Painting, wallpaper and accent walls: How to choose the best wall vibe

Key Insights

• Add a coat of paint or decorative wallpaper to your ceiling for an unexpected yet attractive feature.
• Create an accent wall with Classic Blue, the Pantone 2020 Color of the Year.
• Want wall colors that pop? Experts share the secret to vivid paint colors — a gray primer basecoat.

Whether you’re planning a bedroom makeover or refreshing your space as you stage your home for sale, there are many ways to enhance the vibe of your current walls. By refreshing the walls in your home, you’ll create a polished atmosphere that will wow potential buyers — or awaken your living space for personal enjoyment.

Here are insights you can use when upgrading the rooms in your home. Keep in mind that painting, applying wallpaper and designing accent walls are all popular and effective options.

Concentrate on the ceiling

Many homeowners invest in paint and fixtures for their walls, then consider the design process complete. However, there is a fifth wall in every room — the ceiling. It’s important not to overlook this home feature, as decorating the ceiling can add extra interest to any space.

To execute a thoughtfully crafted ceiling, consider painting the area with a bright hue or a color that contrasts with the rest of the room. This use of dramatic color can help make a statement in an otherwise standard room. Conversely, the addition of muted and neutral tones can create subtle dimensions in every room.

If you’re eager to take your ceiling plans to the next level, you might consider adding new textures and elements to the overhead wall. Natural wood panels and metallic tiles are both unique ways to distinguish your ceiling. Adhering removable wallpaper to the ceiling can be an appealing option for homeowners that want to add a bit of pizzazz to a room without committing to a forever change.

Try a new type of trim

Another way to add excitement to a room is through the wall trim and molding. Trim is an extremely versatile decor feature that has the ability to add fine details or bold statements to many rooms throughout the home.

Here are some ideas to get you started as you incorporate new kinds of trim in your space:

• Paint trim a different color than walls.
• Install trim made from special materials, like natural wood or fiberboard.
• Combine ornate and plain trim styles or thick and thin trim styles.
• Add panels to cabinets and doors.
• Place molding around fireplaces, light switches, windows and more.

Cue in the 2020 Color of the Year

While having fun with color on the walls, ceilings and trim, try to integrate the Color of the Year in your home. The 2020 Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue, which is sure to captivate many homebuyers and set home sellers up for success.

This hue is known for its ability to create a calm yet confident ambiance. In addition, Classic Blue is the perfect way to enhance your wall vibe. This shade plays well with others — especially alongside white decor elements and can make for a nice accent wall color.

For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest board full of Classic Blue decor ideas. We’ve curated a collection of home images that make use of this year’s Color of the Year, including wall paint and tile.

Maintain a monochromatic color scheme

By maintaining similar tones that derive from the same original hue throughout your home (think of tones like sage and light moss, or salmon and rosy pink), you’ll establish an overall feeling of continuity from one room to the next.

To create a monochromatic color scheme, take any paint color and lighten or darken it. To keep the tones consistent, you’ll likely want the help of a hardware or paint store that can professionally mix the paint and ensure the exact same colors even if you need several cans of each color.

Another compelling way to add interest to a monochromatic color palette is by altering the paint finish. Gloss, satin and matte paints can all be used throughout the home, even with the same hue of paint. Plus, playing with paint finish can add a soft yet attractive appeal to your walls.

Go with gray as a primer

Changing paint colors may seem daunting, especially if you’re covering a previously dark wall with a new lighter shade. However, gray paint can be your saving grace when it comes to wall primer. Whether you have existing darkness that needs to be covered up or you plan to paint your walls in a vivid color, you may want to ditch the traditional white primer.

In fact, a gray base coat can help create a more uniform color application and help you save time and money, as fewer coats of paint are needed to achieve the desired color.

Paint your way to a successful sale

Because walls are a major focal point of every room, your wall vibe can enhance or detract from the overall vibe of your space. Ensure that you’re making the most of your walls with modern paint colors, stylized wallpaper and proper application. By planning and executing these wall updates, you can help position your home for a successful sale.

When you’re ready to list your home for sale, reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from home staging guidance and determining the best price to navigating offers and closing on the home.