Dealer Locator

Using Paint to Highlight Architectural Features in Your Home

Written by Team Indigopaints  | Published:
October 3, 2024

Architectural features like mouldings, archways, and built-ins add character and depth to your home. While they can sometimes blend into the background, the right paint can make these details stand out and become key design elements. By thoughtfully choosing wall paint colours and finishes, you can draw attention to these unique features and enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

Here are some tips on using paint ideas to accentuate the architectural features in your home.

Highlight Moulding with Contrasting Colours

Crown moulding, baseboards, and door trim are often overlooked, but with the right paint, they can be elevated into standout design elements. Using a contrasting paint colour for your moulding can draw attention to the architectural details while adding sophistication to the room.

Tips:

White Moulding, Bold Walls: For a classic look, paint your moulding in a crisp white like Silk White, paired with bold interior wall colours such as Deep Teal or Midnight Blue. This contrast makes the moulding pop, framing the room with clean, elegant lines.

Tone-on-Tone Look: If you prefer a more subtle approach, try a tone-on-tone paint combination. For example, if your walls are painted in a light grey like Morning Mist, use a slightly darker grey like Ash Grey for the moulding. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Accentuate Archways with Bold Hues

Archways naturally draw attention due to their shape, but a bold wall paint colour can make them even more striking. By painting the inside or perimeter of an archway in a contrasting hue, you can emphasise its beauty and create a focal point.

Tips:

Highlight the Curve: Paint the inside curve of the archway in a different colour than the rest of the room. For example, if your walls are a soft white, try a deep shade like Emerald Green or Terracotta for the inside of the arch. This adds depth and makes the archway a standout feature.

Frame with Contrast: To make the archway frame pop, paint it in a contrasting hue to the surrounding walls. For example, Blush Pink walls paired with a Slate Grey archway frame create a dramatic, contemporary look.

Use Paint to Define Built-ins

Built-in shelving, cabinets, and nooks are functional elements that can also serve as design features. Using interior paint creatively on built-ins can make them a focal point and tie the entire room together.

Tips:

Bold Shelving Background: Paint the back panel of built-in shelves a contrasting colour to make the items on display stand out. A deep shade like Indigo Blue behind white or light-coloured shelves can add depth and make the shelves feel more prominent.

Monochromatic Look: For a more cohesive look, paint built-ins in the same colour as your walls but in a different finish. For example, a matte wall paint finish and a glossy version of the same colour on the built-ins, such as Pale Ivory, can add subtle contrast and sophistication.

Frame Windows and Doors with Colour

Painting window and door frames is a great way to draw attention to these architectural features. A contrasting paint colour for window frames can enhance the view through the window or make a door stand out as a design statement.

Tips:

Dark Frames on Light Walls: Pair light walls with dark window or door frames to create a dramatic, modern look. For instance, painting window frames in Charcoal Black against light grey walls creates a striking contrast that draws the eye.

Bright Frames for a Pop of Colour: If you’re feeling adventurous, use a bold colour like Mustard Yellow or Cobalt Blue on window or door frames to add a fun, playful element to the room.

Define Ceiling Beams with Paint

Exposed ceiling beams are a charming architectural feature that can be further highlighted with ceiling paint colours. Whether you prefer a natural wood finish or want to paint them a bold colour, ceiling beams can create visual interest and add warmth to your space.

Tips:

Natural Wood with White Ceiling: Keep the beams in their natural wood tone and paint the ceiling white or light grey. This contrast draws attention to the beams while maintaining an airy, open feel in the room.

Painted Beams for a Bold Look: If you want to make a statement, paint the beams a contrasting colour like Slate Grey or Olive Green against a white ceiling. This adds a modern touch to a traditional feature.

Use Paint to Emphasise Staircases

Staircases are often a central feature in a home and can be transformed into a design focal point with paint. You can use paint for the stairs themselves, the railing, or the walls surrounding the staircase to create visual impact.

Tips:

Paint the Railing: Painting the handrail a bold colour like Deep Burgundy or Classic Navy can make the staircase a design statement without overpowering the space.

Colourful Stairs: If you want to get creative, paint the stair risers (the vertical part of each step) in alternating colours for a fun, modern twist. Try pairing neutral stairs with pops of colour like Blush Pink or Aqua Blue for a playful look.

Draw Attention to Architectural Features with Indigo Paints

Using paint for architectural features is an easy and effective way to enhance your home’s design. By choosing the right wall paint colours from Indigo Paints, you can draw attention to unique details, adding personality and style to your space. Whether you’re emphasising mouldings, archways, or built-ins, the right paint can make all the difference in turning architectural elements into standout features that elevate your home’s overall aesthetic.