Paint Color Ideas & Tips

Rev up your next paint project with these inspiring ideas and clever tips.
A Colorful, Maximalist Chicago Loft Has Maybe the Best DIY Patterned Paint Job
This Chicago rental apartment started out as a pretty bland, cold modern canvas, but now it's as colorful, patterned, and maximalist as ever.
Minette Hand
Dec 19, 2019
A Dramatic, Maximalist London Flat Is Dark, Eclectic, and Cool
Name: Catherine Ashton Location: Northwest London, England Size: 832 square feet Years lived in: 14 years, owned Though Catherine and her partner Ali have owned this London flat for 14 years, it wasn’t until about two years ago that the space made a dramatic transformation. It was then that Catherine painted the generic white walls a sensational black from floor to ceiling. This simple but dramatic choice has been a gorgeous experiment in interior design!
Ellie Arciaga Lillstrom
Dec 19, 2019
Before & After: An Exterior Renovation in Seattle
My favorite Before & Afters are when talented people buy tired old houses and breathe new life into them. This 100-year-old house in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle shows that a thoughtful approach to design can be modern and sustainable while still fitting in with the surrounding neighborhood.Todd Smith, of Syndicate Smith, along with his wife Julie bought their 1911 fixer-upper in 2004 and have recently completed an extensive exterior renovation.
Lauren Zerbey
Dec 19, 2019
Before & After: Painting a San Francisco Victorian
When Andi, Dean and their building neighbors decided to re-paint the faded exterior of their Victorian home, it quickly became apparent that the process was not for amateurs. Located in the Alamo Square neighborhood of San Francisco, not far from the famous painted ladies, their building is over a century old.
Lindsay Tella
Dec 19, 2019
How to Stain Wood & Give New Life to Old Furniture
Beautiful wood tones in no time.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
How To Paint a KitchenAid Mixer a New Color
If you’ve ever thought, “what was I thinking when I picked out that color?” while staring at your kitchen mixer, this DIY might just be for you. For around $10 you can repaint to freshen up or completely change the look of your mixer —a pretty sweet alternative to shelling out a few hundred bucks for a new machine!
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
The “Dingy to Decorative” DIY Patterned Entryway Makeover
Project by: June Location: Hertfordshire, UK Our hallway was dark and dull, looking grubby and tired.
Janel Laban
Dec 19, 2019
The “Blank to Brilliant Navy Blue” Baby Room Makeover
Project by: Taylor Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Just days before my scheduled c-section, we were finally finishing our daughter’s nursery. We wanted a room with lots of contrast, personality and DIY touches. We also knew we were working with a small space and so we wanted our choices to be high-impact and make a smart use of our limited floor space.
Janel Laban
Dec 19, 2019
The “100% DIY Faux Flavor Paper” Project
Project by: Kelly Location: Athens, GA I recently became obsessed with this wallpaper pattern called “Cuben” made by Flavor Paper. I saw a photo online of how someone had used it in a kitchen. Unfortunately the wallpaper is a little out of my budget so I decided to attempt to recreate it in my own kitchen with paint. I measured my walls and plotted out the design on graph paper. I used a yard stick and a level to get all the lines penciled onto the wall.
Janel Laban
Dec 19, 2019
The “Mountain Mural” Bedroom Makeover
Makeover by: Pam Lostracco, owner of Pam Lostracco Custom Designed Murals Location: Toronto, Canada Last spring, I started envisioning how my artwork would look at a larger size. The mountain design I created for a calendar was doing really well, so I decided to start my first large piece by transferring the mountains onto my bedroom wall. Not only did it transform the atmosphere in the whole room but my entire business plan, too!
Janel Laban
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make a Painted Faux Marble Table Top
Yesterday I showed you the “before” condition of this poor little table, which was used outside by its previous owner and left to rot and weather. Today I’m showing you how to paint faux marble to use as a replacement table top for any project you have in the works. This is a very easy technique that takes hardly any time or money to do. Round wooden top or decorators table Black paint White paint Sealer Regular paint brush Sea sponge Small feather 1.
Dabney Frake
Dec 19, 2019
How To Strip and Refinish Wood Furniture
You’d never know it, but this Mid-Century Modern credenza was once disguised in flat white paint. For twenty bucks, it was really hard to resist buying it and testing my skills at striping off paint. Learn how after the jump… 2 quarts paint stripper Mineral spirit Miniwax Wood Finish Stain (I used English Chestnut) Rags Rubber gloves Goggles Mouse Sander 150 grit mouse sander refill Paint brush Plastic putty knife Toothpick Screw driver Respirator 1.
