If you've ever wondered how to make a room look more expensive, decorating with paint is a good place to start. Indeed, it's all in the details when it comes to effective paintwork, and it can go a long way in making your home feel refined.
But how exactly can you use paint to elevate a room? We consulted various color experts from paint brands, who share below their favorite paint tricks and tips to make a room look more expensive.
From small details such as painting the trim and woodwork the right hue, to the more general color scheme you opt for, these tips will help your home feel polished, giving each of your rooms a 'finished' look.
7 paint tips and tricks to make a room look more expensive
Paint ideas come in many forms, and can either be used set set a calming backdrop to a room or make a loud statement with vibrant shades. Either way, these tips and tricks can be adapted depending on the colors you love and your own interior design style.
1. Use paint to accentuate the ceiling height
One of the great things about decorating with paint is that it can impact how large a room feels, especially how high the ceiling appears. Below, Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar shares two paint tricks that can make your room feel more generously proportioned:
'Taller or larger rooms are associated with the luxe life because they are often found in roomier houses or luxury apartments. To accentuate the height of a room, treat the ceiling like a focal point by painting architectural details like crown molding and the ceiling the same hue. Visually, the ceiling will appear to start where the crown molding begins and the focal point will draw the eye upward.
'For rooms that receive plenty of natural light, the color drenching technique will work wonders for tricking the eye into thinking ceilings are taller or rooms are larger than they are. The color drenching technique coats the walls, ceiling, and any architectural details – including baseboards, crown molding, and any paneling – in the same color. With everything in a space drenched in the same hue, there is no visual stopping point and the room appears larger. As an added benefit, the color gives an immersive experience connecting the full personality of color.'
2. Bring color into hallways, and don't forget the details
When we think about our room color ideas, it can be a common mistake to focus solely on the main social spaces such as living rooms and kitchens while overlooking connecting rooms such as hallways. Using a flattering paint color in these rooms, and not forgetting about details such as doors and trims, can elevate your home, as Sue Kim suggests below:
'Pay attention to details in every space in a home for a truly refined and polished look. Professionally designed spaces leave no detail spared. If you’ve spent a lot of time and attention perfecting specific rooms, then look at hallways and pass-through areas to give them a little color and shine. As a homeowner, this attention to detail is easily achieved by using Valspar Door & Trim in a semi-gloss sheen to show that you haven’t overlooked any spaces. Consider injecting a dose of happiness to hallways by painting doors and trim Subtle Peach 2003-8C or lean into classic, rich colors, such as the ultra-luxe black hue Tuxedo 8006-8G.'
3. Paint trim a contrasting color
Focusing on the details is key to creating a more polished-looking room when decorating with paint, and another trick recommended by experts is to paint the trim a contrasting color to your walls, as Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at BEHR explains below:
'To elevate a room with paint, focus on strategic details like contrasting trim and woodwork, which creates a refined, architectural effect. Pair soft wall colors like Swiss Coffee with crisp whites such as Ultra Pure White for trim, or go bold with deep hues like Midnight Blue on walls and Graphic Charcoal for accents.'
It's also worth thinking about your paint finishes. Erika recommends a gloss finish for details such as woodwork for added interest: 'High gloss finishes on doors or trim can add a polished, luxurious touch when balanced with matte or eggshell walls.'
4. Color drench with dark paint colors
Color drenching remains a popular way to decorate with paint right now, and for good reason – it feels design-led and makes a statement. Below, Erika Woelfel suggests this paint technique works especially well with dark paints to achieve a cohesive and sophisticated space:
'For a more immersive approach, consider color drenching: using the same color on walls, ceilings, and trim for a cohesive, enveloping effect. A recent evolution, double drenching, pushes this concept further by harmonizing furniture and decor in the same or similar color families. This technique often works beautifully with darker or bolder hues, like Rumors, to achieve a moody sophistication. The key to success lies in mixing textures, finishes, shapes, and patterns – think metallic finishes, tactile fabrics, and uniquely shaped furniture to maintain visual interest.'
5. Go for a monochromatic scheme
Another way to use paint to make your room feel more expensive and refined is to opt for a monochromatic color scheme, where different shades of one color are layered throughout the space.
'Monochromatic palettes using varying shades, such as Boreal and Frosted Jade, create a seamless, harmonious look,' advises Erika Woelfel.
Alyson Ferrari, PPG color expert, Glidden brand, also recommends a monochromatic color scheme when decorating with paint for a refined look:
'Consider using multiple shades from the same color family (Pine Forest PPG1134-7 and Farm Fresh PPG1129-5) to create depth and dimension. This technique can give the illusion of a more custom and high-end look. Using a simplified color palette allows you to combine various materials, finishes, and fabrics, which adds richness and complexity to the overall design.'
6. Choose timeless paint colors
More simply, the right paint color choice can go a long way when aiming to create a luxe feel. 'Opt for paint colors that exude elegance and luxury. Neutral shades like warm whites (Antique White PPG1024-2), grays (Flagstone PPG1001-4), and beiges (Sauteed Mushroom PPG1085-5) can create a refined and upscale atmosphere,' says Alyson Ferrari.
While neutral paints are known to be some of the most timeless and sophisticated, Alyson also recommends richer colors for a moodier look: 'Deep, rich colors like navy blue (Cavalry PPG1041-7), emerald (Night Watch PPG1145-7), or burgundy wine (Gooseberry PPG1048-7) can also add a touch of opulence. Combine these shades with metallic accents on hardware, furniture, or accessories to further enhance the luxe vibe.'
7. Paint interior doors
When decorating with paint throughout a room, make sure to remember the doors, which can elevate the room when painted in a contrasting hue or different paint finish, says Alyson Ferrari:
'Painting interior doors in a contrasting color or a glossy finish can elevate the overall look of the room. This small detail can have a big impact on the perceived value of the space by highlighting the craftsmanship and quality of the doors themselves. This attention to detail and emphasis on well-crafted elements adds a sense of luxury and refinement to the space.'
Whether your aim is to make your room appear larger or just generally more cohesive, these paint tips and tricks can help give your space more of a luxurious feel. If you're introducing new paint colors into a room for the first time, try them out as swatches to see how they look in different lighting conditions throughout the day.
