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Looking for a simple way to add some oomph to an otherwise boring wall? Here’s a simple idea that you can customize to your style and need. It’s kinda like hand stenciling without the hassle of dealing with a stencil. It’s all freehand. I’m not sure where the idea came from that inspired me to try it.

This is my daughter’s room and she was looking for a nice teal/aqua color. But once painted, even though it was a pretty color, it was kinda blah and flat. I’m not into messing too much with detail stuff nowadays. I’ve painted full wall murals in the past, but those days are done for now.

Or at least until I have grandchildren of my own. If I can still see to paint when they come along.

Anyway, like I said, I didn’t waste time with a stencil I just sketched some doodles on a piece of paper to see what style to go with, grabbed a small artists brush, a slightly lighter shade of the wall paint color and got to work. If you’re not comfortable with doodling, you can find basic patterns at the library, online, or even check out fabric patterns that you like.

It was a fairly quick process. And I can totally see it done with any pattern or design. Maybe leaves? Flowers? Or even a child’s stick drawing. Taupes with a sophisticated vine pattern for a more grown-up room would be nice. The tone-on-tone adds enough interest without getting too busy. These pictures are somewhat off on color and contrast, but it’s a very subtle difference in the paint color.

What you’ll need:

  • Two slightly different shades of wall paint.
  • Paint rollers, brushes, paint tray for painting base coat.
  • A good sturdy artists brush for painting pattern on top of base coat.
    (And of course, you. Or your artist friend that owes you one.)

What to do:

  • Paint base color with one shade of paint, and let dry.
  • Paint pattern with second shade of paint. (I used the darker paint for the base color, with lighter color used for the pattern.)

It’s fun. It’s quick. And it’s inexpensive.

Let me know if you try it out. I’d love to hear what you come up with.

Do you have any wall techniques or paint applications to share?