7 Colourful Paint Effects and How they’ll Impact your Room

Ever since I moved into my new home, I’ve been tinkering with the idea of applying some paint effects to some of the walls.

Because I came in toward the end of the off-the-plan buying process, I didn’t get a say in what colours, finishes and materials were used throughout the build.

For me, that’s probably a good thing, because you know how much I love to change up my space (and the makeovers will make for some amazing before-meets-after blog posts, right!?).

In today’s post I’m sharing some paint effect ideas I’m considering, and perhaps you might consider too once you see them. I’m marking this summer as the season to be bold with design, so let’s get inspired!

Paint Effects and How they’ll Impact your Room

1. Horizontal Strips

The paint effect at the top of this post is a great idea if you have a high ceiling and want to bring that height down a bit.

By painting a horizontal strip from the cornice down, you’ll make the room feel a little more closed in. It’s a great concept for creating cosiness in a room, but probably not the best idea for already-cramped spaces.

You could also choose to do it in two tones of the same colour, creating an almost ombre effect down the wall.

2. Focal Squares

This concept is fantastic is you have a piece of furniture you want to highlight. And if you’re fearful of bright colours, you can apply this concept with subdued hues, too.

For example, imagine if that coral wall above was white and the teal square was black? It would look just as striking. And you could still highlight an amazing bedside or other piece of furniture.

Because this paint effect is so small in scale, it’s easy to cover up should you tire of it. But what it does wonderfully is create a focal point in the space.

3. Dramatic Doorways

This is the easiest way to give colour a go without executing it on a grand scale. And it might just inspire you to take it a step further once you’ve lived with it a while.

Notice above how the strip around the doorway is painted in a gorgeous light mustard hue? I love how this makes an ordinary doorway feel interesting.

If you’re stuck for which colour to try, simply choose a colour from the room the doorway leads to. Pull a colour from an artwork or your sofa and go for it!

4. Headboard Hue

If you have an ensemble bed, then you know how tricky it can be to make the top of the bed a real moment in your space.

Give this area of your boudoir a lift by applying a paint effect like the one above. A gorgeous circle has been executed here, but you really could choose any shape or design you’re drawn to.

I personally love the way the two colours above interplay with one another. It’s giving me flashbacks to Pantone’s colour of the year.

You could apply just one colour, though; pulling inspiration from a shade you have in your bedding.

5. Colourful Corners

The space above is giving me chills in the best way possible. That bold turquoise tone is absolutely beautiful – and I wish more of us had the guts to apply these shades to our walls.

What I love about this effect, similar to focal square paint effects, is that is draws your eye to one area of the room.

This concept would work well in a room where a reading nook is the standout moment. Apply a bold hue, pop in an armchair (one of these would be great), hang a pendant and you’re set.

It would also be great in an entryway or space you travel through often, but usually gets neglected when it coms to design.

6. Cool Cabinetry

The kitchen; it’s fair to say that this space is usually kept pretty calm when it comes to colour.

If you’re keen on giving this zone a spruce, consider applying some paint to your cabinetry. The image above is a great example of how an all-white kitchen can go from subdued to sensational.

It’s actually quite a random application in terms of paint effects, but the more I look at it the more I like it.

IKEA have released cabinetry with a marble-effect finish that you might want to check out here.

7. Random Shapes

This concept is for the truly brave of you, and truth be told I’m not sure I have the guts to try it myself. Perhaps a black line around my room would look awesome. I might give that a go.

The room above is truly something. I’m in awe of how all the colours are working together in hue harmony. From fluid forms to clean lines, the paint effects here take experimenting to a whole new level.

I’d love to see a kids bedroom or playroom decked out with this type of effect. If any space can handle a whole host of wacky colour combos, it’s a little one’s room.

Are you Keen?

I’d love to hear if any or all of these paint effects appeal to you. Even better – I’d love to know if you’ve applied an effect like this – or anything else dramatic – on your walls at home.

Pop your thoughts in the comments section below.

Images 1 and 2 come courtesy of Adairs. Images 3 to 7 via Dulux.