Painting ideas for impact: How to use colour effectively

When it comes to painting a room, there’s so much more to it than simply brushing colour across the walls. Using paint effectively can transform your interiors by adding energy, highlighting features in the space, or creating a calming vibe that's equally stylish and personal.

If you're looking for painting ideas that go beyond the basics, here are four bold and beautiful ways to use colour paint creatively, making every corner of your home feel impactful.

Experiment with colour blocking

One of the tips for painting a room is to try colour blocking. This involves combining contrasting shades in distinct blocks or shapes to zone a space or bring visual interest to a wall.

Feeling playful? To spark joy and excitement, use squares or rectangles in bright colours for a nursery or children’s bedroom. Is something a little more refined, more 'you'? Try running a horizontal stripe in a bold shade across one wall or adding colour just to one corner of a room. That could separate a reading nook or workspace from the rest of the space.

For the more adventurous decorators amongst you, grab some masking tape and experiment with paint shapes in any colour. This can be a brilliant way to highlight décor in the room, which may be a lamp, table, or armchair, helping them 'pop' all on their own.

Highlight architectural features

Using a contrasting or complementary colour on architectural features, such as an alcove or chimney breast, is an easy way to emphasise your home’s character. Try painting window frames in a darker shade than the walls to really frame the view outside. You could even add a splash of colour paint behind your kitchen worktops for a unique twist that will brighten up every meal prep.

You can also play with painted finishes on shelving. This is a feature that is sometimes overlooked, but it's the perfect way to add a hint of personality throughout your space in a subtle way. And have you thought about colour drenching?

Embrace colour drenching

Colour drenching is one of 2025’s biggest interior trends, and we know why. This technique involves using a single colour across the entire space, so that's walls, ceilings, trim, furniture, and even soft furnishings.

For small rooms, light pastel shades make the space feel airy. Feeling brave? In larger spaces, deeper shades like navy or even black add depth and drama! For a uniform, polished paint job, using the same shade in a matte or satin finish is timeless.

To complete the look, did you know that our Hammonds painted fitted furniture range can be colour-matched and personalised to suit your scheme? Whether you’re aiming for a bold colour statement or a calm, cohesive aesthetic, our bespoke pieces blend seamlessly into your room while providing the smart, stylish storage you crave.

Upcycle old furniture

Always remember to consider furniture when planning your project. One of the easiest and most creative painting ideas is to refresh older or unloved pieces with a lick of paint.

Want to channel your inner vintage-lover vibe? Choose colours of paint inspired by your favourite design decade, whether that's the 1920s or 2000s. You can also paint pieces in a contrasting colour to your walls to make them a real focal point.

Swapping out handles or knobs is another easy win that makes a big difference. Whether you love bohemian or biophilic, upcycled pieces are one way to help you mix styles and make a statement that's unique to you. They're easy on your budget, too!

Create your perfect colour scheme with Hammonds

At Hammonds, we understand that colour is a powerful tool in interior design. That’s why we have many unique tips for painting a room, and also why we have painted fitted furniture that can be tailored to your palette, creating synergy from floor to ceiling.

Ready to find the perfect match for your next painting project? Book a free design visit with our experts today and explore the custom options available across our stylish fitted furniture collections.