Designers Tout Painted Doors as Next Big Home Trend

This simple upgrade can completely transform a space, experts say.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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According to a recent Houzz Design Trends Report, painted interior doors are the next big trend in home design. Designers say painting doors is an affordable way to add personality and drama to a room, without a major renovation. They recommend choosing timeless, grounding colors like dark blues and greens, and avoiding trendy shades that can quickly date a space.

Why it matters

Painted doors offer homeowners an easy, relatively low-cost way to update their spaces and express their personal style. As people continue seeking affordable ways to refresh their homes, this trend provides an accessible option that can make a big visual impact.

The details

Designers recommend painting doors a color that complements the surrounding room, either matching or coordinating with the wall color. They advise against green-based yellows, baby blues, and orange-tinged reds, as these can feel harsh and dated. Instead, they suggest moody hues like deep blues and greens, which are timeless and versatile. Proper preparation is key - doors need to be thoroughly cleaned, sanded, and primed before painting to ensure a long-lasting, chip-resistant finish. Designers also recommend using a high-gloss paint for easier cleaning.

  • The Houzz Design Trends Report that identified painted doors as a top trend was published in February 2026.

The players

Sara Swabb

Owner and creative director of Storie Collective in Washington, D.C.

Peter Miles

Designer at The Drawing Board, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

Tracy Morris

Designer based in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“People are craving personality in their interiors, and doors are a perfect surface to express that. They bridge the architecture and the furnishings, so when you give them color, you instantly add depth and polish to the space.”

— Sara Swabb, Owner and creative director (Storie Collective)

“Beige is boring whereas color-drenched rooms where the walls, trim, and doors are all painted the same or similar hues are an affordable way to make a statement with a room.”

— Peter Miles, Designer (The Drawing Board, Inc.)

“These colors can feel harsh to the eye and often read more trendy than timeless. They also tend to date a space quickly, which is the opposite of what you want when choosing a statement color for doors.”

— Tracy Morris, Designer (Washington, D.C.)

The takeaway

Painting interior doors offers homeowners an affordable, accessible way to refresh their spaces and inject more personality. By choosing timeless, grounding colors, this trend can provide a transformative update without the commitment of a full renovation.