If
you're like me and most other homeowners, you're always on the lookout
for decorating tips that cost little to no money. Here are some
decorating tips that might come in real handy.
How about adding a border to the top or bottom of your walls.
Don't go buy expensive wallpaper border paper, instead do it yourself.
Start by painting two horizontal (parallel) lines on the wall where
you want to place the border. Then decide what motifs or
designs to paint or stencil between these two lines. Pick colors that
complement the background color and the room. Paint your design or
pattern on the wall between the lines.
Buy a roll of plastic. Create your design. Lay the plastic over
the design and use an exacto knife to cut out the design. The plastic
will make the perfect stencil. You can paint the wall where the design
is cut from the plastic or if you have spray paint or an airbrush, use
the plastic template and spray the design on the wall. Spraying the
back of the plastic with hair spray will help adhere the template to
the wall long enough to spray on the design.
For a neat leaf design, take leaves from your yard. Paint the leaf,
then press it against the wall where you want it. Make sure the
paint is fairly thin, but not runny. The leaf will leave minute
pattern on the wall which really looks terrific.
An old tooth brush can be dipped into the paint. Hold the brush close
to the wall. Pull back on the bristles and let go. It will make a
spattering effect on the wall that looks pretty cool. Be sure to block
off all areas you don't want spattered.
Take a bunch of sponges. Dip just one side into acrylic paint. Don't
get it too wet. Press the sponge first against some newspaper to get
rid of excess paint. Then press lightly on the wall. The crevices of
the sponge will transfer to the wall giving it a nice textured
appearance. Don't overdo it. Sea sponges work best, but if too pricey
for you, just get some cheap sponges. Pick out some holes in the
sponge to make the surface uneven. The design will be uneven. Stand
back from the wall some distance and survey what you have done in it's
entirety before you do any touch up areas.
Carry the design over to furniture if you like. Just be careful not to
overdo it. Always remember that too much of a good thing is simply too
much.
Now before you rush off and start, here are some final cautions:
1. Make sure the surface to be decorated is clean and dry.
2. Keep your work area clean and orderly. Make sure all
paint is placed in a secure place so that it won't get spilled.
3. Acrylic paint is easier to clean-up and dries pretty
fast.
For those of you who are renting and not allowed to paint directly
onto the walls, here is an alternative for you.
You can actually do all of the steps above, just paint the design onto
inexpensive fabric or old bed sheets.
Let them dry thoroughly. Cut out the designs. Now soak them in a
solution of liquid starch and water [2 tsp starch to one cup water].
Place the designs on the wall where you want them. Later they can be peeled off,
either when you move out or simply tire of them.
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