How to Use Paint to Create Magic – Hallway Refresh

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, PAINT IS MAGIC! We transformed an all-white hallway into a space of dimension and interest by using leftover paint from previous projects. Check out our hallway glow-up and how you too can use paint to create magic!

Paint trays with paint and rollers.
Paint colors starting clockwise:
SW Rosemary || SW Dorian Gray || SW Evergreen Fog || SW Iron Ore || Behr Ranch Born

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White hallway with green painter's tape on the wall and ceiling.

How to Create a Custom Color Block Accent

A color block accent is a very affordable way to create a large piece of art in your home. These are so fun and allow you to be as creative and bold as you want to! We used leftover paint and an original design to transform this hallway corner. If you have textured walls and want to achieve clean, crisp paint lines, then you’ll want to continue reading!

White hallway with green and blue painter's tape on the wall.
White hallway with green and blue painter's tape on the wall.

If you’re a visual person like me, then taping out the design first is very helpful. You can keep adjusting until you’re satisfied with the final layout. We also highly recommend using a laser level to make sure your tape lines are straight. Due to the complexity of this color block design, we tackled the painting in sections.

White hallway with green painter's tape on the wall.
Shop Green Frog Tape HERE

Paint Tip #1

Our secret weapon for consistent crisp lines is using caulk in every painting project! You want to apply caulk along the tape line as shown below. Then make sure you smear it along the tape line and clean off the excess. The goal is to create a seal along the tape line which will prevent bleeding on textured walls. Do not wait for the caulk to dry before painting.

Shop Caulk HERE
Using paint to create magic on a white wall with with green and gray paint.

Paint Tip #2

Immediately after painting the second coat, you want to remove the tape. This is a very IMPORTANT step in the process! Gently remove the tape, pulling away from the painted section.

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with gray paint and green painter's tape.

We have very textured walls in Arizona and if this method works for us, I think it can work for you too! Check out those perfect paint lines!

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with green square, gray square and gray rectangle.
Gray Paint Color = SW Dorian Gray | Dark Green Paint Color = SW Rosemary

Paint Tip #3

When creating color block accents, you’ll likely need two types of tape. The first type we use is green frog tape. This has medium adhesion and we use this one when taping cured painted walls. The second type we use is yellow frog tape. This has light adhesion and we use this one when taping freshly painted walls.

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with brown, green and gray paint.
Light Green Paint Color = SW Evergreen Fog
Using paint to create magic on a white wall with brown, green and gray paint.
Brown Paint Color = Behr Ranch Brown

All About the Added Paint Details

Could we have just painted the color block accent and been done? Sure, but why stop there? This hallway was entirely too white for me and so I really wanted to bring some mood and drama to the space. We decided to paint the baseboards the same gray color as our interior doors (SW Dorian Gray) and we went dark (SW Iron Ore) on the ceiling! Painting your baseboards and ceiling a contrasting color is just another way how you can use paint to create magic in your home!

Using paint to create magic on a white baseboard with green painter's tape.
Using paint to create magic on a white ceiling with green painter's tape.

Hallway Glow Up – Reveal

This is probably my favorite paint project we’ve done! When you walk this hallway, there’s so much to take in but in all the best ways! I’m also sharing all the paint colors below!

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint.
Dark Color = SW Iron Ore | Brown Color = Behr Ranch Brown | Gray = SW Dorian Gray | Light Green = SW Evergreen Fog | Dark Green = SW Rosemary

I love creating designs that can stand on their own or require minimal decor! This view was already stunning with the new paint job. But, when you pair it with a few decor pieces, the result is a show stopper and I’m here for it!

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint.
Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint. Black mirror, black vase and woven basket.

The fact that I can also see our girls’ photos from this corner just makes the view all the more gorgeous!

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint. Black mirror, black vase and woven basket.
Shop Black Mirror HERE || Shop similar Black Vase HERE || Shop Faux Greenery HERE || Shop Book HERE || Shop Wall Planters HERE

Now if you follow us on Instagram then you know these flush-mount ceiling lights all too well! I originally purchased them for our front entryway, but I think they fit better in this space. What do you think?

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black ceiling and gray door.
Shop Lighting HERE
Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint. Black mirror, black vase, black rug, wooden table and woven basket.
Shop Rug HERE | Shop Black Mirror HERE | Shop Similar Basket HERE

If you’re looking for more color block inspiration, then check out our famous Office Color Block and our Master Bedroom Mural.

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, green and gray paint. Gray door, black mirror and black vase.
Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint.

Photographing this hallway was so fun that I got carried away and couldn’t decide which shots to share. So I posted them all, but I don’t think you guys mind, right?!

Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint. Black mirror, black vase, wooden table and woven basket.
Shop Bud Vase HERE
Using paint to create magic on a white wall with black, brown, green and gray paint. Black mirror, black vase, black rug, wooden table and woven basket.
Shop Similar Console Table HERE

Our Must-Have Paint Project Supplies

If you’re looking to start a paint project but you’re not sure about the supplies needed, I’m sharing all our favorite paint supplies! Just tap the image below to shop for these products!

Paint is one of the most affordable and creative ways to transform a space! It’s also very forgiving, so if you try a color and you don’t like it, it’s an easy fix! I hope this project has opened your eyes to how paint can create magic! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and have a little fun! Until next time friends!

Aminah Chung

Check Out Our YouTube Video of This Hallway Transformation

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8 Replies to “How to Use Paint to Create Magic – Hallway Refresh”

  1. Love your blog. This project is so inspiring. Beautiful work.

  2. Beautiful work as always!

  3. Gorgeous! Love your style and this project is so cool!

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