Design & DIY

8 clever ways to incorporate new colour trends at the cottage

Published: March 2, 2020 Updated: June 22, 2022
A bookshelf with the inside of the shelves painted yellow
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Incorporate colour in unexpected places

"Think of all the surfaces you have," says Grech. "There are lots of places to add splashes of colour that will add visual interest without a lot of effort." Painting the inside of a bookshelf a mellow, buttery yellow is a perfect way to brighten up a space.

A soft pink credenza with pastel-coloured vases
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Paint a piece of furniture

"Painting furniture is a wonderful weekend project that can bring new life to an old hand-me-down item," Grech points out. "A lot of people have second-hand furniture—especially at the cottage—but it doesn't have to look that way." Don't have paintable hand-me-downs? Check second-hand stores, flea markets, and auctions for inexpensive pieces.

A dark grey, traditional island in a kitchen with white cabinets
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Make your kitchen island pop

Refinishing all your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint is a big job—but painting your kitchen island is a perfect way to get the popular two-toned cabinet look while incorporating an on-trend paint colour.

A contemporary white fireplace against a dark blue wall
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Paint an accent wall

"If you are drawn to deep dramatic colour like the rich blues that have been on trend the past few seasons, but are apprehensive about using them, try an accent wall," suggests Grech. Painting a single wall lets you live with a colour you think you might love—with minimal work and commitment.

A bed against a green square painted on a white wall
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Try colour blocking

"A great way to incorporate colour in the bedroom is to paint a square behind your bed to mimic a headboard," says Grech. "This is a good idea if you're in an open concept space that may not allow you to paint an accent wall." Feeling ambitious? Try wide stripes of different colours, or create a geometric pattern instead.

A desk with shelves sits in front of a two-toned green wall
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Paint the lower half of a wall

Don't feel like reaching all the way to the ceiling to paint? Paint the lower half of your wall in a darker colour to create a contemporary wainscotting effect.

A pink throw rests on a wooden chair in a pink room
Photo by Benjamin Moore
Incorporate accessories

Soft furnishings are a great way to incorporate trendy colours, and easy to switch when the season (or your tastes) change. Look for throws, pillows, and rugs to liven up an otherwise neutral space.

A room with pink walls, a white ceiling and wooden furniture
Photo from Benjamin Moore
Don't forget the ceiling

Want a unique way to add a hint of colour? Paint the ceiling something other than white, says Grech—even if it's just a hint of colour. "Painting a ceiling is an unexpected application. I especially love this treatment in a small bedroom or in a dining room where there is a recessed ceiling or change in elevation."

Let’s face it, a coat of paint is a fantastic way to make a room look new again. But what if you want to give your space a fresh, new look without the taping, the furniture moving, the stiff shoulders and the days of work?

We talked to designer Sharon Grech, a spokesperson for Benjamin Moore Paints—which, just released its palette of colour trends for 2020.

“Decorating with colour can bring some people way out of their comfort zone, but it can be so transformational,” she says. “There are lots of ways bring a new colour mood to a space without painting all four walls.”

Want weekly cottage and outdoor tips? Sign up for our free newsletters to receive stories and how-to videos delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe Now!

Tags

Related Articles