Adding stripes to your walls can be a fun and creative way to transform any room. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add some visual interest, striped walls can help spice up your space. Painting clean, even stripes does require some preparation and technique, but it’s a DIY project most homeowners can tackle themselves. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to paint perfect wall stripes in your home.

Choosing Your Stripe Design

The first step is deciding on the stripe design you want to use. Here are some popular options to consider:

Vertical Stripes

Painting vertical stripes can help draw the eyes upwards, making your walls appear taller. Vertical stripes work especially well in rooms with lower ceilings. Go with thinner stripes widths like 1-3 inches for a more subtle look. Wider vertical stripes around 6-12 inches can make a bolder statement.

Horizontal Stripes

Horizontal striped walls help expand the feel of a narrow room, making it seem wider. Thin stripes around 1-3 inches are ideal to avoid a dizzying effect. For a playful accent wall in a bedroom or kids’ room, try wider stripes around 6 inches.

Diagonal Stripes

Diagonal or angled stripes add visual interest and movement to a plain wall. They can be the focal point of a modern, graphic accent wall. Keep the stripe width around 2-4 inches and use bolder colors for a striking look.

Chevron Stripes

For a modern zig-zag design, chevron stripes create a focal point. They work great in contemporary spaces. Point the stripes up for a sense of movement or down for a grounded look. Keep them around 4-6 inches wide.

Multiple Width Stripes

Varying your stripe widths can create depth and interest. Try combining thin 1-inch stripes with thicker 4-inch stripes for example. Use at least 3 different stripe widths for best results.

Selecting Your Color Scheme

Now it’s time to pick your colors! Be bold or minimalist with your palette. Here are some ideas:

• Monochromatic – Different tones of one color like tan and cream for a calm neutral stripe.
• Analogous – Similar hues like shades of blue for a soothing vibe.
• Complementary – Opposing colors like yellow and purple for contrast.
• Triadic – Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel like red, yellow and blue.
• Neutral – Layer black and white stripes over a colored wall for an edgy accent.

Paint a couple of swatches on your wall and view at different times of day before finalizing your colors. Make sure to use the same finish (eggshell, satin, etc.) for even stripes.

Preparing Your Walls

To ensure your stripes turn out perfect, you need an ultra smooth canvas to paint on. Follow these steps to prep your walls:

• Fill any holes or cracks with drywall filler compound. Allow to fully dry and sand smooth.
• Remove any wallpaper or adhesive residue until only the bare drywall remains.
• Clean walls thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner like TSP substitute to remove dirt, grease etc.
• For glossy surfaces, lightly sand to improve paint adhesion. Wipe away all dust.
• Apply painter’s tape around trim and edges. Cover floors with a drop cloth.
• Prime walls with a high quality primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. This fills porous surfaces for a slick base coat.

Allow the primer coat to fully dry for at least 8 hours before painting your stripes. Now your walls are prepped and ready for painting!

Determine Your Stripe Layout

Having a plan is key for perfectly placed stripes. Here are two approaches:

Tape Out Your Stripes

For DIY precision, map out stripes with tape. Follow these steps:

• Measure the wall height and divide by your planned stripe width to get the total number of stripes.
• Mark two vertical plumb lines spaced equal to your stripe width plus gap. Use a level and pencil.
• Snap horizontal chalk lines between the two plumb lines to mark stripe boundaries.
• Apply painter’s tape along the chalk lines. Use high quality blue tape.
• Paint your first color between the tape lines. Remove tape and repeat to alternate colors.

Create a Striping Tool

You can also buy or create a tool to guide you while painting. Attach handles to a board cut to your stripe width. Keep it perpendicular as you roll paint between edges.

Painting Your Stripes

Now comes the fun part – painting on your colors! Follow these tips:

• Always work top to bottom for drips. Keep a wet edge.
• Use a high density foam mini roller for best results. Load evenly with paint.
• If taping, remove tape immediately after painting before the paint dries.
• Paint the edges along trim and ceilings first. Then fill in the middle.
• Apply two coats allowing each to fully dry before moving on.
• Stand back frequently to check stripe placement as you go.
• Maintain a consistent stripe width and gap for a professional look.

Take your time, step back often, and correct any uneven paint lines before moving forward. Having a helper allows you to work on opposite sides simultaneously.

FAQ About Painting Wall Stripes

Here are answers to some common questions about painting striped walls:

Should I tape off stripes or use a guide?

It depends on your skill level! Taping leaves hard edges, but inaccuracies are obvious. A guide allows for a more natural hand-painted look but it can be tricky to keep even.

How do I get perfectly straight lines?

Check that your tape lines are perfectly level. Snap chalk lines between two plumb vertical lines to create an evenly spaced guide. Use a mini roller for best control.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Rushing leads to uneven stripes and splatters. Don’t overload your roller which causes dripping. Allow adequate drying time between coats. Check work from a distance and fix errors before moving on.

