3 Easy Paint Tricks to Try From Keith Bynum

We trust Bargain Block co-host Keith's tried-and-true tricks. Here's how to recreate three of his coolest paint hacks in your own home.

April 21, 2022
As seen on HGTV’s Rock the Block, team Keith and Evan work to transform this living room, giving it a Coastal Carolina feel.

As seen on HGTV’s Rock the Block, team Keith and Evan work to transform this living room, giving it a Coastal Carolina feel.

Photo by: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Related To:

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 shot of the finished and very artisic bathroom at the ranch house, as seen on HGTV's Bargain Block.

A shot of the finished and very artisic bathroom at the ranch house, as seen on HGTV's Bargain Block.

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.

Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas transporting staging items to Cherrylawn home with their shopping cart

Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas transporting staging items to Cherrylawn home with their shopping cart

Photo by: Jason Keen / Getty Images, Jason Keen / Getty Images, Jason Keen / Getty Images

Jason Keen / Getty Images, Jason Keen / Getty Images, Jason Keen / Getty Images

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.

Keith and Evan taping and painting at the bathroom of the Greenview home

Keith and Evan taping and painting at the bathroom of the Greenview home

Photo by: Jason Keen / Getty Images

Jason Keen / Getty Images

2. Decorative Shapes

As seen on HGTV's Bargain Block, Hosts Keith and Evan work together to transform homes in Detroit, Mi.

As seen on HGTV's Bargain Block, Hosts Keith and Evan work together to transform homes in Detroit, Mi.

Photo by: Tom McKenzie/ Getty Images

Tom McKenzie/ Getty Images

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

As seen on Rock the Block Season 3, Team Keith and Evan FROG renovation.

As seen on Rock the Block Season 3, Team Keith and Evan FROG renovation.

Photo by: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

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.

As seen on Rock the Block Season 3, Team Keith and Evan FROG renovation.

As seen on Rock the Block Season 3, Team Keith and Evan FROG renovation.

Photo by: Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

Tom Griscom/Big Table Media

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.

Next Up

How to Simply Paint a Room

Learn how to paint both walls and molding like a pro with these simple steps.

Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, Can Transform Any Space Into Its Namesake

The warm, tranquil white complements a variety of patterns, hues and materials, allowing us to create a completely-personalized space that makes us feel at home.

HGTV Obsessed Episode 30: Annie Sloan

This episode is all about paint. Annie Sloan, the creator of Chalk Paint® shares her success story. Then Kristin Luna, of Do More Art talks about how outdoor art can transform and uplift communities. Finally, Betsy Helmuth, host of the Affordable Interior Design podcast, shares valuable tips for choosing paint colors.

Paint Colors for Small Kitchens

Energize your small kitchen with a coat of fresh paint to the walls and cabinets, and consider soft neutrals or bold color combinations that will make your space seem larger and reflect your design style.

How to Stain & Stencil a Concrete Patio

Transform your drab slab into a bright, beautiful outdoor oasis with this easy stenciling project inspired by colorful Morrocan tile.

How to Remove Paint From Clothes

Paint stains aren’t as stubborn as you think. Take action early and you'll be able to successfully remove paint from your clothing.

Can You Paint Ceramic Floor Tile?

It’s all about the tile prep, so follow these tips to success floor painting.

Easy-to-Make DIY Beach Scene Painting

Bring the ocean right into your living room with this fun, easy-to-make DIY beach scene painting. Make it on your own or at a paint night with friends. And the best part is, it’s easily adaptable to any size or shape canvas you already have.

How to Paint Wood Furniture

Learn how to strip, sand and paint wood furniture.

How to Paint & Stencil Ceramic Tile

Remodeling on a budget? Give outdated floors a refresh with our step-by-step guide to painting and stenciling ceramic tile. All you need are a few basic supplies and a free weekend to totally transform the look of a laundry room, bathroom or other place in your home that's plagued by old or dirty tile. The best part? You can do it all for less than $75 and without special equipment.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated Southwestern home in Santa Fe, New Mexico

HGTV Dream Home

A modern mountain getaway in Morrison, Colorado

HGTV Urban Oasis

A Southern-inspired escape in Louisville, Kentucky