The trend these days is to discover extremely innovative ways to decorate interiors on a budget. The tips provided below are just a few of the many ways one can inexpensively achieve a truly original look for a room.
Borders on a wall are an elegant way to change the look of a room. The easiest way to do this is to paint two parallel lines either at eye level or about a foot above the floor. Deciding on what motifs or designs to paint or stencil between these two lines will depend entirely on who the occupants of the room are. For example, if it is a child's room then you could dip the child's hands in paint and make hand prints between the lines at regular intervals. I am yet to find a kid who doesn't enjoy this activity thoroughly! Also, kids love to display their school art projects on their bedroom walls. Try hanging up these projects on their room walls and watch their eyes light up!
Another option for border design is block printing using vegetables or fruits. Capsicum, okra and apples when cut in half horizontally, dipped in paint and stamped onto the surface produce readymade floral designs. String beans can be used to print tiny leaf designs. Use your imagination to cut up a design on potatoes or carrots. Then use this as a homemade stencil to reproduce the design.
Here is another great way to add design to your walls. Choose any old toy car or truck in your child's toy basket, dip the wheels into the paint and roll it along the surface to create parallel lines; or you could zigzag them for a cute effect!
Step outside for a walk. Pick up a few leaves that appeal to you. Now dip the leaf surface into the paint and press it onto the wall to create a naturally stenciled leaf design.
For a genuine work of art, try this. Dip an old toothbrush into paint. Hold the brush close to the surface you would like to produce this effect on. Now pull back the bristles and release them gently so that a fine spray effect is produced on the desired surface. Test out the spray action on a piece of paper before trying it on a wall. Sponge painting is another surface painting method to create special effects inexpensively. Sponged-on designs actually let you personalize your space with minimum effort, cost and time. All you need is a plain wall, some cheap acrylic paint, a sponge and lots of enthusiasm! If you can't afford the expensive sea sponges, then don't fret yet, there is help. Just get any old/new sponge, randomly pinch out pieces so you get an uneven plucked out effect. Now hold this piece of 'personal art' comfortably in your hand and dip it into the paint. Then dab the paint-soaked portion onto a scrap of paper, just to get the excess paint out. Proceed to applying the sponge onto the wall at regular intervals. Stand back and view your artwork before touching up the design. Have fun!
To go in for a really coordinated design scheme, you can use the same effects you used on the walls of the room on the furniture or other accessories in the room. For example, if your kitchen walls have the leaf design, then you can use the same design on the cupboards, tabletops, and refrigerator door and bread box too!
I hope that was a fun set of frugal ideas to spruce up your walls this summer. But before you rush off to start, make a note of the following tips too:
Now that just reminds me, there are a whole lot of people staying in rented homes who aren't allowed to paint their walls! Guess what? You can still decorate with any design you want! Here's what you do:
Using any of the tips given above, paint, stencil or block-print the designs you want on cheap sheets or old bed sheets. Make sure you use good quality fabric paint.
Let it dry thoroughly. Then cut out these designs and soak them in a solution of liquid starch and water [2 tsp starch to one cup water]. Now place them on the walls wherever you want. They can be peeled off easily when you get tired of them or when it's time to move!
About The Author
© Rachel Paul, 2004.
Rachel Paul is a busy at-home mom and an avid interior decorator who loves to find genuinely innovative ways to perk up her home in the few free moments she finds between caring for her family and pursuing home study writing courses as well. She can be contacted at: rpaul197@yahoo.com.
Permission is granted to reprint for free with resource box intact.
Unlike windup cuckoo clocks, which require rewinding every one, two... Read More
Bathroom vanity lights are often overlooked in a bathroom. Artificial... Read More
If you ask most people to tell you about Mission... Read More
It is a cliché that wines get better with age.... Read More
A wide range of hardwood floorings are available in the... Read More
When it comes to decorating a child's room, your approach... Read More
Did you know that our bodies can automatically react to... Read More
Having a nice house is everyone dreams. In fact, everybody... Read More
Your house is something special. It's the place where you... Read More
Many people are not aware that the air inside our... Read More
When measuring for custom window treatments be sure to always... Read More
Part 1The first thing a cat owner should know about... Read More
Deciding on just a few candles is rarely easy. With... Read More
Seasoning a Cigar HumidorTo keep the things we cherish in... Read More
Everything has its day and its time, and Wedgwood China... Read More
Did you ever wish your bedroom was bigger or smaller?... Read More
If you're like most people home décor is a puzzling... Read More
Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its... Read More
Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such... Read More
If you are looking for durability and easy-to-maintain features in... Read More
Open Windows ? Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze ?... Read More
Feng Shui (say "fung shway") associates the kitchen with both... Read More
Dale Tiffany Inc. has set out to bring the "Touch... Read More
Most of the information that is available concerning Feng Shui... Read More
Mini-blinds have replaced the old-fashioned Venetian blinds as more convenient... Read More
Roman shades are a classic window treatment. They are simple,... Read More
Moving into a new house can sometimes cause a quandry.... Read More
If you are buying a free-standing cooker, oven or hob... Read More
Have you ever wondered why interior designers place slippers on... Read More
Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More
Vintage hankies can make interesting wall décor! These treasures of... Read More
Tired of waking every morning with a stripe of blinding... Read More
Perhaps you are a vendor who would like to begin... Read More
Hanging wine racks help to neatly store wine in tight... Read More
For those wanted to give their home an instant facelift,... Read More
Because there are several air filter manufacturers on the market,... Read More
Bathroom Vanity Mirrors are an integral component of the bathroom... Read More
When we found out we were having twins, our teenage... Read More
In any household, a kitchen sink is one of the... Read More
Consumers may be led to believe that waterbed sheets are... Read More
Furniture benches are benches that can be used indoors and... Read More
The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your... Read More
Are there homeless items living in your home? If you're... Read More
Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a... Read More
Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from... Read More
Roman shades are a classic window treatment. They are simple,... Read More
Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More
There is not a lot of discount Wedgwood China available,... Read More
Vinyl blinds are the perfect choice for high-humidity locations such... Read More
Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first... Read More
I can still picture my roommate as she lay stretched... Read More
You've got so much tidying to do, so little time.... Read More
You have just moved into a new home. Perhaps it's... Read More
The blades of a ceiling fan make all the difference.... Read More
The art and craftsmanship of the original designs are evident... Read More
There are several world renowned wood stove manufacturers that make... Read More
Posters make great gifts. They are large but easy to... Read More
In some places, one might be able to find old... Read More
If you're anything like me and the scent of something... Read More
Most people would agree that wood shutters are beautiful. They... Read More
Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More
A dining room can be such a fantastic place to... Read More
One of the most highly sought after pieces of furnishings... Read More
Having a warm & cozy spot to snuggle up is... Read More
Exotic hardwood floors are made up of solid exotic wood... Read More
A comfortable recliner is the prime parking spot for many-a-man.... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |