Paint the Banister
Making over your staircase can drastically change the look of your home, especially if it’s the first thing guests see when they walk in the door. Rather than attempting to paint the entire room or the entire staircase, consider painting just the banister. This project will require less painter’s tape than repainting the stair risers and you won’t have to worry about the paint being slippery or wearing off, as you would when painting the stair treads.
Under the Kitchen Island
If you have a kitchen island, consider brushing a fresh coat of paint on the surface under the counter. To boost visual interest, choose a hue that complements yet contrasts your kitchen cabinets. For example, if your kitchen features white cabinets, consider painting the island navy or black. No matter which color you choose, opt for a semi-gloss paint finish, which will make it easier to wipe away scuffs and marks. This will be especially important if you have stools that pull up to the island.
The Window Frames
For a really eye-catching effect, give just the window frames a fresh coat of paint. You can choose a contrasting hue, or for a subtler (yet still stunning) look, choose a different shade of the hue already on the walls. For example, if your kitchen is a light dove gray, consider brushing the window frames with a deeper charcoal gray. The variation will add depth and interest to the room.
The Back of the Front Door
We carefully consider our front door paint colors because it can affect our property values and it’s the first thing guests see—but what about the back of the door? After all, it’s the last thing you see when leaving your house in the morning and is the last impression guests will have of your home. Make it memorable by brushing on an unexpected hue that still coordinates with the rest of your entryway decor.
Doorways
If your home has cased openings, or doorways without doors, consider painting the trim the same color as the walls but in a contrasting finish. If the wall is painted eggshell or flat, try brushing the trim with gloss. Want to amp up the contrast? Choose a darker shade of the same color that’s on the walls or even a different color entirely for a bold effect. If you have impressive moldings, the fresh coat of paint will add to the architectural interest. Whichever option you choose, the contrast will call attention to this transition zone in your home.
