New Paint Hits the Refresh Button on Home Decor

Similarly, Gibbons has seen interest in what she calls “vibrant, energetic, and cheerful tones,” like corals and brilliant blues, a shift she believes comes from people wanting to make their spaces feel happy and cozy.

Pick a color that evokes emotion

When choosing a paint color, Gibbons recommends taking color cues from the existing furniture and decor and making sure to look at the paint in the room's natural light, which can radically change a color.

The most important thing, though, is to choose a color that makes you feel good. “Ultimately design is very personal, so choose what speaks to you personally,” she says.

Wadden suggests spending some time perusing Pinterest or design magazines for inspiration before heading to the paint store. “If you can't get into the store, you can make a phone call and talk to the store personnel to get advice on the right product or you certainly can shop online,” she notes.

If you aren't sure if painting the living room in wall-to-wall coral will work for you, Wadden suggests an accent wall.

"Accent colors are a way to update a space without really committing to the whole room if you don't have that in you,” she says. She suggests using color to spice up a fireplace wall, an entry, or another significant space that you want to highlight.

Wadden has also noticed people devising creative uses of paint—using stencils to add a little flash to a room, or what she calls “tuxedo paint” in kitchens, with one color on the upper cabinets, a darker color on the base cabinets and sometimes even a third color on an island. “It's a great opportunity to bring color in, but maybe not commit to a whole big kitchen done in one color,” she says. “It can look super sophisticated."

Before undertaking a DIY paint job, Gibbons has one tip: “Don't skimp out on your supplies, because good supplies can help you achieve more professional-looking results.”

Wadden recommends talking to the experts at a paint store who can help you choose the right paint for your wall, answer how-to questions, and tell you what kind of brushes, rollers and primer to use.

Whatever color you choose, whether a neutral or a bold pop of color, there's no doubt that a coat of paint can make a world of difference, although it will involve some sweat equity on the part of homeowners who tackle the job themselves.

"I'm super proud that I did it and it looks really good,” says Kravette. “I'm wondering if I really want to ever do it again. But the hallway does need a little more work."