Ty's Rules (continued)
Easy, affordable ways to make over your rooms
Photo: Ken Gutmaker
Do look up. The ceiling is often a neglected design element, yet a simple coat of paint can give a room a bold new look—no structural changes required.
Don't rush to pick a wall color. Paint a small piece of foam core, 1 to 2 square feet, and observe it at various times of the day and in different areas of the room. Like Cinderella's carriage, tangerine may turn into pumpkin at midnight!Do limit your boldness. If you're painting a bright color over a large area, be careful with accents in other bold hues that might distract from the main attraction. Sometimes just one strong color says it all.
Don't paint an important piece, like a family heirloom. You'll negate the value, and if you ever want to see the original finish again, removing paint can be an unrelenting job, especially on carved or ornate pieces. Paint is permanent, slipcovers aren't.
Don't paint before choosing accents. If you're planning to add pillows or vases, select paint color after you buy them to ensure you get the perfect match.
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