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Boost Your Wellbeing and Beautify Your Home with Easy Paint Ideas
Reclaim your Zen and create an interior that exudes calm with these fun and simple decorating ideas
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After a challenging couple of years, we’re all looking for ways to soothe our minds and find a sense of calm. While escaping to a luxury retreat certainly has its appeal, there is a far easier and less expensive alternative – just pick up a paintbrush.
The simple and rhythmic act of painting can be a wonderful stress reliever. But the benefits don’t end there; painting is easy, affordable, doesn’t require any special tools and you gives you the satisfaction of creating something truly beautiful in your home. And it doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Paint colours, like wallpaper, are easy to change down the track if you feel like a new look.
We spoke to the paint experts at Resene to discover the most soothing colours and patterns to use at home, along with some fun and relaxing projects you can try (even if you’re a paint novice!)
The simple and rhythmic act of painting can be a wonderful stress reliever. But the benefits don’t end there; painting is easy, affordable, doesn’t require any special tools and you gives you the satisfaction of creating something truly beautiful in your home. And it doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Paint colours, like wallpaper, are easy to change down the track if you feel like a new look.
We spoke to the paint experts at Resene to discover the most soothing colours and patterns to use at home, along with some fun and relaxing projects you can try (even if you’re a paint novice!)
Decorating mindfully
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed but find your mind wandering during meditation and don’t fancy schlepping to a yoga class, have you considered decorating to de-stress?
Painting can be wonderfully therapeutic. Not only does the physical act of painting help calm a racing mind by getting you to mindfully focus on a simple and repetitive task, but some fresh colour can lift your spirits and make you fall back in love with where you live – just what many of us need after so much time staring at the same four walls for the last couple of years.
“Once you have completed all the prep work for your paint job and start on the topcoats, you develop a rhythm, you get into a zone, and your only focus becomes the job at hand – it’s like a form of mediation,” says Brenda Ngatai, residential colour consultant at Resene. “And you’re achieving two things at once – a whole new interior or exterior look is taking shape before your eyes, while the physical act of bending and stretching with a paintbrush or roller on an extension brush is like doing a stretch class at home.”
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed but find your mind wandering during meditation and don’t fancy schlepping to a yoga class, have you considered decorating to de-stress?
Painting can be wonderfully therapeutic. Not only does the physical act of painting help calm a racing mind by getting you to mindfully focus on a simple and repetitive task, but some fresh colour can lift your spirits and make you fall back in love with where you live – just what many of us need after so much time staring at the same four walls for the last couple of years.
“Once you have completed all the prep work for your paint job and start on the topcoats, you develop a rhythm, you get into a zone, and your only focus becomes the job at hand – it’s like a form of mediation,” says Brenda Ngatai, residential colour consultant at Resene. “And you’re achieving two things at once – a whole new interior or exterior look is taking shape before your eyes, while the physical act of bending and stretching with a paintbrush or roller on an extension brush is like doing a stretch class at home.”
Opt for calming colours
To create a soothing vibe in your home, it’s important to choose the right colours and patterns. “Any colour can create a sense of calm, so long as it has a grey undertone,” says Ngatai. “This takes away the sharpness and gives a colour some softness.”
Ngatai’s colour picks for a soothing setting include Resene White Linen, a soft blue such as a Resene Half Duck Egg Blue and a very pale green-gold such as Resene Half Secrets.
“Avoid clear, true colours – or ‘colours with attitude’ as I fondly call them. They definitely have their place, but not in a calm environment,” she says.
To create a soothing vibe in your home, it’s important to choose the right colours and patterns. “Any colour can create a sense of calm, so long as it has a grey undertone,” says Ngatai. “This takes away the sharpness and gives a colour some softness.”
Ngatai’s colour picks for a soothing setting include Resene White Linen, a soft blue such as a Resene Half Duck Egg Blue and a very pale green-gold such as Resene Half Secrets.
“Avoid clear, true colours – or ‘colours with attitude’ as I fondly call them. They definitely have their place, but not in a calm environment,” she says.
It may surprise you, but blacks and charcoals can be serene too. “The trick is to choose a soft, flat finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Flat water-based enamel for interiors,” says Ngatai.
“Dark hues such as these look particularly beautiful paired with natural timbers, concrete and brick, bringing a rich, earthy feel to your interior or exterior,” she says. Some gentle darks to try, says Ngatai, include Resene Element, Resene Zeus and Resene Bokara Grey.
“Dark hues such as these look particularly beautiful paired with natural timbers, concrete and brick, bringing a rich, earthy feel to your interior or exterior,” she says. Some gentle darks to try, says Ngatai, include Resene Element, Resene Zeus and Resene Bokara Grey.
Choose healthy paints
If creating a tranquil and healthy indoor environment is a priority for you, be sure to choose the right paints for the job.
“Resene’s Sensitive Choice- and Environmental Choice-approved paints are low-odour and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), which means they promote better indoor air quality. This makes them a smart choice for those with respiratory illnesses,” says Amy Watkins, a Resene colour consultant. “They are a good choice for children’s rooms, nurseries or for homes where family members suffer from health issues such as asthma.”
