Painting Ideas & Inspiration

Explore inspiring painting ideas that will drastically make your home more efficient & appealing.

S22 E14: Mauro Henrique discusses his approach to choosing paint colors
Play

Filed under:

Mauro’s Take on Color Choice

Paint expert Mauro Henrique explains how to choose colors, what homeowners should look for, and even his favorite color for almost anything.
Arched hallway leading into a kitchen with a bold blue/green color

Best Bold Paint Colors for Your Home

Learn how to apply bold paint colors in your home from designers.
2009_11_buck_haverson_buck_01_s

Easy Guide to Paint Finishes

Trying to choose a paint finish? Read this guide to learn how to pick the right sheen to make your next interior paint project pop.
Color Blocking, Paint, Home, Kitchen

7 Ideas for Color-Blocking Walls with Paint

Get inspiration and instruction for this easy yet impressive paint technique to add interest to your interiors.
Web_0422_IF_Roundup_Color_Ideas_C

Creating Moods with Paint Colors

Here’s how designers think about choosing and using the right shade of paint to achieve the perfect look (or mood).
0321_IF_DesignerQA_Shot_01_016

How to Choose Colorful Finishes for Your Home

Unsure how to choose colorful finishes for your home? Design pro and Clare founder Nicole Gibbons is here to help.
ModernBarnhouse_02182021AR_MG_9275

A Guide to Eco-Friendly Paints

Are you looking for a safer alternative to traditional interior paints? Read this guide to learn how to choose the right type of products for painting projects that will yield great results with a less negative impact on the planet and your family’s health. Here’s what you need to know about buying non-toxic paint safe for you and the environment.
best_painters_tape_panel

The 5 Best Painter’s Tapes (2024 Review)

Painter’s tape helps you stay in the lines while you’re painting your home’s walls. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best painter’s tapes on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
CoolGray_0421_IF_Norwalk_Idea_House_NorwalkIDEA_091321EL_26_Edit

10 Stunning Bathroom Paint Colors

Learn what to consider when painting a bathroom and how to choose the right color.
Paint_Ideas_2015_1008_foyer_032_tout

Paint it: Take a shine to the ceiling

Luscious color overhead in a light-reflecting finish can give your entry—and spirits—a lift.
painting_1925_SF
Play

Celebrating Craftsmanship: The Principles of Painting

Ask This Old House painting expert, Mauro Henrique sits down to talk about how he got into painting and what he loves about it.
0137205

17 Beautiful Painted Furniture Ideas

From subtle to bold to instant "vintage," for pieces big and small, there’s a paint project here to perk things up all over the house.
iStock_183771871

Polyurethane vs. Polycrylic: Which Should You Use?

As tough as wood is, once it’s converted to some house part—a chair, a door sill, a cabinet, a floorboard—it needs to be protected against the elements and general wear and tear. When it comes to wood finish, which should you use? Read this guide to learn more about the differences between polyurethane and polycrylic.
historic_paints_nodaubs

Historical Paint Colors Making a Comeback

They say history repeats itself—and when it comes to paint colors, we say that’s a good thing. Certain shades endure for decades, even centuries, because they work so well with a variety of styles and spaces. Rooted in tradition, historical colors still look fresh in a wide range of settings.
iStock_530770536

What is Varnish?

If you’re working on a project that involves wooden furniture or paneling, you’ll likely find yourself facing an important decision at the end: varnish or polyurethane for the finish? There’s a lot of confusion over the difference between these two popular wood sealants, and it’s important to know what sets them apart so you can choose the right topcoat for your project.
0920_RTB_Pick_A_Paint_Color_606A0369_webtout

Read This Before You Pick a Paint Color

Whether you’re looking for a soothing hue for your living space or want some drama in your dining room, don’t pick up a paintbrush until you’ve read our expert advice
_MG_2636

All About Milk Paint

You wouldn’t whip up a batch of pancakes without reaching for a container of milk, but you might not think to hit the fridge for that ingredient when it comes to your next paint project. Perhaps it’s time to think again, due to the rising popularity of milk paint. Read this guide to learn about milk paint and the types of projects it’s ideal for.
3P2A7147

Trend Meets Tradition | 2020 Idea House: The Cottage on the Cape

Here’s how a selection of historically inspired colors became the palette for our coastal-chic Idea House.
paint_doors

Update a Mudroom Door with Bold Paint

Portals become all the more transportive in eye-catching color—especially when it’s expertly applied.
iStock_509434734

How the Right Primer and Paint Combo Can Transform Kitchen Cabinets 

Few projects can transform a kitchen as easily and economically as painting the cabinetry. Here’s how the right combination of primer and paint will help you get a look you’ll love.
henna_treatment

How to Paint a Mandala on a Deck

Mandala designs have increasingly been on the rise in the Western world for a few years now. They’re everywhere: on apparel, linens, in adult coloring books, and are especially popular as tattoo designs
Bed_iStock_1138204090

Wall Colors to Help You Sleep Better

Need a better night’s sleep? Consider painting your bedroom walls one of these colors that help promote better slumber.
img_10_paneled_tub

Choose the Right Type of Paint for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are constantly exposed to water and humidity, so selecting a moisture-resistant paint is crucial.
Popcorn_Ceiling_iStock_1077486452

How to Paint a Popcorn Ceiling

Follow these steps when painting your popcorn ceiling.
random_stripes

Paint Random-Width Stripes

An outdoor room’s beadboard walls become extra eye-catching when painted with random-width stripes
painters

Prep for Success: Tips for a Pro-Level Paint Finish

You’ve heard the saying before: Fail to prepare—prepare to fail. But whether it’s because prep work is viewed as an unnecessary expense or it just boils down to impatience, many home improvers fail to properly prepare their surfaces before applying paint. We sat down with TOH painting pro Nick Slavik to find out how important it is to take the time to prep and prime.
stripping_paint

Safer Ways to Strip Paint

Two nasty chemicals are gradually leaving store shelves. Here, a look at less hazardous ways to get rid of old paint
ppg_0917_lucky_shamrock_ppg1146dash6_web

How to Choose an Accent Wall

A pro painter's take on the design staple
door_accent

Paint a Colorful Door Accent

Painted in complementary hues, a staid bedroom door becomes a standout piece of decor
benjmo_1117_perspective_web

Home Decor Upgrades Inspired by Patriots Team Colors

You don't have to plaster the place with Fatheads to show your team spirit. Incorporate team colors to your home decor with style
peel_tek

Painter’s Tape Alternative

Now you can mask off any surface!
elliotborough_after

Charleston-Elliotborough House Exterior Paint Colors

We remodeled two houses during our Charleston 2018 TV season. Many fans asked for the exact colors of the Elliotborough exterior, and here they are
scandi_stencil

Paint a Supersized Stencil Pattern

A large Scandi-inspired stencil pattern and a soft two-tone paint palette offer a fresh take on the wallpaper look