If decorating your home brings you joy, a new one is in order Paint trend Hitting houses that might see you running to your nearest paint store. Its name alone is enough to put a smile on your face, let alone seeing it in action.
Plus, once you understand what it is, incorporating it into your home is as easy as the children’s game it’s named after. It doesn’t always require a whole tin of paint, making it a cost-effective way to update your home’s interior.
Find out what the ‘peek-a-boo’ paint trend is, how to use it and browse our gallery of ideas to create ‘peek-a-boo’ moments in your home.
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What is the ‘peek-a-boo’ paint trend?
As the name suggests, the ‘Peek-a-Boo’ paint trend is all about creating surprises. Just like the way the game is played, it’s about hiding and then revealing yourself, and in the case of paint, it’s about hiding a color where you least expect it.
“’Peek-a-boo paint theory’ is a decorating trend that focuses on adding small but striking colors together in unexpected places, such as inside closets. skirting board or on the edge of windows or doors,” confirms Helen Shaw, Marketing Director (International). Benjamin Moore.
“Sometimes referred to as ‘whisper color,’ the ‘peek-a-boo’ concept is growing in popularity, with designers and homeowners alike using color in truly unexpected, fleeting moments, as opposed to dominating the entire design scheme,” elaborates Anna Hill, brand director and color consultant. Fenwick and Tilbrook.
“These are intentional pops of color that bring personality to a space and provide a low-risk way to introduce bright colors into what might otherwise be a monotonous design scheme.”
“For those who are a little color shy, adding personality to their home is a great way to add personality to their home through subtle yet vibrant details rather than a completely painted one. feature wall Or a big block of color,” adds Helen. “It encourages people to be brave and rebel against the rules of decor. It takes confidence to ‘paint outside the lines’, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make a dramatic impact.”
Where to Use the ‘Peek-A-Boo’ Paint Trend
So how can you use the ‘peek-a-boo’ attitude to get the best results in your home?
“To bring a ‘peek-a-boo’ attitude into the home, you need to think about contrast and where these pops will be most effective,” advises Anna Hill. “Instead of committing to full walls, remove the color,” she says. “Whether it’s the inside of a closet that opens to reveal a darker color, the slim edge of a door that looks neutral until it swings open, or the back of an alcove that frames the pieces inside it, it’s about using color where it’s least expected.”
“Architectural pockets such as cabinet interiors, Painted stair risers Or even the underside of a console unit is great for adding an unexpected touch,” she continues.
Helen Shaw suggests that it can help if you also think about the flow and layout of your room. “Peek-a-boo’ paint theory works especially well in spaces where there are small glimpses of color as you walk through the space. These subtle glimpses of color create moments of surprise and visual interest.
When thinking about ways to use the trend, see if you can use color in a way that “draws attention to beautiful features that might otherwise go unnoticed, while also adding a sense of depth and layering to the room,” suggests Kathryn Sanders, head of creative. earth birth.
“When we talk to clients about using color in this way, we always suggest starting by looking at what’s already there,” she continues. “Built-in storageSkirting boards, window recesses and interior shelves are all natural opportunities to experiment. These are areas where the eye naturally travels, so even a small amount of color can have a real impact.
“It can also work beautifully between rooms,” Kathryn continues. “Painting the inside edge of a door or the back of an alcove in a contrasting shade creates a soft visual connection from one space to another, helping to make the home more cohesive and thoughtfully designed.”
Choosing your ‘peek-a-boo’ colors and paint finishes
Feel like experimenting with the ‘Peek-a-Boo’ concept? Take time to think about the colors you want to feature and Type of paint Experts say you will use
“Once you’ve found the perfect spot, choose colors that coordinate with your design scheme, choose deeper tones from the same palette for a sophisticated look, or add a surprising touch with a bright, contrast pop,” recommends Anna Hill.
“Choosing paints with a high sheen can also enhance the effect by catching light in small spaces, however Matte paints But it works the same way,” she notes.
“Finally, as you’re playing with a smaller, less visible surface area, you can also be brave and experiment with highly pigmented shades, high gloss finishes, or even use a single color that appears throughout the space as an accent, for a quietly bold but consistent thread,” says Anna.
And, if the element of coordination is important to you, Helen Shaw says you can use the ‘peek-a-boo’ approach to combine furniture and accessories in the same shade, as this will help lock the scheme together. It can be 10% of your color in the 60:30:10 rule which is another popular one interior design approach
The element of solidarity is something that Catherine Sanders also alludes to in her suggestions.
“Contrast works best when it feels balanced rather than dramatic. Complementary colors can be very effective, but softer or chalkier versions often look more lively in small areas,” she says.
“Tone-on-tone schemes are another beautiful option, for example, using a deeper shade inside shelves against lighter surrounding walls,” suggests Kathryn. “Ultimately, ‘peek-a-boo’ color is about bringing little moments of fun and personality into a space. It allows people to be playful with color in a way that still feels calm, deliberate and easy to live with.”
Essential for creating your ‘peek-a-boo’ moments
GenixArt
Genixart angled cutting in paint brush
With their angled design, this pack of paintbrushes is perfect for creating ‘peek-a-boo’ moments throughout your home.
Frog Tap
Frog Tape Yellow Delicate Surface Painters Masking Tape
Can be used on freshly painted surfaces to ensure clean and crisp lines while adding different colors
play
Color Guide Tool from Rhymeway Artist
Use this handy color wheel to decide which colors to use when creating your ‘Peek-a-Boo’ moments.
Ideas for using the ‘Peek a Boo’ attitude in your home
Whether you’re adding a ‘peek-a-boo’ moment to your walls, windows or wooden cabinets, you still need to make sure they’re painted to perfection. For advice on getting clean edges and a pristine finish, find out Painters tape or masking tape will give you the neatest lines, and find out when a professional DIY expert recommends it Cutting into the paint.
