For a designer approved look!

For decades, the interior design world has relied on this classic paint equation: Crisp white trims plus white doors plus colored walls equal a well-designed space. But thanks to a new trend on the horizon, you may want to cancel out this age-old design rule as you start your next paint project.

Enter: Painted interior doors. A method also used in the color-drenching trend, we’re not just seeing a resurgence of pigmented doors and door casings but window trims, baseboards, and crown molding alike. So, is it worth trying this trend at home? And which precautions should you take before diving into this color upgrade? To learn more about this trend, we’re sharing expert advice from color specialist and creator of the chalk paint brand, Annie Sloan.

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Color Drenching vs. Just Painting Doors or Trim

If you’re craving more color, painting your trims and doors may not be enough. In this case, consider a wraparound paint scheme—also known as color drenching—which calls for painting every element of a space the same color. (Think: Woodwork, walls, ceiling, radiators, built-ins, molding, etc.) And depending on your design goals, the color you pick can lend a larger, more intimate, cheerful, or energizing space. For example, a soothing light shade of coral can make a space feel light and airy, while a deep navy blue can cocoon you in a dark and dramatic atmosphere.

On the other hand, committing to one color without the flexibility to add accent walls or wallpaper can be a bold design choice. This is how the painted door trend offers a sound alternative—spotlighting architectural accents while giving us the freedom to experiment with more color in a playful way.

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Why Is This Trend So Popular Right Now?

We’re all for adding color in unexpected ways, but the painted door trend has peeked through history more than once. Take, for example, the iconic Impressionist artist Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France, which features a bold dining room dipped in a daffodil yellow, plus many painted doors and window trims in eclectic hues.1

Sloan agrees that it’s always helpful to look at the past to assess how today’s trends regain their popularity. The painted door trend symbolizes cohesion; the seamless blend of doors, trim, and walls creates a soothing visual sympathy of color. “These fundamentals echo the minimalist movements of the mid-20th century, where clean lines and uniformity reigned supreme. However, it’s also reminiscent of the elegant simplicity of neoclassical interiors, where every element was carefully curated to create a sense of unity and balance,” Sloan says. “There’s something innately luxurious about an uninterrupted, flawless finish.”

Sloan notes that painted doors bring a node of elegance, simplicity, and undeniable cohesion in ways white doors can’t mimic—so it’s a relevant trend these days. “In our fast-paced world, where there’s a longing for serenity and order, reflected in the desire for spaces that feel cohesive and calming,” she says. “By painting doors the same color as walls, we eliminate visual clutter and create a sense of continuity that is both timeless and soothing.”

How to Pull off This Look in Your Home

Sloan enocurages anyone trying to nail down this look at home to pay attention to details. Taking extra care in the process will pay off in spades and give you a seamless look, she notes. “Ensure your doors are prepped and primed, ready to receive their new coat of color,” she says.

Paint Both Sides of the Door

Sloan says it’s best to paint both sides of the door—including the edges—to maintain a seamless look. But this may be tricky if your adjoining rooms or hallways have white trims, which can create a mismatch. For this reason, it’s crucial to consider your room transitions and make sure they line up well. To help, pick a good stopping point. As a rule of thumb, stop your color where your room stops. In this case, it may mean only painting one side of the door (the side facing your color-dipped space). Still, this may be a personal preference and will depend on your space’s architectural elements and home’s overall layout.

Paint Edges and Trim, Too

Painting the edges of your door in the same color will create a more cohesive look, notes Sloan. She recommends painting your trim in the same hue as your doors and walls to complete the ensemble. This will “frame your space with elegance and grace,” she says.

Use the Right Paint Finish

Choosing the right paint finish will help create a clean look. Sloan suggests using Annie Sloan Satin Paint, which has self-leveling properties to yield a seamless look free of lumps, bumps, or texture. Sloan also changes the sheen of her paint depending on the location. “I use the same color on my walls but in semi-matte finish on my doors to keep the look deliberate, considered, and elegant,” she says. However, this can also be based on personal preference.

A general rule of thumb is to paint doors in a semi-gloss or gloss sheen, and paint walls in a satin or eggshell. However, there are plenty of successful designs that break these rules. For example, using a high-gloss sheen for an entire space can make a bold statement. All-in-all, the sheen you use will depend on your interior design style and the space itself. It’s also key to remember higher sheens tend to be more forgiving and are easier to clean (great for high-traffic areas), whereas the opposite holds true for matte finishes.

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Should You Try the Trend?

If you’re concerned that this trend will go out of style soon, leaving you with a space that looks dated in a few years, here’s what we suggest. Ultimately, if you love the look of painted doors and it fits your interior design style, it’s a fun design technique to try. But if you want to take a more cautious approach, it’s best to stick to white trims and doors—especially if you’re concerned about the prep work, cost, and time needed to return strongly-colored woodwork back to white.

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