10 Places to Use Paint or Wallpaper to Create a Fun Design Moment
Add a bright pop of color and pattern to these areas to bring a sense of whimsy and cheer
Interior design professionals are always looking for ways to make spaces more memorable. And few things stick in a person’s mind better than a vivid pop of color or a pretty pattern. For that reason, experimenting with paint and wallpaper is a go-to strategy for designers. To see a little of what’s possible, here are 10 ways design pros use paint or wallpaper to punch up interior spaces.
You can also consider painting just the stair treads. Here, two shades of blue treads alternate on risers painted the same white as the surrounding walls and trim. This approach makes the blue treads look like they’re floating.
Painting your risers and treads a fun color is another option. Here a vivid orange pops beneath a handsome carpet runner that provides comfort, safety and style.
The runner also protects the paint from scuffs. If you don’t wear shoes in the house, exposed painted stairs should hold up well if you use professional-grade paint. Either way, it’s a good idea to keep some extra paint on hand to do touchups as needed.
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The runner also protects the paint from scuffs. If you don’t wear shoes in the house, exposed painted stairs should hold up well if you use professional-grade paint. Either way, it’s a good idea to keep some extra paint on hand to do touchups as needed.
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If you don’t want an actual carpet runner, you can create the look of one using paint. A general rule of thumb is that you want to leave about 4 inches between the edge of the “runner” and the wall and bannister.
One thing to keep in mind is that a stair-painting project will likely take days, even when working with professionals. Make sure you plan accordingly to minimize traffic up and down. One trick is to paint alternating treads and carefully walk between the wet steps. But this will add time to your project.
One thing to keep in mind is that a stair-painting project will likely take days, even when working with professionals. Make sure you plan accordingly to minimize traffic up and down. One trick is to paint alternating treads and carefully walk between the wet steps. But this will add time to your project.
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Here’s a fun painted runner idea. Three blue stripes give a nautical vibe in a Connecticut home. To create something like this, you’ll want quality painter’s tape. You want tape that will seal tightly to the surface and come off easily. So don’t skimp on tape. Or you might want to hire a pro who can do the project for you.
If you’re worried about a painted surface being slippery, look for nonskid adhesives that can be applied to the treads for extra grip.
If you’re worried about a painted surface being slippery, look for nonskid adhesives that can be applied to the treads for extra grip.
If painting your treads or risers feels too extreme, consider painting one detail, such as the newel post. The light aqua post in this otherwise wood-and-white Atlanta home creates a special moment.
2. Floors
Painting a wood floor takes some serious consideration and commitment, but boy does it make a stylish impact. Typically, most people wouldn’t want their entire home’s wood floors to be painted, so this application usually works best in more confined or intimate spaces, like bedrooms, sunrooms or entryways.
Keep in mind that removing paint from a wood floor isn’t easy. It requires electric sanders or hand-scraping and solvents and, if done incorrectly, can damage the floor. So always work or consult with a professional first, and give it some deep thought.
If your wood floor is a bit dented and scuffed and will need replacing at some point anyway — either by you or a future homeowner — paint can work wonders in revitalizing the look of a wood floor by hiding imperfections and evening out dents and gouges. The less sheen a paint has, the less you’ll notice undulations and dings in the boards.
If your floors are stained dark, painting the floors white, as in the bedroom shown here, will brighten up the room and create the illusion of more space, perfect for rooms with less square footage.
Painting a wood floor takes some serious consideration and commitment, but boy does it make a stylish impact. Typically, most people wouldn’t want their entire home’s wood floors to be painted, so this application usually works best in more confined or intimate spaces, like bedrooms, sunrooms or entryways.
Keep in mind that removing paint from a wood floor isn’t easy. It requires electric sanders or hand-scraping and solvents and, if done incorrectly, can damage the floor. So always work or consult with a professional first, and give it some deep thought.
If your wood floor is a bit dented and scuffed and will need replacing at some point anyway — either by you or a future homeowner — paint can work wonders in revitalizing the look of a wood floor by hiding imperfections and evening out dents and gouges. The less sheen a paint has, the less you’ll notice undulations and dings in the boards.
