6 Ways to Use Paint to Get a Retro Glam Look

Painting an entire room is a lot of work. Make a big impact with a fraction of the effort by creating a focal point with paint instead. Paint a curved arch in a jewel tone on a living room wall to draw attention to a velvet sofa and luxe accessories. Other great spots for a painted arch – behind an open shelving unit, surrounding a mirror or behind a bed like a faux headboard.

Incorporate the arch color throughout the room with accessories like throw pillows and artwork to bring cohesion to your design. Whether you use painter’s tape for a crisp line or freehand it, this arch will be your favorite thing to look at.

If you’re looking for a big change, there’s no better way to get it than with a couple of gallons of paint. Choose a bold shade of blue and pair it with accessories, like a pair of plush velvet armchairs, in almost the same shade. Keeping the shades similar but not identical gives the room a glam look while adding dimension to the space. Bring in elements that have both tones, like an area rug abstract and artwork that has a mix of colors.

Leave the baseboards and window trim white to add a punch of brightness to the space. White accents will keep the space from feeling closed in. Keep the accessories simple to make the tone-on-tone element the star of the show.

One way to glam up any paint color is by adding gold accents to a room. Choose a sophisticated shade of purple and incorporate gold accessories to drive home an extravagant look. This doesn’t mean you should run out and grab everything gold without considering your needs for the space.

Be sure the items you choose are equally opulent and functional, like a bench for the end of your bed that has a plush velvet top and slim gold legs but also has storage inside, or a dresser with gold hardware. You’re more likely to stick with your design plan if it adds function and ease to your lifestyle while satisfying your itch for a trendy look.

Getting a glam look in a bathroom is easy since it’s a smaller space that’s closed off from the rest of the house. Go for a bold design that will wow you and your guests, every time you step inside. A rich shade of emerald green paint will make even the smallest bathroom look lavish.

Gather your painting supplies, and instead of painting only the walls take the paint all the way from the floor to the ceiling. Painting the ceiling, walls and the baseboards the same color will make a big impact in a small space. This is a great way to make details like wainscoting, crown molding and built-ins stand out. Add a bathroom vanity with gold fixtures, luxe gold sconces and a gold trimmed mirror to finish off your extravagant retreat.

Rather than just putting a coat of ruby colored paint on the wall, use narrow wood slats to create a feature wall that brings in texture along with color. But don’t stop there. Layer in more texture with heavy pleated curtains, an accent chair with woven twill fabric and a vase full of pampas grass.

The textures work together because the neutral colors complement each other and the wood wall. Pops of white and a mirror, which helps bounce light around the room, help make this bedroom feel both seductive and glamorous.

Incorporate your interior style into your outdoor space to make your home feel like one big, cohesive unit. Instead of paint, use dark wood stain to ground your design and give your eyes a place to rest. Choose a simple seating arrangement with sleek lines and a bit of retro midcentury modern flair to mimic what you have going on inside the house. Keep the furniture neutral to make it easy to swap in new tasseled throw pillows or an outdoor area rug.