10 Ways to Redecorate with Paint

Sunset Magazine

Jump-start your decorating ideas with budget-friendly options for accent walls and accessories.


Showcase a feature
A brick-red island is the star of this kitchen. For a sophisticated look, pair one colorful object with neutral tones. Here, dark-wood surfaces and stainless steel appliances do the trick.
> Related: 20 reasons to decorate with red


Personalize a nook with a bright color
Hot pink walls and a stenciled motto punch up this tiny eating area. Painting the woodwork a bright white keeps the look crisp, not cloying.


Define a display space
Paint shelves and the wall behind them an eye-catching color to showcase books and accessories.
Here, a warm pumpkin shade (Kelly-Moore's Deep Spice wall paint, KM3608-5) complements an eclectic collection of books and objects.
> Related: How to decorate with the color orange


"Resize" a space
Painting this patio overhang a sunny yellow not only draws attention to the architectural feature, it also makes the space feel more intimate.
Use other warm hues (reds, pinks, and oranges) for a similar effect, and cool colors (blues, greens, and purples) to visually enlarge a room.


Refresh old furniture
Update an antique hutch or built-in buffet with a fresh coat of paint and a pretty fabric skirt.
To create a backdrop for light-colored china and collectibles, paint the back of the cabinet a darker color than the frame. We love Benjamin Moore's Tropicana Cabana (2048-50).
> Related: Kitchen cabinet facelift


Highlight the unexpected
A dose of lime green freshens the breakfast bar, shows off the shapely bar stools, and links to green walls and cabinets elsewhere in the kitchen.


Add architectural interest
Rev up style in a white-box room with a stripe of painted color. Here, a wide pewter gray line mimics the look of molding.
> Related: Paint perfect stripes


Add a touch of whimsy
Playful vertical stripes add personality and emphasize the height of these cabinets, which serve as a room divider.


Play against type
Inexpensive pegboard and paint become instant artwork when paired with a collection of tools.
We love the yin and yang of this girly bubblegum shade and rustic hardware.
> Related: 5 tastefully bright paint palettes


Add drama
Don't be afraid of the dark--dark paint, that is. An accent wall in black (as shown here in G&R Paint Co.'s Black Bear PPC-DT9), navy, or chocolate brown serves as a stunning backdrop for light-colored furnishings and picture frames.

Related: 23 amazing home makeovers