint colours available lends an air of excitement and possibility to home makeovers. And a new coat of paint is an affordable and accessible way to spice up the look of your walls, ceiling and other elements around the home. Anyone with a brush and steady hand can do it, and there are an infinite number of design possibilities. Here are just 20 to start with…
2. Go dotty
Kids and adults alike can appreciate the simple beauty of polka dots on a wall in differing sizes. The use of soft gelato colours gives this playroom the feel of a fantasy land.
Kids and adults alike can appreciate the simple beauty of polka dots on a wall in differing sizes. The use of soft gelato colours gives this playroom the feel of a fantasy land.
3. Pay attention to detail
This stunning handpainted feature wall shows the versatility of paint to transform an ordinary bedroom into something special. Multicoloured flowers and leaves of this nature will take time to design and paint but are well worth the effort. Take inspiration from books you love and traditional botanical prints.
This stunning handpainted feature wall shows the versatility of paint to transform an ordinary bedroom into something special. Multicoloured flowers and leaves of this nature will take time to design and paint but are well worth the effort. Take inspiration from books you love and traditional botanical prints.
4. Attempt a glossy finish
Are you after a show-stopping effect? High-gloss paint is almost exclusively used outdoors but if you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of glamour to a formal room or hallway with a glossy feature wall. Just be sure to prep the walls well first as a glossy finish will show up every dirt particle and imperfection.
Are you after a show-stopping effect? High-gloss paint is almost exclusively used outdoors but if you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of glamour to a formal room or hallway with a glossy feature wall. Just be sure to prep the walls well first as a glossy finish will show up every dirt particle and imperfection.
5. Paint the floorboards
If you’re stuck for surfaces to paint, try looking down. Floorboards often get overlooked, but stencilled or freehand designs are a fun way to add character to a room. They’ll need a coat of clear lacquer to protect them from shoe scuffs.
If you’re stuck for surfaces to paint, try looking down. Floorboards often get overlooked, but stencilled or freehand designs are a fun way to add character to a room. They’ll need a coat of clear lacquer to protect them from shoe scuffs.
6. Take inspiration from fashion
Do your walls lack style? What’s good for the closet is good for the living room, too, with this fun take on the classic argyle pattern.
Do your walls lack style? What’s good for the closet is good for the living room, too, with this fun take on the classic argyle pattern.
8. Embrace loud colours
Creative DIYers, this one’s for you. Rather than toning down the vibrant hues of a colourful splashback and cabinetry with a neutral backdrop, meet them head on by painting the wall bright pink for an unexpected colour combo that reflects the bold flair of artistic types who aren’t afraid to experiment with colour.
Creative DIYers, this one’s for you. Rather than toning down the vibrant hues of a colourful splashback and cabinetry with a neutral backdrop, meet them head on by painting the wall bright pink for an unexpected colour combo that reflects the bold flair of artistic types who aren’t afraid to experiment with colour.
9. Choose citrus for an exterior wall
Craving colour outdoors? You can liven up a balcony, courtyard or garden with a dash of zesty orange on a feature wall. The strength of the sunlight will soften the hue and a matt or stippled finish can prevent glare.
Craving colour outdoors? You can liven up a balcony, courtyard or garden with a dash of zesty orange on a feature wall. The strength of the sunlight will soften the hue and a matt or stippled finish can prevent glare.
10. Create an illusion
Look closely at this feature wall and you’ll notice it’s actually three in one – a subtle plaque design within a feature panel within the original wall colour. The dusky mauve colour scheme keeps the whole look understated and elegant.
Look closely at this feature wall and you’ll notice it’s actually three in one – a subtle plaque design within a feature panel within the original wall colour. The dusky mauve colour scheme keeps the whole look understated and elegant.
11. Make a chalkboard
In need of a quick kitchen makeover? Pick up an inexpensive can of chalkboard paint from a hardware store and you can have fun turning a wall into a great place for household memos or homework notes. It’s ideal for a wall in the kitchen, kids’ bedrooms or a panel in the study, and remember to keep a supply of chalk and a duster handy.
In need of a quick kitchen makeover? Pick up an inexpensive can of chalkboard paint from a hardware store and you can have fun turning a wall into a great place for household memos or homework notes. It’s ideal for a wall in the kitchen, kids’ bedrooms or a panel in the study, and remember to keep a supply of chalk and a duster handy.
