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Room design paint ideas


paint ideas for walls, floors, and more |

(Image credit: Summerill & Bishop / Isabelle Lomas / David Butler)

Creative paint ideas can bring unique beauty to a home – and the more inventive they are, the better. 

As Marianne Shillingford, creative Director at dulux says:  'The right paint colors can even make small spaces appear larger and reconnect us with nature. It has always had the power to transform on more levels than the way things look and we are only just beginning to realise its potential in our homes.'

We've curated our favorite paint ideas, showing how to introduce color in a variety of interior design settings to help you create a completely new scheme in your home. 

Paint ideas – 24 looks for every room and surface

These paint tricks will inspire a whole new look for your home, perhaps just a room or even only a piece of furniture. Whatever, they have the power to create a dramatic transformation in hours.

1. Paint the floor for instant appeal underfoot

(Image credit: Isabelle Lomas)

Isabelle Lomas’ client wanted a fun, inviting space for her kids' room paint ideas that would still allow for older guests to use the room, as it was also to be rented out. ‘We kept the walls plain,’ says Isabelle, who used Willow V from Paint & Paper Library. ‘This allowed us to incorporate a chequerboard pattern on the floor – a fun element that is also hardwearing. Isabelle thought this was a fun and playful idea that would translate well no matter the furnishings. 

2. Use paint to update old furniture 

(Image credit: Johnathan Bond )

Painting vintage furniture is a beautiful way to introduce new life and virality into a once-loved antique. Using colored furniture makes it easier to change up an otherwise neutral space. This works particularly well for bedrooms where children may grow out of, or get tired of, particular colors and pieces. 

Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson developed this consciously sophisticated scheme with a rich green bookcase taking center stage. ‘The green antique French carved oak bookcase with soft yellow highlights anchors the room while the soft mauve linen bedding provides a tranquil element. ’

3. Make your space pop

(Image credit: Stephen Julliard)

Chinoiserie is re-emerging as an influence in fashion and interiors but it has long been a key aesthetic for de Gournay, eminent specialist in hand-painted wallcoverings. 

This bold interpretation is courtesy of French designer Vincent Darré, who created this stunning dining room color scheme for the private apartment of de Gournay’s Paris showroom. The primary colors of the scene dazzle against a black background and Vincent has emphasized this contrast by painting the window surround in a bold yellow and the skirting in a fresh green. The ceiling was painted black, which will give evening events an extra intensity, a stand-out look for ceiling paint ideas.

4. Paint stripes

(Image credit: Summerill & Bishop)

Never really out of fashion, the classic stripe is having a particular moment right now and it's less about the country ticking look and more about adding personality through playful paint ideas.

We adore the formal yet bold style of this scene, like something out of the Mad hatter’s tea party. The stripe upon stripe lends the room a real sense of fun – and from who else but the oh-so talented table setting creators at Summerill & Bishop .

5. Include details through paint

(Image credit: James McDonald)

If your space is lacking in architectural interest, you'll be amazed at what paint tricks you can incorporate to add intrigue to an otherwise simple scheme. 

Using bathroom paint ideas in a room doesn’t have to mean optical overload. ‘This stripe detail adds interest to a room that has few architectural features,’ says interior designer Guinness, who painted neat parallel stripes along this bathroom’s ceiling, a great look for a modern, ceiling trim idea.

6. Use paint to create 'zones'

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond)

Gloss paint is back after years in the wilderness. In the main bedroom of this home in Notting Hill, designers Barlow & Barlow created a soothing scheme to turn their clients’ corridor into a dressing room. The paint color is Dulux green, 10GG 15/346.

As well as being light-reflective and available in a wide choice of colors, gloss is also one of the best paint finishes for high-traffic areas such as dressing rooms, hallways and landings, as it’s hardwearing and scuff-resistant.

(Image credit: Jon Day)

Colorful homes are an immersive experience that leads from room to room. A carefully considered palette will feature shades that work with the objects in the room – such as these orange walls and the red kimono – and that also flow from one space into another.

8. Paint with a variety of colors from the same palette

(Image credit: Lick)

When planning multiple colors, test various permutations. Stronger shades are used on the lower walls, inside and outside the room. The pink inside is used to frame the windows and complement the red-brown lower wall, softened by the creamy white above.

9. Paint paneling a warm color for an inviting, warm entryway

(Image credit: Neptune)

A hardworking and always on-the-go home space, entryway surfaces demand the toughest of finishes and savvy shade choices to keep them looking great for longer. When searching for hallway paint ideas, choose washable or even scrubbable quality paint, using a satin finish for woodwork. If gloominess is an issue, go for a silk finish to reflect any light for your paneling paint ideas is a good trick. 

Colorwise, a neutral to mid shade will make the space feel larger. Using the same paint on walls and on doors brings a unified feel which is easy on the eye and counters hectic and heavy use. 

‘For the narrow corridor of this Welsh farmhouse, we kept the color palette neutral and light to create an inviting entrance with a feeling of a calm,’ says Meaghan Hunter, stylist at Neptune . For a similar color, try Honed Slate matt emulsion from Neptune.

It's also worth noting that the right first impression begins even before your entryway. When thinking about the first room of your home, it is similarly important to assess the best hues for your exterior and, perhaps most significantly, the front door colors to avoid.

