Wall Stripes: Subtle or Circus?
It is becoming popular to paint stripes on walls, and rightfully so. The technique has the same feel as wallpaper, but in my opinion, looks better and is easier to replace. While noticing this trend, I have also noticed the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My theory on wall stripes is: less contrast is better. It is easy for your striped wall to morph into a circus-tent-feel if you aren’t cautious with the colors. For example: painting a baby boy’s room – it might sound cute to paint the walls blue and brown. Naturally, blue and brown look good together, but on the walls it will be too intense. Instead opt for dark blue stripes and light blue stripes, a less-contrast option, to avoid that circus look.
My favorite stripe effect? Sheen on sheen. Once, I had my bedroom painted a celery green, and the stripes were flat celery, and shiny celery. It was subtle, charming, and non-invasive. This can be achieved by painting the first wall color in a flat sheen, and masking off and painting the stripes with glaze or with the same color in a satin sheen.
Here’s what I mean by ‘the good’:
Here’s what I mean by the bad {and ugly}:
Of course, everyone has their own tastes and opinions, and this is just mine. This is a rule I like to stick to, and it hasn’t failed me yet!
image credits {in order of appearance):
kris omalley
shannon nicole design
igloodgn.blogspot.com
garay artisans
bookhuntersholiday.wordpress.com
mobcreative.ca
brenna-girl.blogspot.com
www.mackpainting.com