12. Freestyle it
Handpainted designs portraying flora and fauna in a freely drawn fashion add personality and quirky charm to a small feature panel – the bold choice of background colour really makes the designs ‘pop’.
Handpainted designs portraying flora and fauna in a freely drawn fashion add personality and quirky charm to a small feature panel – the bold choice of background colour really makes the designs ‘pop’.
13. Turn plain seating into a fun feature
If you have a set of old timber outdoor chairs that are in need of some TLC, achieve a rainbow effect in the whimsical manner of these adirondack chairs by painting each one a different colour and finishing them with a coat of clear lacquer for protection from the elements.
If you have a set of old timber outdoor chairs that are in need of some TLC, achieve a rainbow effect in the whimsical manner of these adirondack chairs by painting each one a different colour and finishing them with a coat of clear lacquer for protection from the elements.
14. Try monochromatic vertical stripes
A baby’s nursery is the perfect space in which to get creative with a paintbrush. A striped background in alternating shades of soothing green forms a beautiful canvas on which to decorate with decals.
A baby’s nursery is the perfect space in which to get creative with a paintbrush. A striped background in alternating shades of soothing green forms a beautiful canvas on which to decorate with decals.
15. Play around with pink
Are you ready for a pink bedroom that’s more dusky than lolly? This strong hue is often used sparingly but it’s perfect for girls’ rooms when paired with white. Here, the larger-than-life floral murals bring a sense of lightness to the space and break up the bold expanse of colour.
Are you ready for a pink bedroom that’s more dusky than lolly? This strong hue is often used sparingly but it’s perfect for girls’ rooms when paired with white. Here, the larger-than-life floral murals bring a sense of lightness to the space and break up the bold expanse of colour.
16. Paint chunky horizontal stripes
With practice and a good-quality painter’s tape (avoid using masking tape, which can bleed) you’ll be able to create fabulous stripe effects in an adult space. The trick to prevent it from looking juvenile is to use a soft colour such as yellow alternating with a neutral.
With practice and a good-quality painter’s tape (avoid using masking tape, which can bleed) you’ll be able to create fabulous stripe effects in an adult space. The trick to prevent it from looking juvenile is to use a soft colour such as yellow alternating with a neutral.
17. Number your steps
Kids will enjoy walking up to their room and counting the stairs aloud. The numerals can be painted freehand or using a stencil and a sponge applicator.
Kids will enjoy walking up to their room and counting the stairs aloud. The numerals can be painted freehand or using a stencil and a sponge applicator.
18. Have fun with swirls
Jazz up a bathroom with freehand metallic swirl designs which require a minimum of planning, time and effort. For extra glam, add gold or silver highlights.
Jazz up a bathroom with freehand metallic swirl designs which require a minimum of planning, time and effort. For extra glam, add gold or silver highlights.
19. Go geometric
Quirky features, such as geometric designs, add visual interest to a plain wall. Believe it or not, this room was done free-hand by an experienced painter, but everyday homeowners can create a similar effect with painter’s tape. Choose a monochromatic colour scheme and limit yourself to one wall to prevent it taking over the room.
Quirky features, such as geometric designs, add visual interest to a plain wall. Believe it or not, this room was done free-hand by an experienced painter, but everyday homeowners can create a similar effect with painter’s tape. Choose a monochromatic colour scheme and limit yourself to one wall to prevent it taking over the room.
20. Highlight your front door
Liven up your property’s entrance with a coat of tangy yellow paint for an unexpected, memorable and very cheery ‘welcome’.
TELL US
Share how you have jazzed up your home with an innovative paint design or technique in the comments section below and include a high-resolution picture of your project.
Liven up your property’s entrance with a coat of tangy yellow paint for an unexpected, memorable and very cheery ‘welcome’.
TELL US
Share how you have jazzed up your home with an innovative paint design or technique in the comments section below and include a high-resolution picture of your project.
Do you enjoy breaking the rules? Eschew traditional interior paint colour choices and application designs by using a regal gold or silver hue in bold stripes that crisscross at random on a refreshing lolly-coloured background for a dramatic effect.