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Home is where we will be for the next while and if that is where we are going to be we might as well make the most of it. And with it being spring which is usually the season to spruce up our homes. There is no better time than now to inject happy and positive color and playful patterns into our homes. And not forgetting that we are on a bit of a tight budget we have a quick, affordable and easy way for you to brighten your living room and bedroom.

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Create An Accent Wall

We all know what it feels like when you feel boxed in and all you can see around you is four white walls. Aagh!! That alone will drive you bananas. So, the solution, create an accent wall. You can, of course, paint your accent wall but there are more fun and creative ways to make a statement. And here are two of my favorites that will create interest and add texture in your living room or bedroom.
 
Dress it with a piece of your favorite fabric. This works the same as hanging wallpaper and using fabric with a large floral pattern will add color and added texture to your room.

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You will need:

● Textile fabric
● Scissors
● Drop cloths
● Stepladder
● Laundry starch
● Paint roller with low-nap roller cover
● Paint tray
● Wallpaper smoothing tool
● Metal straightedge
● Sharp utility knife

Instructions:

Prepare the Fabric and the Walls. Opt for fabric with a large pattern like floral's and make sure that you have enough fabric to cover your chosen wall. Make sure the fabric is clean and dry. If you want to be sustainable have a look through your old flatbed sheets. 

Cut the lengths of fabric to fit the wall, allowing about 2 inches of extra fabric at the top and the bottom, and along wall edges. Wash the wall down and dry it before you begin, and remove everything from the wall.

Apply Starch - You can use starch to attach the fabric to the wall. This will not damage the wall or the fabric and will allow for easy removal Cover your wall to avoid too much mess.

Apply the starch to the wall using a paint roller as this is less messy and faster than using a brush or dipping the fabric into a container of starch. Make sure to cover all of the wall surfaces completely.

Hang the Fabric - This will take patience, but it is not difficult. Apply the fabric while the starch is still damp, beginning in one corner and moving across the wall. Get the kids to help to make sure that everything goes on straight. Have a helper stand back from the wall to ensure the pattern remains properly aligned and that they match at the edges. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool to flatten the fabric against the wall.

Now, roll more starch over the fabric and let it dry

Trim the Fabric - Trim off the excess when the starch and fabric are dry to the touch, use a straightedge and sharp utility knife. Just be careful with the sharp blade

After Care:

You can keep it looking fresh clean by simply cleaning it with a sponge and some dish-washing detergent. When it comes time to remove the fabric, use a wet sponge and soak the corners until they come away from the walls. The fabric should peel right off.

 
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Create A Washi Tape Pattern

This is a brilliant idea for small spaces with boring white walls. Follow the step by step instruction Emily’s Blog Everything Emily Blog, on how to use black washi tape to create a repeat pattern.

An oldie but always a goodie is a Gallery wall. Gather all the old frames that you have laying around the house and fill it with new wall art.

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