Painting for Holidays – Spruce Up Home Interiors for Guests

1. Create a Stunning First Impression with a Freshly Painted Entryway

Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. Repainting it is an easy project that makes a big impact.

• What to Do: Choose a neutral or warm tone like beige, soft gray, or a festive red accent wall to create a welcoming vibe. You can also opt for a durable satin or eggshell finish to withstand the wear and tear of holiday traffic.

• Why It Works: A study by Houzz showed that homeowners prioritize entryways when updating their homes for guests, as it’s the first area they see. Painting provides an instant facelift.

• Tip: If time is tight, focus on painting just the door or trim for a polished and festive look.

2. Refresh Your Dining Room Walls for Cozy Gatherings

The dining room is a central hub for holiday meals, making it the perfect space for a quick paint update.

• What to Do: Opt for warm, inviting colors like deep green, soft burgundy, or rich navy to create an intimate dining atmosphere. These colors pair beautifully with holiday decor.

• Why It Works: According to Color Psychology research, deep, warm tones promote comfort and conversation, perfect for dining areas.

• Tip: Use an eggshell finish for walls to add a subtle sheen and make them easier to clean after meals.

3. Accent Walls: A Quick Way to Add Visual Interest

If you’re short on time, painting a single accent wall is a high-impact project that can refresh any room.

• What to Do: Choose a bold color that complements your existing decor. For example, a deep red or emerald green can add festive flair, while metallic tones like gold or silver provide a modern, holiday-inspired touch.

• Why It Works: The American Society of Interior Designers notes that accent walls are a top trend because they allow homeowners to make dramatic changes with minimal effort.

• Tip: Pair your painted accent wall with holiday decorations like wreaths, garlands, or string lights to tie the look together.

4. Spruce Up Trim, Doors, and Baseboards

A fresh coat of paint on your trim and baseboards can make your entire home feel cleaner and more polished.

• What to Do: Use crisp white or cream paint for a classic, elegant look that contrasts beautifully with colored walls and holiday decorations.

• Why It Works: A 2022 Better Homes & Gardens survey found that freshly painted trim and baseboards are one of the most noticeable upgrades for guests.

• Tip: Choose a semi-gloss or gloss finish for durability and ease of cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas.

5. Revamp the Fireplace Surround

Your fireplace often becomes the focal point during the holidays, so give it a quick makeover with paint.

• What to Do: Use heat-resistant paint for the surround and mantel. Neutral tones like charcoal, black, or white work well, or go bold with a festive red or green.

• Why It Works: According to Architectural Digest, painted fireplaces are a growing trend, offering a modern and cozy touch that enhances holiday decor.

• Tip: Coordinate your mantel decorations—such as candles, stockings, or garlands—with the new color for a cohesive look.

6. Brighten Up the Guest Bedroom

If you’re hosting overnight guests, a freshly painted guest bedroom will make them feel welcome and comfortable.

• What to Do: Choose soothing, neutral tones like soft blue, light gray, or warm beige. These colors create a calming environment, perfect for a restful stay.

• Why It Works: Research by Sleep.org indicates that light, neutral wall colors can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

• Tip: Add a festive touch with seasonal bedding, throw pillows, or wall art that complements the new paint color.

7. Paint the Kitchen for a Fresh, Inviting Space

The kitchen is another key gathering spot during the holidays. A quick paint job can make it feel fresh and inviting.

• What to Do: Stick to light, airy colors like white, pale gray, or soft green to create a clean and bright space. For a bolder option, consider painting the cabinets instead of the walls.

• Why It Works: A report by Zillow found that light-colored kitchens are the most appealing to homeowners and buyers alike, as they create a sense of openness and warmth.

• Tip: Use satin or semi-gloss finishes in the kitchen for easy cleaning and stain resistance.

8. Update the Powder Room with Bold Colors

Powder rooms are small spaces where you can afford to take design risks, making them perfect for quick, bold updates.

• What to Do: Go for jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, or ruby red to create a luxurious and festive feel. Add metallic accents for extra holiday flair.

• Why It Works: Bold colors can make small spaces feel more dynamic and are a talking point for guests. Elle Decor recommends jewel tones for their timeless elegance.

• Tip: Pair bold walls with high-gloss finishes for a glamorous, reflective look.

9. Tackle the Living Room Ceiling for a Subtle Transformation

Most homeowners overlook the ceiling, but a quick coat of paint here can completely transform the room.

• What to Do: Paint the ceiling a soft, complementary shade instead of basic white. For example, a pale blue ceiling can make your living room feel more open and airy, while a light gold adds warmth.

• Why It Works: The National Association of Home Builders highlights that painted ceilings are trending as a way to add character without overwhelming the room.

• Tip: Use flat paint for ceilings to avoid unwanted glare from overhead lighting.

10. Add a Pop of Color to Shelves or Built-Ins

Painted shelves or built-ins can be a quick way to refresh your space and add personality.

• What to Do: Use contrasting colors to make shelves stand out. For example, paint the back panel of a bookshelf in a festive red or green to highlight holiday decorations.

• Why It Works: Research from Design Milk shows that accenting built-ins with paint adds depth and visual interest to a room.

• Tip: Choose a satin finish for a smooth, polished look that’s easy to clean.