Weekend makeover: Easy wall painting ideas

Playing with colour can feel like a big leap, especially if you’ve never done it before. But a paint-led wall painting approach to decorating can be one of the most time-efficient and satisfying ways to make a room feel like your own – and most of the ideas worth trying can be achieved in a single weekend.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Frequently asked wall painting questions and answers

Q: What are the trending paint colours for 2026?
A: We’ve teamed up with the experts at Taubmans to explore this. The trending colours of 2026 are a perfect gateway for the chroma-curious. They’re rich without being too noisy, leaning towards natural hues with depth: think warm neutrals that feel earthy rather than safe, and lush green with quiet grey undertones.

Q: Which colours are used in the wall paint images for this article?
A: Dining room: Taubmans Deep Claret and Taubmans Baby Bear. Bedroom: Taubmans Team Spirit, Taubmans Baby Bear, Taubmans Designer White, Taubmans Bleached Leather, Taubmans All Black. Kid’s bedroom: Taubmans Bleached Leather and Taubmans Designer White. 

Q: How can you use wall paint to makeover a room?
A: Thoughtfully chosen colours can do the work of artwork, zoning and mood-setting all at once, especially when they’re colours drawn from nature that envelop spaces in comfort and calm. By anchoring a room in soft, characterful tones, everything else – furniture, textiles, even everyday clutter – starts to feel more intentional. The right hues let the space reflect your style rather than a default setting.

Tip: Learn how to paint a wall or room with this step-by-step guide.

Three wall painting ideas to change the look of a room

If you don’t have the budget or time for a full makeover, these clever wall paint design ideas will bring a new feel to your space.

1. Layer complementary paint tones

Whether they’re the ghost of renos past or the result of an awkward apartment conversion, architectural quirks like nib walls or gaps above cabinetry can provide the perfect opportunity for colour contrasting. Layer complementary paint tones – such as a warm, grounding Baby Bear at eye level paired with a richer Deep Claret higher on the wall (dining room image above) – to add instant depth and definition to your space. Bonus points for extending the contrast to ceiling trims and mouldings.

2. Framing painted sections

Framing painted sections of wall with simple timber moulding is a smart way to introduce multiple colours without overwhelming the room. This sort of structured design takes its cues from the avant-garde art theory neoplasticism and is ideal for creating definition and balance when you’re mixing different shades. Better still, it’s the kind of project you can tackle over a weekend and reverse later if needed – ideal for renters once given the green light. Our palette combines four gorgeous Taubmans hues, including its 2026 colour of the year, Team Spirit. “This embodies exactly where colour is heading: calm, grounded and intentionally versatile,” says Fiona Dawson, national colour and design manager ANZ for Taubmans.

3. Create painted zones

Use wall paint to define different areas of a kid’s bedroom for sleeping, play and storage – or a desk. Measure one wall and divide it into three equal sections, marking vertical lines with painter’s tape. Paint the centre in the same colour as the other walls in the room, and the two flanking sections in a deeper hue for a subtle yet clear delineation between the zones. Use the second colour elsewhere in the room, such as the circles on the cabinet, to incorporate it into the broader scheme.

Tip: We used Taubmans Bleached Leather and Taubmans Designer White for subtle hues but you can go for bolder or more playful colours.

Keep in mind…

• Use plastic liners inside seagrass and jute planters and baskets.
• Paint colours may vary on application.

Ready to get started?

Check out our series of articles to get you painting.

Photo credit: Martina Gemmola