June Bhongjan
Dec 19, 2019
Jen & Nate’s Upcycled Mix
Name: Jen Selk & Nathan Kalman-LambLocation: Midtown — Toronto, CanadaSize: 2 bedrooms, 800 square feetYears lived in: 2.5 years together, Nate for 5 — Rented Jen and Nate’s two bedroom Toronto apartment proves yet again that you needn’t spend buckets of money to make a home function well, look beautiful, and reflect the unique personalities of its inhabitants.
Abby Cook
Dec 19, 2019
This City’s Homes Have Some of the Best Use of Dark Paint Color We’ve Ever Seen
Can you guess which one it is?
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 19, 2019
Proof That Black Rooms Don’t Have to Be Gloomy
The color might have the reputation of being gloomy and moody, but when done right it's anything but depressing.
Marlen Komar
Dec 18, 2019
How To Paint Furniture for a Professional-Looking Finish
Painted accent pieces can add charming touches for your home but can be less than charming if painted incorrectly. The process might not seem difficult at all- apply paint, dry, repeat- but if you want a clean, professional finish, there are a few more considerations and steps involved. When painting a really nice piece, you need to put in just as much effort in the prep and sanding stages as you do in the painting stages.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 17, 2019
9 Colors that Complement Classic Blue, Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year
Don't know what to use with Classic Blue? Don't worry, we've got you.
Megan Baker Detloff
Dec 5, 2019
6 Projects You Can DIY Using Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year
Whether you want a little Classic Blue or a lot, these projects will help you stay on-trend for 2020.
Megan Baker Detloff
Dec 5, 2019
Selling Your House? Paint Your Bedroom One of These Colors
Spoiler: White walls are a no-no.
Megan Johnson
Dec 3, 2019
The 15 Best Red Paint Colors for a Bolder, Brighter Room
Seeing red? Us too.
Sarah Lyon
Dec 1, 2019
The Secret to Easy Faux Shiplap (Plus 3 Other Paint-Only Projects)
Give your hammer a rest. These projects are paint-only, so no tools needed!
Sarah Lyon
Nov 26, 2019
Before and After: See How $70 Transforms This Dark Kitchen
It's a lot of bang for less than a Benjamin.
Dabney Frake
Nov 26, 2019
9 Smart Tricks to Make Your Next Paint Job Simple and Painless
For those of us (hi, me) who like our chores to feel a little less chore-y.
Kelly Dawson
Nov 23, 2019
A Fresh Coat of Paint and New Light Fixtures Elevate This Rental House
Because Sarah and her husband rent, they are limited in remodeling, but a fresh coat of paint and some new light fixtures is a quick and easy way to elevate your space!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Nov 14, 2019
Before & After: The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Real Marble” Makeover
One great way to get the look, without the high price tag.
Tess Wilson
Nov 8, 2019
Before and After: A Designer-Approved Paint Trick Transforms This Living Room
It's like night and day... or day and night.
Tess Wilson
Oct 23, 2019
We Tried the Gadget That Can Tell You the Paint Color of Literally Anything
We put the Datacolor ColorReader to the test—here's our verdict.
Sarah Lyon
Oct 16, 2019
Before and After: A High-Impact, Paint-Only Bedroom Makeover—for $160
When Georgia natives Sarah and Ryan moved into their two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, they knew they wanted to give the bare white walls a custom treatment. Inspiration struck as Sarah was browsing—where else?—Reddit.
Megan Baker Detloff
Oct 14, 2019
It's Official: These are the Best (and Worst) Colors for Your Bathroom
The pros weigh in.
Sarah Lyon
Oct 14, 2019
Gray Is Out and Beige Is Back, According to This Survey of Designers
And other 2020 color trend predictions.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Oct 8, 2019
Best of Before and After: These Redos Show the Power of Dark Paint
If you're going to do a makeover, you might as well make it big, bold, and super dark.
Megan Baker Detloff
Oct 8, 2019
6 No-Fail Tips for Painting with Dark Colors
Don't be scared of the dark side! We've got expert tricks on how to make deep hues work in your home.
Hannah Baker
Oct 6, 2019
Valspar Announced Not One, But a Dozen Colors of the Year for 2020
The paint company just debuted twelve hues for the coming year, in case you'd like one for each month of 2020.
