Pretty Painted Floors

Have Fun With Stripes

The Big Idea
Paint vertical or horizontal stripes to give a small room the illusion of more space. In this kitchen, 5-inch-wide bands that are the same color as the lower cabinets add depth and a custom, unexpected touch to a classic gray-and-white color scheme.

Notice the Details
Scuffs and scratches create a timeworn feel, suggesting a sense of history. To speed up the process, the stripes in this kitchen were sanded after the final coat of paint. If you prefer the real thing, skip a polyurethane topcoat and let feet and paws make their mark.