Why Paint is the Perfect Quick
Update for Valentine’s Day
The 14th of February is Valentine’s Day! Romance and optimism are in the air, so take advantage of this positive energy and channel it into quick paint updates for your home, that will create a warm and welcoming space that celebrates the season of love. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner at home, want to surprise your loved one with a burst of colour, or just want to show your home a little love, repainting your walls is an unexpected yet budget-friendly way to renew your space.
With a few simple DIY paint projects, you can add a stylish Valentine’s Day vibe to your home. Let’s explore five easy and creative ways to make it happen.
Valentine’s Day Paint Colours
To Refresh Your Home
Paint is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to refresh a space. Unlike full-scale renovations, a simple coat of paint can instantly change the mood and aesthetic of a room. Whether you’re adding a pop of romantic colour or giving old furniture a fresh look, here are a few popular Valentine’s-inspired colours that you’ll fall in love with:
- Blush pink – Soft, dreamy and romantic, ideal for a calming space.
- Deep burgundy – Sensually sophisticated and bold, it adds drama to any room.
- Warm terracotta – Mediterranean romance, this cosy hue creates a stylish yet down-to-earth atmosphere.
- Gold & white – The perfect pairing, elegant and timeless, great for accents and decorative elements.
5 DIY Paint Projects
To Transform Your Space
1. Romantic Accent Wall
A painted accent wall is a simple yet stylish way to change the energy of a room without committing to a full repaint. Choose a striking, passionate shade like deep red (see the red range from Dulux), a warm tinted pink, or a hearty terracotta colour like this one from Simply Colour. Ask a colour expert at any Shaves store to help you find “the one” – your perfect colour soulmate.
Picking the Right Wall And Prepping like a Pro:
- Select a focal wall in your bedroom, living room, or dining area.
- Prep the already-painted surface by cleaning and taping off edges using masking tape.
- Use a quality roller for smooth coverage.
- Apply two coats for a rich, even finish.
For any problem areas: like bubbling or peeling paint, you may need to sand or scrape the surface and then apply Polyfilla over the area. Wait for the Polyfilla to dry. Then sand it, paint primer over it. Lastly, once the primer is dry, paint the whole wall in your chosen colour.
2. Painted Furniture Makeover
The saying “you’re never too old for romance” also applies to old furniture. Breathe new life into one of your well-loved pieces with a fresh coat of paint, and turn it into a Valentine’s Day home décor centrepiece. Whether it’s a bedside table, a dresser, or a coffee table, a soft, romantic hue like dusty rose or creamy white can completely change its look. Add gold or copper accents, like the knobs or handles, or by painting the legs of a wooden table or a dipped effect on the bottom of the dresser for on-trend design.
Prepping and Painting Like a Pro
- Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
- If there is old paint or varnish on the surface, you will need to sand it.
- Apply a primer if painting over dark wood.
- Use chalk paint or satin-finish paint for a smooth effect.
- Seal with a clear topcoat to protect from scratches or water stains.
Click here for a comprehensive guide to painting old furniture, that includes painting tips for beginners.
3. DIY Wall Art with a Personal Touch
Communication is key in any relationship, so get your walls talking with custom artwork, all done with paint! This is one of those DIY Valentine’s Day ideas that’s not only fun, but will give your home a personalised touch.
Get Painting, Unleash Your Inner Artist:
- Connect to your creativity with stencils or freehand painting to craft eye-catching nature-inspired or abstract patterns that bring a bespoke charm to your space.
- Try bold geometric shapes for a modern, structured look, or embrace soft, dreamy watercolour blends for a more fluid, romantic feel. Stencils can help create precise, defined edges, while freehand techniques allow for a more artistic, expressive touch—both adding a unique element to your DIY wall art.
- Using Valentine’s-inspired colours like rich gold, delicate soft pink, or deep burgundy will not only infuse your home with love and elegance, but create a timeless, unique style.
4. Update Your Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets
Small, but considered, updates in high traffic areas can have a big impact. Painting your cabinets is an ingenious way to make your kitchen or bathroom feel fresh and modern without any major cost and inconvenience.
How to Master the Mini Make-Over
- Remove cabinet doors and clean surfaces.
- Sand lightly and apply primer for smooth application.
- Use satin or semi-gloss paint (in the colour you love) for durability.
- Let dry and reassemble cabinets with new hardware if desired. Check out this handle inspiration.
5. Painted Flower Pots or Vases
For a quick, eco- and-budget-friendly project, turn your vases and flower pots into little décor statement pieces. Update them with a lick of fresh paint in your curated Valentine’s Day theme colours.
How to be Stylish and Sustainable:
- Go green on Valentine’s Day – use leftover paint from other projects.
- Choose mainstay hues like gold, terracotta, or white.
- Add simple hand-painted designs, like hearts or floral patterns.
- Seal with a clear spray for a long-lasting finish.
Choosing the Right Paint and Tools
For Your DIY Projects
To achieve a flawless, professional finish, choosing the right paint and tools is essential. Here’s what you need:
- For Walls: Matte low-sheen finishes for a soft, modern aesthetic that absorbs light without adding glare, like Dekade Gold Label Sheen and Matt.
- Furniture: Gloss or satin-finish paint for a smooth, velvety finish that refreshes tired furniture and is chip and stain resistant. Try Dulux EasyCare®.
- Cabinets: Semi-gloss paint for a durable, wipeable surface perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Decorative items: Acrylic or spray paint for quick, hassle-free updates to smaller décor pieces.
For the best application:
- Use rollers for a smooth, even coat on walls and larger surfaces.
- Opt for paint brushes for precise cutting in and tackling smaller, detailed areas.
Not sure which products or techniques to use? Visit a Shaves Paint store and chat with one of their paint experts for tailored advice on choosing the right paint for romantic home décor ideas, and mastering DIY techniques. Check out their selection here.
Top Tips
Expert Advice: Plan Around Existing Elements
“Plan your decorating scheme around existing components if you are redecorating a room with a few foundational elements, such as significant furniture pieces or stand-out architectural features. Seek out new décor that will mix well and add a fresh perspective. Incorporating older features into your design plan, rather than ignoring them, will help you create a more cohesive and styled result.”
– Dawn Van Straaten, Decor Consultant, Shaves Umhlanga
For Quick and Easy DIY Paint Projects
To ensure your DIY Valentine’s Paint Project remains a labour of love, here are our top tips to achieve success:
- Plan ahead: Choose your colours and test a small area (using a colour swatch or tester pot) before committing.
- Use painter’s tape: Masking off areas helps achieve crisp, clean lines and eliminates the risk of getting paint in places you don’t want it.
- Apply thin layers: Prevent streaks by using multiple thin coats.
- Allow proper drying time: Patience is key. Rushing the process can cause smudges or uneven coverage.
- Fix drips and streaks: If you notice drips, lightly sand and touch up with a small brush. For uneven texture, use a high-quality roller and apply even pressure.
- Avoid roller marks: Keep a wet edge while painting and avoid pressing too hard.
- Upcycle leftover paint: Use it for smaller projects like frames or decorative accents.
Bring Your Valentine’s Day
DIY Vision to Life with Shaves Paint
Want to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit? Visit your nearest Shaves Paint store for Valentine’s Day accent wall ideas, DIY painted furniture tips, advice on premium paint options, and all the tools you’ll need to turn your vision into a reality.
Our team is ready to guide you through romantic colour schemes, application techniques, and DIY best practices so you can paint with confidence.
Stop by a Shaves Paint store today or visit us online and we’ll make Valentine’s Day extra special for you this year.