10. Experiment with color on woodwork

(Image credit: Little Greene)

It's a classic choice and perfectly natural to reach for a white or off-white color when painting woodwork, especially in hallways, but by choosing a less obvious shade, you can create a far more sophisticated effect – plus you can use this color to connect to adjoining rooms that might use that shade as an accent shade.  

Just as you would opt for a contrasting, harmonious or tonal shade when painting a separate panel on a wall, look to using that color on the woodwork instead. 

If painting woodwork on a wallpapered wall, color match your paint to a shade from within the pattern, using that instead for maximum effect.

11. Build up ombre shades on your stairwell

(Image credit: Crown)

If you are looking for paint ideas that create a visual trick, particularly around making a space look larger, an ombre paint effect – with darker shades lower down and lighter shades above – is a good solution. 

And, if you are looking for eye-catching and space-stretching stair paint ideas, use it on stair risers in a graduated to make your staircase feel taller and grander. Tester pots of tonal color will work a treat as you won't need much to cover each panel, either.

The beauty of this look lies in its simplicity so decorate the steps and the hallway in a pale, neutral shade to avoid the remaining decor fighting against the soft, staggered colors.

12. Add layers of tonal color to make a space appear larger

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Wrapping a space in warming layers of color not only creates a smart, cohesive feel, it can make a room feel bigger than it actually is. Patrick O’ Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball agrees: 'Carrying the wall color onto all of your woodwork creates the illusion of more space.'

Choose a relatively pale hue for the wall and pair it with a darker shade (of the same color) on adjacent woodwork. 

You can either continue the look though to the rest of the space with similarly tonal shades on furniture and accessories. Alternatively, keep the rest of the furnishings in neutral tones for a more subtle effect.

13. Try a stylish paint effect that's contemporary, too

(Image credit: Bauwerk Colour)

New directions with formulations and decorating techniques means dated paint effects have been replaced with sophisticated washes, textures and brushwork – perfect for living room paint ideas that add a touch of depth to a wall, a must-have in contemporary homes, which can lack architectural detailing.  

Paints premixed with sand and chalk offer plaster, suede or concrete effect finishes. At the other end of the scale, you can introduce acrylic varnishes and even glitter to give a glossy glaze. 

This look taps into the soulful decorating mood of the moment, picking up on Scandi hygge vibes and the artisan global influences.  

‘This deep color has been used to bring interest and mood to the simple interior,' explains Bronwyn Riedel, co-founder and color creator, Bauwerk Colour . 'Painted over lime render, the soft, tonal finish is a counterpoint to the use of natural materials such as ply and the natural limestone floor.’

This is ‘Mountain’ from the Raw Refined range, limewash natural paint suitable for interior and exterior walls, Bauwerk.

14. Paint a ceiling in a bold shade 

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

While most people tend to paint walls in a feature color, consider flipping the look by choosing a bold color for your ceiling instead. Compared to an all-white ceiling, a colorful one will add drama and personality to a room, while making it feel cozier, too.

Keep walls predominantly white – if you prefer, you can choose a subtle, coordinating shade below the dado rail - and pick a strong shade for your ceiling. 

This look is especially effective when the same color is echoed on the walls in an adjacent room.

15. Paint a contrasting panel to draw focus

(Image credit: Dulux)

Just as you would add a rug to create a separate zone in a large room, a painted wall panel can do the job just as effectively. This can particularly work for dining room color schemes, drawing attention to the table, and creating an intimate atmosphere. 

Here, a small dining area in an open plan room is pulled into sharp focus by the clever painted panel on the wall behind the table and chairs. Stretched up onto the ceiling, it creates a wrap around effect on the space, giving an overall cocooning effect to a spacious room with lofty ceilings.

16. Zone a room with color blocking

(Image credit: Fenwick & Tilbrook)

Color blocking is a clever way to divide a space, distinguish an activity, or change the pace in a portion of a room. Paint can be applied to create a backdrop to a desk space, define a reading area, or a creative corner. It's also one of those useful kitchen color ideas if you want to achieve a new look quickly – but ensure you use a wipeable paint.

Here, a faux backsplash feature introduces countertop activities in a tall kitchen and adds a splash of cheerful color. Adding bands of bolder hues adds a designer look to large and plain surfaces. 

‘Dark units really ground the space and the horizontal block of green connects the kitchen with the garden beyond,' says Anna Hill, Brand Director, Fenwick & Tilbrook . 'Being a fairly small space, we kept the rest of the walls an off-white to keep it fresh and bright.' This type of paint idea is a good match for painted kitchen cabinet ideas, too.

17. Go for wraparound color

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Looking for bedroom color ideas that are inviting? Warming paint ideas are always welcome in a bedroom. By taking the same shade across all surfaces, including paneling, skirtings, and even doors and window frames, you can make a space look bigger in just a few brush strokes. 

It’s also a great technique for bringing together fragmented rooms, and can be used as an entire color scheme for a whole floor or house. Any shade can be used, but this cozy nutty color brings a snug element that suits a bedroom or cosy snug.

18. Get creative with painted furniture

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Using painted furniture ideas is an easy way to create a unique look that's easy to achieve. Pretty-up a cabinet and coat a wall in candy stripes – paint is a chance to add a touch of whimsy to your decor scheme. What keeps the look sophisticated, not saccharine, is the edited color palette, grounded with a deep forest green.

