The Surprising DIY that Helped Transform this Open Floor-Plan
In the last several years, we’ve seen the open floor plan’s popularity wane. Once a standard of new builds, people are again seeing the value of having defined spaces for the home’s distinct activities. But all of those open-concept housing units are still there, and the people who live in them are finding creative ways to make “rooms” within their multipurpose spaces. If you’re struggling with your open floor plan, never fear — you don’t need to put up literal walls in order to carve out visual borders within your space. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of paint!
DIY-er Sammy Jo used paint to transform her own open-concept space. To help separate her kitchen from her living room area, she first created a bar cart area. A good start, but not quite as much definition as she wanted. So Sammy planned out a unique, eye-catching canopy-like design behind her bar cart, transforming it into its own little “entertaining zone.” With a design like this, where precise lines and definition are key, it’s all about the quality of your supplies. ScotchBlue™ PROSharp™ Painter’s Tape gave her DIY project the crisp, precise lines you’d expect to get from a pro painter. Read on to learn Sammy’s best tips, tricks, and tools to try for your next painting project!
Tools Needed
- ScotchBlue™ PROSharp™ Painter’s Tape
- ScotchBlue™ Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape
- Paper Drop Cloth
- Paint
- Touch-Up Paint in Current Wall Color (Optional)
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Paintbrush and/or Roller
- Paint Tray
1. Prep Your Space
First, Sammy cleared everything out of her space and wiped her walls with a clean cloth to make them dust-free and prepped for paint. Do not be tempted to skip this step; for the sharpest lines, you’ll need the surface to be as smooth as possible. Protect your wood floors with paper and Scotch® Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape, preventing leaks and any damage to the finish when peeling it up later.
2. Measure and Frame Out the Design with ScotchBlue™ PROSharp™
Sammy wanted the canopy design to perfectly match the width and depth of her bar cart, so precise measurements were especially important here. Mark your measurements lightly in pencil, check that they’re straight, and then go in with your ScotchBlue™ PROSharp™ Painter’s Tape to start marking off the design.
The next step might not be necessary, but it can make a big impact — especially if you have textured walls. Sammy applied a very light coat of paint over the inside edge of the tape and let it dry before beginning to paint her design. This trick — combined with the PROSharp™ Painter’s Tape’s smooth, professional-grade backing — essentially seals off the tape, locking it in for the sharpest line possible upon removal.
3. Start Painting
Once the primer paint was dry and the tape had set, Sammy began painting her canopy design. She chose a chic, neutral mauve-y brown to match her living room curtains, balance her color palette, and ease the transition between spaces. This color is just dark enough to make the design feel defined, and just light enough to keep the whole space feeling bright and airy. You can use a roller or a paintbrush, whichever you’re most comfortable with.
4. Remove Your Tape
Finally, the grand reveal! And for the ASMR-lovers among us, the most satisfying step: time to remove your tape. Make sure the paint is dry to the touch, then slowly start to peel the edge of your ScotchBlue™ PROSharp™ Painter’s Tape to reveal those clean, sharp lines. Though exciting, you’ll want to do this slowly and carefully, keeping a consistent pace and pulling the tape at about a 45-degree angle.
This project not only improved the function of her space; it added a great deal of visual interest to Sammy’s home. It’s almost like a magic trick — in less than a day and using only a paintbrush and painter’s tape, Sammy Jo turned one room into three! And so can you. Just be sure to pick up ScotchBlue™ PROSharp™ Painter’s Tape for your next project for clean, professional lines you can count on.