Quick And Easy Paint Projects: Easy Paint Projects Freshen A Room In A Snap

Paint could be considered a decorator's secret weapon when it comes to freshening up tired, boring rooms. A new coat of paint is the most inexpensive way to update home decor, and that's great news in these cash-strapped times.

What's more, using paint to update home decorating doesn't even mean painting an entire room. For instance, why not paint a lampshade? A standard ho-hum shade can be transformed with acrylic craft paints. Repaint the shade with a new solid color, or give a new design using stencils. If the painting the shade seems too daunting, the spray-paint the lamp's base. Either way, the result is an original creation that perfectly complements the room's decor.

Another option is to decorate a standard window shade with the same kind of acrylic craft paint. One of the easiest patterns is alternating stripes. Simply roll out the shade so that it lies flat, and then use painter's tape to create some stripes.

Old furniture and new unfinished wood pieces can be energized with a paint job. Painted furniture works well in Cottage, Shabby Chic and other homey styles. If you already have some painted furniture, give it a fresh look by embellishing it with stencils. Vines and flowers work well in wood design for living rooms and bedrooms. If the furniture is intended for a child's room, forego the delicate designs in favor of big, bold stencils in primary colors.

Stencils painting also can be employed to create a unique floorcloth similar to an area rug. Find a vinyl floor covering remnant and use the backside as the surface of the floorcloth. Paint the backing with primer, then paint on the background color and then the stencil pattern. If the floor covering is larger, consider using large and small stencils to create a combination pattern that will provide interest without detracting from other accessories.

Speaking of floor coverings, did you know that it's possible to paint rug? That's right! Take a neutral-colored jute or sisal rug and create a design on it using painter's tape. The pattern will look best if you vary the colors or size of the design.

Pretty up your porch or outdoor room with painted furniture. Before you paint, wipe away excess dirt and use sandpaper to smooth away chips and uneven areas. Spray paint is a great choice for easy, even coverage. If you don't have outdoor furniture, look at garage sales and flea markets for inexpensive pieces to transform; a coat of paint will make turn a tired piece into something special.

In fact, you can get right down to the floor with painting pick-me-ups. Worn wooden floors can be refreshed quickly with a coat of paint that will make the whole room come alive. Many older homes with smaller rooms have bright white painted wooden floors to help the rooms appear larger, while others with large rooms have opted for deeper-colored paint on the floors to make the room cozier.

Paint can even be used on places where one wouldn't immediately think of as surfaces for painting. For example, a fireplace with smoked or scorched brick or stone can be remade with a coat of white paint. The headboard of a bed can perform double duty as wall art when painted with a pattern or stencil customized to the room's palette. An older refrigerator can become the family message center (and kid-friendly art space) when the door is remove, cleaned, sanded and then painted with several coats of chalkboard paint.

So think "paint" first when the home interior needs freshening up. The results can be delightfully surprising.