Wall painted in Piranesi Pink and Pointe Silk. Floor, headboard, chest of drawers and lamp painted in a selection of Chalk Paint: all Annie Sloan .

19. Use paint to give children's rooms a smart finish

(Image credit: Emma Lewis)

Strong kids' paint room ideas are a must since these spaces tend to be over-stuffed with toys, gadgets, books and... more toys. So, majoring on one main color, with a neutral accent shade can help it feel less chaotic and much smarter. As in other rooms, putting the same color – in different tones – across walls, woodwork and even furniture can create a sleek finish.

20. Paint a floor for an instant new look

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

It's likely that you will be using bathroom paint ideas to add character to a washroom, but you can create an all-over cohesive look with a painted floor, picking out a color that complements that of the walls, accessories – and even the bath tub.

'Painting wooden floorboards is an option in a bathroom,' says Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief. 'After all, this is a room that's unlikely to see heavy footfall. Your main worry needs to be ensuring good preparation of the surface, choosing the right paint – ideally one that's suitable for bathrooms – and making sure too that there is a protective layer of varnish so that the wood doesn't warp.'

21. Add bold color to unexpected places

(Image credit: Crown)

Color can be used to emphasize and highlight architectural features, from painting cornicing, pillars or arches in contrasting shades. 

It's the unusual that makes this particularly effective so so don't shy away from using bolder hues, provided you keep a neutral background to provide the colors with a simple backdrop from which to shine.

22. Use paint ideas to highlight architectural details

(Image credit: Fenwkick & Tilbrook)

Paint is the perfect medium to bring personality, add a unique appeal and even introduce an element of humor to a home. It can be a simple idea such as color change on panelling, adding pattern, or murals for an exclusive décor element. For ease, use decorating tape to keep paint smart with clean edges.

23. Use paint ideas to create faux effects

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

When you're short on space, or just want to add a touch of quirky charm to a bedroom, why not paint a headboard on the wall?

Use masking tape to create the shape and ensure sharp, straight lines, then simply use a medium-sized brush to paint your design.

This example is from Farrow & Ball , painted in Incarnadine No.248, School House White No.291 and Breakfast Room Green Modern Emulsion.

24. Paint woodwork to match walls

(Image credit: David Butler)

When painting a small room, think about using color all-over for instant appeal. Snug room ideas are all about curating a warm, cozy space to indulge in at home, and what better way that through bold paint ideas?

‘I like painting small rooms in a dark color to make them feel cozy,’ says interior designer Amelia McNeil, who designed this scheme. ‘I even painted the window and architrave in the same blue so that the Phillip Jeffries wallpaper could be the main focus.

How do I choose the right paint color ideas?

It is best to go for paint colors that make you happy and have longevity. If in doubt, it is often advised that you consult the color wheel.

The Color Wheel is an essential aid when choosing color schemes. Created by mathematician Sir Isaac Newton in 1666 to explain the relationships between colors, it gives you an instant visual for exactly which colors coordinate and contrast to create muted, tonal or dramatic combinations.

In her book, Recipes for Decorating , Farrow & Ball’s color consultant Joa Studholme notes that we are embracing stronger shades when decorating our homes. These include a range of hues found on the warm half of the color wheel, such as reds and pinks to oranges and yellows. Much research has been done into how colours affect our mood.

‘Current trends show a real shift towards brighter colors with a clean-cut finish,’ says Sue Kim, senior color designer at Valspar. ‘When choosing a paint color, don’t forget to look beyond the walls – consider the ceiling, skirting, window frames and mouldings and how they can be brought into the scheme.’

Can I paint every room the same color?

There is no reason why you can't paint every room the same color. In fact, doing so can create a cohesive look for your whole house. There is an understated beauty in minimalism, something that we are seeing more and more of in the world of design. That said, you may want to add in accent color ideas through furniture and artwork.

Andrea has been immersed in the world of homes, interiors and lifestyle since her first job in journalism, on Ideal Home. She went from women's magazine Options to Frank. From there it was on to the launch of Red magazine, where she stayed for 10 years and became Assistant Editor. She then shifted into freelancing, and spent 14 years writing for everyone from The Telegraph to The Sunday Times, Livingetc, Stylist and Woman & Home. She was then offered the job as Editor on Country Homes & Interiors, and now combines that role with writing for sister title homesandgardens.com. 

With contributions from

50 Best Living Room Color Ideas

Read McKendree

When it comes to living room design, a flattering color palette is one of the first aspects you need to nail down. It will likely drive the whole design scheme and set the mood for years to come. Plus, your living room is probably the most-used room in the house, so choosing colors that make you look forward to spending time in it is a must! Whether you want something bold and bright, neutral, or dark and moody, we've laid out tons of designer-approved living room paint color ideas to help you get inspired. All you have to do is put on your overalls and grab a roller—or, you know, hire someone else to do the dirty work. The hardest part will be deciding between all of these living room colors. But once you do, you can start shopping for the decor.

🏡You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them.

Seth Smoot

1 of 50

Gray-Purple

In a Cape Cod-style home for a couple of empty nesters, designer Lauren Nelson painted the living room walls in Farrow & Ball's Dove Tale—a warm gray with purple undertones. It keeps the atmosphere neutral yet inviting.

2 of 50

Pearl

A soft white paint with a slight gray tone to it can easily make your living room a spot you want to spend all day in. Take it from designer Sharon Rembaum, who dressed this living room with textured pieces in a neutral color palette to boost its overall coziness.