Should I use painter’s tape or regular masking tape?

Go for blue high tack painter’s tape when taping stripes. It sticks well but removes cleanly without lifting primer or paint if removed promptly. Avoid regular masking tape.

Any tips for ceilings or vertical stripes?

Use an extender pole for your roller to comfortably reach ceilings. For vertical stripes, work side-to-side while moving down the wall in sections. Keep your hand steady.

How do I fix bleed under the tape lines?

Gently pry up the tape and wipe away any paint that seeped underneath immediately using a damp cloth or finger. Rewipe the edges for crisp clean lines.

Can I add stripes over wallpaper?

Yes, but use a primer like Gardz first to seal the wallpaper and prevent bleed under tape lines. Be extremely careful removing tape to avoid lifting the wallpaper.

Maintaining Your Striped Accent Wall

Once your elegant striped wall is complete, keep it looking fresh with these tips:

• Use a gentle touch when cleaning to avoid rubbing off paint.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can mar the finish.
• Dust occasionally with a soft dry cloth to prevent buildup.
• Spot clean splatters or marks using a mild soap and warm water.
• Repaint stripes as needed when the colors start to fade for a fresh look.

Proper prep and technique will allow your striped wall to withstand the test of time. Repainting every 5-10 years will keep it looking vibrant. Enjoy your new masterpiece!

Conclusion

With some planning and patience, you can paint striking, professional-looking stripes to make a bold statement or add interest to any room. Follow the steps for preparing your surface, mapping out tape lines or using a guide, and painting carefully from top to bottom. Stand back frequently to ensure your lines are perfectly straight and evenly spaced. Add some personal style and self-expression to your home with unique striped walls you did yourself.

How to Maintain Energy and Focus while Working from Home

Working from home can seem like an ideal situation. No commute, flexible hours, working in your pajamas – what’s not to love? But those perks can also make it harder to maintain energy and focus throughout your workday. Without an office routine and environment, staying motivated and avoiding distractions at home can be a challenge. Follow these effective tips to keep your productivity, energy and concentration at their peak while working remotely.

Create a Designated Workspace

It might seem appealing to work from your couch or bed, but having a dedicated office area helps your brain associate that space with work mode.

• Set up an ergonomic desk and chair to prevent fatigue.
• Use an external monitor and keyboard for proper posture.
• Minimize clutter to avoid visual distractions.
• Position your desk near natural light to boost alertness.

The more professional your workspace feels, the more focused you’ll be while using it.

Stick to a Consistent Routine

Establishing set hours and sticking to a daily routine helps tremendously when working from home.

• Wake up and start work at the same time each day.
• Take scheduled breaks to refresh.
• Follow the same daily structure you would in an office.

The more consistent your schedule is, the better you’ll be able to focus. Treat your remote workdays the same as being in the office.

Get Ready Like You’re Heading to Work

It’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day when working remotely! But taking time to shower, get dressed, and feel put together makes a big difference in feeling focused and professional.

• Start your day by getting ready just like you had to commute into work.
• Wear work appropriate clothing, even if no one will see you.
• Doing your normal morning routine signals your brain it’s time to be productive.

Use your transition time to mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Avoid Multi-Tasking

One perk of working from home is having your personal space nearby. But doing chores or watching TV simultaneously can severely drain focus.

• Silence notifications and close distracting tabs and apps.
• Hold calls and meetings in a separate space if possible.
• When working, zero in on one task at a time without multitasking.

Limit distractions and avoid mixing work with other activities for greater efficiency.

Take Meaningful Breaks

It’s vital to schedule regular breaks when working from home to maintain energy and concentration.

• Take a quick 5-10 minute break every 60-90 minutes.
• Use the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks – every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet for 20 seconds.
• Take a longer break to move around, stretch and refuel every 2-3 hours.

Remember to step away frequently to recharge. Don’t eat at your desk – have a proper lunch. A refreshed brain is a focused brain.

Set Daily Goals

Without the structure of an office setting, it’s easy for days to blur together and lose track of objectives.

• Each morning, define 2-3 most important tasks to accomplish.
• Schedule them strategically around your energy levels.
• At the end of the day, reflect on your achievement of goals.

Checking off tasks provides a sense of progress to keep you motivated.

Minimize Onscreen Distractions

Emails, notifications, social media and the internet can easily sap our attention during remote work.

• Turn off non-essential notifications and email pop-ups.
• Use apps like Freedom to block distracting websites.
• Schedule set times to check emails and social media outside work blocks.

The more you can minimize digital distractions, the better you’ll be able to concentrate.

Leverage Productivity Tools

Luckily, technology can also help improve our efficiency when working remotely!

