The feel of a home isn’t only about furniture or layout — the walls around us do a lot of heavy lifting. A dull, tired surface can quietly pull down the mood of a room, while a new coat of paint can completely reset it. That’s where high quality interior painting comes in. Across the industry, brands like Dulux Group are raising the bar on standards in interior painting, with Mi Painting and Maintenance showing how those practices play out in real homes. When the work is careful and considered, paint doesn’t just refresh a space — it makes it feel lived in and inviting again.
What are the best colours for interior painting?
The best colours depend on how you want the space to feel. Neutrals are safe and timeless. Darker tones can bring intimacy.
It’s not just about taste — colour shifts the mood of a room. Pale shades reflect light and make smaller rooms feel open. Deep, earthy hues anchor large areas and add weight. Sometimes a bold accent wall is all you need to bring energy into an otherwise plain space. Looking into residential painting solutions gives a sense of how different choices work in real homes and how much influence colour has on comfort.
• Light tones brighten and expand rooms
• Dark shades add warmth and mood
• Accent walls create a focal point
How do you prepare walls before painting?
Preparation means cleaning, sanding, and priming — without it, paint won’t last.
Cracks, flaking patches, and grease all need attention before the first stroke. A clean surface makes sure the paint sticks, while primer stops stains showing through. It’s also worth investing in decent brushes and rollers; they lay paint on more evenly and save frustration. Industry advice, including from Dulux, repeats the same point: rushing this stage is what ruins most jobs. A couple of extra hours here can add years to the finish.
• Repair and sand imperfections first
• Apply primer to lock surfaces
• Use the right tools for the job
Which paint finish is best for each room?
It depends on the space. Busy areas call for tougher, washable finishes. Calmer rooms work better with softer, low-sheen paints.
Hallways and kitchens do well with satin or semi-gloss — they’re easier to wipe down after daily wear. Bedrooms and studies often feel calmer with matte paints, which hide small flaws and don’t reflect light as harshly. Wet rooms like bathrooms need moisture-resistant finishes to handle steam. And if resale is on the cards, neutral shades are safest. Choosing the best paint for property value can mean the difference between attracting more buyers or turning them away.
• Satin/semi-gloss: durable and wipeable
• Matte: hides marks, soft look
• Moisture-resistant: vital in wet rooms
Does interior painting increase home value?
Yes, it often does. Fresh paint signals care, makes rooms look bigger, and gives buyers less reason to hesitate.
Neutral colours help people imagine their own style in the space, while heavy or unusual colours can limit that. Industry research shows painting sits among the most cost-effective improvements before a sale. It doesn’t involve major disruption, yet it can change the way a property feels at inspection. For owners getting ready to sell, paint is a small project with a noticeable payoff.