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Feeling in a rut when you look around at how your home is currently decorated and regretting some design mistakes? If you are looking to alter the ambiance of your home, a simple can of paint might be the answer. “A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective ways to refresh your home,” says Hannah Yeo, senior manager, color marketing at Benjamin Moore. “Both the color and quality of paint can dramatically influence how a space looks, and how you feel in it.”
We spoke to several interior design and paint experts to hear about their favorite easy paint ideas that alter the mood of a space with minimal effort.
1. Paint the ceiling.
One of the most impactful yet often overlooked design updates is painting the ceiling—the so-called “fifth wall,” says Sarah Storms, interiors expert on behalf of Benjamin Moore. This trending project adds an unexpected layer of depth and personality to a space, whether you’re opting for a bold, rich hue to make a statement or a softer color to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. “It’s a simple way to shift the energy of a room and draw the eye upward, and the result is a ceiling that adds personality, dimension, and sophistication,” says Storms.
Seymen Usta, CEO, interior design specialist at Seus Lighting in Sheridan, Wyoming, likes to call this tactic the ceiling surprise. “It subtly upgrades any space below it and can have a surprisingly large emotional impact,” says Usta. “Cozy-color overhead ceilings are the most underused canvas in any room, but they can change the mood of a room quite remarkably. Painting the ceiling with a soft blush pink, pale blue, or muted lavender adds a wash of color over the entire space, which draws the eye upward and creates a cocoon-like environment.”
This effect is wonderful for bedrooms, nurseries, and reading nooks where you desire a peaceful space. To avoid a painting mistake, just make sure the color of the ceiling doesn’t compete with the decor or furniture.
2. Go bold with your front door.
Another simple project that requires minimal effort and materials, yet delivers major impact, is painting the interior side of your front door. “It’s an unexpected design move that instantly adds character and creates a beautiful focal point within your foyer,” explains Storms. She painted her own front door in Benjamin Moore Firefly 299, a vibrant hue that brings warmth and personality right as you enter the space.
“Both the color and quality of paint can dramatically influence how a space looks, and how you feel in it.”
Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moore
Lisbeth Parada, interior designer and color marketing manager at Sherwin Williams based in Cleveland, Ohio, loves creating a dramatic entry. “A pop of paint in an entryway sets the tone for the entire home. It sends an instant signal: this space has personality.”
3. Create faux flooring.
Ready to get creative, plus save money? Paint your own new flooring. “Floors are often the most overlooked paintable surface,” says Caroline Levenson, founder and principal of Caroline Levenson Design in Knoxville, Tennessee. “A checkerboard or geometric pattern can transform the entire mood of a space.” Painted floors work especially well in mudrooms, kitchens, and enclosed porches where they bring in old-world charm or modern graphic punch, depending on your palette. “The bonus: they hide scuffs beautifully and can be touched up as needed.”
Parada recommends painting a faux rug on a floor or porch. “It’s a graphic update that changes the vibe in minutes,” she says.
4. Refresh your furniture.
Breathe new life into well-loved furniture with a fresh coat of paint. “Whether it’s a dresser, chair, or cabinet, painting in a contrasting color can create a striking focal point and shift the mood of the room,” says Yeo. “For a more seamless look, try painting a large cabinet the same color as the wall to mimic the appearance of built-ins. It’s a high-impact, low-effort way to personalize your home.” Choose a color that reflects your personality and brings joy to your everyday surroundings.
Parada suggests livening up a bedroom or living room bench, making a statement with a coffee table, and transforming kitchen basic chairs with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a smart way to turn an everyday item into a personality-packed conversation piece.
5. Color-block walls and trim.
Color-blocking, where one hue transitions sharply into another, can instantly add depth and character, says Levenson. “In an entry or hallway, painting the lower portion of the walls and doors in a saturated shade while keeping the upper portion light draws the eye upward and creates architectural presence–even in rooms without elaborate millwork,” she says. “It’s a playful but refined technique that works especially well in historic homes, adding freshness without erasing their patina.”
Usta likes to call this approach the half-wall wrap, and loves how it elevates a space. “The half-wall wrap means painting the basal half of your walls in a deep, moody tone (like a forest green, slate blue, or warm charcoal), and every color in between, and then the top half becomes a light neutral,” explains Usta. “This allows for visual weight at the basal half, which makes ceilings feel higher and creates the sense of more space. This is particularly useful in small spaces (such as entryways, mudrooms, and powder rooms) where a solid dark color on the walls can feel heavy and overpowering.
