Faux-texture tabletop
A side table gets artistic with a mix of large chips on top. For a sophisticated neutral scheme, choose shades of beige, brown and sand. Mix in samples of techniques (like Venetian plaster) for one-dimensional texture. Attach with double-sided tape, leaving space (ours is 1⁄2 inch) between chips. Cover with glass to protect.
Faux-texture tabletop.
Paint (On table) EB24-1 Chestnut. Valspar Eddie Bauer Home collection. Lowe’s (800) 445-6937; lowes.com Paint chips Assorted neutrals from Valspar Waverly Home Classics; assorted Valspar Venetian Plaster chips. Lowe’s (800) 445-6937; lowes.com Table Ikea (888) 888-4532; ikea.com
Multishade photo display
Give photo mats a little flair with paint strips; they offer graduated shades of one color for a pretty ombre effect. Muted purples, for example, blend well with black-and-white scenes. Using double-sided tape, attach strips to mats. Trim to fit. For the narrow top and bottom borders, we cut out individual paint chips.
Multishade photo display.
Frames Ikea (888) 888-4532; ikea.com Paint chips Assorted Valspar paint strips. Lowe’s (800) 445-6937; lowes.com
Color-block clock
Radiating swatches in wintry blues make for a mod geometric clock. To begin, lay out your design on a table. We started with a block of deep blue (note: most chips aren’t perfectly square) and continued asymmetrically with chips of gradually lighter shades; strips of white paper mark the quarter hours. Measure the final arrangement, and cut 1⁄4-inch plywood to fit. Glue or screw short wood pieces to the back so the unit hangs flush against a wall after the clock movement is installed. Attach paint chips to plywood with spray adhesive. When dry, drill a hole for the clock movement (find kits at crafts stores).
Color-block clock.
Clock movement kit Michaels Stores (800) 642-4235; michaels.com Paint chips Assorted blues from Valspar Eddie Bauer Home collection. Lowe’s (800) 445-6937; lowes.com