What Are The Best Interior Paint And Color Trends?

Updating your home with a fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into your living space without breaking the bank. However, choosing the right paint isn’t as simple as picking a favourite colour; it requires understanding different types of paints and finishes and keeping an eye on current colour trends. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the best interior paints for your home, ensuring a stunning and durable finish.

Let’s get straight to the point.

Choosing the right interior paint goes beyond picking a colour; it involves understanding paint types, finishes, and trends. Primers are key for a smooth base, while acrylic, oil-based, and water-based paints offer varying levels of durability, ease of use, and environmental impact. Water-based and latex paints are popular for their eco-friendliness and ease of application, whereas oil-based paints provide a more durable, glossy finish but require more effort to clean. 

Finishes like flat, satin, and gloss serve different purposes, with glossier finishes ideal for high-traffic areas. Specialty paints like anti-mildew or fire-resistant options cater to specific needs. Trending 2024 colours include Accolade, Aura, and calming shades like Naval Blue and Calming Green.

The Different Types Of Paint For Your Home

Before discussing paint colours and finishes, it’s important to understand the different types of paint available. Each type has unique characteristics that suit specific needs and environments.

Primers: The Key To A Flawless Finish

Primers are essential for preparing surfaces before applying the final coat of paint. They ensure the paint adheres properly, creating a smooth and even surface. Without primer, your topcoat may not last as long, and the finish might not look as smooth.

• Latex Primers: Latex primers are water-based and work well under latex paints. They are known for being easy to apply, quick to dry, and simple to clean up.
• Oil-Based Primers: These primers are designed for use under oil-based paints. They provide a stronger seal and better stain-blocking capabilities, making them ideal for damaged or porous surfaces. However, they take longer to dry and require solvents like paint thinner for cleaning.

Using a primer is particularly important when painting unfinished walls, drywall, or surfaces that have never been painted. Primers can also help cover dark or uneven colours, ensuring a consistent and vibrant finish.

Acrylic Paint: A Versatile Choice

Acrylic paint is a popular choice for interior painting due to its durability and ease of maintenance. It is a water-based paint mixed with acrylic polymers, making it flexible and resistant to damage over time.

• Durability: Acrylic paint holds up well in high-traffic areas and rooms exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Its ability to resist fading, cracking, and peeling makes it ideal for long-term use.
• Maintenance: One significant advantage of acrylic paint is its ease of maintenance. Surfaces painted with acrylic paint can be washed multiple times without losing their vibrancy or sheen.

Acrylic paint is a solid all-around option, particularly if you’re looking for durable and easy-to-clean paint for frequently used spaces. It often doesn’t require a primer, making it an efficient choice for quick projects.

Oil-Based, Water-Based, And Latex Paints: What’s The Difference?

Understanding the pros and cons of oil-based, water-based, and latex paints can help you make the right decision for your specific project.

• Oil-Based Paints: Known for their durability, oil-based paints are often used for trim, doors, and other high-touch areas that require long-lasting protection. While oil-based paints offer a glossy, hard finish, they are less environmentally friendly, take longer to dry, and emit more fumes due to high VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels. Cleaning up oil-based paints requires solvents like mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Latex Paints: Latex is a term often used interchangeably with water-based paint. Latex paints are eco-friendly, dry quickly, and easily clean up with water. They are ideal for most home interiors because they are low in VOCs and come in many finishes. Latex paints also resist yellowing and fading over time.
• Water-Based Paints: Like latex paints, water-based options are versatile and easier to work with than oil-based paints. They’re quick-drying, don’t require solvents for cleanup, and are better for the environment. Water-based paints are mould-resistant and maintain colour stability longer than oil-based varieties.

Advantages Of Water-Based Paints:

• No Pre-Treatment Required: Can be applied directly to surfaces without extensive preparation.
• Low Mildew Growth: Ideal for damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Lower VOCs: Eco-friendly, with fewer harmful emissions.
• Fast Drying: Allows for quicker project completion.
• Easy Cleanup: Washes off easily with water.

Disadvantages Of Water-Based Paints:

• Colour Intensity: It may not be as vibrant as oil-based paints.
• Durability: Oil-based paints are more long-lasting on certain surfaces.
• Moisture Sensitivity: Prone to peeling if exposed to high moisture levels without proper sealing.

Choosing The Right Paint Finish

The paint finish is just as important as the paint you choose. The finish you select can significantly impact the final appearance of your painted space and how durable and easy to clean the walls will be.

