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History of Houzz

DIY Projects: Tips for Painting Stripes

A few years out of college, I shared a downtown Baltimore rowhouse with a friend. It was tiny, but an ode to urban revitalization - exposed brick, open floor plan, cute kitchen, the works.

One day, I came home from work to find my friend busy in the kitchen, but not cooking. She was covering the lime green walls with vertical stripes of a darker, still limey, green. The stripes, which varied in width, added to the kitchen some fun that we didn't know we were missing.

Stripes can be a great way to spice up a room without investing in expensive artwork or making a commitment beyond a few hours and a couple of gallons of paint. Painting stripes isn't difficult, either, as long as you follow a few basic steps:

1. Choose your colors and sheens. Just like with overall decorating, stripes work when their colors complement or contrast, or even when they're the same shade but different paint finishes.
2. Pick an orientation. Vertical stripes are easier to prep and paint, and will make a room look taller. However, horizontal stripes (or even one stripe) can add a great visual element to smaller spaces.
3. Figure out width. Traditional pinstripes or thick modern rectangles? Consistent or varied? Sketch out your options to get an idea of how your preferred design will look on the wall.
4. Measure, measure, measure. Use a pencil to mark measurements on the wall. Make sure you keep your vertical stripes straight. For horizontal stripes, especially in older houses with uneven floors and ceilings, use a combination of a tape measure and a laser level to eyeball the most natural looking stripe.
5. Tape, tape, tape. Make sure your tape is smooth and very straight.
6. Paint! Start with whichever color will cover most of the wall, or with the lightest color.
7. Let it dry.
8. Measure again. Tape again. Paint again. Dry again. This is where the actual stripes come in.
9. Remove the tape - carefully! The best time to remove the tape is when the paint is almost dry, but still a little tacky. Carefully peel it off the wall, taking care not to pull chunks of paint with it.
10. Touch up. Invest in a tiny little brush (think eyeshadow size) to clean up any rough edges.

Then step back, wash up and enjoy your hard work!

Add your own tips in the comments, or take the discussion over to the buzz board – each month, the best design tip or story (related to this or any other home design project) will win a $50 gift card to a one of several home design stores (more details here). June’s contest starts today – so good luck! Can’t wait to read everyone’s stories!
Kit Pollard
Kit Pollard
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Don't be afraid of color - this bright stripes are a great match for a clean white tub.

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One color, two sheens, great effect.

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Graphic artist Joseph Abbati took his stripes right from the wall, over the moulding and onto the floor.

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Sheila Bridges' office is full of personality thanks to vibrant color and eclectic design.

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Stripes add dimension to small spaces.

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This beach mural shows that rough edges can look cool.

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It doesn't always work, but sometimes matchy is great.

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Curves have a cool 70's retro vibe. This is so Barbie van!

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Experiment with colors and sizes - every stripe doesn't have to be the same.

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Orange and yellow stripes are a perfect match for Todd Oldham's funky, bright style.

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