Tara Bellucci
Oct 4, 2019
8 Unexpected Color Combinations That Actually Work Really Well Together
If your home is due for a redesign, and you’re looking to go bold with a color combination that will pop, you could choose a classic pairing that you see everywhere—or you could opt for a wow-worthy and unexpected duo.
Audrey Carleton
Sep 26, 2019
This 2020 Color of the Year Is Making Us Blush
While millennial pink mania has died down in some respects, we're all a bit more open to exploring our softer sides.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 25, 2019
Sherwin-Williams’ 2020 Color of the Year Is Inspired by the Roaring ’20s
As we prepare to enter a new decade, one paint brand is looking back to a century another. Today, Sherwin-Williams announced its 2020 Color of the Year, and it's a shade that's inspired by Art Deco and the roaring '20s, as well as nature. Any guesses?
Tara Bellucci
Sep 23, 2019
Glidden Is Not Naming a 2020 Color of the Year…For Good Reason
Don’t hold your breath for Glidden’s color of the year: The popular paint brand has announced its decision to opt out of choosing a 2020 hue. While many consumers look to the annual practice for design inspiration (choosing a paint color can get pretty stressful), folks shouldn’t to worry because Glidden’s decision stems from a desire to better prioritize the decorative needs of DIYers who are anxious to get going on their last home makeover projects.
Kenya Foy
Sep 18, 2019
What Is Chalk Paint, Anyway?
Curious to see what all the hype's about?
Katie Holdefehr
Aug 20, 2019
Why You Should Never Add Essential Oils to Latex Paint
File the tip under “just because you see it on Pinterest doesn't mean it's a good idea.”
Dana McMahan
Aug 16, 2019
Sherwin-Williams On What Color Palettes Will Take Us Into 2020 and Beyond
2020 will be all about wellness.
Tara Bellucci
Aug 15, 2019
Clever Ways to Avoid All That Labor-Intensive Taping Before You Paint
While painter's tape promises clean lines, it can come with issues. And, of course, there’s the time requirement: It takes forever to apply.
Dana McMahan
Aug 9, 2019
9 Clever Painting Ideas to Steal from the 2020 IKEA Catalog
Paint is one of the easiest ways to transform your home. And while simply picking a new color and rolling it onto your walls will do the trick, sometimes you're looking for something a little more exciting. Thankfully, the 2020 IKEA catalog dropped this week, and it's full of great ideas for your next home project.
Tara Bellucci
Aug 1, 2019
10 Paint Mistakes Designers are Tired of You Making
Get your space back on track with these helpful tips.
Kelsey Mulvey
Jul 19, 2019
40 Black Rooms That Make You Want to Go to the Dark Side
Goodbye, neutrals. Hello, bold, beautiful black rooms.
Sarah Lyon
Jul 17, 2019
Here's What Your Childhood Bedroom Color Says About You
Your tastes might've changed since you were a kid, but the color of your childhood bedroom might inform your current style.
Kelsey Mulvey
Jul 16, 2019
12 Things You Should Know Before Painting Your House Exterior
Our experts sketch out the 12 things you must know before you paint your house.
Lambeth Hochwald
Jul 5, 2019
The Secret to Successfully Painting IKEA Shelves
Apartment Therapy readers are an amazingly helpful and knowledgeable group – over the years, they have stepped up and provided answers to all sorts of questions about how to do things around the house better, where the best sources are and, of course, what color to paint the walls of your (fill in the blank).
Janel Laban
Jul 4, 2019
Unusual Exterior Paint Color Combos That Actually Look Really Great
When I was growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, my family took a lot of trips to Mississippi to see my grandparents, and on the way back, I remember, there was this one lavender house, right by the interstate, that always caught my eye. This one pale, pale purple home, in a sea of beiges, seemed almost magical.
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 26, 2019
Cure Color Shyness: 14 Real-life Fearless Paint Colors to Push Your Style
Feeling daring? Have a paint project planned this weekend and want to find a color that will really get you out of your comfort zone? Painting your walls, architectural elements and furniture bold colors is one of the best ways to add interest and personality in a space, make your home stand out, and make your home look good. We’ve got some gutsy hues from real-life homes to take the fear out of worrying they won’t work (you can see they do!).
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 18, 2019
Remember the #10YearChallenge? Here Are the Paint Colors to Match Your Old Selfie
Do you remember the #10YearChallenge that was going around earlier this year? The “challenge” asked that people post a photo of themselves from 2009 next to a photo of themselves in 2019. It was a cute way to reflect and mock our tastes from a decade prior. Then it divulged into one meme after another and honestly, some of them were downright brilliant. Well, the challenge has shape-shifted away from memes.