If your floors are stained dark, painting the floors white, as in the bedroom shown here, will brighten up the room and create the illusion of more space, perfect for rooms with less square footage.
A gorgeous ocean blue on the floor cheers up this New York bedroom.
You’ll need at least two coats of paint for nice coverage. Be sure to paint with the grain, and allow adequate drying time between each coat. I strongly suggest a sealer on top to help prevent scuffs and scratches.
You’ll need at least two coats of paint for nice coverage. Be sure to paint with the grain, and allow adequate drying time between each coat. I strongly suggest a sealer on top to help prevent scuffs and scratches.
And you don’t have to go for one solid color. A painted patterned floor creates a stunning design moment, like the blue-and-white checkered floor in this Boston sunroom.
You’ll need to design your motif by measuring the length and width of the room and drawing it out on grid paper to ensure the scale and number of ornamentations is exactly what you’re envisioning. For that reason, this is a feature where a skilled design or painting professional is highly recommended.
You’ll need to design your motif by measuring the length and width of the room and drawing it out on grid paper to ensure the scale and number of ornamentations is exactly what you’re envisioning. For that reason, this is a feature where a skilled design or painting professional is highly recommended.
This black-and-white pattern adds exquisite style and contrast to a Dallas entry.
3. Bookcases
A common — and lovely — way to add a touch of whimsy to a room is to paint the back of a bookcase a spectacular color. This will give a dramatic background to your books and display items, creating a focal wall that’s slightly more subdued than painting a full wall a bright color.
A common — and lovely — way to add a touch of whimsy to a room is to paint the back of a bookcase a spectacular color. This will give a dramatic background to your books and display items, creating a focal wall that’s slightly more subdued than painting a full wall a bright color.
I recommend not overfilling your shelves, so your bold color shines through.
To infuse a bit more pizzazz, consider wallpapering the back of your bookcase in a fun color and pattern.
I recommend using a random pattern that’s small in scale and therefore doesn’t require a lot of precise matching. Much less of a headache.
This is a great solution for lifting up a room that doesn’t have a lot of wall space for hanging bright artwork, such as in a room with lots of windows or millwork.
This is a great solution for lifting up a room that doesn’t have a lot of wall space for hanging bright artwork, such as in a room with lots of windows or millwork.
4. Ceilings
Ah, the fifth wall, what designers often call the ceiling. It’s another great opportunity to create a fun design moment. You can use paint or wallpaper.
Wallpapering a ceiling can sometimes be more cost-effective than on walls because there’s often less surface area to cover, and it’s a more continuous surface. The fewer times you have to measure and cut around things like windows and built-ins, the easier it’s going to be. And the effect can be even more stunning than on walls.
Ah, the fifth wall, what designers often call the ceiling. It’s another great opportunity to create a fun design moment. You can use paint or wallpaper.
Wallpapering a ceiling can sometimes be more cost-effective than on walls because there’s often less surface area to cover, and it’s a more continuous surface. The fewer times you have to measure and cut around things like windows and built-ins, the easier it’s going to be. And the effect can be even more stunning than on walls.
You’ll need to make sure your ceiling is conducive to adding a wallcovering. The ceiling should be clean and smooth. Popcorn ceilings won’t work. And if you see cracks, then your wallpaper might come apart as those spread or more develop.
Wallpapering a ceiling is a skilled job best performed with scaffolding and two pros.
Wallpapering a ceiling is a skilled job best performed with scaffolding and two pros.
Painting a ceiling is a great option as well, even outside, as seen on this Alabama porch. Again, a clean, smooth surface is ideal.
And you’ll of course want to use drop cloths to protect the surface below, and if you’re painting outdoors, be mindful of the type of paint you use. Mildew and water stains will bleed through even the best paint, so it may be necessary to use a stain-blocking primer first.
And you’ll of course want to use drop cloths to protect the surface below, and if you’re painting outdoors, be mindful of the type of paint you use. Mildew and water stains will bleed through even the best paint, so it may be necessary to use a stain-blocking primer first.
