If you’re in the process of a home remodel, you already know that paint is a major consideration. Choosing the right paint for your home’s interior can make a huge difference in the look and feel of any room. Faux painting techniques can offer added flair to any décor. If you’ve never considered implementing any of the various faux painting techniques, the following information may help expedite your decision making process.

Faux painting techniques are easy to do yourself. All you need is an idea and a minor knowledge of your chosen technique. Let’s look at some of the various faux techniques and get some basic information on each.

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Sponging is a very popular faux paint choice wherein a dampened sea sponge is used to either add a second coat of paint in a different color or to take color away from an existing paintjob. Removing color using a sea sponge is advisable only if the surface has been freshly painted. Otherwise, your best bet will be to add a complimentary color to the existing paintjob.

Ragging is similar to sponging; only the tool of choice is a dampened rag. Here again, this process is used to either add paint to, or remove paint from and existing surface. Rag techniques offer a lacy and elegant appearance and is always popular for formal dining areas and master baths.

Colorwashing is a technique wherein three colors are mixed together to create a hazy, dreamlike blend that gives any surface a look of subtle texture.

Frottage is a technique whereby plastic is pressed against a freshly painted, wet wall to create the look of aged leather. This technique can be done in any color and no special plastic is required. Most people simply use plastic shopping bags or regular kitchen trash bags.

Dragging is the process of dragging a dry brush down a freshly painted, wet wall to create the appearance of textured fabric.

Some people elect to use a crackle technique on their walls. This technique is only available with the purchase of special paint that cracks when it dries. When this paint is layered over an existing color, the crackle creates a two-tone, antique look.

Another great idea is to alternate paint textures themselves. Because flat paint dries with no sheen, combining flat and gloss paints can create a classic, custom look. A good example of this would be the implementation of a technique whereby a flat base coat is painted on a chosen surface and allowed to dry. After the base coat has dried completely, a pattern is outlined on the wall using painter’s tape. Next, a coat of semi or high gloss paint in the same color is painted over the tape. After the tape is removed, you are left with alternating paint textures in flat and gloss.
This technique makes for an elegant and sophisticated look with little effort. It can also add to the durability of your current paintjob because gloss paints are easier to clean.

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If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to update the look and feel of your home, your best option might be to select new interior paint. Let’s look at some of the smartest choices when it comes to interior paint in terms of texture and color choice.

Interior paints come in three popular textures, flat, semi gloss, and high gloss. Flat interior paint is completely matte and has no shine. Semi gloss is well, semi shiny, and high gloss is highly shiny. Flat wall paint provides a very classy look, but if you live in a house with kids, may not be a wise choice. Why? Because flat paint is difficult to wipe clean, whereas semi gloss and high gloss offer a bit more durability and can be easily wiped clean with a damp sponge.

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The texture of paint you choose will also affect your color choice. Gloss paint in any color looks different than flat paint in that same color. Which brings us to the most important consideration when painting the interior of your home - color.

The color you choose for any room should be dependant on several things; the size of the room, the room’s function, your purpose in painting, and your personal preference. For example, if you’re painting a very small room, dark colors may not be the best choice, because dark colors tend to minimize. Let’s look at these factors a little more closely.

Dark colors like chocolate, navy, deep maroon, and a host of others, are beautiful colors, but may not be right for a small room, unless that room happens to be a library or an office. A good rule of thumb is to compare the room’s size with its function before you paint. If it’s more important that room feel big than evoke a solemn emotion, choose a lighter color.

If you’re painting to sell, neutral colors like khakis, creams, whites, and subtle browns are your best choice. Buyers should be able to envision themselves and their things in the house. Often times, potential buyers can’t get past the bright green or pink wall paint to see the big pictures. However, if you’re planning to be in your home for a while, you can choose colors according your own personal preference. The possibilities are endless.

Remember, different color families are proven to evoke different emotions. Reds are believed to evoke feelings of passion and intensity. This color family is popular for master bedrooms and kitchens. Be careful with the use of red, when overdone it can also evoke feelings of anger. Blues are said to promote calmness and serenity. Blues are also popular for bedrooms, and are commonly found in dens and sitting rooms. Yellows evoke feelings of vitality and positivity, perfect for a child’s room or kitchen. Greens promote feelings of prosperity and work well for office spaces. Oranges are energetic and are a popular choice for recreation rooms. Black is classic and sophisticated (when done properly) and is popular for a variety of rooms. White is crisp and clean, and is commonly seen in small or typically dark spaces.

A couple designer notes when it comes to painting your home’s interior: Choose colors that compliment one another so that your home flows from one room to the next. And don’t be afraid to go out on a limb, taking chances with your wall color is a wise choice because you can never tell how a color will look until it’s on the wall. Those little cards never do colors justice. Remember, it’s only paint, and if you don’t like the color, you can always change it later!

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