Woman's Work

Artsy, do-it-herself projects

 

By Rachel Pratl

 

The lazy days of summer are ideal for artistic projects to dress up your Triangle home. We've gathered five fun ones to get your nest looking beautiful before fall. All you need is a few weekends of work and a little inspiration.

 

Transformative tones

 

Updating your cabinets with a new color will revamp the feel of your kitchen. Imagine a revitalized galley in a tranquil shade of robin's egg blue. For a more understated effect, opt for a muted forest green. Don't forget about the inside of your cabinets; they're the perfect place to display a more daring hue.

 

Ravishing rugs

 

Carpet tiles are a renovator's dream because of their multi-use as rug, runner or wall-to-wall flooring. You can lay squares on top of wood and tile. Or, you can install them instead of carpeting. Shop for chic black-and-white designs, or check out stunning stone-like watercolors. If you're going for a more graphic look, arrange a whimsical checkerboard pattern.

 

Pretty paneling

 

Boring bedroom? Spice up your walls, or just one, with faux wood or brick paneling. An eclectic mix of wooden textures adds up to a rustic, cozy finish, and brick lends a lived-in touch. Thought stone was only for exteriors? It's time to rethink rugged surfaces; rocky walls cast a spa-like serenity ideal for a bathroom or bedroom.

 

Amazing accent

 

If you'd rather not panel over your walls, creative painting can make an equally bold impact. Get imaginative with stripes in frosty metallic shades by outlining with painter's tape, or grab a stencil to create eye-catching geometric motifs. For a more functional space, use chalkboard paint in a kitchen for grocery lists or your kid's weekly calendar.

 

Hot hardware

 

Nothing updates a bathroom or kitchen faster than a set of new knobs and drawer pulls. By exchanging outdated pieces for a more modern collection, you can impart an avant-garde quality to a space in no time. Matte gold accessories add glam while translucent glass provides an unexpected touch of sophistication.