Are you an avid traveller who brings home so much inspiration from your time abroad? Maybe in this current climate, you’re not able to travel as much or at all. That doesn’t mean you just stop thinking or dreaming about all of the magical locales you’ve seen in the world! Whether you love the culture, the food or the architecture, it can all add up to major interior painting and decor inspiration.
For individuals who find themselves simply buzzing when they’re in a new place, it makes sense to want to bring that into your home. There are lots of subtle ways you can play with paint colour and decor options in this respect too. You don’t have to go super bold and have different flags hanging around your space!
To learn more about how you can incorporate your love of travel into your interior painting and home decor, keep reading!
Interior Painting: Adding Your Love Of Travel Into Your Space
Interior Painting Inspiration: Think Architecture & Texture!
Did you travel to Greece and absolutely fall in love with the converted caves of Santorini? Or maybe you visited Italy and totally fell for all the classical features. Perhaps it’s the eclectic mix of buildings along the canals of Amsterdam that really sticks out.
From those architectural features, think of the feelings they brought you while taking them in. Did the creamy stone walls of Greece make you think of another time? Perhaps you can work to highlight the brick wall in your living room to give off similar vibes.
Maybe you can’t stop thinking about a gorgeous wood barn you caught a glimpse of in the French countryside. This is when you think about bringing in those elements with coffee tables and other furniture to bring in those same textures.
If you’re looking to go a bit more bold with your interior painting
Maybe you visited Japan a few years back and can’t stop thinking about all of the temples and shrines. Caliente from Benjamin Moore is a vibrant red that’s strong and full of energy. Even painting a single wall this colour could be the perfect ode to your time in Japan.
Do you remember your time spent in Morocco fondly? Maybe it’s the bold design aesthetics that really stand out in your mind. This is exactly where you can really play with interior painting colours. Osage Orange is a bright choice that’s sure to remind you of all the beautiful textiles you found in Morocco!
Interior Painting – Think Colours and Mood
For this one, we all want to avoid the tackiness of the whole ‘beachy trend’ by not going literal with your love of the Bahamas. Also, just because you loved Greece, doesn’t mean you have to decorate everything in navy and cream! With interior painting and a nod to your love of travel, this is where you simply want to tickle the senses. You don’t want to completely overwhelm things and over-saturate a space.
Did you travel to Paris and fall in love with the overall sophistication and quaint outdoor cafes that fill the streets? Or maybe it was the romance that spoke to you. If you want modern sophistication, Gray Pinstripe is a beautiful and rich, almost charcoal colour. To air on the side of whimsical romance with your interior painting, First Light is a gorgeous, tranquil light pink. You could even try this colour as an accent wall feature if you don’t want to paint the whole room.
We spoke of feeling an affinity for Greece earlier. How can you not think of the rich and creamy colours of the converted caves in Santorini? White Heron is one of the top colour picks of the year from Benjamin Moore. It’s airy, light and gives off just the right amount of colour. Can’t you just picture this paint colour in a taverna in Greece?
Bringing Memories to Life: Interior Painting Ideas and Advanced Painting Techniques
Navigating the vast ocean of painting techniques can feel like charting unknown territories. But fear not, intrepid explorer! We’re here to illuminate the path, transform daunting techniques into your allies, and enrich your space with the essence of your cherished travel memories. Let’s embark on this journey together, mastering interior painting for beginners and advanced painting techniques to breathe life into your walls with textures and hues that tell your unique story.
1. Glazing: Capturing the Essence of Light
Glazing, a revered technique among the painting elite, involves applying a transparent layer of paint over an opaque base layer, creating a mesmerizing depth and luminosity. Imagine the gleaming light of a Venetian sunset dancing on your walls—this is the magic of glazing.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare your base: Apply a solid base colour and let it dry completely. This will be the canvas upon which the magic happens.
Mix your glaze: Combine a glazing medium with your chosen paint colour. The glazing medium is your secret ingredient, allowing the paint to spread smoothly and enhancing its translucency.
Apply the glaze: Using a soft brush, apply the glaze over the base in even strokes. Work in small sections to maintain control over the effect.
Manipulate the glaze: While the glaze is still wet, you can soften or blend it using a dry brush or rag, creating subtle variations that mimic the dynamic play of light and shadow.
2. Rag Rolling: Bringing Texture to the Forefront
Rag rolling is your ticket to recreating the rugged charm of an ancient stone wall or the undulating waves of a serene shoreline. This technique can add a dynamic texture to your walls, inviting the sense of touch to join sight in the experience of your space.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare your paint: Opt for two contrasting colours that mimic the natural hues of your chosen texture. Apply the lighter colour as a base coat and let it dry.
The rolling begins: Dip a rag in the darker paint colour, wring it out slightly, and then roll, dab, or twist it on the wall to create organic, textured patterns.
Experiment and refine: There’s no one way to rag roll. It’s an art, not a science. Experiment with different motions and pressures until you find the perfect texture. Remember, each stroke is a stroke of memory, bringing your travels closer to your heart.
Seal the memory: Once you’re satisfied, let the walls dry completely. You might choose to seal it with a clear topcoat for durability, ensuring your memories stand the test of time.
Through these techniques, the world becomes not just a place you visit but a part of your home, imbuing it with stories and textures that speak of faraway lands. It’s about more than just painting; it’s about crafting a space that resonates with the depths of your experiences and passions.
Other little design tips & details!
If you really want to bring all of those travel memories into your home, be sure to shop a little when you’re away. A good tip is to ask the locals where the unique artisan goods reside, that way, you can ensure that you’re not getting cheap knock-offs. Think textiles and household items like bowls and vases, and you can bring home some distinctive custom pieces.
Also, you might want to think about the types of foliage and plants you saw in specific locales. Even if you want to go for some nice fake flowers, it can really heighten the mood. With the right flowers, you might feel as though you’re being transported back to Costa Rica!
Also, don’t forget to take lots of photos. And the really important part here is to actually have them printed off! Don’t just let all those precious and beautiful memories sit on your phone forever. You can think of a theme, order some cool frames, and go to town to create a gallery wall. Don’t forget to visit our Pinterest page to get all sorts of interior painting inspiration!
Feel daunted? It’s natural. Remember, every master was once a beginner. And with every brushstroke, you’re not just painting your walls. You’re weaving your travels into the very fabric of your home, making each room a living, breathing mosaic of your adventures. Should you need a compass or a companion on this journey, know that our expertise is here to guide and support you, every step of the way.
More Interesting Blogs Related to
“Interior Painting: Adding Your Love Of Travel Into Your Space”
If you reside in Toronto and the GTA and need some help figuring out the interior painting costs per square foot, don’t hesitate to call us! We will help you pick the colours you want and show you the latest painting and home renovation trends. Our home painting services with the best pro painters have been around now for over 36 years. Call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote for your home painting needs. And don’t forget to check us out on our social media channels below!
