Are you looking to revamp your home and give it a fresh new vibe without diving into a full-blown renovation? Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective, a clever shift in layout, and the right colour palette to breathe new life into your space.
Whether you’re working with a compact bedroom, dreaming of a striking feature wall, or leaning into a clean, minimalist look, Nippon Paint is here to inspire. With the right palette, textures, and creative direction, even the simplest changes can make your space feel brand new.
With expert tips from three acclaimed interior designers, discover how colour, proportion, and thoughtful design can completely reimagine your home, one bold stroke at a time.
Creating a Striking Feature Wall That Sets the Mood
By IDr Fendarie Su, Principal of Santa Fe Interior Architecture Sdn. Bhd.
A painted feature wall can instantly bring personality and focus to a space. It’s a simple but powerful way to add depth, character, and contrast, without needing a complete makeover. For IDr Fendarie Su, it’s a simple yet powerful way to “craft the space that speaks.”
“Feature walls enhance depth and ambience while giving a space its own identity,” she shares. “They’re great for showcasing bold colour, texture, and creativity.”
To get it right, she suggests focusing on three key design elements: placement, colour, and creativity.
- Placement is key. Choose a wall that naturally draws attention, like behind a bed, sofa, or at the end of a hallway. Even walls with doors or windows can work with thoughtful pattern design to bring structure and visual interest.
- Go bold with colour. Deep navy, vibrant green, or punchy yellow adds personality and contrast. The idea is to make the wall stand out while still complementing the rest of the room. Colour plays a key role in the design, not only tying the entire space together especially in commercial projects but also supporting wayfinding, mood, and function. Thoughtfully chosen colors can define zones, guide movement and spark curiosity creating environments that feel cohesive, intuitive, and engaging from one area to the next.
- Add texture or creative techniques. Try sponging, colour blocking, or ombré for dimension. Finishes like satin or semi-gloss reflect light and add energy. To tie it all together, echo the wall’s colour in soft furnishings or decor accents for a cohesive look.
Painted feature walls aren’t just about style. They can also serve practical functions, such as concealing storage or integrating lighting, while tidying up a room’s visual flow.
In IDr Fendarie’s work for Tenby International Campus, feature walls in bold hues like mustard yellow and forest green anchor the various spaces with personality and purpose. From the bright yellow accent wall that energises the cafeteria to the colourful arched classroom entrances that turn a hallway into a playful, engaging environment, each painted feature is thoughtfully placed and styled to complement both function and form. The result is a space that feels vibrant, welcoming, and distinctly expressive.
To bring this look to life, try Nippon Paint’s Momento® Designer Series – Cemento, known for its urbanite look and excellent colour retention. Whether you want dramatic contrast or subtle dimension, this range turns walls into works of art.
Making a Bold Colour Pop Without Overpowering Your Space
By IDr Ooi Boon Seong, Chief Executive Director at Ooi Design & Associates (OD&A)
Want to add character and intention to a room? One bold colour—used thoughtfully—can set the tone for an entire space. But the key, according to IDr Ooi, is balance.
- Start with a colour that holds meaning. In a recent project for renowned fashion icon Datuk Jimmy Choo, IDr Ooi used a deep royal blue as the feature colour, for its rich tone, but also its significance to him. “It’s a colour often worn by Datuk Jimmy Choo, and is closely tied to his iconic identity,” he shares. The colour was introduced at the main entrance door to make a strong first impression, and echoed throughout the space on upholstered pieces like the sofa and barstools.
- Use it sparingly: Keep bold colours to roughly 20% of the space. Enough to make a statement, without overwhelming the room.
- Support with quieter tones: Complement your feature shade with lighter tones or textured neutrals. Ooi used ashy blue and soft grey to enhance light and depth without distraction. This neutral backdrop allowed architectural details like woodgrains, wall beading and ceiling contours to stand out, particularly under natural light. “Pale surfaces help showcase texture and depth,” he explains. “Darker colours can absorb those subtle shadows and flatten the visual effect.”
- Layer materials for warmth: Combine velvety upholstery, warm woodgrains, metallic accents, and textured rugs to create a space that feels elevated yet lived-in. “These details may not shout for attention, but together, they give the space soul and sophistication,” Ooi says.
For a confident, lasting result, opt for paints with high colour payoff and a refined finish. The Nippon Paint Spot-Less Plus series delivers bold, enduring hues, perfect for making a statement. To complete the look, colour tools like the Nippon Paint i-Colour App and curated lookbooks make it easy to find soft, complementary tones—helping you build a beautifully balanced and cohesive palette.
Highlight Your Home’s Best Features With Thoughtful Colour Placement
By Matthew Lim, Principal of Matthew Lim Associates (MLA)
Instead of painting every wall the same shade, why not use colour as a tool to frame architectural features and draw the eye to what’s already special?
“We use colour to highlight the natural beauty of a space,” Matthew shares. “An archway, an alcove, the curve of a staircase—these details become moments when highlighted with intention.”
- Start by noticing the natural shapes and lines in your space. For example, painting the inside of an archway in a contrasting shade can give it more depth and character, whereas a deep tone on a curved wall can soften hard edges and create a cosy atmosphere.
- Let colour follow emotion. Warm tones like ochre or terracotta make a space feel cosy and grounded, while soft greens and blush tones bring a calm, relaxed vibe. For something more playful, Matthew often experiments with unexpected pairings like lavender and moss green, or burnt orange with pink.
- Keep the palette balanced and straightforward. “We usually stick to two or three main colours in a space,” Matthew shares. These are then balanced with neutral tones or natural textures like wood, stone, or brushed metal, a combination that keeps the room grounded while allowing the colours to shine without overwhelming the space.
In his Shorea Park Sales Gallery project, Matthew used coral walls to wrap around seating zones and deep blue cabinetry to ground the space. A blush backdrop in the bedroom subtly defined the headboard, adding intimacy without clutter.
For colour that frames with precision and beauty, turn to Nippon Paint Spot-Less Plus series – offering best in class vibrancy, designed for smooth finishes and excellent coverage that brings out architectural lines and curves.
Your Home, Your Colour Story
You don’t need a massive renovation to transform your home. Just a few thoughtful design choices, a well-matched palette, and a little creativity can change how you experience your space, every single day.