Ombre Walls

 Do you have a wall somewhere that you just can’t figure out how to decorate? Or perhaps you’ve been thinking of ideas for behind your bed? The front door entry has a big wall right in front of you when you enter your home. You’ve been thinking a lot about these walls!

I saw this article in BHG, and just had to share it with you. I love this Sunrise-Inspired wall treatment. Try an organic take on crisp stripes with this painted wall that blends colors in horizontal bands. Inspired by a photo of a sunset, the wall features several coral shades and a blue finish that represents the sky.

Choose five paint colors that are similar enough to blend together, but yet that have enough definition to distinguish them. If desired, choose a sixth color for a pop. Our color pop is the blue that represents the sky in our inspiration photo.

We used Sherwin-Williams Ravishing Coral SW6612, Papaya SW6661, Inventive Orange SW6633, Dishy Coral SW6598, Teaberry SW6561, and Interesting Aqua SW6220.

Divide the wall into five or six horizontal bands. The lowest band should cover about one-fourth to one-third of the wall. Subsequent bands above that should be about 12 inches tall. Modify the height of the bands as desired; you also may decide to change the height while you’re blending the colors on the wall to create a more organic look.

If desired, use a pencil to lightly mark where the bands should transition colors. Because you need to blend the colors before the paint dries, the technique is best suited for a small wall; our wall was about 6 feet wide.

Now to prepare the room for painting.

Pic by BH&G

We used an oval-shape brush (Pure Bristle Brush from Annie Sloan); it holds a large amount of paint, which makes the blending easier. However, any brush designed for latex paint will work. If desired, you can use a roller for the bottom band.

Remove furniture from the area you’ll be painting. Tape off baseboards or window trim with painters tape. Remove covers from electric outlets. Lay a drop cloth, and set up a ladder for the higher areas. Have a rag available to wipe paint from the brush. Note on a piece of paper the color you want for each band. If desired, pour the paints into disposable bowls. You will need to work quickly after you start painting, so be sure you are properly set up and organized.

Paint the lower one-fourth to one-third of the wall with the darkest color. If desired, use a roller. While the paint is still wet, use the brush to feather out the top, then move on to the next band. Do not dampen the bristles on an oval brush, even if recommended; you want the paint to remain thick so it doesn’t drip.

Wipe the brush on a rag to remove excess paint from the bristles, then dip the brush into the next paint color. Don’t worry about removing all of the previous color from the brush. Use long, sweeping strokes to complete the next band, and blend the paint into the previous color while it is still wet until you get the desired look.

Repeat the process, immediately going from one band to the next so you can blend the colors before the paint dries, and continuing to use long, sweeping strokes. Work quickly, and don’t overthink it. There’s a lot of flexibility—as long as you’re working fast, you can blend the colors.

When finished, the wall takes on the look of a sunset, with the warm corals giving way to billowy pink and blue at the top. Incorporate the treatment in an office or hobby room that inspires creativity.

 

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