TREVOR PARKER

3 of 50

Cerulean Blue

Designer Garrow Kedigan made use of Lakeside Cabin by Benjamin Moore on the walls of this cozy corner. The faded cerulean blue acts as a soft backdrop to the rich orange and gold decor and dark gray sofa.

Sean Litchfield

4 of 50

Cloudy Green

Reminiscent of the outdoors and luxurious spas, sage green can instantly make your living room feel welcoming. In this speakeasy-inspired room by Brooklinteriors, Art Deco, Eastern World, and bohemian elements are blended together on a background of Clare's Dirty Martini paint for an opulent but casual atmosphere.

Alyssa Rosenheck

5 of 50

Sunny Yellow

Sunny yellow walls can instantly brighten up your living room— no matter if you have big windows or small openings for natural light. In this room designed by Taylor Anne Interiors, Farrow & Ball's Citron adds energy to the tropical-yet-modern space.

Haris Kenjar

6 of 50

Ebony

Set a moody yet cozy scene by painting your walls and ceiling in a soft shade of ebony. For designer Sean Anderson's client, comfort and function in the living room were crucial for entertaining. He painted the room in Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams and layered items that told the homeowner's story to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.

Mali Azima

7 of 50

Red Clay

Designed by Melanie Turner, this living room's walls are painted in Windswept Canyon by Sherwin-Williams. The assortment of furniture styles is united by a common colorway that pairs nicely with the paint.

LAUREY GLENN

8 of 50

Frost Blue

Frost blue walls—in Benjamin Moore's Philipsburg Blue, to be exact—offer the right amount of softness in this formal dining room designed by Jenny Wolf. Gold framed art and a textured rug add warmth near the fireplace.

2022 TREVOR PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

9 of 50

Teal

"It’s a vibrant happy blue while not being too overwhelming, says designer Rudy Saunders of the color on the walls of his Upper East Side studio apartment. It's Fine Paints of Europe Jefferson Blue from the Dorothy Draper paint collection.

Bjorn Wallander

10 of 50

Sangria

Designer Krsnaa Mehta aimed for a salon feel in the heart of his India home. The sangria-and-blue palette of the living room achieves that inviting look that's best suited for entertaining.

Lisa Romerein

11 of 50

Cream

This sunny living room designed by Thomas Callaway exudes warmth, despite the grand size and ceiling height. Callaway broke the room into zones to enhance intimacy and then used soft buttery glaze on the walls to give the room a golden glow, and layered rich yet mellow fabrics.

Jared Kuzia Photography

12 of 50

Dark Blue-Green

Designer Cecilia Casagrande chose rich jewel tones for this Boston Colonial living room. It's classic yet fresh. The paint color—Farrow & Ball Hague Blue—in particular, straddles that duality of modern and traditional styles, perfect for a historic home. Casagrande also mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new.

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

13 of 50

Dusty Rose

Atelier ND and homeowner Carice Van Houten used a variety of plant species to liven up the room and create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes. It really freshens up the bold pastels and rich earthy tones for a unique composition. Pro tip: Don't forget to paint the ceiling for a more immersive impression.

Anna Spiro Design

14 of 50

Buttercream

Instead of painting the walls blue, designer Anna Spiro covered the hardwood floors in a cheerful blue color. She also made the windows extra sunny by painting the frames buttercream yellow.

Brie Williams

15 of 50

Pitch Black

Dark black walls and lots of warm gold and caramel tones make this living room designed by Ariene Bethea super cozy but also formal and regal—the ideal balance if your living room doubles as the family room. She used Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams.

Kendall McCaugherty

16 of 50

Peach

The open floor plan in this Chicago family apartment designed by Bruce Fox called for cohesion between the dining and living room areas. That soft peachy paint and deep pink sofa are reflected in the printed armchair at the head of the dining table, and also mimic the rosy glow of the pendant light. The color scheme was inspired by a photograph taken of the family in London during spring when the city was veiled in cherry blossoms.

Read McKendree

17 of 50

Clay

Dark gray walls can be a bit brooding, like storm clouds, but in the case of this sunny Manhattan apartment by Elizabeth Cooper, they look playful and contemporary. Cheerful pinks, a dash of cobalt blue, traditional granny-chic patterns, and whimsical artwork lighten the mood.

Nicole Franzen

18 of 50

Off-White

While bright colors can help liven up a room, it's not the only route. Take this neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine: Soft and texture-rich upholstery mix with off-white paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents to make a surprisingly modern impression with lots of character.

Robert McKinley

19 of 50

Olive

Robert McKinley wanted to keep the color scheme in this country retreat earthy and neutral but also wanted to inject it with a little warmth. He opted for a quietly sophisticated shade of olive green for the walls while the chose a cream color for the wood-paneled ceiling.

Chris Mottalini

20 of 50

Steel Gray

This New York City living room designed by Nanette Brown is a lesson in dark paint decorating that strikes the balance between formal and casual, sophisticated and easy-going, elevated and cozy. The exact color pictured is Amethyst Shadow from Benjamin Moore.

Paul Raeside

21 of 50

Light Lime Green

Take your cues from the bold pattern mixing and modern artwork on display in this living room designed by Les Ensembliers. A light green color on the ceiling is an unexpected surprise that ties the whole room together. Here, it pairs beautifully with the yellow curtains, geometric green ottoman, and plenty of gray tones throughout.

