Get creative with paint effects

Wallpaper isn't the only way to make a statement on your walls

Picture gallery
Make a display of your photos by using paint to create a frame effect around them - it's a great way to add an instant focal point to your room. Using masking tape and a level, simply mark out a square or rectangle in an area that you want to hang a collection of your photos. Opt for a darker colour background and white frames with surrounds to really show off the pictures inside.

Get the look Walls in Lead White acrylic matt emulsion and Purple Brown acrylic matt emulsion, £21.60 for 2.5L, The Little Greene Paint Company.


Homemade headboard
Kids will love this unusual headboard design. Go for a modern design of circles and lines for a contemporary effect – start by drawing around a plate on a piece of cardboard and cut out the circle to create a template. Use a sponge to apply the paint and gradually build up the colour in layers. Use masking tape for straight, crisp lines and avoid smudges by allowing one colour to dry completely before adding another. Choose bedlinen and bedroom accessories in similar colours for a really cohesive look.

Get the look Wall in Flawless, Crown Paints Fashion For Walls flat matt emulsion, 2.5 ltrs, £16.99; dark green effect in Pea Pod, Crown Paint matt emulsion, 2.5 ltrs, £14.99; light green effect in Lime Green, Crown Paint easyclean matt emulsion, 2.25 litres, £17.99; yellow effect in Custard, Crown Paint easyclean matt emulsion, 2.25 ltrs, £17.99, all Crown Paints.


Statement shelves
Use paint effects to brighten up different areas of the home. These plain shelves can be turned into an eye-catching focal point by using vertical stripes running behind them in a matching colour to create a criss-cross design. The effect is easy to create - measure out the distance between stripes to ensure a regular pattern and use masking tape to give crisp, straight lines.

Get the look Stripes in Bone China Blue and Hollyhock, £21.60 for 2.5L acrylic matt ewmulsion, The Little Greene Paint Company.

More Style Tricks

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