3 Easy Paint Tricks to Try From Keith Bynum

Renovation expert and designer Keith Bynum knows how to achieve interesting design features on a budget. On his show Bargain Block, Keith and his partner Evan Thomas renovate abandoned properties into appealing houses using affordable techniques.

Keith's designs are always next-level. He's got tons of creative tricks up his sleeve, including some pretty awesome paint tricks that are actually super-easy to execute. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your walls, try out one of these simple paint techniques Keith uses in his own projects.

1. Painter's Tape Magic

A simple white wall can become an eye-catching, abstract feature in an instant with a little bit of painter's tape. Keith tried this trick in season 1 of Bargain Block. All he used was painter's tape, paint and a mini paint roller.

Copy Keith's Look

1. Stick long strips of painter's tape onto your soon-to-be feature wall in whatever pattern you'd like.
2. Ensure the tape stretches to the edges of the section. In this bathroom, Keith chose to criss-cross the tape diagonally to create an abstract design.
3. Pick a paint color and paint over the wall and the tape. Wait for the paint to dry, then peel the tape off to reveal your fresh design.

The best part about this trick is you can mix up your design. If you want to get technical, evenly space out the tape in a diagonal pattern, like Keith did in this Bargain Block bathroom.

Up for a challenge? Keith created a more complex pattern using thinner strips of tape and a mini paintbrush. While this design might take more time, it's just as cost effective, and you'll have an extra-textured, eye-catching bathroom feature to admire.

2. Decorative Shapes

Large, bold shapes are a great way to enhance a living space. We snagged this technique from a home office Evan and Keith designed during season 1 of Bargain Block, but you can try it in a bedroom, a playroom or even a study. What you'll need: a pencil, a level, a paintbrush or roller.

Copy Keith's Look

1. Use a level and a pencil to trace out your shapes. Then, outline your shape with painter's tape. Here, Keith layered a vertical rectangle with a rounded top over a horizontal rectangle.
2. Mix and match shapes or designs, but for simplicity, we suggest sticking to no more than two different shapes.
3. Pick any two complementary colors. Then, using a paint roller (or a mini roller or brush, depending how big your shapes are) fill in your painter's tape outlines. Paint the bottom shape first, wait for it to dry, then move on to the top shape.
4. Once both shapes are dry, remove the painter's tape.
5. Add an extra pop like Keith did with accessories, such as a small mirror, hanging shelf or clock.

3. Go Bold

In season 3 of Rock the Block, Keith and Evan pulled off an easy yet bold design element in their remodel of the finished room over garage. Transforming the space into a guest suite, Keith went with saturated colors. He chose a deep teal paint that anchors the main bedroom and kitchen space, then went with a surprisingly contrasting color (a dark purple) in the bathroom. The guest judges, Nate and Jeremiah (The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project), loved his approach and felt instantly transported.

Copy Keith's Look

Recreate this concept in your own home by painting side-by-side rooms in two different deep, bold colors. The juxtaposing tones will create depth without costing extra money or time.