Splashing on a new coat of paint is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to refresh a space. But it’s easy to go beyond the standard wall paint ideas and transform your walls with some creative artistry. Whether it’s an eye-catching pattern, decorative painting or a textured finish, these wall paint ideas will instantly upgrade your home.

Create a beautiful watercolor effect on your accent wall with this design idea that looks like a piece of art. You can get the look by diluting acrylic paint with water, but it will take some patience to get it right. Try this with a single hue, or mix and match colors to create your own unique look.

Stripes are a classic wall paint idea but it’s easy to make them look modern and trendy. Use tape to create a stripe pattern, or freehand it for a more abstract style. Try using two contrasting colors to create this striped wall from curateanddisplay, or add a third color for an even more eye-catching look.

If you’re looking for a more subtle approach to striped walls, try creating a chevron or herringbone pattern. This stylish accent wall can be created with a wide range of colors and can also be made to appear more dimensional by using thicker paint lines. This easy accent wall technique is perfect for those who want the benefits of stripes but aren’t a fan of the hard work that comes with painting straight lines.

Give your wall a cloud-like texture that’s both modern and creative. To achieve this stunning design, first paint the lower part of the wall with a darker shade and then top it off with the lighter tone. Then, apply a layer of clear gel over the paint to help protect your walls from damage.

Add a touch of whimsy to your bedroom with a playful design that’s both cute and practical. You can recreate this design by creating a series of random dots a few inches apart from each other, and then connecting them with lines. This will instantly add a unique and interesting accent to your room that’s sure to spark conversation.

If you love the warmth and character that molding can bring to a room, but don’t have the time or budget to install real wood trim, paint it instead. In this cozy living room, designer Chauncey Boothby created faux molding by cutting a brighter blue (Benjamin Moore’s Yarmouth Blue) with white to highlight the existing trim.

If you’re designing a child’s space, an accent wall painted with chalkboard paint gives you the option to change up the look of the space as often as your kids do with their artwork. This simple painting technique is also an ideal solution for those who live in a rental property and are unable to do a full remodel. Just remember to keep a piece of chalk handy!