Elizabeth Seward
Jun 18, 2019
Matte or Gloss? 5 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself First
You don’t need to be a D.I.Y. pro or color expert to know that picking a paint hue is easier said than done. With dozens of brands and ever-so-slightly nuanced shades to choose from, the whole process can be confusing, time-consuming, and headache-inducing. But even if you know all the questions to ask yourself when narrowing down your paint chips, you might forget to factor in the finish. Deciding between matte and gloss may seem like an afterthought, but in reality?
Kelsey Mulvey
Jun 13, 2019
Behr’s 2020 Color Trends Palette Will Transport You to the Great Outdoors
Only halfway through 2019 and the first wave of 2020 color announcements have begun. This week, PPG revealed that Chinese Porcelain is the first 2020 Color of the Year, and now Behr has unleashed their 2020 Color Trends palette. (June has been feeling very colorful.) We’re not just dealing with one hue, nay, a whole array of 15 that work together to achieve a common goal: a connection to the natural world.
Nicoletta Richardson
Jun 12, 2019
Behr’s 2019 Color of the Year Is a Lovely and Livable Blue
Behr announced their choice for 2019's Color of the Year, and it's a lovely and livable shade.
Bridget Mallon
Jun 12, 2019
The Best Paint Colors: 10 Behr Dramatic Darks
I’m all for pale, creamy walls, but surely every home needs at least one room painted in a color that’s deep, dramatic, and just a little bit dangerous? Here are 10 gorgeously, glamorously dark colors available from Behr. Dark blues like Behr’s Evening Hush (770F-6), above, have the lovely ability to make rich, warm materials like wood, bronze, and cowhide look even richer and warmer.
Tess Wilson
Jun 12, 2019
PPG Paint’s 2020 Color of the Year Is the Most Therapeutic Color
While most of us are welcoming summer, PPG Paints is looking into the future with their 2020 Color of the Year announcement. And being color addicts ourselves, we’re fully on board with this breaking news that fuels our hue-filled lives. Ready to find out what the popular shade is six months in advance? Say hello to Chinese Porcelain, a mix of cobalt and moody ink blue. Why this color, you ask?
Nicoletta Richardson
Jun 12, 2019
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
It’s the start of the first three day weekend of the summer, so in keeping with (and expanding upon!) recent Apartment Therapy tradition, we put together a big list of DIY projects to consider for the days ahead. From crafting to cleaning, renovating to relaxing, there is an idea here for everyone – 100 to be exact! Join Us on Pinterest:Apartment Therapy Learn to make your pics prettier: How To Instantly Improve Your Photos Give your dining chairs a new (tufted!
Janel Laban
Jun 5, 2019
How To Paint Your Floors and Not Screw it Up
Years ago when I decided to paint the floors in my small summer house, most people were shocked (including my parents). Bare wood floors were so chic and such a staple of 90’s style, that painting them over and covering them up seemed sacrilegious. I didn’t think so anymore. See how they turned out… The floors were cheap, solid oak floors, in great need of refinishing.
Maxwell Ryan
Jun 4, 2019
Before and After: This Mid-Century Ranch Home Just Got Some Major Curb Appeal
It was in serious need of a spruce up.
Tess Wilson
May 30, 2019
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Paint Color
We’re cutting down the confusion once and for all.
Kelsey Mulvey
May 11, 2019
How To: DIY Paint Ceramic Tile
Got a bathroom or kitchen with an outdated colour palette? That burnt umber and avocado green tiling not floating your boat in the kitchen or bathroom any longer? Tiling around kitchen backsplash, floor tiles non-sink countertops, fireplace tiles and wall tiles all can be repainted even if they have a shiny finish (continually and regularly wet tiling require an epoxy formula). You might want to consider repainting those eyesore tiles rather than replacing them.
Gregory Han
May 9, 2019
Before & After: Black and White Stripe Linoleum Floor
Attention, all you renters out there: this is an easy, affordable, and ultra-stylish way to upgrade your dingy rental floors. We have been meaning to do something like this ourselves for quite some time, and seeing this project by Orlando Soria on Design*Sponge totally got us all jazzed up to copy her.
Cambria Bold
May 8, 2019
The Best Interior Paints are Low-VOC and Inexpensive
A lot has changed with paints—even in the last year more paint companies have changed their formulas from high-VOC to low-VOC and even to no-VOC. And they’re probably not the big name eco-friendly paints you’ve heard about. Leave it Consumer Reports to put all the paints to the test, and find out their results after the jump.
