Painting Wood

How to Paint Almost Anything From Cheap to Chic!

How to Paint Almost Anything from Cheap to Chic!

With the current economy, most people are careful with their spending at home. So what are you to do when you are a bit afraid to spend money but want to live in comfort and style at home? Answer - think creatively:

Use what you have at home in a “different way” (new furniture placement)
Filter your spending (do you really Want? Love? Need? an item)
Hire an interior decorator to help you save money, time, and avoid mistakes
Think Cheap to Chic with PAINT!

I have said it before and I will say it again, “paint” is the most economical way to transform your home to “feel” and “look” different. The above picture is of one of my designs. My client wanted her small studio apartment to feel large, airy, and with a design style that represented her – in an economical way of course. So, my secret weapon to the r-e-s-c-u-e: “paint”!

Ladies - remember how you feel when you put on makeup that makes you look more gorgeous than you already are? That’s how a new fresh coat of paint feels (gorgeous home)!

Fellas – remember how you feel when your favorite team won a game even though you are not even a player in the game? That’s how a new fresh coat of paint feels (winner at home)!

Did you know that you could paint almost anything in your home? Yes, anything! Here’s a list of a variety of things that you can use as a guide to go from cheap to chic using the secret wand - paint:

PAINT WALLS:

Duh! Okay, that was a no brainer! However, be creative when painting your walls – mask the walls with painters tape to make geometric (chic!) designs, or you can even use plates of different sizes to outline circles with a pencil to paint on your walls. There are also sassy wall paints that provide the unexpected; such as, magnetic paint, chalkboard paint, suede look, linen fabric look.

Extra tip: when using painter’s tape seal the tape lines with clear glaze to get an added protection against jagged lines.

PAINT FABRICS:

Most of the time we try our best NOT to get stains or paint on our fabrics, but with a “cheap to chic” mission in mind turn drab to fab by painting your fabrics.

How: Paint toss pillows, shower curtains, window curtains, cabinet skirts by using textile paint (found at most craft stores). Make sure you follow the curing time for the paint to dry; and wala – you have your very own customized chic design!

PAINTING CERAMIC TILES:

Yes, you read correctly – you can paint ceramic tiles in your bathroom. So if you currently have scary looking tiles that scream “puke color” every time you see it, then economically transform your tile color from blah to wow!

What you will need: 150 grit sandpaper, paintbrush, trisodium phosphat cleanser, boning/ceramic primer and your favorite color of paint in latex.

PAINT LAMINATED FURNITURE:

Do you have a laminated bookcase that is older than books published in 1960s? Then bring it back to life with paint.

How: Sand to scuff away the gloss, use a paint roller (using a brush will leave streak marks), prime, paint using your fabulously looking new paint color, and seal the color using polyurethane.

So, take a close look at your furniture, which are laminated (aka: easily paintable)? Most drawers are usually laminated. Hmmm, perhaps you can paint each drawer a different color to match the color scheme within your room. Simple! Impactful!

Designer tip: instead of using a rag to clean the dust after sanding, use a tack (a sticky) cloth.

PAINT GLASS:

Do you have glass vases hidden away because they do not match your décor? Well, bring them out to play! Then, as a hungry person carries a fork and spoon in hands, get your paint and brush in hands. Customizes clear vases, bowls, and even plates creatively.

How: you can easily get glass paint at your local craft store. Make sure you seal the paint with varnish.

Tip: if you have a clear glass table, create a design under the glass and let your personality shine through. Perhaps you can even stencil words under the table – “Live! Love! Laugh!” is one of my favorite quotes.

PAINT WOOD FLOORS:

That’s right, you can even paint your wood floors. If you have a staircase made of wood, try stenciling a design on every step or painting a carpet design onto it. Can’t afford an area rug to separate your space within a room? Then, paint an area rug with a design that you love.

How: A little prep work goes a long way - make sure that no nails are loose, sand floors, remove dust and /or wax buildup, clean, coat with stain blocking primer, then paint away in the direction of the grain. For durability, consider applying clear polyurethane.

Remember, turn cheap can be chic and live in luxurious comfort within your home and within your "self”.

About the Author

Ada Gonzalez is the creative director of Ada's Interior Design, Inc. in New York. She designs solutions that provide comfort & function with a BIG SPLASH of style without having to spend hi-end prices on furniture & furnishings. Her designs have appeared in the Life & Style section of The Journal News and the Lohub Blog of Westchester County. In April 2007 she won a design competition called "Interior Motives". She was an Interior Decorating subject specialist for DETC (Distant Education Training Council) spring 2007. Her weekly newsletter called “Smart Decorating! E-News” is her way of reaching out and sharing decorating tips to people across the United States. To get more information go to www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com

Wood Girl (Mixed Media Painting on Wood) - Outcome of Prize Draw!