9 stylish and fun paint effects to try at home

Why settle for 'flat' paint when you can use it to create 3D detailing and experiment with modern paint effects that will transform dull living spaces? Here are some ideas for modern paint techniques that are anything but boring!

If you need to add a punch of colour to refresh and wake up a space, choose colours that complement the décor or take your colour cues from items that are already in the room.

1. Shading

Here's a clever way to make low ceilings feel higher - introduce levels of colour which add interest to walls. Take three hues from a single colour swatch card and apply these to divide up your walls. Apply the darker colour to the lower half of the wall, and divide the remaining two colours on the upper half of the wall.

With this technique, you don't have to worry about staying within the lines - let the paint roller merge the different colours together, or use a rag to roughen up the edges.

Pop into your local Prominent Paints store and grab some colour swatches before selecting your choice of paint and transform walls.

2. Detailing

Don't settle for flat walls when you can add your own detailing. Start off by painting the entire wall in a neutral colour. Mark out chalk lines with a spirit level as a guide. Using a paintbrush, take colours from the room or add contrasting colours and apply these, freehand, to the wall.

Why settle for flat paint when you can use it to create 3D detailing and experiment with modern paint effects that will transform dull living spaces?

Vary the thickness of the strokes by turning the paintbrush sideways to add even more interest.

3. Accent colours

Colour accents can provide a finishing touch to any room. If you need to add a punch of colour to refresh and wake up a space, choose colours that complement the décor or take your colour cues from items that are already in the room.

4. Patterned with paint

Replicate trendy patterns using paint. After painting a wall in your choice of colour, allow it to dry before lightly brushing a contrasting colour over the top. Use a paintbrush to apply a liberal amount of paint and then brush it out to the sides using a gentle, feathering stroke. 

Save money by buying enough paint for applying the base coat, and a 1 litre for the accent pattern.

5. Gradients

Replicate trendy patterns using paint. Save money by buying enough paint for applying the base coat, and a 1 litre tin for the accent pattern.

Using the conventional method to apply gradients can be tricky if you don't know how. The method shown here uses two colours (both from the same colour swatch card). The darker colour is applied to the lower section of the wall and the lighter to the top section. Use a paint roller to apply the paint and then feather the wet edges with a paintbrush or rag.

6. Bold 3D effect

Rather than painting large areas in a single bold colour, use several contrasting colours to create a bold 3D effect. Choose a combination of light and dark colours, and let the lighter colours enhance darker details and highlight features and trim.

7. Soft contrast

Hues of pink and cream soften sharp edges and create a rosy glow in a south-facing bedroom. Try painting an ornamental fireplace in a dusty pink. This will warm the room, even without a fire!

Chalkboard paint continues to feature in homes as a way to create a practical feature wall. A matt black wall lets accent furniture stand out.

8. Functional and fun

Chalkboard paint continues to feature in homes as a way to create a practical feature wall. A matt black wall lets accent furniture stand out.

9. Pretty with pattern

Still on the subject of matt paints, paint a wall in flat matt to add a fun design. Use a white Sharpie pen or permanent marker to draw interesting and playful art.

Article courtesy of Home-Dzine