The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But now that the dust has settled, you may be wondering how to keep the joyful vibe alive in your Rhode Island home!
Good news: we’ve got some inspiration for you in these top five interior painting ideas to kick off the new year. They’re manageable, transformative, and sure to breathe new life into your post-holiday living space.
1. Brighten Your Space with a New Accent Wall
If your walls are feeling a bit flat, consider adding an accent wall. This technique involves painting one wall in a room a bold or contrasting color to create a focal point. It’s an excellent way to experiment with color without overwhelming the entire space.
Recommended Colors:
Calming blues: Perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
Energizing yellows: Add warmth and vibrancy to living rooms or kitchens.
Trendy greens: Sage or olive green can bring a touch of nature indoors.
Best Spots for Accent Walls:
Living rooms, dining rooms, and even hallways are great candidates. The goal is to choose a wall that naturally draws attention, such as one behind a sofa or a bed.

2. Refresh Your Trim and Molding
Trim and molding often go unnoticed, but freshening them up can make your walls and furniture stand out. Crisp, clean trim frames a space beautifully and provides a polished finish to your home’s interior.
Tips for Trim Painting:
Use a Semi-Gloss Finish for Durability and Easy Cleaning
Semi-gloss paint is the go-to choice for trim because of its durability and subtle sheen. It’s also resistant to scuffs and marks, making it ideal for areas that see frequent wear and tear. Additionally, its smooth finish allows for easy cleaning, which is especially useful in high-traffic spaces like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms.Pair White Trim with Bold Walls for a Classic Look
White trim offers a timeless appeal that frames your walls beautifully and creates a clean, crisp contrast with bold-colored walls. This pairing is especially effective in spaces where you want the wall color to take center stage, like living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms with deep blues, emerald greens, or terracotta tones.
This simple update is perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways or family rooms that might have scuff marks or wear from holiday activity.
3. Add Depth with Two-Tone Walls
Two-tone walls are a stylish trend that can add sophistication and depth to any room. This method involves painting the lower half of a wall in a darker shade and the upper half in a lighter tone. The result? A space that feels more dynamic and visually interesting.
Choosing the Right Colors:
- Combine Complementary Shades
Pair colors that work well together, such as navy and white for a bold, timeless look or sage and beige for a more natural and calming effect. - Play with Contrasting Tones
For a dramatic statement, choose high-contrast colors like charcoal gray and soft ivory. This approach works particularly well in dining rooms or formal spaces where you want to create a sense of elegance and drama. - Blend Colors for a Subtle Gradient Effect
If you prefer a softer, more blended look, select two shades within the same color family, such as a deep blue on the bottom and a lighter sky blue on top. This ombré-like effect creates harmony and adds depth without the stark contrast of opposing tones. - Highlight the Divide with a Chair Rail or Decorative Trim
On the other hand, using a chair rail or applying painter’s tape can help you achieve a sharp, professional finish. For added detail, consider painting the trim itself in a metallic or contrasting color to emphasize the division between the two tones.
4. Revamp Your Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets
Repainting your cabinets can give your kitchen or bathroom a completely new look without the expense of a full renovation. Cabinet painting is an ideal project for the post-holiday lull, offering a practical and stylish refresh for high-use areas.

5. Refresh Ceilings with a Subtle Pop of Color
Ceilings are often overlooked when it comes to painting projects, but they can also dramatically change the feel of a room. Adding a subtle color to your ceiling can make a space feel taller, brighter, or cozier, depending on your choice.
Ideas for Ceiling Colors:
Pale blue: Mimics the sky and opens up the room.
Soft gray: Adds a touch of sophistication.
Creamy white: Warms up the space while maintaining brightness.
This simple but impactful change works especially well in bedrooms, living rooms, or bathrooms where you want a unique yet understated look.
What's the Takeaway?
Refreshing your home with paint doesn’t require a complete overhaul. These five ideas—whether it’s creating an accent wall, updating trim, or adding depth with two-tone walls—can breathe new life into your space and help you embrace the new year with a fresh perspective.
Have a question about interior or cabinet painting in Rhode Island? Contact us at Dennis Moffitt Painting! We’d love to help.