Subtle Boost

Although clean and bright, these white walls don't have enough oomph to make this room full of neutral furnishings interesting. A touch of pattern from a decorative paint treatment, however, gives the room a boost and creates a subtle but eye-catching backdrop.

Before you start painting, pick a palette of colors from the room's furniture, fabrics, or artwork. Here, the hues in the sofa upholstery -- cream, taupe, and pale blue -- form a harmonious combination without too much contrast. Often, the trick to a successful decorative paint finish is in its subtlety. Choose a paint finish, such as sponging, ragging, or combing (which is seen here), and practice with the paints, tools, and colors on a scrap of drywall or paper. In this room, cream forms the solid base coat; then taupe paint is applied and combed away with a combing tool, leaving narrow, vertical stripes. Once the taupe layer is dry, the combing process is repeated with pale blue paint.

• Don't be intimidated by paint treatments. There are many that involve simple steps, have easy-to-use tools, and are fun to practice. For intrepid do-it-yourselfers, paint and crafts stores can supply all the materials you need. Some large home improvement stores even offer introductory classes to get you warmed up. If you feel you're not up to the task, however, hire a professional decorative painter. Most offer a free initial consultation, and then they charge by the hour. Ask to look at their previous work, and, as with any professional craftsman, check their references.
• If you're not comfortable diving into a decorative paint treatment for your walls, painting them a solid color can provide drama as well. Consider a bright, bold hue, and paint the woodwork white to make the walls pop.