Paul Raeside

22 of 50

Lemon Yellow

Does the thought of painting your living room yellow scare you to your very core? How about now that you've seen this timeless and cheerful living room designed by Michael Maher? One glance at this space, and we're about ready to repaint our own: It radiates warmth and offsets the cool blue tones.

Heidi Caillier

23 of 50

Light Fawn

This muted fawn color in a living room designed by Heidi Caillier is hard to pin down, and that's exactly why we like it. Not quite brown, not quite beige, it's a nice offbeat eath-tone option that functions as a neutral.

Simon Watson

24 of 50

Glossy Black-Green

Deep, dark, and glossy, the lacquered black-blue-green color makes this living room by Kristin Hein and Philip Cozzi seductive and mysterious. Paired with bohemian furniture and accents, the more moody qualities become more approachable and cozy.

Maura McEvoy

25 of 50

Kelly Green Splash

"I love the juxtaposition between the traditional space and the modern staircase," says Eliza Crater of Sister Parish Design. The rich kelly green accent wall and decorative floral curtains help bring some fullness and warmth to otherwise all-white surfaces in her home.

Bjorn Wallander

26 of 50

Charcoal

The traditional, neutral furniture in this room designed by Balsamo Antiques and Interior Design make a minimal visual impact so the moody colors, artwork, light fixtures, and other decorative accents can stand out. A deep, almost purple-gray tone turns out to be a wonderfully complex and evocative backdrop, so don't be afraid to try something different.

Douglas Friedman

27 of 50

Navy

Ann Pyne worked with decorative painter Arthur Fowler to create a contrasting geometric pattern on the walls. "I think of the puzzle-like shapes as a metaphor—it's a game of fitting all these disparate 'treasures' into a graphically coherent whole," she says. Matte navy blue and a gritty mustard tone work together to set a pensive and seductive backdrop—perfect for a smaller living room.

Heather Hilliard

28 of 50

Crisp White

A crisp, matte white is totally timeless. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you're not interested in going for a trending paint color.

Francesco Lagnese

29 of 50

Mint Green

Channel a lush tropical oasis, as Thomas Jayne and William Cullum did, with this fresh color. In a living room where the paint stretches all the way up to the rafters, the hue changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint and soft sea foam green.

Paul Raeside

30 of 50

Khaki

Designer Garrow Kedigian defines a neutral as "anything that isn't jarring," which is a super helpful way to reframe things if cream, white, or gray simply isn't cutting it in your living room and you can't figure out why. Certain spaces just call for something outside the box, whether it's because of an architectural style, light exposures, or existing furniture. Here, the walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Rattan.

80+ selected photos and contemporary examples of finishes

Pros and cons of painted walls

At first glance, this is the easiest type of wall decoration, the market offers a wide range of interior paints that are odorless and dry quickly. There are some things to consider when painting walls.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The photo shows a gray bedroom with a brick wall and smooth plastered walls, red decor is a bright accent of the interior.

Paints

Alkyd paints

Emulsion paints

Economical in application, other types of paints can be used over them, they do not have an unpleasant odor.

Textured paint

Looks unusual compared to ordinary painted walls, suitable for interior decoration and creating a unique interior. It happens on a mineral, silicone, acrylic basis.

Apply with a sponge, dipping, if the area to be painted is small, with a textured hard roller with teeth, an adhesive comb, a metal spatula. The relief is created by filler particles.

Combination with other materials

In the interior, 2-3 types of wall decoration are often used in order to diversify the design.

Wallpaper and painting

Combined in the case of finishing the ceiling with wallpaper and the walls with paint, creating an accent on the painted wall, combinations bottom - paint, top - wallpaper. There are also special wallpapers for painting, which can be repainted several times.

Wall mural and painting

Used in the kitchen, corridor and toilet. The walls are exposed to moisture, so photo wallpapers are used for decoration.

In the photo, the interior of the bedroom with photo wallpapers and neutral walls, the podium serves as a closet.

Plastering and painting

Plastering can be painted on top of the bark beetle to give relief to the walls, or combined with painted adjacent walls in the interior of the toilet, kitchen and hallway.

Wood and painting

A wooden wall made of beams or laminate is combined with a plain wall painting in the interior of an attic, living room, country house.

Stone and paint

Suitable for a fireplace wall in a living room, country style kitchen or chalet, where the backsplash is made of cut stone, and the rest of the walls are painted in a solid or transitional color. Brick and painting are suitable for decorating a Provence or loft style kitchen.

Brick and painting

Brick can be white or red, and the paint is the same as the brick, or different in color.

The photo shows an eco-kitchen with olive walls and a brick wall.

3d panels and painting

3d panels are suitable for simple but unusual interior design. Plain walls with volumetric panels are suitable for a discreet and stylish design, while two-tone painted walls with color panels look good in a nursery or in an abstract interior.

Design options

Plain walls are chosen for discreet interiors, such walls serve as a neutral canvas for expressing style in furniture and accessories.

Painting with two different colors

Painting walls with two different colors is a smart way to visually enlarge a room, change the perception of the geometry of asymmetrical walls, or just to emphasize one wall. One wall can be painted with two different colors.