If creating a tranquil and healthy indoor environment is a priority for you, be sure to choose the right paints for the job.
“Resene’s Sensitive Choice- and Environmental Choice-approved paints are low-odour and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), which means they promote better indoor air quality. This makes them a smart choice for those with respiratory illnesses,” says Amy Watkins, a Resene colour consultant. “They are a good choice for children’s rooms, nurseries or for homes where family members suffer from health issues such as asthma.”
Start small
You don’t have to paint an entire room to get into the Zen zone – trying your hand at one or two smaller paint projects can be just as calming and fulfilling.
“Painting a mural or colour blocking in your child’s bedroom is always fun and a great way to change the look of the space,” says Watkins. “If you’re not confident about painting a mural, try using masking tape to frame out a shape on the wall, such as Lego bricks. It’s an easy way to create a wow statement your child is sure to love.
“Or try up-cycling old furniture, such as timber dining chairs. It can be as simple as giving them a sand, applying an undercoat and then a topcoat in the colour of your choice. Alternatively, create a charming, coastal look by sanding the chairs back and applying a whitewash,” she says.
Painting this starry night wall is a good project for DIY novices to begin with, says Rebecca Long, Resene colour expert. “All you need to do is sketch out the star designs in a notebook, then replicate them on the wall.
“Start by painting the wall in Resene Warrior, then add stars in Resene Black White, and star clusters in Resene FX Nightlight glow-in-the-dark paint. To maximise the glow, paint the star clusters with a base coat of Resene White before applying a topcoat of Resene FX Nightlight.”
You don’t have to paint an entire room to get into the Zen zone – trying your hand at one or two smaller paint projects can be just as calming and fulfilling.
“Painting a mural or colour blocking in your child’s bedroom is always fun and a great way to change the look of the space,” says Watkins. “If you’re not confident about painting a mural, try using masking tape to frame out a shape on the wall, such as Lego bricks. It’s an easy way to create a wow statement your child is sure to love.
“Or try up-cycling old furniture, such as timber dining chairs. It can be as simple as giving them a sand, applying an undercoat and then a topcoat in the colour of your choice. Alternatively, create a charming, coastal look by sanding the chairs back and applying a whitewash,” she says.
Painting this starry night wall is a good project for DIY novices to begin with, says Rebecca Long, Resene colour expert. “All you need to do is sketch out the star designs in a notebook, then replicate them on the wall.
“Start by painting the wall in Resene Warrior, then add stars in Resene Black White, and star clusters in Resene FX Nightlight glow-in-the-dark paint. To maximise the glow, paint the star clusters with a base coat of Resene White before applying a topcoat of Resene FX Nightlight.”
Or add some flair to your living room fireplace with this graphic, striped mural – it’s easier than you might think.
“Simply use a fine paintbrush to create the stripes down the wall above the mantel,” says Long.
“Here we’ve used Resene Triple Merino on the walls and hand-painted the stripes in Resene Double Cod Grey. The mantel is painted in Resene Raven, the arch in Resene Double Cod Grey and the hearth Resene Half Raven,” she says.
“Simply use a fine paintbrush to create the stripes down the wall above the mantel,” says Long.
“Here we’ve used Resene Triple Merino on the walls and hand-painted the stripes in Resene Double Cod Grey. The mantel is painted in Resene Raven, the arch in Resene Double Cod Grey and the hearth Resene Half Raven,” she says.
Alternatively, create an eye-catching focal point in your bedroom by framing your bed with a one-of-a-kind mural.
“Bring this look to life in your own bedroom by painting the ‘bed frame’ on the wall behind your bed in Resene Half Concrete, then leaving it to fully dry.
“From there, apply masking tape over the frame pattern and coat the walls in Resene Atomic. Once dry, remove the masking tape to reveal the frame pattern underneath,” says Long.
“Bring this look to life in your own bedroom by painting the ‘bed frame’ on the wall behind your bed in Resene Half Concrete, then leaving it to fully dry.
“From there, apply masking tape over the frame pattern and coat the walls in Resene Atomic. Once dry, remove the masking tape to reveal the frame pattern underneath,” says Long.
Once you’ve built up your confidence, give this too-cool-for-school iceberg mural a try.
- “First create a guide to work from by sketching the design in a notebook, which you replicate on the wall,” says Long. “In your notebook sketch, note which colours go where and use this as a reference when you’re painting. My top tip? To create crisp lines, use masking tape to paint select areas.”
Here, the upper wall has been painted in Resene Quarter Frozen and the lower wall and floor in Resene Spinnaker. The iceberg headboard is painted in three colours: Resene Sea Fog, Resene Frozen and Resene Blue Moon.
When you’ve got a bit more time and experience up your sleeve, you might want to tackle an even bigger project, such as jazzing up your kitchen with a painted checkerboard floor.
“A novice DIYer could certainly tackle this floor project, but patience is key to success,” says Long. “Take your time and use a laser level to ensure you get straight lines.
