How To Successfully Paint Small Spaces Dark Colors & Actually Make Your Room Look BIGGER

Wallpaper Ideas

BelArte Studio Artistic Lines White

For a more graphic maximalist look, this abstract wall mural does the trick in four different colors.

BelArte Studio Sky Wild Forest Ivy Green

Go bold on the ceiling with this hand painted forest wallpaper that climbs from the ceiling and down the wall for a stunning conversation piece.

Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper

Kids rooms are a great place to play with pattern and spark kids imaginations as they drift off to sleep. This design by @addisonswonderland uses Hygge & West's soaring birds and floating clouds overhead.

Hygge & West Daydream Wallpaper

In another colorway for a completely different look, @oakandpillar used this Daydream Wallpaper in gold to pair with the gorgeous dark cabinetry here.

Hygge & West Forest Floor

This ceiling installation by Cass Smith of @cassmakeshome is a dramatic statement in atop a neutral space.

Graham & Brown Tramonto Amber Wallpaper

Get creative with wallpaper on the ceiling and then a faux headboard to match!

Graham & Brown Midnight Tropic Wallpaper

Powder rooms are perfect for a playful wallpapered ceiling aesthetic.

Photowall Silhouettes in Flight

Using wallpaper to accentuate a beautiful molding is an easy yet impactful way to upgrade your decor.

Wallpaper Tips

York Wall Coverings Evening Star Geometric

Try two complementary wallpapers, like a floral and a graphic, for an eclectic look.

Wallpaper Tips:

• Work with a buddy: Hanging wallpaper on a ceiling can be tricky, so having an extra set of hands can make it much easier.
• Use a temporary support: For longer strips, you might need to support the wallpaper temporarily with painter's tape until it's actually secured.
• Consider your lighting situation: When choosing wallpaper, keep in mind how ceiling lighting will affect the wallpaper color and pattern. Make sure to test a swatch by taping it to the ceiling and observing the day and night light.

Paint Ideas

These circus stripes from design retailer Maison Deux are so on trend right now and just so fun!

Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown

Color drench your rooms from floor to ceiling with this dark stone color that feels natural and elegant and totally on trend.

Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink

Pair complementary tones like this muted rose in Farrow & Ball Calamine and richer pink for a color blocked aesthetic.

Clare Paint Good Jeans Paint

Here's another cozy color-drenched look by @kyrosedesign.

Dulux Paint Pressed Petal

Try a statement stripe that creates a dining moment for two.

Painting Tips

Painting Tips

• Paint in natural light: If possible, paint during the day when natural light is brightest. This helps you catch any missed spots or uneven coverage more easily.
• Start with the edges: Use a brush to “cut in” around the edges of the ceiling, creating a border. This makes it easier to roll paint up to the edges without bumping into walls or light fixtures.
• Use a pole extension: An extension pole gives you better control, minimizes neck strain, and helps you achieve an even coat.
• Roll in one direction, then cross-roll: Apply the first coat by rolling in one direction, usually parallel to the longest wall. Then, cross-roll by going perpendicular to the first direction to avoid streaks.
• Let each coat dry. This is the kind of project you don't want to rush, so let your layers dry before applying another coat. The paint can should say drying times for the best finish!

Mouldings + Wood

Anthropologie Delphine Rattan Chandelier

If your ceiling needs a little love, add a ceiling ring and a statement chandelier and you have a refreshing new look. Medallions are also surprisingly affordable for an elegant look.

Ashford Smooth Panel Moulding Kit

This highly rated moulding looks great on the wall or the fifth wall.

Wood Ceiling Beams

Wood beams create a rustic look and give cozy cabin vibes!

1. Start simple and make them a personalized card.

Nothing communicates your love, time, and effort behind a gift more than personalized cards. Even if you can’t DIY the gift itself, having a handmade card (with a thoughtful message inside) as a prelude to the unwrapping ritual will touch everyone’s heart. Make sure to craft yours on some hardy cardstock so they feel *extra* special. Peep some of these stellar holiday card ideas for inspiration!

@miascozycorner i inadvertently seem to have to fallen into a purple theme?? #christmascrafts#diychristmasdecor#diychristmasornaments#claycreations#tiktokdiy#christmas♬ original sound - mia 🍒

2. Sculpt some cutie gift toppers.

Handmade gift wrapping elements will also step up your holiday game. These darling little gift toppers that @miascozycorner made out of polymer clay are sure to inspire your own designs! Decorate the shapes you make with paint pens and coat them in Liquitex for durability, then attach them to your gift box or bag using some cute ribbon or yarn.