Painting in different colors (more than two)

Painting with several colors in one range or a combination of contrasting colors will become an independent decor in the interior. It can be stripes, vertical or horizontal separation of walls, painting all 4 walls in different colors. Within the same room, it is better to make one color the main one, and leave the remaining 2-3 colors as auxiliary.

In the photo, one of the walls is painted with uneven geometric stripes in three colors using masking tape.

Stencils

You can design your own with stencils and templates by cutting them out of paper and attaching them to the wall. You can also draw borders for the design using masking tape glued to the dried base color.

Stripe design

Paint stripes elongate or expand walls, changing the perception of a room depending on the location, color and frequency of the stripes.

Patterns and ornaments

Suitable for a nursery, you can draw a house, a fence, trees, ethnic ornaments, monograms on the walls of the child's bedroom interior.

Streaks

May be organized or chaotic, created with a brush on wet wall paint.

Cracks or craquelure effect

Created using acrylic paint and craquelure varnish, the more varnish, the deeper the cracks. The roller during application must be held vertically so that the cracks are uniform.

In the photo, the accent wall of the bedroom is made in the technique of cracked paint with a backing to match the walls.

Brick effect

Imitation of brick can be done with plaster on a lined wall and traced seams on wet material. After the plaster has dried, 2 coats of paint are applied.

Square painting

Can be done with templates or masking tape. Squares can be plain or colored, of different sizes and positions on the wall.

Texture design

Created by painting the walls with textured paint, which contains acrylic particles and starch. It happens in a dry and liquid state, it can also be tinted. Applied with regular or textured roller. For interior design, a special textured paint for interior work is suitable.

Gradient and ombre

Suitable for visually increasing the ceiling, if the dark color near the floor fades into white. A gradient or a smooth transition of color can be horizontal and vertical, with a transition to an adjacent wall. It is created with 2 or more colors, where at the junction of colors, using a dry roller or brush, a dark color is stretched onto a light zone in one direction.

The photo shows an ombre-painted partition wall with a smooth smoky transition from gray to white closer to the ceiling.

Using a textured roller or sponge

Effects with a textured roller or sponge are made on a uniformly painted wall, creating the effect of watercolor, bark beetle, waves, cracks, velor or mosaic.

Painting

Artistic painting in ethnic technique, depicting a view of nature, animals and reproductions will become an individual feature of the interior with wall painting.

Design with moldings or panels

Creates the effect of niches or furniture fronts, adds volume. Molding can be colored or white, made of wood, duropolymer, gypsum.

Wall paint color

White

Often used on its own in Scandinavian and other modern interiors, it is also a companion to bright, warm and cool colors.

Beige

It does not draw attention to itself, it acts as a background for furniture, used in classic and modern design. It is combined with white, gold and black painting.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with a white matte set and beige walls, where a light laminate matches the paint tone.

Brown

Brown in the hue of coffee, chocolate, with wood texture is combined with other natural colors, stone in the interior.

Green

Green in shades of ocher and pistachio soothes, suitable for the bedroom and hall. Light green and herbal are bright colors, suitable for a nursery, kitchen. It is combined with raspberry, brown, yellow, white.

Gray

Used as a background for loft style and modern interiors, combined with red, black and white, carrot orange.

Blue

Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries in classic and nautical style. It is also a common wall color in the bathroom.

The photo shows a gray-blue interior with plain walls and classic shelves. The green accent makes the living room brighter.

Blue

Suitable for southern rooms with an abundance of summer sunshine, combined with green, white, blue and red.

Yellow

Yellow for sunny interiors or rooms with poor lighting, combined with orange, green, white.

Lilac

Creates a Provence atmosphere in the kitchen, suitable for any room and combined with natural pastel colors.

Violet

Like a magical amethyst, it draws attention to the interior, is used in spacious rooms or combined with white wall paint.

Red

As the most active and energetically independent color, it does not need to be supplemented, but if the apartment is small, it is better to combine red with gold, beige, white. Against its background, white furniture or a set looks good.

Pictured is a two-tone painting with a tomato red accent wall, which has shelves and a chest of drawers made of natural wood.

Orange

Like yellow, it adds color to the interior, it is combined with all shades of green, black, gray. Used for balcony, bathroom, hallway.

Pink

Pink in pale shades is used for the interior of the bedroom, nursery, they draw stripes and patterns using a stencil. Combines with pale blue, white, black, lemon.

Black

In the interior, it often acts as a delineation or as a pattern, a companion color, it is used independently in large rooms and acts as a backdrop for light furniture.

Features of painting walls of different materials

Wooden walls

Painted wooden walls not only look aesthetically pleasing, but also prolong the life of the wood. From interior doors or walls made of wood, before painting, you need to remove the old coating and treat it with stain. After drying, 1-2 layers of alkyd or acrylic paint are applied.

Pictured is a pale yellow painted wood paneling in a classic bedroom interior with gray baseboards and light flooring.

Brick walls

Before painting, clean and wash with water, a week after that all moisture will come out and it will be possible to prime the surface and paint the brick with interior acrylic or alkyd paint. You can age the brick or create smudges. You can use a contrasting color for the seam.

Concrete walls

Before painting, clean, make the surface even and free from cracks, prime, allow to dry and apply epoxy or latex. A second layer must be applied immediately to the entire surface of the wall so that there are no differences in shade.