Rachel Wray Thompson
May 8, 2019
How To Calculate The Amount Of Paint Needed For A Space
One of the easiest ways to live a green lifestyle is to simply buy only what you need. This is especially true when it comes to painting your spaces. Sure, it’s nice to have a small amount for touch-ups down the road, but that doesn’t mean you want rogue half gallons (or even whole!) sitting in your garage taking up space! Eliminate the waste and buy the correct amount to begin with. Here’s how:MaterialsToolsMeasuring TapeCalculator 1.
Sarah Rae Smith
May 7, 2019
Before & After: From Disaster to Delightful in 2 Days
For some reason bedrooms seem to be left as the last room in the house to be decorated. I’ve seen it a lot in friend’s houses and House Tours. I am definitely guilty of neglecting my own bedroom, as you can see in this before photo. I am the first to admit — that room is hella ugly! But in two days I was able to take this room from a decorating disaster to delightful with a couple coats of paint (and some major purging).
Jason Loper
May 7, 2019
Before & After: A Quick and Easy Kitchen Update
Last spring, when my husband and I bought our first house, we hadn’t painted a full wall between the two of us. That changed within about two days of us getting our keys. We soon learned that the greenest (and most budget-friendly) trick in the book is to work with what you’ve got—so click through to see how our kitchen has progressed from dark and dated to light and lovely on a dime.
Amber Byfield
May 7, 2019
Before & After: An Upcycled File Box
When I saw this little file box at a Salvation Army, it practically called to me from across the store. “Jason,” it called out to me, “please take me home and give me new life. I’m only five dollars!” How could I possibly pass it up?The original gray finish on the file box had definitely seen better days. Even after a thorough scrubbing, the finish was marred with years of tape and dings and scrapes. Nothing a little spray paint won’t fix!
Jason Loper
May 6, 2019
Creative New Uses for Plant Stands
As someone who has a tough time keeping indoor plants alive, I knew I would never use my antique plant stand for its intended purpose. Instead, it is used to hold an iron kettle (Image 10). Occasionally I shove some cut flowers in the kettle but that’s about as green as my plant stand gets. It seems I am not the only one who has found alternative uses for plant stands.
Catrin Morris
May 6, 2019
Before & After: 70s Drab to Industrial Chic Fab Kitchen
This month on Apartment Therapy we’re looking at some of the biggest projects we take on when designing our homes, kitchen and bath renovations. Deciding on all the new features can be daunting, but sometimes the choice of a single element literally makes the project click, instantly transforming the space and practically guaranteeing the success of the makeover. That was the case with Rebecca’s kitchen…After!… when she decided to install a “thin brick” wall.
Janel Laban
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Diane’s Dandy Chandi Makeover
This brass chandelier may have a lot of life left in it but it’s definitely a bit dated. Of course, that’s nothing a little paint and patience won’t fix!Reviving an old, dated piece is always the greenest option versus replacing it altogether. So I’m delighted to see that Diane, over at In My Own Style, was able to modernize this dated brass chandelier.
Jason Loper
May 6, 2019
Before & After: A Brassy to Classy Lamp Re-do
When Alissa received this lamp as a hand-me-down from her grandparents, she loved the shape but not the dated brassy finish. Spray paint and a little imagination to the rescue!I see what Alissa means about the shape of this lamp — now that it’s painted! I admit that I was too distracted by the old brassy finish on the lamp to appreciate its finer qualities! Now that its been painted white I love it — especially that tall finial!
Jason Loper
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Fence Facelift
My sister moved into a great little fixer-upper a couple of years ago and this past spring our Mum joined forces with her for a three-week landscaping caper. One of the most striking changes was this fantastic fence project.Even though the old fence had seen better days, the next door neighbors weren’t ready to replace the structure outright. Rather than just sprucing up her side with some paint, Big Sis designed a modern facing to glam up the area beside her deck and patio.
MaryAnne Petrella
May 6, 2019
How to Quickly & Easily Spruce Up Wood Furniture
I’m the kind of DIY-er who imagines elaborate and wonderful furniture re-finishing ideas and is consistently too busy, lazy, or pre-occupied to execute them. But in desperate need of bedroom dressers I dropped $70 for a pair from craigslist that had good bones, but were grimy, scratched and in need of help.
Sarah Rainwater
May 6, 2019