What can you do with a $20 gallon of paint (or even the leftovers)? The possibilities are endless. We went to the pros at Sherwin-Williams to ask what projects they would take on armed with a gallon, a brush and some creativity. They suggest that you start with a basic satin latex, tinted to suit your project (or pick up a gallon of white and separate tints that you can mix at home if your idea will call for less than the whole gallon, plus you may need primer), and then set to splashing bits of color throughout your house. Here are 15 easy ideas to get you started:

1 Rise Up: The stairs offer small blank canvases for color application. Tint varying amounts and tape off lines to create this plaid “runner.” photo: Eric Roth	2 Cook Up Color: Add zest to upper kitchen cabinets with a coat of country red. photo: Mark Lohman	3 Balance Beam: Highlight ceiling beams or fixtures with a contrasting coat. photo: Eric Roth
4 Surprise Yourself: Empty shelves in kitchens, other cabinets or even closets, and paint in a bold color to complement the contents. photo: Eric Roth	5 Faux Mold: Tape off areas around doors, windows, ceilings and baseboards, and paint in to create the look of moldings. 6 Invigorate: The laundry room is the perfect place to apply a bright, energizing color, like a lively apple green or crisp sky blue. 7 Dress It Up: Stamp or stencil a pattern on tabletops and chairs (apply a clear top coat to protect it) for a custom touch. 8 Book smart: Paint just inside the interior walls of a bookcase. 9 More on the Door: Liven up a hallway or room’s interior by painting the doors in vibrant hues that turn them into focal points.	10 Instant lift: Accent one wall with a bright color. 11 Put it in Neutral: Get on-the-spot seaside appeal with a watered-down white application on furniture and even walls. 12 Borderline: Tape off a line (or multiples) around the room and paint in a dividing border or even faux wainscot. 13 Pour on the Floor: A new under-foot view is sure to give a lift—be sure to apply a washable top coat/sealer. 14 Glass Act: Brush on a coat to freshen up old vases and lamp bases, or even apply under glass-top tables for an interesting accent. 15 Coordinate: Paint your picture frames one color and make an artsy collage on the wall. •