Wallpaper

Paintable wallpaper is convenient in that it can be repainted without driving the pigment into the walls. Such wallpaper can also be removed without grinding and cleaning the surface. Wallpaper paint is water-based without solvents. Textured wallpapers make it easier to work and hide the unevenness of the walls.

Gypsum board

Gypsum board on a wall or ceiling is painted after the joints and all drywall have been puttied, sanded and primed. Use acrylic or silicone paint, which is plastic and creates a protective film.

Plaster

Plaster must be painted on a clean, dry surface. If chips were noticed during the preparation of the wall, they need to be cleaned and compacted. It is painted with a roller in 2 layers with maximum filling of the pores.

Photos in the interior of the rooms

Kitchen

The kitchen, as a room where the walls need to be cleaned, needs water-based painting with acrylic or latex paints. Neutral colors, contrasting or matching the headset are suitable for the kitchen interior.

Children's room

Children's room can be painted with special marking paints, they are water-based and dry quickly. There are also paints with silver ions that do not absorb moisture and allow you to paint on top of ordinary watercolors. Color stencil designs, stripes, patterns, letters and numbers will do. The interior can be easily replaced by painting the walls in a new color.

Living room

Living room as a space for creativity, can combine stone finishes and painted walls, several colors and different designs. Suitable water-soluble, textured painting or a combination of colors in the interior.

The photo shows a living room interior with a wooden ceiling and plain light walls in a country style with an emphasis on furniture from different categories and color palettes.

Bedroom

The bedroom has a calm atmosphere and cozy interior, so you need to choose neutral, natural colors. In the interior, it is better to avoid bright colors or use them as an accent on the wall at the head of the bed. Suitable stencil drawing, textured painting, stripes and ornaments.

Bathroom and toilet

Bathroom and toilet as wet rooms should be painted with acrylic, latex, silicone paint. Oil painting is not recommended due to the high drying time and harmful odour. You need to paint those areas that do not get water, the area near the sink and bathroom needs to be tiled.

Traditionally, the interior uses a combination of blue and white, white and orange or yellow. For the toilet, painting can be combined with vinyl or photo wallpaper.

Balcony or loggia

Balcony or loggia must be protected with paint from corrosion and fungus. For the interior of an open balcony or loggia, which is separated from the apartment, only paint for outdoor use is suitable. For wooden lining, water-based paints are suitable, for brick or plastic - varnish.

It is often stuffy on the balcony, so a cold palette of colors is suitable, white and orange are also used. When painting, it is important to choose a sunny day without a rain forecast.

Entrance hall

Entrance hall or hallway can be painted in ombre technique with the transition of orange to white ceiling. Water-based paints of light shades are used, a combination with decorative stone or textured plaster. A narrow corridor can be expanded with 2-3 horizontal stripes.

Decor styles

Modern

The style uses a single or two-tone wall painting, combining white with another color. In the interior of the nursery, bright details are used in stripes, drawings on the wall. The emphasis is on practicality, so an unobtrusive palette and combinations are used.

Minimalism

Minimalism can be seen in solid colors, combinations of gray or pale blue with white, decor with wide stripes. Sometimes the interior uses contrasting molding or textured paint.

Loft

The interior is not limited to a specific color palette, the design is used more often only on an accent wall. Also, brickwork can be painted in ombre technology.

Classic

In the interior it is expressed in a neutral light background with golden, white monograms, in blue or black ornament, which is emphasized by tassels and fringes on velvet curtains of emerald or ruby ​​color.

Provence

Provence or French summer gloss of the interior is recognizable in pink, mint or blue walls, olive shade of curtains and textiles. Walls in the interior can be plain or striped. To create individuality, you can make an artistic painting on the wall in the form of an open window on the summer fields of Provence.

Pictured is a turquoise Provence-style bedroom with plain walls, classic furniture and floral textiles.

Country

The interior uses a combination of natural timber or stone with brown, mustard, whitewash textured paint.

Scandinavian

The interior is as practical and bright as possible, so the walls are creamy, white, less often - sand, blue. Stripes, molding, 3D panels, a white brick wall are suitable for decoration.

Wall painting as one of the types of finishing is used not only for external, but also for internal work due to paints that are odorless, dry quickly and do not harm health.

Photo gallery

Ideas for painting walls in different colors for modern design: 50 photos

Despite the abundance of available finishing materials for walls, painting is still safely relevant. Still, accessibility and ease of design for most owners is not an empty phrase. However, one should not think that this is where all the advantages of paint end. In fact, it is one of the most effective and expressive ways to give your interior a memorable personality. At your disposal are all the colors of the rainbow and countless shades that can create the necessary mood and atmosphere in an apartment or house. Meanwhile, very often the walls in the apartment are painted in two colors. And today you will find out why this is not a desire to complicate the color pattern of the room, but a deliberate move to create a catchy and remarkable design. Photos with popular ideas will come in handy.

  1. Benefits of use;
  2. What you need to consider for the selection of paint;
  3. Features of the use of contrasting pairs;
  4. 6 options for using two colors in painting;
  5. The most popular combinations and their influence on the interior;
  6. A selection of photos with the best ideas for your apartment;
  7. Conclusion.


