Painting your walls is a simple and affordable do-it-yourself project. But it can be done in a variety of ways to create interesting and dynamic effects.
Start by clearing your working area and putting away any furniture you don’t want to get paint on. Be sure to prepare the wall adequately by sanding or scraping where necessary.
Wall Stenciling
There are a variety of stencils available that will turn your wall into a work of art with the help of thoroughly trained crews. Whether you are looking for a floral, geometric, or tile pattern, it is possible to find a design that will suit your tastes and blend with your home decor. Stenciling your walls is also a great way to add a pop of color without breaking the bank or taking on a large project.
Before you start stenciling your wall it is important to prep the area. Begin by putting down a good coat of your chosen wall color. This will help the stencil to stay in place, and it will give the paint a smoother finish when you are done. If your stencil is going to be a dark design you will need to let the first coat of paint dry completely before applying another.
Next you will want to tape your stencil to the wall. This is a good idea because it will help protect your furniture and keep the paint from getting on any other areas of your home that you don’t want it to. It is also a good idea to use a level, especially if you are working on a vertical surface. This will help ensure that the pattern is straight and even.
After the tape is in place you will want to lightly dip your brush or roller into the paint. It is important not to put too much paint on because it can cause the design to bleed under the edges of the stencil. If you do end up with a little bit of extra paint, wait for it to dry and then blot it away. This will prevent it from smudging while you are working on your next layer.
When you are stenciling your walls it is important to work in small sections at a time. This will make the job go faster, and it will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to choose a simple design that will not be too intricate.
Checkerboard Pattern

Checkered patterns have been a classic motif for decades. However, the staggered arrangement of black and white squares reminiscent of a chessboard has reclaimed the spotlight as the check trend of the season. Sworn fans of this high-contrast pattern can now find the iconic style in flooring, textiles, and even accessories like scrunchies. The trend has gained cult followings with brands like Lisa Says Gah and has been embraced on the runway with SS 2022 collections from the likes of Ashley Williams and Maria Grazia Chiuri.
To paint a checkerboard pattern on your wall, start by choosing two colors that will form the base of your design. Then use a metal ruler, level, and pencil to draw your grid across the wall. You will want to make sure that the lines are evenly spaced and straight so that you end up with a clean, well-defined look. Once you have your grid in place, double-check your measurements and adjust as necessary.
Next, tape off the areas that will remain the base color using painter’s tape. Be sure to leave a small 1-inch strip of tape along the edges of the area that will be painted black. This will help you to ensure that the second color won’t bleed into the adjacent areas. Then, carefully paint the black areas of your checkerboard. Be sure to let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and touching up any areas where the black and white paint meet.
For the second color, choose a light shade that will complement your base coat. Once you have the second color in place, apply vertical strips of tape to create your checkerboard. Be sure to press the tape edges firmly to prevent any bleeding from occurring. Then, paint the second color on your checkerboard pattern.
If you’re not confident in your ability to achieve a clean, professional look, consider hiring a professional to help you with the task. A professional will have the proper tools and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently. They’ll also be able to provide you with tips and tricks for achieving the perfect checkerboard pattern.
Lettering
If you want to get a bit more creative with your wall decor, consider playing around with different lettering styles. You can do this with stencils, or by hand. You can also experiment with different materials, such as wood or metal, for a different look and feel. For example, wood letters are a great way to add an earthy touch to your space, while metal letters are perfect for a chic industrial vibe.
For those who aren’t familiar with the art of lettering, it consists of creating and drawing letters, words or numbers in a unique or particular style for a variety of purposes, including decoration, communication or labeling. It’s a descendant of calligraphy and has since become an integral part of graphic design artwork and even brand logos.
While there is a lot that goes into making lettering look good (including understanding the basics of typography and how to use varying line weights), it’s not too hard to learn. Some of the best ways to improve your lettering skills are to practice often and to immerse yourself in it. Look for inspiration online by following projects like 365 days of lettering or try your hand at it with a few different types of pens and pencils to figure out which one suits you best.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try your hand at more intricate letter designs. You can start with something as simple as your family’s initials and then branch out to bigger words that tell a more compelling story.
You can find examples of beautiful lettering everywhere, from street signs and storefronts to posters and invitation cards. You can even try your hand at designing your own fonts to add some personality and character to your designs.
Another way to spruce up your walls is to paint your door frames and other details. This trick can help you make your rooms feel larger and more open by attracting the eye to these areas that would otherwise be overlooked. Just remember to choose a colour that will complement the rest of your décor.
Paint Your Ceiling
Your walls often get all the love when it comes to decorating, but the ceiling is one overlooked aspect of your home that can also benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Aside from being an easy way to add a pop of color, painting your ceiling can also help make the room feel bigger or cozier. And best of all, it doesn’t require a ladder like you might think.
First, it’s important to prep the room by removing light fixtures and drapes, as well as masking any exposed electrical wiring. You’ll want to clean the ceiling thoroughly to remove any dust or debris, which could prevent a proper bond between the paint and the surface. Once you’re ready to begin painting, it’s a good idea to work in small sections about 5 or 6 ft. squared to ensure you’re covering a consistent amount of surface area each time. This will help prevent lap marks.
Once you’ve covered the whole section, leave it to dry for 2 hours before moving onto the next. During this time, be careful not to touch the wet paint or you could create unsightly smudges. When the ceiling is completely dry, you’ll be ready to re-install any light fixtures or other decorative elements you took down.
If you’re using a dark color on your ceiling, be sure to ask the paint store for a sample or swatch that you can test in the corner of the room before you commit to the project. This will help you see how the color looks with your natural light. If you’re using a lighter shade on your ceiling, consider going a step further and painting your walls the same color for a cohesive look that will allow your furniture and decor to really stand out.