Small change, big impact

At the start of a new year many of us feel the familiar pull to refresh our surroundings. We crave change, light, and a sense of renewal – yet the reality of redecorating an entire room can feel overwhelming. The good news is that meaningful transformation doesn’t have to involve paint rollers, furniture removal and days of disruption. Often, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.

By shifting your focus away from walls alone, you can completely alter the mood and character of a space with far less effort, and still create a pleasingly big impact.

Look beyond the walls

When we think about colour, we instinctively think of the four walls that surround us. But a room is made up of many architectural elements, each offering an opportunity to introduce colour in a considered, creative way. Window frames, skirtings, doors and even ceilings, all play a crucial role in how a space feels, yet they are so often left white by default.

Reimagining these elements can subtly elevate a room, adding depth, cohesion and a sense of intention that feels both modern and timeless.

Painting window frames is one of the simplest ways to introduce colour, yet it can dramatically change how a room feels. A strong tone such as Invisible Green, can frame the view beyond like a painting, drawing the eye outward and adding definition to the architecture.

For those feeling bolder, a vibrant yellow, such as Persian can be an unexpectedly joyful choice. Used on window frames, yellow brings warmth and catches the light throughout the day.  It works particularly well in north-facing spaces where natural light is cooler. Fun too in kitchens and family rooms where energy and creativity are welcome. For more ideas of how to decorate with our many glorious yellows read the blog ‘Sunshine in a tin: how to decorate with yellows’. 

Internal doors offer the perfect opportunity to be bold. Because they are singular elements, they can carry stronger colours without dominating the room. It is a fun way to add an additional colour and adds drama and personality.

Painting doors in the same colour as the walls can also be striking, especially in hallways and corridors, where it creates a cocooning, architectural feel and allows artwork and furniture to take centre stage. Jessica Adam Interiors perfectly illustrates the concept with this beautifully designed and painted space in French Blue.

Skirtings and architraves are often overlooked, yet they form the visual rhythm that grounds a room. Painting them in a colour rather than white can instantly make a space feel more considered and calm.

Choosing a shade slightly deeper than the walls creates a gentle sense of structure, while matching them to the wall colour produces a seamless, enveloping effect, as illustrated below in this beautiful bathroom designed by Carlos Garcia. To learn about the beautiful colours he has created in partnership with Edward Bulmer, read our blog The Modern Country Palette. 

Once an afterthought, the ceiling is increasingly recognised as the ‘fifth wall’, an integral part of the room’s colour story. Painting the ceiling can transform proportions, add intimacy, and bring a space together in unexpected ways.

For a striking finish overhead, add a contrasting colour, like Garter Blue contrasted with Jonquil, as chosen by Jennifer Mosse design in this child’s bedroom. For a truly immersive feel, carrying the same colour across walls, ceiling and woodwork. This will create a sense of calm continuity that feels both contemporary and deeply comforting. For advice on how to paint woodwork, all the information and advice you need can be found in our How To section.

What makes these changes so effective is the intention behind them. By focusing on architectural details and choosing natural, eco friendly mineral-rich paints with real depth of colour, even small interventions can transform how a room feels. If it seems a little daunting – our colour consultants would love to advise you how to add these colourful elements to your home.