Home Decorating Paint Ideas for the New Year

With the new year underway, it’s a perfect time to tackle home projects that will make your house feel like a fresh, inviting space. While a full renovation might be a little too ambitious this early in the game, applying a fresh coat of interior paint can have just as much impact and won’t break the bank. From creative accent walls to colorful ceilings, here are some innovative interior painting ideas that will bring your living spaces to life this year.

Paint a mural

A mural can be the ideal focal point for any room, adding an eye-catching pop of color that will serve as a conversation starter. If you’re comfortable with your painter skills, try DIYing a wall-mounted mural (like this one from Dazey Den) or ask a local artist to get the job done. Just be sure to test out your paint colors and look for the right hues and undertones to ensure a cohesive, beautiful finish.

Try a two-tone wall painting idea

If you’re looking to create a bold, eye-catching look on your wall, try this decorative paint idea from Sherwin-Williams. Choose a couple of paint colors that are similar in tone and saturation, then divide the wall into six horizontal bands. Paint the bottom half of the wall with the darker shade, and then apply long, sweeping strokes of the next shade to create a layered effect. Continue this process for each band on the wall.

Use a wool pad and paint to create a marbleized look on your walls. Start with a base coat, then apply heavy diagonal lines in alternating shades of paint to resemble veining. To achieve the best results, use a high-quality tape and double-check for straight lines. If you don’t have access to a wool pad, dip a sponge in the paint and drag it across the wall for a similar effect.

Dark-painted ceilings

The fifth wall doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but a painted ceiling can add a unique touch to any space. Mother-daughter duo Nickell and Kristy from Designing Parkside used a deep blue paint to transform their upstairs living space, and the result is both bold and striking.

A dark ceiling can also be a great way to highlight built-in shelving or cabinets in your home. In fact, it can even be the basis for a whole room palette, as seen in this bedroom by Helen of Helen’s Home Decor.