New research reveals what homeowners are painting now and what’s next
AVON, Ohio, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The next painting project may not be another four walls. From colorful trim to bold built-ins and overlooked spaces, homeowners are finding more ways to use paint to personalize their homes. The 2027 FrogTape® Paint Project Index examines what homeowners have already painted and what they plan to tackle in the next 12 months, revealing how familiar projects are evolving while new ways to bring color and personality into a space gain ground.
The research shows that traditional projects still have staying power. More than half of homeowners (57%) have already created a traditional accent wall, and 49% have painted a ceiling. Looking ahead, the focus shifts beyond the walls: colorful or contrasting trim and doors top the project list at 54%, followed by small spaces (42%), single-wall accent walls (40%) and cabinets or built-ins (37%).
“Homeowners are finding more ways to make a painting project feel personal, and that goes well beyond choosing a color for the walls,” said Melanie Canning, Director of Insights for FrogTape®. “People are now considering every element of a room as a design opportunity, with architectural details, ceilings and small, overlooked spaces becoming the next canvas.”
Top Painting Projects Planned for 2027
Trim Takes Center Stage
Trim is the only paint project where planned interest (54%) exceeds past adoption (45%), reflecting the appeal of a small change with a high impact. Among homeowners who have painted architectural details, 31% say it refreshes a room’s energy without the time or expense of painting all four walls, and 22% say it revives worn, dated trim or plain doors without replacing them. DIYers are doing their homework, too: 36% say trim and architectural details are the project they’ve researched most.
Small Spaces, Big Statement
Some of the boldest ambitions are in the smallest rooms. Nearly half (42%) plan to transform a small or often-overlooked space, such as a powder room or laundry room, with bold paint in the next year. Among those interested, 60% say bold paint turns a purely functional room into a high-impact design feature, and 55% say color makes everyday tasks like laundry or meal prep more enjoyable. Only 4% of those considering these spaces prefer to keep them neutral.
The Accent Wall Evolves
Focal points are the most established trend in the Index, with 57% of homeowners having created a single-wall accent wall. Yet the data suggests the classic statement wall is no longer the only space people are putting color. Nearly half (49%) have already painted a ceiling, and 27% plan to paint a ceiling in a bold, contrasting or unexpected color in the next 12 months.
Among those who are embracing non-white ceilings, half have gone bold with color or pattern, and 58% say the motivation behind the look was adding character and a personalized touch to an otherwise plain room.
Cabinets and Built-Ins Get a Color Refresh
Paint is also giving homeowners a way to change the look of a kitchen or built-in storage without taking on a full renovation.
Nearly half (45%) have already painted cabinets, built-ins or shelving, and 37% plan to. The motivation is both personal and practical: 43% say their main mindset is to personalize their space and try creative ideas, and 25% want to save money compared with hiring a contractor.
Technique is Trending
As homeowners move beyond familiar projects, crisp lines and precision are becoming increasingly important. Painter’s tape is a must-have part of the process, with 97% saying they used or plan to use it for a recent or upcoming DIY project. 66% percent use it on almost every project requiring clean lines or multiple colors.
Still, only 21% say they feel completely confident achieving flawless, professional-looking lines on a complex painting project like arches, contrasting trim or doors, geometric or striped designs and small space transformations.
FrogTape Advanced™ Painter’s Tape offers elevated performance when it comes to super sharp paint lines, conformability around curves and removal without tearing or shredding. The ultra-premium painter’s tape is also treated with PaintBlock® Technology, which helps seal the tape’s edges to block paint bleed.
For painting tips and project inspiration, visit FrogTape.com.
*FrogTape® surveyed 1,000 U.S. homeowners and renters in September 2026 about the painting projects they have completed and plan to tackle in the next 12 months.
FROGTAPE® BRAND PRODUCTS
FrogTape® brand painter’s tapes are high-quality products that provide professional-looking results, streamlining the painting process for both DIYers and pros alike. FrogTape® products include tapes designed for an array of purposes, from Multi-Surface for super sharp paint lines, to Delicate Surface for faux finishing projects, to other professional-grade tapes for both interior and exterior applications. All FrogTape® products offer clean removal. Whether you’re taping off baseboards, trim and walls for basic painting applications or creating decorative patterns, FrogTape® makes it easy to achieve your desired results. For more information on FrogTape® brand, visit FrogTape.com; like us on Facebook® (facebook.com/FrogTape); follow us on X® (@FrogTape); follow us on Instagram® (@FrogTape); follow our boards on Pinterest® (pinterest.com/FrogTape) or watch us on YouTube® (youtube.com/FrogTapeTube).
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