3. Use air-dry clay to make picture holders.

Clay is your BFF for making handmade gifts. This idea from @rileyrosestudio lets your giftee display pictures, memories, cards, or even recipe cards in the form of their favorite food! Go for a trendier take by sculpting an olive or tomato out of air-dry clay, or opt to craft something as intricate as a burger or pizza slice – no matter what shape it is, they’re sure to love it. Riley usesgesso to prime her air-dry clay pieces, then an acrylic sealant to make sure those lovely designs stay put.

4. Make an orange garland for them.

A dried orange garland takes an entire day (and sometimes more) to make, so your recipient should definitely feel special knowing you put hours of love into this handmade gift. Though they look intricate, you only need to follow a few steps (and have few materials: orange slices, twine, and a thick yarn needle) to achieve the cozy garland. Luckily, there are tons of citrus garland tutorials on social media to assist in your creation. B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith, tied cutie little pink ribbon bows on her homemade garland.

5. Craft a candle holder using clay.

6. Make coasters out of air-dry clay and gift them alongside thrifted glassware.

To make some handmade coasters, roll out some air-dry clay, let it dry, and coat it with gesso before you get to painting! The canvas is yours with this gift idea, but here are a few concepts to get the creative juices flowing: smiley faces, rainbows, spirals, initials, and fruits or vegetables. Ensure that your hard work stays in place with a sealant that’ll repel moisture. Some thrifted glassware pieces to give alongside your handmade coasters would be the absolute cherry on top!

7. Create a collage out of old magazines.

Magazines are really not hard to come by, and if you're looking for a sustainable gift, you can find some especially unique ones at re-sell bookstores or thrift stores to make your own collage. Some of the best ones to start with are Vogue and National Geographic. There are a lot of different techniques and themes you could run with, so we recommend doing some visual research on Pinterest beforehand to nail down your collage's concept. Maybe it's full of imagery that reminds you of your relationship, or a jumble of words that form a sweet poem – it's really up to you! Just have glue, an X-Acto knife, and a cutting board on-hand for the process. Complete this artsy handmade gift by signing your work and framing the collage in a nifty frame.

8. Thread a handmade necklace using thrifted or secondhand beads.

Got a necklace you don’t love? Deconstruct that baby using small wire cutters or scissors so that you can use the leftover beads and charms to make something entirely new! If you don’t have them on-hand already, you will need some beading cord, bead clamps, jump rings, clasps, and pliers.

9. DIY your very own body care line.

Making your own body scrubs or balt salts is *a lot* easier than you’d think. Some recipes only call for ingredients you’d find in your kitchen! Make a range of self-care products at home, then package them up in thrifted jars with ribbon and a handmade tag to really impress.

10. Repurpose cans and tins by pouring candles into them.

Fish tin candles are in, but you can really use any vessel to pour your own candles in. All you need is some candle wax, wicks, and a scent of your choice to create something super unique! Try your first handmade candle with an empty, clean tinned fish tin, then get adventurous with soda cans or crushed tomato cans to bring out that Tomato Girl energy for your gift recipient.

11. Make a batch of jam.

12. Make a batch of spice mix.

13. Make a batch of chili oil.

14. Knit or crochet a hat, scarf, or another garment you know they’d like.

Having knitting and/or crochet skills is invaluable when it comes to gifting season. You can easily find patterns online for creating beanies, blankets, scarves, leg warmers, balaclavas, mittens, and more, so your giftee can stay stylishly warm beyond the holidays in a bespoke garment that *you* made!

15. Make magnets out of air-dry clay for their fridge.

16. Paint a glass bottle with your own design to gift a plant cutting.

You can easily thrift a glass vessel (or use one you already have), paint a unique design on it using glass paint, then fill it with a little bit of water to gift a small plant cutting! This way, you’re giving them a stylish home decor piece along with a heirloom piece of nature that they’ll admire every day as it grows.

17. DIY an ornament (or a few) for them.

18. Burn a CD full of tracks they’d like.

It may seem a little old-school now, but the gift idea of burning a CD will appeal to every gift recipient that’s old enough to remember portable CD players. They can play it in their car or through their at-home speaker system to jam out. Just grab a pack of blank CDs that come with covers, and let the nostalgic process take you away.

19. Bake them a big batch of cookies.

You just can’t go wrong with sweets during the holidays! Whatever form they come in – vegan, gluten-free, paleo – cookies are sure to satisfy your giftee. We have a ton of recipes you could check out (I highly recommend the Taylor Swift chai cookies), but if you already have a method to your madness, whip up whatever dessert recipe you have in mind. Just make sure they’re fairly fresh when you hand them over.

20. Decorate a plant pot with pops of color.

If your gift recipient has a green thumb, it’s not a bad idea to gift them a few plant-related things. Luckily, handmade gifts have a stake in this – just grab a terracotta pot (you can easily thrift one or find one for cheap at the dollar store) and some chalk pens, then decorate the exterior however you like.