Flat (Matte) Finish

• Characteristics: Flat or matte finishes have no sheen, which makes them great for hiding surface imperfections such as cracks or uneven texture. They absorb light rather than reflect it, creating a smooth and sophisticated look.
• Best for: Ceilings and low-traffic areas where durability is not a primary concern. However, since flat finishes are not easy to clean, they are not recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, or children’s rooms.

Satin, Silk, Eggshell, And Soft Sheen Finishes

• Characteristics: These finishes slightly shine, offering a more polished look than flat paint. Satin and eggshell finishes balance durability and aesthetics, providing a soft sheen that works well in most living spaces.
• Best For: High-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. These finishes are easier to clean than flat finishes, making them ideal for spaces that see frequent use. The soft sheen also makes them popular for trim work and accents.

Gloss And Semi-Gloss Finishes

• Characteristics: Glossy finishes are highly reflective, giving surfaces a shiny, almost mirror-like appearance. Semi-gloss offers slightly less sheen but is still reflective and durable. Both finishes are exceptionally easy to clean, making them great for areas that need frequent maintenance.
• Best For: High-traffic areas, trim, doors, and cabinetry. Gloss finishes are also commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens where cleanliness and moisture resistance are priorities.

Specialty Paints

In addition to the standard types of paint, specialty paints designed for specific purposes provide additional functionality beyond aesthetics.

• Anti-Mildew and Anti-Fungus Paints: Formulated to resist mould and mildew growth, these paints are ideal for bathrooms, basements, or any area with high humidity.
• Fire-Resistant Paints: These paints are designed to slow the spread of flames in the event of a fire, making them a smart choice for kitchens and utility rooms.
• Condensation-Prevention Paints: Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, these paints help reduce moisture buildup, preventing issues like peeling paint or mould.
• Eco-Friendly Paints: Made with natural ingredients and fewer chemicals, eco-friendly paints are better for the environment and indoor air quality. They are often low in VOCs and use sustainable resources.

Interior Paint And Color Trends For 2024

Keeping up with current colour trends can help create a modern, stylish interior. Here are some of the trending colours for 2024:

• Accolade: A sophisticated and luxurious tone that adds elegance to any room.
• Aura: This vibrant and energetic shade works well in social areas like living or dining rooms.
• Bombay Pink: A bold, rich colour that adds warmth and personality to spaces like bedrooms or accent walls.
• Naval Blue: A deep, calming blue that works beautifully in bedrooms or offices, creating a serene atmosphere.
• Calming Green: As the name suggests, this shade brings tranquillity and relaxation, making it perfect for bedrooms or reading nooks.
• Porcelain Blue: A softer, muted blue that pairs well with neutral décor and adds a touch of sophistication to living areas.

These trending colours reflect the increasing desire for homes to feel like sanctuaries, combining calm and vibrant shades to suit different moods and spaces.

Conclusion

Choosing the right interior paint involves much more than selecting a favourite colour. Understanding the differences between paint types and finishes and how to use specialty paints can significantly impact the outcome of your project. The right choices will elevate your home’s aesthetics and ensure long-lasting results, adding value and comfort to your living space.

By considering all these factors—paint type, finish, and colour trends—you can confidently tackle your next painting project and create a beautiful and functional home.

FAQs About Interior Painting

How Much Does It Cost To Paint One Room?

Painting a room typically costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, with the average cost falling in the middle. The total cost of painting can range from $955 to $2,890, with $1,892 being the average cost across the country. Painting is typically one of the simplest yet most effective ways to quickly give a room a dramatic facelift.

Should I Hire A Painter Or Paint Myself?

This one is straightforward: if it can’t be fixed by applying a bit of spackle, you should hire a professional. A few minor dents and scratches aren’t a big deal at all. However, consider talking to a professional when discussing major holes in drywall.

How Often Should I Paint My House?

Depending on the surface type, the quality of the paint, and the signs of wear, you should paint the exterior of your home on average every five to ten years.

Can I Paint A Room Myself?

One of the simplest and most common do-it-yourself projects inside a house is painting the interior walls of a room. A room can be completely transformed for a low cost by applying a new coat of paint. Read over these helpful hints on how to paint your walls like a pro before you start painting your home. You’ll be glad you did.

How Much Does It Cost To Have Walls Professionally Painted?

The cost of painting a room will depend on whether you intend to do it yourself or hire a professional to complete the task. A single interior wall can be painted for an average cost between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. If the project involves the installation of trim or ceilings, the average cost will increase to between $3 and $4 per square foot.