5 Unusual Ways to Add Drama with Paint

August 9, 2019 / by HomeSquare’s in-house designer, Katie Canfield

Paint is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform the look of your home. If you have noticed my feelings towards wall paint in previous blogs, you know that I am on team wallpaper. However, there are some fun out of the box ways to use paint that can make a big impact on your space.

1. Paint the Ceilings

Ceilings are often the forgotten wall of the room.  Taking the time to create a thoughtful ceiling plan can add wonderful architectural interest to a room.  But one of the easiest ways to address it, is to paint it! Whether that means a fun contrast color inside ceiling coffers, or just a different color on a flat ceiling, make people look up!  Typically most ceilings are painted in a flat finish, but for high impact and elegant drama, consider a lacquered or pearlescent finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp2R6lPFrh4/

 

2. Built-Ins

Built-Ins are a great way to add functional storage and increase the value of a home. They’re a common request from clients of mine.  Whether it’s flanking a fireplace, providing media storage, or creating a display and storage area, these large pieces of millwork are very popular, and oftentimes very plain. The most popular style is a white shaker style unit, and dime a dozen. Consider making a statement with a bold color, either on the entire piece, or painting the backs of shelves for a more subdued pop of color. A high gloss lacquer finish will make it feel more glamorous. Make sure you have a painter that is skilled in lacquer finishes, and when possible spraying is the best method of application for a smooth finish free of brush strokes.

This built in office space by Brooke Crew Interiors creates a sweet look with the beautiful upholstered pinboard.

3. Paint your trim!

A fun way of adding color without feeling over saturated is to paint the woodwork and trim in a bold color. Again this is often a color choice where the default is often just plain white. Painting the baseboard, crown molding, window and door casings a bold color with neutral walls can highlight the outlines and fun shapes in the room. If your walls are already a bold color, consider complementing that with your trim color for a cozy enveloping feel. White trim on bold walls can feel a little bland and “new”.

I love the way Munger Interiors used this bold acidic yellow on the built ins and trim to pop off the blue grasscloth walls.

4. Add an accent color to your interior doors

Rethinking “white” spaces can help make your space feel more high end.  Consider painting your interior doors an accent color. This can be lots of fun in spaces where you have several doors in your line of vision, such as hallways with bedrooms.  Pick a color that complements your walls, or a fun accent color that is infused elsewhere in your overall color scheme to add a peppy pop of color.

5. Take it to the floor

This technique definitely lends itself more towards beachy coastal homes. But a coat of paint on hardwood floors can add a sense of expansiveness and airiness. If your floors are older and have some gaps, divets and dents, rather than replacing the wood consider leaning in to that aesthetic with white or a soft gray/blue paint color.

I love the fun pattern design on this painted floor.

This lovely creamy color by Thomas O’Brien mixed with dark tones adds a sense of masculinity and quiet.

The next time you’re looking to paint, consider thinking outside the box, and off the walls!

 

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Katie Canfield is the founder and principal designer at Studio KC.  Studio KC got its humble start in 2015 when Katie was just 23 years old.  While she was freelancing with other interior designers in the NY and CT area she also became a go-to designer for local contractors and trades that needed a designer’s help for their clients whether it be for custom cabinetry drawings or plans for a gut renovation on an entire home.

Katie Canfield’s design aesthetic is eclectic and flexible. She delights in the marriage between old and new- keeping spaces approachable but still matching each client’s unique aesthetic and family narrative. Her passion for design keeps her motivated and constantly on the hunt for new trends and materials. Her broad experience includes an art history background, study at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, a stint with the renowned Manhattan firm Amanda Nisbet Design, as well as collaborations with builders and designers across the tri-state area. She’s seen it all: from gutting prewar Manhattan apartments to new construction in the ‘burbs.