By Samantha van Egmond
When it comes to interiors, nothing says 'relaxed summer days' quite like blue-hued watercolours. Whether hand-painted or dripped haphazardly, its casual and unpredictable effects are made for laid-back decorating. Get your paints ready for a holiday art class with these inspiring room ideas.
Ocean-inspired artwork
Nod off to sleep dreaming of the sea with wall art reminiscent of waves. Even the most amateur attempt at painting your own can be worthy of hanging once framed – crisp white walls and bedlinen create the perfect backdrop.
Nod off to sleep dreaming of the sea with wall art reminiscent of waves. Credit: Rikki Snyder
If you're a renter or the thought of painting your walls requires too much time and commitment, a piece of art is a great way to add some watercolour to your home. A series of artworks hung closely together can make a big impact when placed against a contrasting backdrop. Choose decor to enhance the hues in your watercolour and pull a colour scheme together.
Feature a favourite piece in your hall or entryway for a fun and refreshing way to greet guests. Silver framing adds a sleek and modern touch to the calming, hand-painted appeal of watercolour.
Watercoloured walls
When it comes to experimenting with different effects, brighter colours are best saved for a feature wall. Turquoise evokes a holiday vibe when paired with a few exotic touches – try hand-blocked textiles, leafy palms and vibrant statement cushions.
Watercolour needn't be childish – opt for moody shades of dark grey and indigo for a more adult-like finish. Leaving plenty of white space creates a subtle monochrome effect, eliminating the need for artwork.
Tip: A drip effect is achieved by mixing paint and water and pressing the brush into the wall, letting the liquid run down to the ground. Essentials include a plastic drop cloth or old sheet and disposable containers for mixing the paint and water. You may need to practise a few times before getting the desired look, but that's half the fun!
Cost-effective cushions
A little watercolour goes a long way, so don't think you need to cover a wall to benefit from this fun and easygoing look – an indigo-painted cushion is a budget-friendly option that can bring a summery touch to neutral furniture.
Tip: DIY watercolour painting on plain white cushions is a creative and stress-free way to try your hand at the trend. Less watered-down paint will offer a stronger colour, while wetter paint will be lighter and easier to spread. Work with colours in your home or use this mini-project to introduce some new hues.
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This article originally appeared on Houzz.