Chalk paint: the secret weapon of DIYers everywhere. This versatile paint is virtually foolproof for beginners yet adaptable enough for professionals and designers. A diverse selection of colors and finishes also makes just about any painting project possible, from faux patinas to wall treatments. Chalk paints aren't widely available at large hardware stores, however. You're more likely to find them at specialty shops or online. Choose a palette of rich purples for an unexpectedly regal interior, or paint furniture in bright tones for a sunny start to the day. If you can't find the right shade, you can always mix your own!
Light blue for garden greens
Narrow spaces and unused corners in your backyard are perfect spots for a hanging garden, and they maintain your greenery at eye-level. Pay tribute to the serene blue skies with a coat of light blue chalk paint on the background wall. The natural hue provides a subtle contrast to bright blooms and complements the vibrant greens of an herb garden. Preserve your paint job with a lacquer that provides UV protection.
Creamy cabinetry with patina
Kitchen facelifts can be intimidating, especially if you're repainting old cabinetry. If you don't have a favorite color in mind, stick with a classic neutral that's always in season. Off-white cabinetry brightens up any kitchen, from narrow galleys to small studio kitchenettes, and it goes with everything. Chalk paint eases the workload by eliminating extra prep work, and the matte finish provdes a rustic look. Finish with a clear wax coat, or use brown wax for a creamy, aged patina.
Keep it regal with violet tones
Purple is a symbol of royalty and wealth, which explains why the color looks so rich in a monochromatic scheme. Chalk paint in this deep shade adds elegance to a room without darkening the space or the mood. Paint the walls and a sideboard in purple hues, with varying textures and tones for visual interest. Add metallic features to contrast the matte finish of the chalk paint.
Turquoise for a faux copper patina
The best design ideas come from nature, inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. Copper oxidization is a prime example of this: rich amber metal tones contrast beautifully with the green-blue patina that develops with age. Recreate the effect on your cabinetry hardware or metal furnishings with some turquoise blue paint. The texture and matte finish of chalk paint look authentic as a faux patina, and the hue maintains its vibrancy. Add orange or coral tones to adjacent surfaces for a complementary pop of color.
Soften your style with pretty pastels
A pastel color treatment adds unexpected vintage charm to your decor. Whether you're refurbishing an old dresser or customizing a storebought find, minty greens, pale pinks, and soft blues are sure to nail the mid-century modern vibe. Apply thick color and sand between each coat for a smooth texture, then let the colors do the talking. Keep your remaining furniture understated with natural finishes and neutral tones.
Bring some sunshine to the table
Refresh old furniture and add a bright perspective to a dining space with a fresh coat of canary yellow paint. Minimal prep means you only have to scrub the surface free of dirt and grease before beginning your paint job. Lay it on thick for consistent coverage, or distress the corners for an aged effect. Finish with a few coats of wax for a softer, more supple texture.
Chic blues and blacks
Darker tones like cobalt blue, charcoal, and black look especially eyecatching in a chalk paint finish. The matte texture gives the surface a velvety appearance, and a wax sealer only deepens the color. Apply dark shades to concrete planters for a modern vibe, adding metallic or white details to soften the look. Make a matching set and give them away as housewarming gifts.
A burgundy ombre wall for drama
An ombre wall in your home is a unique way to create dynamic color schemes in your decor. Subtly boost the mood with pastel or muted tones, applying brighter colors toward the top. If you're hoping to create drama, however, opt for a richer hue, like magenta or burgundy. Paint color-blocked sections with two or more shades, blending the edges with a dry brush.
Make a statement in pink
A bright wash of color on an otherwise conventional piece of furniture adds an instant wow factor to any room. Unlike painting a wall, which requires some level of commitment, decorating furniture in an unexpected hue gives you the freedom to experiment with gusto. A coral or salmon dining room hutch brings personality into a neutral space, and chalk paint's quick-drying time helps with impromptu color changes. Keep the look simple with a wax finish, or add a coat of lacquer for a statement-making, luxurious shine.
Update brick with a whitewash
A red brick or stone wall feature can significantly date and weigh a room down. Transform and brighten the space with a thin wash of white chalk paint. Water down the paint for a thorough application with a foam roller, or use a dry bristle brush for a distressed look that lets the brick peek through. For a more opaque application that doesn't soak into the porous stone, prime the surface first with a penetrating sealant.
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