News & Media
DIY woman painting a wall of her house blue using a paint roller - focus on foreground
By Hispanolistic/Getty Images

How a Coat of Paint Can Change Everything

Designers say using color blocks with trim can refresh spaces without full repainting. Stick to 2-3 colors for cohesion and consider paint maintenance.

NEW YORK — Paint can change a space, and designers say that homeowners don't have to commit to repainting entire rooms to spruce it up.

Color blocks can define wall structure, particularly if the walls don't have architectural molding. With long, open spaces, blocks of color can break up the monotony. To make these color blocks visually interesting, designers suggest using trim around each block, which can include fabric, ribbon, wood, or other border materials.

Homeowners also can use contrasting colors for borders and trim, which can then be throughout the room as edges on curtains, lampshades, or on baseboards. Each room or area, however, should have a limited palette of between two and three colors for a cohesive aesthetic.

Maintenance also should be a consideration when choosing a color palette because some paints require more maintenance to maintain their quality. Homeowners who want to change their rooms' looks on a seasonal basis also can do so with paint and some well-chose accessories that complement the space.

Source: Elle Decor (04/23/25) Reynaert, Benjamin

© Copyright 2025 Smithbucklin