Pizazz Without Paint

I had a question awhile ago, that I thought I would share with you.  With our whole painting craze it is easy to forget not everyone can afford to repaint their room, or is even allowed to, especially if they are a renter.  So, here you go…pizazz without paint.

 

 

Q: How can I get pizazz without paint? I never seem to live anywhere long enough to bother with curtains or paint.

 

 

Think about a focal point in your room

If live in an apartment or just don’t want to commit to painting, there are many different options…. Here’s where you have to think outside the box. Look at your room as a whole. Is there a wall where a focal point would work well?

For you Interior Design beginners, a focal point is something that draws your eye, either by furniture placement, use of color or lighting. Every room should have a primary focal point. Now, that you have determined what wall or area would work well as a focal point, look at what accessories and art you have.

 

 

Accessories

Do you have any accessories that would normally be placed around the house that have a similar theme or color? Placing these objects on a wall creates repetition and interest that you would not normally get from placing them individually throughout the space. Be creative in how you place them. Attaching a piece to the wall that would not normally be applied to the wall is a great surprise and can look great when grouped as a display!

Next, you can look to art & photography. You can choose art that has a similar theme, such as subject matter or color, and place them together.

 

 

Unusual artwork

Art or photography using the same color frame makes a great focal point and looks great as a gallery wall. Let us take this idea outside the box, try applying painted molding or fretwork (see photo) to create a grid or diamond pattern. You could even apply color to the woodwork instead of keeping it white. This is a great option for anyone limited by renting a home. You could even apply fabric or wallpaper to the back face of the woodwork before applying it to the walls if you are looking for more color and interest.

There are a few ways of attaching the woodwork. Consider Velcro, or very small nails or you could try double sided tape. Test the tape and Velcro to make sure you won’t damage your walls when removing it when it comes time to leave.

 

Fabric Panels

Finally, you could drape the walls in fabric for a very cozy, inviting space. There are several options when using fabric as a wall treatment, number one just hang it from a rod located at the top of the wall; or cover wood or foam core panels, attaching the panels the same way you would the decorative molding.

You can also attach fabric to walls with starch. Be creative here, cut out silhouettes, (similar concept to vinyl letters or silhouettes) place the fabric against the wall and cover it with starch using a paintbrush and smooth it out as you go. You may need to use a thumbtack to hold it in place until it dries. When you are ready to leave simply peal it off and wash the starch off of the wall.

 

There you go.  Pizazz without paint!  What kinds of things do you incorporate in your interiors if you are not able to paint?  What do you find interesting in a room?