Whether your dining room walls are getting dingy and faded or the wallpaper is just dated, paint is an inexpensive and simple way to freshen your room. However, using just one paint color can leave the room looking empty and boring, and more than three colors can make the room too busy. The answer is to choose two contrasting colors or different tones of the same color. If you use these colors together effectively, you will end up with a room that is attractive and interesting.
Instructions
1. Choose two colors for your dining room. Blue-greens, dark oranges and light browns and creams are all good wall colors. Pull several paint chips that catch your eye and lay them out. Mix and match colors until you find a combination you like. For instance, terra-cotta orange with cream accents will make your room pop.
2. Decide where each color will go. Study the room's moldings, baseboards, chair rails and built-in shelves. Choose one color for the walls and one color for the moldings and other accents. Neutral creams and very light browns work best as accent colors, while bright colors are better for walls.
3. Take everything out of the room that can be moved, and put plastic drop cloths on the floor. Wear old clothes so you won't ruin nice ones. Put painters' tape at the edges of moldings and other accents. Use a paintbrush to paint them with one or two coats of your accent color. Wait four to five hours for the paint to dry. Remove the painters' tape and place more on the edges of the accent pieces.
4. Paint the edges of the walls in the wall color with a paintbrush, paying attention to the corners. Pour some paint into the rolling tray and roll a little paint onto a roller. Apply it to the walls in smooth, vertical movements. Use one or two coats, allowing the paint to dry in between coats. Allow the room to ventilate for at least 24 hours before putting items back inside.
Tags: , light browns, moldings other, moldings other accents, other accents