Try this technique to add
three-dimensional appeal.

Lovely Living Room

Easy-to-install moldings give painted stripes the decorative edge. You'll need three colors that complement your room; how much you need depends upon the size of your room.

About half the room will be painted in each of the two main colors (a light and a medium shade), and the third color will be used to paint the molding strips. Start by rolling on a base coat using your lightest paint color

See tips and instructions below.

• 3 complementary paint colors
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Pencil
• 3-inch paint roller
• Finish nails
• Hammer
• Moldings
• Wood putty

1. Measure walls, and determine the width and number of stripes you plan to paint. Measure and mark off stripes using a level and a pencil.

2. Paint alternating stripes using a 3-inch roller (there's no need to tape off stripes); let dry.

3. Cut 1-3/4-inch-wide molding to wall height, then paint a third shade; let dry. Use finish nails to secure moldings atop the lines where the colors meet. Fill holes with wood putty; paint.