DIY Painting Project: Subtle Stripes

By Sayward Rebhal, Networx

A few years back, my husband and I bought our first house. It was new, and it was very . . . cookie cutter . . . which meant it required a massive remodel. Instead of hiring a Portland remodeling contractor, we did all the work ourselves, room by room.

It was fun! And we learned so much. One of my very favorite projects, and our first complete room makeover, was our small downstairs half-bath. We wanted to do something bold, but the size of the space was too small for “busy.” We considered a simple wallpaper, but worried about the long term repercussions, should we ever change our minds (as we creative types are wont to do). I like things a bit more on the baroque side, whereas he is all about clean and modern. With that in mind, we devised a plan that would meet in the marvelous middle – and that’s how we ended up with these eclectic-yet-elegant stripes.

We went with a bright red, which took the look squarely into the realm of “funky.” However, the same technique applied in cream, ivory, taupe, or sage, would offer a much more refined vibe. Pastels would be perfect for a nursery, bright colors best for a child’s room, and I think the treatment would be striking on an accent wall. However you choose to use it, here’s how it’s done:

1. Tools

For this project, you will need brushes/rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloth/plastic, and two buckets of paint in the exact same color – one in a matte finish and the other in high gloss.

1 of 3

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Val M.

1:51AM PDT on Apr 4, 2013

Thanks

April 4
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Angela J.

7:15PM PDT on Aug 25, 2012

That sounds like a pretty cool idea....I might give it a try

August 25
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Nyack C.

11:48PM PDT on Aug 6, 2012

Sounds like fun to do, tho I'm not sure it is a look I would want in my home

August 6
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Sam E M.

3:37AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

This one calls for a paint party where you invite friends in to help, then celebrate with a party in the evening when it's all done.

July 30
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Terry V.

3:22AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

thanks

FYI Sorry friends,my profile is down until I get help from care2 support

Carol Ann O.

9:16AM PDT on Jul 29, 2012

Can also be done using clear matte or semi gloss (whichever is the contrast to what is already there) on exsisting painted walls for a quick change.

July 29
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Chris C.

1:10PM PDT on Jul 27, 2012

I had the subtle stripe effect done on a small accent dining room wall. It looks fantastic. Used a gorgeous, rich mocha color - used the same color but 2 different paint mediums - matte and semigloss - to create the very subtle but beautiful 12" wide vertical stripes. Looks incredible.