How the right paint can transform any room

The saying, "first impressions matter," is perhaps as old as time itself, and it holds quite a bit of truth. For a space, the first impression lies in its interior, particularly in how the colour and ambience affect how you feel.

The beige walls of a salon might make you feel closer to nature, the stark-white walls of a gallery may make the venue feel spacious, or the glossy look of a showroom could make everything feel brand new. All of this is brought to you by the magic of paint.

Interior designers choose different types of paint for each space to bring out its best features. Whether it is a residential area where a family finds its oasis or a commercial space that offers a comfortable shopping experience, the colours and textures of the walls play a key role.

For homes, for example, architects and interior designers actively seek paint options that are as low in toxicity as possible.

"When choosing paint, we look for low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) options, especially if there will be children and pets in the space," shared Md Asif Rahman, lead architect of Ghasforing.

According to Asif, these paints not only emit less odour but also have a lower environmental impact compared to other commercially used paints.

Asif also highlights that the key to a perfectly painted wall is a well-prepared surface and applying thin layers of paint, built up coat by coat.

"A common mistake I see people making is applying thick layers of paint to walls. This can cause the paint to crack and peel over time. Instead, you need to apply thin coats after each layer has dried," Asif commented.

However, it does not matter how meticulously the wall is painted if it is not properly prepared beforehand. Just like an artist's canvas, the wall must be clean—so it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried first. After applying a layer of spackle to fill in cracks, sanding, and priming to create a smooth surface, it is ready for paint.

Additionally, different sheens and finishes are important to consider. Glossy paints are easier to clean, while a matte finish tends to absorb dirt. On the other hand, matte paint has a very sophisticated look.

Perhaps the most important factors, however, are moisture resistance and anti-microbial qualities. Over time, walls will deteriorate and become discoloured due to high humidity.

"For countries like ours, where humidity is high, latex paint may be a good option as it is moisture resistant," shared the architect.

He continued, "In rooms with limited light and poor airflow, it's important to use a paint that helps inhibit bacterial growth. While it may not completely prevent mould, it can significantly reduce the likelihood of it developing."

Paint can also fade due to outdoor factors like direct sunlight and pollution, as well as indoor factors like moisture and smoke from cooking.

"Rooms such as washrooms and kitchens have high moisture, which is why moisture-resistant paint is important. Homeowners can also clean the walls every three to six months with a damp cloth."

Nowadays, many people are moving away from traditional plain white walls in favour of new, modern designs. This includes accent walls with bold colours and even intricate artwork.

Even in the quest for modern styles, many old styles are making a comeback.

"Earth tones and warm neutrals were popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and demand for those colours is rising now. People now love softer, muted versions of those colours such as terracotta, clay, and beige for a cosy feel," shared Asif.

According to Asif, even the bold florals of the '60s and '80s have resurfaced, but with a more sophisticated feel featuring "nature-inspired or geometric patterns, often used as accent walls."

Just ten years ago, finding the right paint for different spaces was a much bigger challenge due to limited availability in the market.

"Back then, you would mostly find paints used commercially, such as plastic paint," shared Asif. "Even though the condition of the local paint market is much better now, there are still challenges. It is hard to find paints that are used less often, such as eggshell paint."