Paint job in one area of a room can create a new look and atmosphere

A paint job on all walls of a room may not be needed to create a new look and atmosphere for a space.


HomesGardenDesign.com recommends selecting a section of a room to re-do with paint in a variety of ways. For instance, a display space can be defined by painting shelves and a wall behind them in a bold color as a dramatic backdrop to books and accessories.


The same can be done with a nook, whether it's a small dining area of a kitchen or a comfortable reading area of a family room. Painting woodwork around the nook, or adding a stenciled border, sets off the space from the rest of the room.


A window treatment may create the same effect by focusing color or a pattern in a certain area of a room through the use of interesting window coverings. Fabric roller shades are a good choice for coordinating colors or prints from fabrics elsewhere in a room.


A space can also be re-sized to look more intimate with warm colors or more expansive by using cool colors, even in outdoor spaces. "Painting a patio overhang a sunny yellow not only draws attention to the architectural feature, it also makes the space feel more intimate," the website advises.