Never underestimate the power of paint. It’s not just color but a powerful tool, one that can transform the space, that, too, so effortlessly, considering how easy it is to apply. Homeowner or renter, one coat of paint is all it takes to upgrade the interior from 📉 to 📈
Here, we will highlight 17 paint transformations that work for everyone: DIY-ers, experts, and anyone in between. Gather inspiration, and get started!
Highlight Architectural Features
The difference between a basic and a luxe home lies in the attention paid to detail. You may, for example, have architectural features around the house, but do they grab the spotlight they deserve? Paint is a smart, effective way to get the job done perfectly, with examples including…
- Contrasting or complementary paint on the crown molding or trim.
- Tinted paint on the ceiling for visual interest.
- Eye-catchy paint in an awkward corner (transforms it into a focal point within a day).
Add Colorful Cabinets
Kitchen revamps can quickly become expensive, but not with budget-friendly ideas like a quick lick of paint. No replacements required, just a fresh color coat. You’d want to match it to your backsplash and countertops, though. But with that in mind, the options are endless.
Reimagine Brick Walls
Brick walls look great. No denying. But what if you want a change after a couple of years? Paint them—super quick, super affordable. Plus, it adds so much character. The texture of the bricks is still visible, but the vibe changes entirely, instantly.
Spruce Up Vintage Features
Case in consideration: exposed beams. Use this timeless vintage feature to your advantage. Paint it in a contrasting hue to the ceiling, and see the ✨ magic ✨ An idea that works especially well in whimsical rooms where you want to add flair without overwhelming the space.
Fake Wallpaper
Source: The Sun
If real wallpaper is out of the budget for you, just fake it. We love a freehand design for beginners because you don’t have to worry about it looking perfect. Some variation in placement and size is acceptable, and in fact encouraged, to create an authentic design. Try any color for an accent wall in any room 💛💙💚
Customize Things
Paint, a part of every home. Bespoke paints, on the other hand, only a part of luxe, high-end interiors—those that have been customized to a client’s personality.
Speak with an interior designer (or paint specialist) to create custom shades for your home. The one-of-a-kind look it’s going to give, you’re definitely not ready for it. Even better, include speciality techniques, like…
- Venetian plaster
- Metallic paints
- Hand-painted murals
Create Emotional Impact Through Color
Luxury isn’t just about aesthetics, but about how a space makes you feel. The psychological effects of color are crucial in setting the mood. Soft blues, for example, create a spa-like atmosphere; vibrant reds bring energy; darker shades exude drama… the choice depends on the room you’re decorating (and the vibe you aim to create).
Upgrade Standard Shelving
After you’ve assembled those storage shelves for your home office or living room, go ahead and paint them. This makes even the most common big box store pieces appear more unique—also allowing you to customize them to your home’s aesthetic.
Go All in with Color Drenching
Instead of solely painting the walls or cabinets in one color and calling it a day, revamp your space by getting every inch (including the doors!). Color drenching is a favorite look at the moment, and going bold with one hue is the name of the game. Plus, with a room drenched in color, you don’t have to add many other accessories to the room. The presence of color speaks very much for itself.
Makeover the Mantel
If your mantel has started to look a little worse for wear, a fresh coat of paint can help. White is perfect for those inspired by Parisian spaces, but you can always grab a hot pink, turquoise, or whatever comes to mind. You can even go a bit off the beaten path. Think polka dots, paint stripes, or shapes; if so, use painter’s tape and stencils for a cleaner look.
Modernize the Bookshelves
Transform this basic essential into a focal point with a simple paint refresh. Bookshelves hold a lot—even bits and pieces of precious moments from your life. Do they not deserve to be showered in a lovely color? Try something bold, if that’s what matches the rest of the aesthetic, or keep it neutral if you want to scratch the itch of minimalism.
Reno the Bar Cart
If you’ve purchased a bar cart from a thrift store, but it looks too tired, don’t be sad. Paint it. We love a peppy color, like a bright yellow. It livens up any room in need of a subtle pop of color.
Allow the Windows to Pop
Window view not so picturesque? Make the window photo-worthy 😉 Paint it in a beautiful hue, and add a set of planters over the windowsill. We love a soft green; it reflects the lovely essence of greenery (and the great outdoors).
Fake Some Built-ins
Fake built-ins by painting them the same shade as the walls. You could also disguise other storage ideas (such as floating shelves) by making them blend right in.
Design a Vibrant Office
Linked closely to color psychology, a vibrant office can help a lot with motivation. To name a few, blue, green, and yellow are perfect choices here, thanks to their ability to stimulate creative thinking (and efficiency!).
How you add the colors is completely up to you. Opt for a two-toned look to combine more than one color, or drench the room in your favorite hue. You could also paint a wooden desk, add wallpaper to the ceiling, paint the frame of a bulletin board, or really do just whatever sparks creativity in you!
Copy the Decor
If you wish to weave a particular textile into your space, and decide to keep the look going, draw inspiration from the print at hand and showcase it on a part of the wall. If the fabric design is simple, you can even do the project all by yourself over a free weekend.
How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Space
Area to be painted, identified. Paint color, chosen. But, wait. How did you choose it? Painting around the home is more than just grabbing a hue that looks appealing and brushing it all over. There’s more to consider, such as…
The overall palette, including the furniture, flooring, and accessories.
The lighting conditions. Paint looks different in artificial vs. natural light.
Undertones of the chosen hue. Do they complement or clash with the existing color scheme?
Finish (and sheen). Matte, eggshell, satin, or gloss?
Longevity. Trends come and go, but will your chosen color stand the test of time?
Final Words
Paint is a lot more than color, after all. It’s a tool that needs to be chosen and used carefully—and who could understand that better than our Arizona-based interior designers? Contact us today for professional tips & guidance 🤍