Painting The Perfect Stripes

If you are trying to find a new way to bring style into your home, do it with stripes!  Stripes are a great way to add an unexpected element and create interest in a room. The crisp lines and straight edges have a way of bringing about a modern element and a level of sophistication to a space.
Plus its an INEXPENSIVE and EASY (2 words I love)  DIY project and will be a show stopper in your home!
Below are some inspiration rooms and a DIY tutorial on how you can create this look in your home without breaking the bank!

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To create the striped look in your own home simply follow these easy steps:

1) Prep the walls by painting the base coat for the walls.  Use the LIGHTER of the colors of paint for your base coat.  It is always easier to paint over lighter paint with a darker color than vise versa.
2) Decide on the type of stripe you would like to create.  I chose a large horizontal stripe for more of a modern look.
3) Measure the height of your wall (measure from the base boards to the crown) and decide on how many stripes you would like.  Divide the height of the wall by the number of stripes (my wall was 7'6" and I wanted large stripes so I decided on 5 stripes @ 18" each).
4) Measure the height of each stripe and lightly mark with a pencil.  Then Using a level (preferably with a laser, for better accuracy) tape off the stripes using blue painters tape.
Remember that the edge of the tape needs to be on the outer edge of the stripe so that the painted portion inside is the entire width desired for the stripe.
5) Paint the stripes. 
6) Let dry and remove the painters tape.  Enjoy your new beautiful wall!

TIP:  after your tape off the stripes use the SAME base wall color and paint over the edges of the tape.  This will seal the tape and give you a crisp, clean line!

Here is how my dining room turned out. I used Ben Moore's Aegean Teal and Swiss Coffee both in an Eggshell Finish.

Good Luck!