Paint an Ombre Wall

Paint is one of the easiest and most striking changes you can make in your home. In one day and on a budget of $100, my friend Igael (Iggy) Gurin-Malous and I created a simple ombre wall treatment in this West Hollywood apartment. We used the homeowner's charcoal-gray bedspread as a jumping-off point to pick paint colors.

What You'll Need

Paint Colors

• One gallon of gray
• One gallon of salmon pink
• One gallon of light gray

Get Started: Paint and Blend

Paint a Base Coat

For best results, wipe down or dust the wall you are going to paint. Choose the lightest shade of paint and begin by painting the entire wall this color. Don't skip this step: This will give your other colors a fresh base of paint to go over, making a smooth, even surface for blending. Let it dry.

Divide the Wall Into Sections

To achieve an ombre look, measure three equal sections on your wall and mark lightly in pencil. The top section will be the lightest color. The darkest color goes at the bottom, leaving the third color for the center.

Start With Medium in the Middle

Paint the middle section with the second-lightest color, leaving 6" of room between the edges of each section. In a timely manner, hold a dry brush at a 45 degree angle to blend.

Apply the Darkest Hue at the Bottom

Paint the darkest hue at the bottom of the wall, leaving a foot between color sections.

Mix the First New Color

In a fresh paint liner, mix your lightest color and your middle shade at a ratio of half and half. Use this first new color blend to paint the 6" gap between the lightest and middle color. Taking a dry brush and holding it at an angle, quickly blend up until you meet the next color section.

Mix the Second New Color

In a fresh paint liner, mix your darkest color and your middle shade at a ratio of half and half. Use this second new color blend to paint the 6" gap between the darkest and middle color. Taking a dry brush and holding it at an angle, quickly blend up until you meet the next color section. Continue to brush the three sections together until you achieve the level ombre you desire.