That 1 Painter Twin Cities is transforming homes across Minnesota with expert painting services that make every space shine. We know that painting can feel overwhelming, but our team takes the stress out of the process with reliable service and flawless results. With trusted franchises across the country, we’ve helped tens of thousands of homeowners choose the perfect colors and finishes—without ever compromising on quality. Let us help you do the same.
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” — Wassily Kandinsky
Ever walked into a small room and instantly felt a little boxed in? You’re not alone. In Twin Cities homes, where charming older buildings and cozy layouts are the norm, creating the illusion of space is something many homeowners strive for. The good news? You don’t need to knock down walls or invest in expensive remodels. The secret weapon: paint color.
At That 1 Painter Twin Cities, we’ve helped countless homeowners transform cramped quarters into beautiful, spacious-feeling sanctuaries with just the right paint choices. Whether you’re working with a snug bedroom, compact kitchen, or tiny hallway, the perfect shade of paint can stretch those walls and lift your ceiling, visually, at least!
Let’s explore how you can make any small room feel bigger, brighter, and more stylish with just the stroke of a brush.
Small rooms tend to absorb light quickly, which can make them feel tighter than they are. This is where your color palette makes a huge difference. Lighter shades reflect more light and create the illusion of space. Meanwhile, strategically placed bold accents and the right finishes add depth and personality without crowding the room.
In our years of painting homes throughout the Twin Cities, we’ve seen firsthand how color transforms the mood and perception of space. Soft blues and greens bring a soothing calm to bedrooms. Creamy neutrals warm up tiny living rooms. Even a daring accent wall can elevate the charm without shrinking the space.
Choosing the right paint is more than just picking a color—it’s about unlocking your home’s full potential.
When we step into a small room, our first instinct is often to lighten things up. That’s why we reach for soft whites, airy greys, and gentle pastels. These shades reflect natural light and push back the walls visually, giving you a space that feels open and inviting.
We recently transformed a compact living room in Minneapolis using soft cream on the walls and misty grey on the trim. The result? A peaceful, spacious feel that instantly made the room feel more livable and stylish.
If you want your small room to look bigger without a major renovation, start with a palette of light and neutral tones. It’s a painter’s trick that works every time.
Cool tones like pale blue, soft sage, and lavender aren’t just pretty; they’re practical for small rooms. These hues are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and reading nooks because they evoke peace and serenity. At That 1 Painter Twin Cities, we love how these shades work with natural light to soften a room’s boundaries and create a relaxing retreat.
Pair a soft mint green wall with white trim for a crisp, clean effect. Or go with a light periwinkle that gently bounces light and complements modern decor.
These hues help reduce visual clutter and give your eyes room to breathe.
Now, don’t get us wrong, light colors are great, but a little drama can work wonders in a small room too. Accent walls in deeper shades like navy blue, charcoal grey, or forest green can anchor the room and add a stylish flair.
We love using these richer tones to highlight features like built-in shelves, fireplaces, or reading corners. It’s all about balance. When combined with a lighter overall palette, a bold accent wall adds sophistication without making the room feel closed in.
In one recent project, we used a deep teal behind a modern fireplace, paired with soft off-white walls throughout the rest of the room. The result was both cozy and contemporary, a real Twin Cities showstopper.
Warm colors bring comfort. They’re perfect for living rooms, kitchens, and anywhere you want people to gather and relax. But in a small space, you have to use them carefully.
That 1 Painter Twin Cities often turns to warm creams, buttery yellows, and light terracottas to make compact spaces feel lived-in and welcoming. These tones reflect just enough light to keep the room open while adding that sense of warmth homeowners love.
We recently worked on a kitchen in St. Paul where we used a soft golden beige on the walls and matched it with light wood cabinets. The entire space felt like a warm hug, and it looked twice as big.
Paint finish might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big impact on how your room looks and feels. The most common finishes we use for small rooms include:
Choosing the right finish helps enhance the visual size of a room while making it more practical for everyday use.
Small rooms often connect directly to other spaces, and disjointed color choices can break the flow and make your home feel even smaller. We always recommend choosing a color palette that flows seamlessly from room to room.
This approach creates cohesion and visual harmony throughout the home. A soft grey in the hallway that extends into a misty blue living room and transitions into a creamy white kitchen can make your entire house feel more spacious and connected.
It’s a subtle trick, but one that pays off big time in how your home feels.
When you’re working with limited square footage, every visual trick counts. Horizontal stripes can make a narrow room feel wider. Vertical stripes draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of higher ceilings.
We’ve used this technique in small bathrooms and kids’ rooms all over the Twin Cities, and the transformation is always impressive. Want a playful effect? Try alternating soft tones of the same color family. Want something more classic? Stick to neutral stripes with a high-contrast accent ceiling.
Paint isn’t just color, it’s architecture on a brush.
Paint and light are a power duo. Add mirrors to the mix, and you’ve got the trifecta for opening up a small room. Lighter paint colors paired with mirrors can double your space visually. That’s no exaggeration.
In a recent makeover in a St. Paul condo, we used a soft grey on the walls, hung a large round mirror opposite the window, and added warm LED lighting in the corners. The once-tight room felt open, airy, and full of life.
If your space is lacking natural light, we can help you choose the right artificial lighting to match your paint colors and get the most from every square foot.
Even with the best colors in mind, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that hurt the end result. Here are a few pitfalls we help Twin Cities homeowners avoid:
While bold colors have their place, too much darkness in a small room can make it feel even more cramped. Use deep shades sparingly and balance them with plenty of lighter tones.
Lighting changes everything. A color that looks dreamy in a showroom can look dull or overpowering in your space depending on the lighting. Always test paint swatches in your room under both natural and artificial light.
Painting might seem easy at first glance, but achieving crisp lines, smooth coverage, and lasting durability takes skill. We often hear from homeowners who tried a DIY approach and ended up with streaky walls or mismatched patches.
At That 1 Painter Twin Cities, we bring professional tools, expert techniques, and a love for detail to every job—so your space turns out just the way you envisioned.
We do more than paint walls. We enhance homes, improve how spaces feel, and help you fall in love with where you live. Our team is proud to serve communities across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond with top-quality house painting services designed around your needs.
Ronny Latimore said it best after his experience with our team: “Rick and Bryan walked through the process, made note of the little nuances, and their team was able to finish the project flawlessly.”
From planning to execution, we bring a friendly, professional approach that makes the whole process easy—and even fun!
Ready to make your small space feel larger, brighter, and better than ever? Contact us at That 1 Painter Twin Cities and let’s pick the perfect color together.