14 paint jobs you haven't thought of yet

Eclectic Kitchen by Lauren Liess Interiors
Author: Jessica Viscarde

Something that continues to surprise me is how much of a difference a lick of paint can do to an interior space. Whether it’s painting the walls in your home or office, or updating an old piece of furniture, paint gives you an instant update – and is something you can easily do yourself. There are also things you may not have considered painting… Here are a few ideas – some that will only take you the weekend.

1. Your fridge
Here’s a great way to breathe new life into a tired, old fridge. Chalk it up! It’s also a wonderful place to jot down your shopping list for the week.

2. Your fireplace
Get rid of that drab brick fire surrounds and make it a complimentary feature to any space.

Get tips on painting interior brick work here.

3. Your pipes
Instead of hiding the architectural features of a space, why don’t you highlight them with paint. Perfect for more industrial, eclectic and vintage interiors, painting exposed details make a real statement.

4. Your stairs
Colourful stairs like these are achievable in any house; just choose your favourite shades and try it as a weekend project. Limit the colour to just your risers and it works out to be a great way to use up sample pots from the hardware store. These pastel hues are the perfect choice for a beach house like this.

5. Your bed frames
A great way to update a bedroom, particularly kids’ and teen bedrooms, is by painting the frame of the bed. Arm yourself with a spray can, a drop sheet and a face mask, and change the colour in an instant. Make sure you choose a spray paint with a primer all in one – it cuts the job in half and will help the paint adhere to the frame.

Beds in every colour of the rainbow

6. Your tub
If you’ve inherited an old, worn-out tub (or indeed if you’ve invested in a budget buy that you’re not sure you can live with), why not add a splash of colour? The beauty of it is, because it’s a sure-fire way to create a focal point, you don’t have to spend hours thinking about the perfect hue. Just go bold, or go home.

7. Your dining chairs
Yes, they are screaming out for attention – those old dining chairs that have been neglected for decades! If you don’t have the budget to purchase brand new chairs but have fallen out of love with your current ones, paint them!

The dining and meals area in our home is such a central hub –rejuvenate it with painted upcycled chairs. Choose a complimentary colour to your décor, a bold colour perhaps, or even neutrals for a big difference.

8. Your floorboards
Have you considered painting your floorboards to get a fresh new look? Painted floorboards can work in most interior styles, depending on your colour choices, of course. I love the fresh, airy appeal of white painted floorboards. It can give a real Scandi or contemporary, country style, or even work in beach style or ultra mod houses. It gives a light and bright foundation to introduce your interior style.

In heavy traffic areas, the floorboards can be prone to wear and tear, yet the rustic nature injects character and that lived in feel.

TIP: It is a lengthy process, so be prepared, but the results will be worth it. The floorboards will need a thorough sand and clean, making sure any loose nails are hammered down hard. Best to use a three-in-one primer, sealer and undercoat – most likely two coats, and allow drying time between coats. Then, two coats of paint with a non-yellowing sealer over the top, to seal in all the goodness, especially if you are painting your floorboards white

9. Your cupboards (outside)
Choose a piece of furniture that is quite substantial in size, yet within proportion and scale to your room, and paint it a vibrant solid colour. Updating an old piece or one that is just drab (like old pine furniture) will work great with this idea.

TIP: This painted piece will form the focal point of the room due to its size and bold, solid colour, so keep this in mind when selecting a paint colour. You will want to base the interior decoration and style on this piece to give a consistent and balanced aesthetic to the space.

10. Your cupboards (inside)
A clever and quick way of adding a personal touch to a cupboard is to paint the inside, while leaving the external shell unpainted. It draws the eye in, making a feature, and will help to contain or spruce up small areas. This idea could work just as well in an untapped alcove.

More stylish shelving ideas for every room in the house

11. Your bookcases
Or why not give your bookcase a makeover? This two-toned bookcase makes for a great feature wall. The trick is to go for two colours from the same palette, light for the trim of the shelf and darker for the back.

12. Your furniture
Stuck in the ’80s? With your pine furniture, that is! Quick, get the paint brush out and a lick of your favourite paint colours and go to town! Be inventive and create an ombre effect, like this drawer unit, and go from a dark to lighter shade of paint, or colour coordinate the furniture to suit your style. White would look a million times better than that dated pine! Give it a quick sand before, use a three-in-one primer, sealer and undercoat, then paint, paint, paint!

13. Your skirting boards
Highlight an area by painting the skirting boards in another colour other than white. If you love colour and are willing to take a risk, paint the skirting in a vibrant colour.

TIP: This idea works well if you have a more restrained, minimalist and neutral interior style, but want to add some personality.

14. Your interior doors
Instead of a wall or cupboard, paint an old door with blackboard paint and make it an interesting little detail to a room. Perfect for smaller rooms such as your bathroom, pantry door or kids bedroom.

Work with a pro to get the best paint job for your home