Transforming with paint.

Exemplifying how paint can be used to inexpensively transform a room, the Paint Quality Institute[SM] (PQI)--the educational arm of the global specialty materials company, Rohm and Haas--recently held its "Prettiest Painted Rooms in America" contest. The competition program invited professional interior designers to submit images of work they had completed within the last three years. Entries were judged on the creativity employed in the use of paint and color and the overall design of the room. The panel of judges selected Penny Drue Baird, a New York City-based interior designer, as the Grand Prize winner, along with four runners-up. "I think most people underestimate the value of paint. It's important to show the public the great variety of things you can do with paint and how it helps to show rooms to their best advantage," said Ms. Baird.

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Debbie Zimmer, paint color and decorating expert for the Paint Quality Institute, who served as a competition judge, notes that the easiest way to update a home's interior when working within a tight budget is to apply a fresh coat of paint. "Paint color, sheen, pattern, and texture can be combined to create a number of interesting and individual looks for the home," Ms. Zimmer said. "Color is often the first consideration when redecorating, but to successfully create today's contemporary looks it's helpful to have some understanding of basic design principles and the role of paint within a space."

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PQI offers five tips to consider before beginning any room decoration or renovation project:

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* Monochromatic color schemes are generally easy to create and impart a sophisticated feel within a space. A monochromatic palette consists of different tints or shades of the same color.

* Contrast can be a powerful element. Often, when two contrasting colors are used, one appears warm and the other cool. Contrasting colors do not have to be bold; they can be soft and subtle. Take your cue from the room--bold in the living or family room and a softer contrast in the bedroom.

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* Color can visually change the perception of a room's size. Light, cool colors can make the space appear larger, while darker, warm colors often make it seem smaller and more intimate.

* Pattern can also affect the way a space is perceived. For example, a room can be heightened by painting vertical stripes on the walls.

* Texture is an important element of design that can add interest and style in any room. Use decorative techniques such as sheen striping or stippling which provides a variegated appearance and gives depth to the surface.

Photos courtesy of The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.