Benefits of using


First of all, let's try to figure out what is hidden behind this undeniably noticeable trend: the indirect influence of dualism, practicality, or convenient integration into any design concept. Let's take a look at the obvious benefits of two-tone wall painting in an apartment:

  1. room zoning - using this method of painting, you can organically divide the room into functional zones, and do it with a minimum of material and time costs;
  2. visual correction - a skillfully matched pairing can help you visually make the room taller or wider, depending on the specific goal;
  3. principle of contrast - there is no darkness without light, and in painting one of the shades serves as a natural complement to the other to create an impressive harmonious wall decoration;
  4. color balance - some shades seem boring and insistently need to be complemented, so the use of a gradient tone can enliven the interior and emphasize some noteworthy "chips" in the design;
  5. strong expressiveness - skillful management of color pairs helps to correctly place accents in the design of an apartment with the help of painting, muffle an undesirable effect and, on the contrary, bring the necessary motives to the fore.



Things to consider when choosing paint


It seems that choosing a couple of shades you like and fitting them into the interior is a trifling matter that does not deserve absolutely no attention. However, in reality, it turns out that you need to take into account not only your taste preferences in color and the wishes of your loved ones, but also the features of the room. Consider the issue of color selection when painting walls in more detail.



Take a look at the photo where the interesting painting of the walls resulted in a beautiful and unusual design. And if such interiors do not seem alive enough to you, then we advise you to get acquainted with the article: "Paintings on the walls in the apartment."

Peculiarities of using contrasting pairs


You may not know anything about the nature of the interaction of contrasting pairs of colors in the interior of one room, but you definitely cannot brush aside the effect they create. Especially if this effect does not correspond to the desired result at all.
Let's single out four active contrasting pairs of colors:

Most often in the interior, the first combination of colors is used, which involuntarily evokes in people a fairly logical association - day and night. It is quite calm in view of the spectral characteristics and is widely used in any premises.


But the use of all other pairs of colors is limited only by the desire to highlight one of the walls. Such an accent is most often characteristic of modern design styles that boldly break the traditions.


If you don't want to focus on a single wall, it's best not to use these pairs of colors. Except, of course, in those cases where the use is purely contextual.
Here is a small selection of photos where the contrasting method of painting the walls in the apartment has become successful in the context of the entire design of the room.

6 options for using two colors in painting


The mere fact that you have a couple of shades that attract you in your arsenal does not solve the main, in fact, problem: how to paint the walls in different colors? After all, the same shades can be used in different ways. Therefore, let's go over the most popular options for using two-color painting in a modern interior. It is quite possible that among the presented photos you will find an idea that is just forming in your mind.

Highlight one wall

A modern way of painting walls. In the photo, such solutions look organic, fresh and always catch the eye. It consists in the fact that the fourth wall of the room is deliberately highlighted in a different color. Far from the classic canons of design, designers love to experiment with shades, sometimes achieving quite unexpected results from painting.



Horizontal and vertical separation

And here is the most classic. If there is something eternal in painting, then this is such a typical combination of two shades with an approximate separation in the center or perpendicular to each other. Most often, this painting option is typical for contrasting pairs, with a darker tone invariably protruding from below.



Inserts

A curious way to freshen up your walls if you are already quite tired of the classics. A feature of this method of painting walls, as you can see from the photo, is the uneven use of two shades. The entire wall, except for the selected area along the perimeter, is painted in a traditionally calm tone, and the marked place is highlighted with a colorful insert and, as a rule, is emphasized for greater expressiveness by molding .

Artistic stripes

A way to personalize your interior. He gained particular popularity in the creative environment, as it perfectly reflects the desire of people of art to go beyond the established framework. Take a look at these examples: maybe you will like it too?


Geometry

The use of strict geometry in combination with a couple of unwashed shades on the wall can help you introduce non-trivial motifs into the design of the room and significantly refresh the perception of the room.



Gradient Tone Alternations

Gradients were very popular in the design of the 70s, but in recent years have experienced something of a renaissance of the idea. As a rule, the alternate use of certain shades in the design of the room helps to achieve the ideal color balance of and, thereby, directly affect the formation of a healthy atmosphere.


The most popular combinations and their influence on the interior

Here is a compact table that not only shows the most popular two-color combinations for all types of rooms, but also details the impact they have on the interior.

Combination Interior effect Style
Red - gold creates a bright festive atmosphere Classic, modern
Olive green gravitates toward a calm effect, brings peace and relaxation to the perception Classic Eco style
Red-white emphasizes the contrasts in the room, contributes to the creation of an outstanding and colorful interior Loft, minimalism, modern, contemporary
Gray - violet enlivens the visual appearance of the room, emphasizes the active view of the life of its owners Loft, modern, hi-tech
Brown - olive creates a cozy homely mood, makes the room warmer Classic, modern
Beige - brown an effective and versatile tool for highlighting calm accents and overall harmonization of living spaces Provence, shabby chic, classic
Red - black Characteristic stimulating effect, only recommended for large rooms Modern, avant-garde, loft
Beige blue The perfect balance between cheerfulness and peace, the right accents can be highlighted by lighting and furniture arrangement Modern, classic, contemporary
Green - red With proper design, it favorably emphasizes the volume, creates a balanced mood at any time of the day Classic, avant-garde, contemporary, high-tech

A selection of photos with the best ideas for your apartment


If you yourself are engaged in the design of your premises, then this selection of photo designs with painting the walls in an apartment in several colors can really help you decide if you still haven’t come to a specific decision about the chosen couple of shades.

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