That 1 Painter is the fastest growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choice for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
If you’re looking to elevate your North Georgia home’s aesthetic without breaking the bank, painting is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. With the right colors, finishes, and techniques, you can create a space that feels both luxurious and inviting. From warm neutrals and moody tones to creative DIY accents and high-end finishes, today’s top painting trends can transform your home from basic to breathtaking.
Whether you’re repainting your home’s exterior or refreshing your interior walls, choosing the right paint style can dramatically influence how expensive and curated your home feels. Here’s a closer look at the current painting trends that can give your home that upscale edge—and how you can even personalize some of them with creative DIY techniques.
It’s not just about the color—it’s about the finish. Higher-end homes often use paint types that create subtle texture, depth, and dimension. Matte and eggshell finishes are especially popular in luxury interiors right now. They offer a soft, modern look that hides imperfections and reflects minimal light, making rooms feel calm and cozy. In high-traffic areas or kitchens, satin finishes are great because they’re both durable and easy to clean without being too shiny.
For exteriors, masonry-specific paints or elastomeric coatings are being used more frequently for their durability and ability to maintain color. Limewash and mineral-based paints are also trending in upscale home design, especially for brick exteriors. These natural-looking finishes offer a timeless, old-world feel while allowing the material underneath to breathe—a smart choice for the humid conditions in North Georgia.
Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Today’s neutrals are rich, warm, and sophisticated—think taupes, greiges, mushroom tones, and creamy whites. These hues create a sense of quiet luxury and serve as the perfect backdrop for layered textures and curated furnishings.
Deep moody tones are also taking over high-end interiors. Charcoal, forest green, navy blue, and even black are being used for accent walls, cabinetry, or entire rooms to create a dramatic, designer feel. These colors work well in dining rooms, offices, and bedrooms, adding richness and dimension.
Earthy tones are popular too, especially in rustic-modern or lake-adjacent homes in North Georgia. Terracotta, sage green, ochre, and muted clay colors help connect the indoors with the natural surroundings. These tones pair beautifully with wood and stone features common in Southern architecture.
Two-tone walls and tone-on-tone trim (like painting the walls and trim the same color in different finishes) are subtle ways to make a space feel layered and high-end. Painting ceilings in a soft color rather than stark white can also give a room a designer touch.
Textured walls are making a comeback in a big way. Faux plaster or Venetian plaster finishes create a custom, artisan look that feels both elegant and earthy. If you’re working with a professional painter, this is something worth asking about—it’s a show-stopping feature when done right.
Accent walls using geometric patterns, stripes, or color blocking can be used sparingly to great effect. Painted arches, borders, and paneling add architectural interest even when the home itself doesn’t have built-in molding or unique structural features.
A popular technique in higher-end spaces is monochromatic styling: using the same color across walls, trim, and even built-ins, but with varying finishes or slight tonal shifts. This gives a cohesive and serene look that feels very intentional.
Another growing trend is the painted ceiling—sometimes referred to as the “fifth wall.” Whether you go a few shades lighter or darker than the walls, or paint it in a completely different color, a painted ceiling can make a bold statement while adding an unexpected element of luxury.
If you’re looking to get hands-on and add some personality to your space without hiring a professional, there are plenty of DIY paint techniques that still look elevated when done with care.
One fun idea is color washing—a technique where you apply a glaze or a diluted paint over a base coat to create a soft, cloudy, textured finish. It’s perfect for feature walls or even fireplace surrounds, especially in spaces that aim for a relaxed, European-inspired vibe.
You can also try hand-painted murals or freeform shapes. Painting an abstract design, organic curves, or a landscape on a single wall can give your space a boutique, artsy feel. These can be subtle in tone for a more refined look or bold and colorful if you’re going for a statement piece. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just sketch your idea out with painter’s tape or chalk first, then fill it in with a steady hand.
Another trend that has taken off on social media is the use of painted arches. These can be done behind beds, desks, or reading nooks to create a faux architectural detail. Choose a color that contrasts slightly with the wall color to make it stand out without overpowering the room.
For those looking to update furniture or cabinetry, painting built-ins or even a single bookshelf in a bold color can make a big difference. Use a fine brush, sand between coats, and finish with a clear protective sealant for a polished result.
Stencil work is also a great DIY approach that can add a wallpaper-like look without the commitment or cost. You can find modern stencils online that let you create a repeating pattern or border using just a little bit of patience and a steady hand.
In North Georgia homes, where rustic charm often meets modern elegance, hiring a professional painting service to elevate your accent or textured walls can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. One popular interior painting trend is incorporating luxurious finishes like satin, semi-gloss, or even metallic paint on accent walls to add depth and a soft sheen that reflects light beautifully. Professionals can also create custom textures such as Venetian plaster, limewash, or brushed suede—techniques that add a rich, tactile element to walls and work especially well in formal living areas or master suites.
A clever hack many professionals use is color blocking or ombré techniques, which can make a space feel both artistic and expansive. Using painter’s tape and laser levels, they can create clean, geometric designs or subtle gradients that elevate plain walls into custom art. Additionally, asking for color layering—where two close shades are applied with tools like brushes, sponges, or rags—can give the illusion of texture without heavy materials, ideal for homes with open floor plans or natural lighting.
Incorporating these painting trends doesn’t mean you have to go all-in at once. Start small—a room, a wall, even a piece of furniture—and build from there. With a little creativity and some inspiration from the trends above, you can turn that neutral paint job to a work of art that “looks” expensive.
At That 1 Painter Lake Lanier, we can help make your North Georgia home feel more luxurious, personalized, and up-to-date, all through the power of paint. We serve the following areas: Braselton, Buford, Cumming, Dawsonville, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Hoschton, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee. Contact us at 770-299-8278 or visit us at https://that1painter.com/lake-lanier/ for a free personalized estimate.