Perhaps Drab Walls Can Bring Out Artist in You

The world generally divides into two camps: Those who like to paint walls . . . and the vast majority who see colorizing even the smallest room equivalent to Michelangelo’s struggle with the Sistine Chapel.

Then there’s Allison Smith of Laguna Hills. She’d rather hang wallpaper than paint, but if she can save a few hundred dollars not hiring a pro, she’ll pick up a brush and do the job herself.

“I took a faux-painting class at Vista Paints in San Juan Capistrano and I got inspired to paint my downstairs bathroom. I don’t like painting but the way it was presented in class, this seems like it was a more artistic approach with the sponges and tints, rather than just rolling on paint.

“I bought what I needed and did the job after work over three nights. I wasn’t worried about the outcome. I thought if I didn’t like it, all I had to do was paint over it. Paint isn’t hard to get rid of, not like wallpaper.

“It was fun seeing the results. I first painted the bathroom walls in a deep green, then added a little beige and a copper bronzer using a sponge.

“I probably spent less than $100, and the guy who taught the class said it would cost $400 or $500 to have a professional painter do it. If it were a bigger room, I might have considered paying someone, but with the bathroom, it was either I do it or forget it.”

Share your story on how you accomplish your home projects--from floor refinishing and adding shelves to installing a built-in ironing board or even taking care of your lawn--by calling (714) 966-7883.