With all the options now available to home decorators, walls don't have to just sit there anymore. Interactive wall painting is a fantastic option for just about any wall, but are especially useful in areas like the kitchen, the kids' rooms or the office.
Chalkboard Paint
Let's face it, kids are going to draw on the walls, so painting with chalkboard paint is a great way to let their creativity blossom while keeping your blood pressure stable. Of course chalkboard paint isn't just great for the kids, it's also extremely useful in the kitchen where it can be used in a high-visibility space for notes and reminders, or beside the pantry door to keep an up to date inventory list of staples and a shopping list. If you have older appliances, chalkboard paint can even be used to give your refrigerator an interactive face lift. Chalkboard paint comes in traditional chalkboard colors like black, green and brown, but some brands have now developed a white that can be tinted with any color to match any room theme.
Magnetic Paint
Magnetic paint is a great idea for the office or craft studio. It should be noted that the magnetic property of the paint will increase with each successive layer of paint, so if you use just one or two coats you'll be more successful with sheet magnets than refrigerator magnets, but four or five coats paired with stronger magnets will hold heavier objects like kitchen timers, pens and pencils or large pieces of paper. Magnetic paint also tends to create a rougher texture than regular paint, so sanding between coats may be necessarily for a smoother finish. The best part about this interactive painting idea is that it is designed to be covered over with regular latex paint, so it blends in easily with any decor and looks a bit like magic. It even works under chalkboard paint.
Projection Screens
You can really enhance your home theater by turning one wall into a projection screen for a high definition projection TV. Though it might be tempting to use plain white paint for this idea, it's not the best option. A soft gray semi-gloss paint would be acceptable, but there are also paints available specifically for this use. Whether you use a special screen paint or a regular latex, a black non-reflective border should be painted in around the viewing area to optimize color contrast and reduce light bleed.
Empty Canvas
Plain white walls, though thought of as boring, can also be exciting when you make them interactive. Invite friends over to write, draw or paint on the walls, or simply keep a basket of colorful art supplies handy for whenever inspiration hits. This is a great idea for a dining room, an art studio, a teen's bedroom or any room where you entertain. The best part is that flat white paint is cheap, so when all the space is filled up or you simply get tired of the design, you can simply paint over it and start all over again. For a more artistic touch, canvas textured wallpapers are also available.
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