All it takes is a can of paint and a foam roller to take any wall in your home from bland to totally beautiful. When your wall is begging for a change, try out these simple paint tricks and techniques!
This subtle ombré technique is actually quite simple (a slightly imperfect flow looks more interesting and organic anyway). Start at the top with the deepest of three graduated shades, finish with the lightest, and blend for a stunning result.
What time is it? You'll never ask again with this stenciled wall clock that tick-tocks the minutes away. (That part is easy—all you need is a battery-powered clock mechanism.) The painted numbers in our version pictured here is modeled after the ornate face of an 18th-century case clock.
If you’re looking to add some texture – or at least, the illusion of texture – to your wall, then go no further than this gingham painting technique, which makes it look like this design is woven right onto the surface.
The secret to creating this fine-linen paint effect on your wall is a horsehair flogger, which has super thin, super sharp bristles perfect for replicating the look of the textile.
Don't be afraid of darkness: Dark, bordering-on-black walls accentuate the silhouette of the rest of your furnishings. Just remember our rule of thumb: When you are starved of light, it's better to opt for a strong color to add depth to the room. Then decorate with lighter elements to "make it welcoming."
Columns may first and foremost serve a foundational purpose, but that doesn't mean they can't be a stylish statement—even when they are just painted into a corner.
Bring the outdoors inside by painting a forestial mural that gives your room a touch of nature. To keep the elaborate design from being too overwhelming, go for a thinner design by starting from the middle of the wall, and working up, and then use molding to fill out the space beneath.
A painting technique that mimics the look of raw silk offers a luxurious touch to any room, and is the next best thing to actually draping the fancy fabric around your home.
If you're not quite ready to do anything too crazy to your wall in the interest of changing things up, opt for a traditional, monochromatic paint job, but using a bright, unexpected color that will instantly refresh your space.
![Sneak Peek of "Martha Stewart's Cakes"](https://assets.marthastewart.com/styles/wmax-300/d27/pumpkin-cake-mscakes-154-r5/pumpkin-cake-mscakes-154-r5_vert.jpg?itok=CSq_7ICM "Sneak Peek of "Martha Stewart's Cakes"")