• Timers and stopwatches aid in time management and tracking work sprints.
• Browser extensions can lock you into useful apps and websites only.
• Calendars and project management tools keep tasks organized.
• Videoconferencing apps enable connection and collaboration.

Embrace solutions that minimize disruptions and keep you focused.

Make Time for Self-Care

When you live and work in one space, burnout and fatigue become more likely. That’s why integrating self-care into your routine is so important.

• Make time each day for movement – take a walk, stretch, do yoga.
• Don’t neglect hobbies and social activities that reenergize you.
• Drink water, eat nourishing foods, get outdoors.
• Prioritize sleep by setting a bedtime and sticking to it.

Take care of your mental and physical health for the resilience to stay engaged.

Conclusion

Working from home allows great flexibility, but also has its challenges. By designating a workspace, sticking to a routine, minimizing distractions and taking breaks, you can boost productivity regardless of your environment. Use these tips to maintain consistent energy, sharp focus and peak effectiveness while working remotely. Investing in your home office setup and schedule will allow you to successfully work from anywhere!

How to Grow and Care for Succulents Indoors

Succulents are the perfect low maintenance houseplant. Their sculptural shapes and lush textures can accent your indoor space beautifully. But how do you help these trendy plants thrive inside your home? Follow this guide to mastering succulent care and growing succulents indoors in pots.

Choosing Succulents for Indoor Growing

With over 60 plant families and 10,000 diverse varieties, there are so many succulents to choose from! Here are some great options for growing indoors:

• Jade Plant – A classic with oval leaves. Easy to find and grow.
• Burro’s Tail – Unique dangling stems. Requires bright light.
• Echeveria – Rounded leaves in stunning colors. Many hybrids available.
• Haworthia – Tiny leaves grow in spirals. Interesting houseplant.
• Aloe Vera – Sturdy and versatile. Has medicinal properties too.
• Snake Plant – Tall, thick leaves with vertical stripes. Tolerates low light.

Pick plants with foliage and growth habits you find appealing. Consider the light conditions in your home when selecting.

Using the Right Soil Mix

Succulents prefer a fast-draining soil. Buy a cactus/succulent potting mix or make your own.

• Mix equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, perlite or pumice.
• You can also do 1 part soil, 1 part sand, 1 part small gravel.
• Make sure your soil drains well and doesn’t hold moisture.
• Add extra grit like crushed granite for plants like lithops.

Proper soil prevents overly wet roots and possible rotting.

Choosing the Right Pot or Planter

Always use containers with drainage holes when growing succulents.

• Plastic, ceramic and terra cotta pots all work well.
• Match pot size to the plant, allowing some room for growth.
• Shallow, wide pots work better than deep narrow ones.
• Forcreative displays, plant succulents together in window boxes, vertical gardens or terrariums.

Make sure whatever you plant in has openings at the bottom for drainage.

Providing the Right Amount of Sunlight

Most succulents need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, with bright, indirect light the rest of the time.

• South facing windows are ideal, unobstructed by trees or other buildings.
• Rotate pots regularly so all sides get even sun exposure.
• Use adjustable curtains to filter intense midday light if needed.
• Supplement with a grow light in winter or if sunlight is scarce.

Lack of adequate sunlight can cause succulents to become leggy and dull.

Watering Your Indoor Succulents

Take care not to overwater your succulents – this is the most common cause of problems.

• Wait until soil is completely dry before watering again.
• When watering, drench soil until it runs from the drainage holes.
• In winter, water even more sparingly.
• Pour out any water that collects in cache pots to avoid root rot.

The biggest danger is excess moisture – err on the side of underwatering.

Providing Good Air Circulation

Proper air flow prevents damp conditions that can harm succulents.

• Use fans to keep air moving around your plants.
• Space pots out rather than crowding them together.
• Rotate pots occasionally for even airflow on all sides.
• Open a window on dry days to prevent moisture buildup.

Stagnant, humid conditions contribute to rot – keep air moving.

Maintaining Optimal Temperatures

Ideally, indoor succulents prefer daytime temperatures of 70-75°F and around 60°F at night. Here are some tips:

• Move plants away from hot radiators or cold drafty windows.
• Avoid placing in excessively warm or cool rooms.
• Use grow lights rather than rely on a hot sunny windowsill.
• A space heater can help maintain warmth at night if needed.

Temperature extremes can stress plants – keep them comfortable.

Providing Nutrients

Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer to nourish indoor succulents.

• Dilute to half strength and apply every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
• Avoid overfertilizing – excess salts can burn succulent roots.
• Supplement with calcium and magnesium sprays for optimal plant health.
• Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when plants are dormant.

With proper care, indoor succulents need minimal extra nutrients overall.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to fix them:

Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight. Prune leggy parts and reposition plant.

**Wrinkled, shriveled leaves