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Practicality and imagination key to affordable and stylish home decor

By
Real Estate Agent with Future Home Realty-Tarpon Springs, FL

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

(ARA) - Embarking on a home makeover project can be very exciting. Yet, you may find the process intimidating, both creatively and financially. In your mind, you see every detail right down to the important pieces, such as vases and frames, which make your house a home. But when you go to buy these items, they are either impossible to find or way out of your price range. Luckily the solution to your dilemma is easier than you think. With a little imagination and professional quality painter's tape, you can easily create these customized furnishings yourself.

First find inexpensive, unembellished items at discount stores, online sites and even in your own attic. Then, create patterns by applying painter's tape in unique designs such as vertical or horizontal stripes. Apply the color(s) you select to customize these items so they match the design, style and decor of your room. In the end, you will have a one-of-a-kind decorative piece that not only pulls your room together, but is also budget-friendly. These three home painting project ideas will get you started.

Take an end table from common to custom
An end table, for the most part, is a utilitarian piece of furniture. So why not mix form with function and turn that everyday end table into an eye-catching accent?

Start by wiping off the top surface of the table so it is dry and free of dust. Use painter's tape to mark off a pattern, such as checkerboard, geometric or stripes.

When creating your design, the choice of painter's tape is important. Because often the work space on an accent item is decidedly smaller than when painting a wall, having clean, crisp paint lines is vital to the final appearance of the piece. Investing in a premium painter's tape, such as FrogTape, helps ensure the paint does not bleed through onto unintended areas. FrogTape is the only tape treated with PaintBlock Technology, which reacts with latex paint and forms a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape, preventing paint bleed.

Once your pattern is taped off, use your choice of latex paint colors to bring your unique design to life. Incorporate latex chalkboard paint to make the table a great place to leave reminders and messages. After the paint has been applied, slowly remove the painter's tape, let the paint cure completely, display and enjoy.

No more searching for the picture-perfect frame
Choosing just the right frame can turn your prized family photos into true works of art. But how do you find a frame that perfectly complements the image it is meant to house? You make it yourself.

Start by choosing a solid color wood or glass picture frame. Clean the surface of the frame so it is dry and free of dust. Once again, use painter's tape to create designs that will add color and enhance the photo you wish to showcase. Use a foam brush to apply latex paint within the painter's tape framework. Remove the tape, let the paint cure completely, add your picture and display.

Who needs the flowers when you've got the vase?
With the perfect vase, you don't need to put anything in it to create a striking accessory. Simply start with a clean, smooth-surfaced vase. Use painter's tape to outline the desired pattern - a simple stripe works best on a small surface - and apply latex paint in the colors that match or complement your room.

As the old adage says, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." And, as you can now see, that most certainly applies to creating and coordinating the perfect room makeover. Customizing accessories with designs created using painter's tape allows you to take cheap to chic and pull an entire room together on a budget.

Courtesy of Rob Dandrea, Realtor with Future Home Realty, Tarpon Springs, FL

727-510-2100   fax 800-584-2449    Robert.Dandrea@Yahoo.com  www.RobertDandrea.com

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL