Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest impact. I have always said one can of paint can change a whole room, and the look and feel of a beautiful space can change your mood and mindset. The trend of grays are slowly coming to an end. I have enjoyed them, but admittedly, they are safe, sometimes boring and, well, just gray. The latest trend, however, caught me by surprise. It was super unexpected, and I did a few double takes. But in the end, I needed to try this simple change for myself to see if it was worthy. Hold on to your paint brushes; the new, chic way to update your space at home or work is the simplest concept in painting. Ready? White walls, black windows. That’s it. Sounds awful! It is actually hard to even picture. In a few short hours, or even a day or two of painting, you can have a crisp, refreshing, hip, modern, reflective and magazine-inspired space.

Supplies:
• 2- to 3-inch cut in brush
• 1-inch window trim brush
• Roller • Tray
• Small craft brush
• Froggy Painter Tape
• Razor
• Gold metallic spray paint
• Behr Black Satin with primer
• Behr Ultra White flat
• Benjamin Moore White Dove semi-gloss

Steps:
1. Spend the time taping everything off. It is tedious. It is annoying. Some paint will peel anyway. Just take the time to prep well. Wipe down all the surfaces and fill and sand holes with plaster if necessary. Remove hardware from windows. Prepping is the most important step in the process. Do not skimp!
2. Tape windows off well. Open the bottom of the window slightly and be ready to leave it open for a bit. Paint the bottom portion of the window first with the black paint and a 1-inch brush. Open the window into the room, if possible, as if you were cleaning the outside of the window. Let dry and repeat on all bottom portions of the windows in the room before touching the tops. Paint trim in White Dove with a 2- or 3-inch brush. Repeat this step twice around the room, so everything has two coats. Take the window hardware and spraypaint it gold. Spray the hardware at least twice and leave lots of time for it to dry in between.
3. Roll the walls with the Ultra White and cut in where necessary. Before you take your second lap around the room, paint the upper windows with the black, using the same process you used on the window bottoms. Give two – maybe even three – coats to the walls.

The simplicity of this look gives the room a quiet and sleek sophistication with a chic, cutting edge. You have to see to believe, but give it a try!

Jamie Burke