Creative painting techniques and special paint products can bring pizzazz to the walls of a new house.  The most popular techniques are sponging and rag rolling, says Hirshfield's Decorating Center manager Chad Grande. Sponging produces looks ranging from granite to mist, and rag rolling is versatile, too. Effects depend on the colors you use and how you wield the sponge or roll the rag.

A dual roller, two rollers on one frame, lets the painter apply two colors at the same time. "The colors should contrast. The result is a soft, elegant marbleized look."  Color washing also produces the appearance of marble, and you can use as many colors as you want.  A suede finish calls for special rollers and two coats of paint. Crackling gives a weathered look; sand paint contains fine grains of sand which add texture to walls.

"When you've selected your colors and the look you want, get a piece of tag board and practice," Grande said. "You might even invent your own special technique."