“Start by applying two coats of Resene Quarter Spanish White over the entire floor. Once dry, use masking tape to create the squares and then add colour to the squares using Resene Dingley.
“Once the floor is dry, apply Resene Uracryl 402 to protect your checkerboard design from footfall. And be sure to allow the floor to cure for at least 72 hours once dry before you walk on it,” she says.
“A novice DIYer could certainly tackle this floor project, but patience is key to success,” says Long. “Take your time and use a laser level to ensure you get straight lines.
“Start by applying two coats of Resene Quarter Spanish White over the entire floor. Once dry, use masking tape to create the squares and then add colour to the squares using Resene Dingley.
“Once the floor is dry, apply Resene Uracryl 402 to protect your checkerboard design from footfall. And be sure to allow the floor to cure for at least 72 hours once dry before you walk on it,” she says.
Calming patterns
If you’re looking to bring colour, pattern and interest to your walls, nothing beats Resene wallpaper. “There are so many options nowadays in wallpaper, but mural wallpaper has to be one of my favourite ways to change the look and feel of a room,” says Watkins.
Transform your study into a haven of calm with a painterly coastal mural wallpaper in soft pinks or blues on the wall behind your desk; add an escapist feel to your living room with an intricate mural wallpaper on one wall depicting a tropical jungle scene; or set a gentle and romantic mood in the bedroom with a blowsy floral mural wallpaper behind your bed.
Prefer just a little bit of pattern executed in a fun way? Try wallpapering the risers of a painted staircase. “Use the same wallpaper the whole way up, or use a different pattern on each step for a touch of fun,” she says.
For the best results with wallpaper, you will need patience and a steady hand, says Watkins. “Since a mural is often a photograph, it can require more time to apply than regular wallpaper as the level of detail in the image means you have to make sure everything lines up perfectly,” she says.
If you’re looking to bring colour, pattern and interest to your walls, nothing beats Resene wallpaper. “There are so many options nowadays in wallpaper, but mural wallpaper has to be one of my favourite ways to change the look and feel of a room,” says Watkins.
Transform your study into a haven of calm with a painterly coastal mural wallpaper in soft pinks or blues on the wall behind your desk; add an escapist feel to your living room with an intricate mural wallpaper on one wall depicting a tropical jungle scene; or set a gentle and romantic mood in the bedroom with a blowsy floral mural wallpaper behind your bed.
Prefer just a little bit of pattern executed in a fun way? Try wallpapering the risers of a painted staircase. “Use the same wallpaper the whole way up, or use a different pattern on each step for a touch of fun,” she says.
For the best results with wallpaper, you will need patience and a steady hand, says Watkins. “Since a mural is often a photograph, it can require more time to apply than regular wallpaper as the level of detail in the image means you have to make sure everything lines up perfectly,” she says.
Create an outdoor escape
The inside of your home isn’t the only place you can destress with a paint project – why not head outside and turn a drab terrace or balcony into a cosy retreat to relax, read a book or enjoy a morning coffee in the warmer months.
“To create this alfresco look, apply a base of two coats of Resene Half Tapa to the walls, floor and planter box. Next, to create the textured concrete effect, use a paintbrush to apply soft, criss-crossing strokes of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium coloured with a testpot of Resene Half Atmosphere.
“It’s a good idea to do a test patch first to get a hang of this technique,” says Long.
So now, rather than reaching for your car keys to take you to a wellbeing class when you’re feeling overwhelmed, why not reach for the paintbrush instead!
More: For more information on Resene’s latest paint colours and wallpapers and how to use them, check out the Habitat plus magazine – decorating and colour trends 2022. Or go to the Resene Colour & Decorating Inspiration Hub on Houzz where you can pick up loads of great paint, wallpaper and decorating ideas.
Tell us: Does painting calm your mind? Tell us in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
The inside of your home isn’t the only place you can destress with a paint project – why not head outside and turn a drab terrace or balcony into a cosy retreat to relax, read a book or enjoy a morning coffee in the warmer months.
“To create this alfresco look, apply a base of two coats of Resene Half Tapa to the walls, floor and planter box. Next, to create the textured concrete effect, use a paintbrush to apply soft, criss-crossing strokes of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium coloured with a testpot of Resene Half Atmosphere.
“It’s a good idea to do a test patch first to get a hang of this technique,” says Long.
So now, rather than reaching for your car keys to take you to a wellbeing class when you’re feeling overwhelmed, why not reach for the paintbrush instead!
More: For more information on Resene’s latest paint colours and wallpapers and how to use them, check out the Habitat plus magazine – decorating and colour trends 2022. Or go to the Resene Colour & Decorating Inspiration Hub on Houzz where you can pick up loads of great paint, wallpaper and decorating ideas.
Tell us: Does painting calm your mind? Tell us in the comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint can make.
Resene has all the quality paint, colour, wallpaper,... Read More
It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint can make.
Resene has all the quality paint, colour, wallpaper,... Read More
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