To get some ideas flowing, you could include illustrated motifs of your relationship with this person, write their name out in bubble letters, or just doodle random designs. Matching their interior design aesthetic is definitely recommended.

Little Luxuries

Even on a budget, we love to treat ourselves to a little bit of fancy. Think plush throws, high-thread-count bedding, or a curated collection of decadent candles. This trend celebrates everyday indulgences by incorporating small, meaningful upgrades into your home. Statement lighting and mirrors like this Sarah Sherman Samuel Rook Mirror; handmade pottery; even small touches, like gold-rimmed coupe glasses or elegant trays for organizing your essentials, that elevate the ordinary. This is all about feeling sophisticated yet totally cozy.

Individual Expression

Individual expression embraces personal style over following trends. More people will look within for their home decor style, celebrating unique, curated spaces filled with meaningful pieces, like vintage finds, DIY projects, and bold color choices. It’s about telling *your* story through design and turning your home into a one-of-a-kind reflection of your personality, passions, and experiences.

Elevated 70s Vibes

Wood drenching is back from the '70s with a more grown-up look. Resurfacing are elevated designs and quality woods with '70s decor like sleek chrome lamps, shag rugs, chenille, and burgundy. Disco lamps optional.

Return Of Post-Modernism

CB2 Bodene Ivory Resin Coffee Table

Inspired by 1980s post-modernism, AKA "the designer decade," everything from coffee tables to sofas are coming out with unique shapes and unexpected designs. Look for more sculptural pieces that play together with a still-minimal vibe.

Asymmetrical Rugs

Etsy Handtufted Irregular Shaped Rug

Hopping on the curve trend are rugs in 2025. Play with your wooly shapes for a more organic look.

Intentional Design

As more people become concerned about climate change, WGSN expects 2025 will bring more services that help us reuse and repair. Things like refillable beauty products, climatarian cuisine (food chosen based on its carbon footprint), and products and services that encourage DIY, resale and repair will be big in 2025. Choosing quality pieces that will stand the test of time and even incorporating vintage pieces for their uniqueness and sustainability factor will be part of this trend.

Warm Neutrals Paired With Deep Blues + Blacks

Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug

Warm neutrals like chalk, oat milk and taupe are colors that we'll see more of for versatile home decor. But don't worry, color will be back in a big way too. Organic greens like kelp and emerald, oxblood, clay, sepia, and terracotta will add some richness while soothing pastels like glacier blue and mellow peach, plus flashes of brights like pink and teal, will also grace our 2025 homes.

Color + Pattern Drenching

Color drenching will remain a strong trend in 2025, with bold, saturated hues covering entire spaces for a cohesive, dramatic effect. Layering patterns on patterns will also make a statement, as wallpaper and fabric work together to bring texture, character, and a fresh canvas to your space.

Statement Ceilings + Tile

Rebel Walls Bruno Sand Wallpaper

The fifth wall is having a moment, with everything from wallpaper and painted stripes to statement chandeliers adding unexpected flair overhead.

Zen Dens

Crate and Barrel Sogno Chaise Lounge

2025 is all about comfort. Think plush, deep sofas, curvy chaises, and furniture with sweater-like textures, creating cozy nooks and rooms you’ll want to sink into with a good book or enjoy chats with your friends and family.

Sensorial Homes

WGSN forecasts a rise in sensory-driven decor for 2025, so products that soothe our senses. Think ASMR-inspired products like virtual sound baths to enhance focus, mood-boosting products that align with color psychology, robotic scent diffusers, experiential showers and chromatherapy.

Discreet Design

Tech and aesthetics don't always play well together, but that’s set to change. Expect more discreet tech products and kitchen appliances designed to blend seamlessly with decor. Look for natural materials, soft textiles, minimalist shapes, and inviting colors, along with clever design solutions that conceal tech — like photo frames that double as phone chargers.

"More and more people are choosing to live in smaller spaces or want to use rooms for multiple purposes. Multi-functional pieces will be growing in popularity, including hidden storage options or transformative furniture," says Li.

Biophilic Design

Research shows that plants can actually make us happier, so why not design our homes around them? In 2025, expect to see smart gardens with sensor-regulated watering, furniture with built-in planters, and nature-inspired decor. It's all about bringing the outdoors in, and the indoors out.

Outdoor Glamour

Outdoor spaces are becoming true extensions of our homes, with features like al fresco kitchens, plunge pools, outdoor showers (#goals), and cozy outdoor rugs and sofas made with durable, weather-resistant fabrics for fully functional spaces to enjoy most of the year.