5. Nooks
A small nook is a great place to create an energetic moment. A fun wallcovering will do the trick, and going floor to ceiling will emphasize the space in a way that will put a smile on your face every time you use it or pass by.
A small nook is a great place to create an energetic moment. A fun wallcovering will do the trick, and going floor to ceiling will emphasize the space in a way that will put a smile on your face every time you use it or pass by.
Paint can work too, but wallpaper is incredibly durable, and many brands can last up to 15 years if installed properly. That’s three times longer than paint, on average. And while most people associate wallpaper with pattern, you can find wallpaper in a solid bright color — or plain white — with a hint of texture. This will give you a long-lasting surface that’s also wipeable.
6. Cabinetry
If you have glass cabinet doors, wallpapering or painting the back of your cabinets will add a lively pop of color or pattern to your kitchen. If you have solid doors, you’ll get a fun little surprise every time you open them.
If you have glass cabinet doors, wallpapering or painting the back of your cabinets will add a lively pop of color or pattern to your kitchen. If you have solid doors, you’ll get a fun little surprise every time you open them.
Here, the back of a pantry is finished in a soft blue wallcovering that creates a cheerful moment when the door is opened.
Wallpaper inside drawers can act as a protective cover and create a soft landing spot for utensils. Plus it creates a private spark of energy.
7. Wall Accents
Highlighting unique nooks and crannies in unexpected places such as above the windows and under the desk in this curved room adds an element of drama and surprise.
Highlighting unique nooks and crannies in unexpected places such as above the windows and under the desk in this curved room adds an element of drama and surprise.
Windowless closets provide an ideal environment for hanging a pretty paper that’s personal to you. And because a closet is more or less a contained space that’s rarely seen by guests, you can go as wild as you like and do something that’s a complete departure from the rest of the style in your home.
You can also use paint to highlight architectural features. Here, a border of creamy white above a band of soft taupe emphasizes the ceiling height.
Here, a band of white paint gives the appearance of a bedroom extension off the charcoal painted area.
8. Fixtures
Committing to painting floors, walls and ceilings is a big leap for some people. If you’re one of them, consider adding some color by painting a fixture such as a sink or bathtub.
Committing to painting floors, walls and ceilings is a big leap for some people. If you’re one of them, consider adding some color by painting a fixture such as a sink or bathtub.
Keep in mind that painting a sink or tub isn’t as simple as grabbing a can of paint and a brush and going to work. The fixture needs to be cleaned of any soap scum, lime or rust, and a bonding agent might be required. Again, talk to your design professional about your options.
9. Furniture
Painting a few pieces of furniture is also a good option for injecting a small does of interest into a space.
Here, three cerulean blue dining chairs energize an otherwise neutral dining area.
Painting a few pieces of furniture is also a good option for injecting a small does of interest into a space.
Here, three cerulean blue dining chairs energize an otherwise neutral dining area.
Similarly, a blue dresser adds a scoop of charm to a mostly white bedroom.
10. Doors
Doors are another good spot to bring a bit of vivid paint into your home. Pros often paint doors in place, but they can also be removed relatively easily and painted, or repainted, as needed.
11 Reasons to Paint Your Interior Doors Black
Doors are another good spot to bring a bit of vivid paint into your home. Pros often paint doors in place, but they can also be removed relatively easily and painted, or repainted, as needed.
11 Reasons to Paint Your Interior Doors Black
A pocket door is an especially good feature for a bright color because it can be hidden away or brought out depending on when you want the drama. Also notice here the back-painted bookcase and colorful chairs that give this home office a supercharged atmosphere.
Finally, painting door trim and baseboards is a good way to create a more substantial and upscale molding look.
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Get more home design ideas
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Shop for furniture and other products
One of the most common requests I get from homeowners is a gorgeous staircase. If you’re designing a staircase from scratch, you’ve got lots of options. But if you’re keeping your existing staircase and want to jazz it up, look to the stair risers, that vertical surface of each step that faces you as you ascend.
This area can easily, and rather inexpensively, take paint, tile or wallpaper to create a beautiful accent. The risers in this Dallas home are clad in a pretty patterned tile, but you could get a similar look with wallpaper.
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