If decorating your home brings you joy, there's a new paint trend hitting homes that could see you running to your nearest paint store. The sheer name of it alone is enough to bring a smile to your face, let alone seeing it in action.
Plus, once you understand what it is, including it in your home is as easy as the children's game it's named after. It doesn't always require a full tin of paint either, making it a cost-effective way of updating your home's interiors.
Find out just what the 'peek-a-boo' paint trend is, how to use it and browse our gallery of ideas for creating 'peek-a-boo' moments in your home.
Article continues belowWhat is the 'peek-a-boo' paint trend?
As the name suggests, the 'peek-a-boo' paint trend is about creating surprise. In much the same way as the game is played, it's about hiding and then revealing yourself, and in the case of paint, it's about hiding a colour where you least expect it.
“The ‘peek-a-boo paint theory’ is a decorating trend that focuses on adding small but striking flashes of colour in unexpected places, such as inside cupboards, along skirting boards or on edges of windows or doors," confirms Helen Shaw, director of marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore.
"Sometimes also referred to as a 'whisper colour', the 'peek-a-boo' concept has been growing in popularity, seeing designers and homeowners alike using colour in really unexpected, fleeting moments, as opposed to dominating an entire design scheme," expands Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook.
"These are intentional pops of colour that bring personality to a space, and offer a low-risk way of introducing brighter colours in what could be an otherwise cohesive design scheme."
"It’s a great way for those who are a little colour-shy to add personality into their home through subtle yet vibrant details, rather than committing to a fully painted feature wall or large block of colour," adds Helen. "It encourages people to be brave and rebel against decorating rules. It takes confidence to ‘paint outside of the lines’, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make an impressive impact."
Where to use the 'peek-a-boo' paint trend
So how can you use the 'peek-a-boo' trend to get the best results in your home?
"To bring the 'peek-a-boo' trend into the home, you need to think about contrast and where these pops will be most effective," advises Anna Hill. "Rather than committing to full walls, tuck bursts of colour away," she says. "Whether it's the inside of a cupboard that flashes open to reveal a bold hue, the slim edge of door that looks neutral until swings open, or the back of an alcove that frames the pieces within it, it's about using colour where it's least expected."
"Architectural pockets such as cabinet interiors, painted stair risers or even the underside of a console unit are all great for adding a touch of the unexpected," she continues.
It can also help if you think about the flow and layout of your room too, suggests Helen Shaw. "The 'peek-a-boo' paint theory works particularly well in places where small glimpses of colour appear as you move through a space. These subtle flashes of colour create moments of surprise and visual interest.
When thinking about ways to use the trend, look at if you can use colour in way that "draws attention to beautiful features that might otherwise go unnoticed, while also adding depth and a sense of layering to a room,” suggests Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn.
“When we talk to customers about using colour in this way, we always suggest starting by looking at what is already there," she continues. "Built-in storage, skirting boards, window recesses and internal shelving are all natural opportunities to experiment. These are areas the eye naturally travels to, so even a small amount of colour can have real impact.
"It can also work beautifully between rooms," continues Cathryn. "Painting the inside edge of a doorway or the back of an alcove in a contrasting shade creates a soft visual connection from one space to another, helping a home feel more cohesive and thoughtfully designed.”
Choosing your 'peek-a-boo' colours and paint finish
Feel like experimenting with the 'peek-a-boo' concept? Take time to think about the colours you want to feature, and the type of paint you'll be using say the experts.
"Once you've found the perfect spot, choose colours that either harmonise with your design scheme, choosing a deeper tone from the same palette for a sophisticated look, or add a touch of surprise with a bright, contrast pop," recommends Anna Hill.
"Opting for paints with a higher sheen can also add to the effect by catching the light in smaller spaces, although matt paints also work just as well," she notes.
"Ultimately, as you're playing with a smaller, less visible surface area, you can also be braver and experiment with high-pigment shades, high sheen finishes or even use a single colour that appears throughout the space as an accent, for a quietly bold but cohesive thread," says Anna.
And, if the element of cohesion is important element to you, then Helen Shaw says you can use the 'peek-a-boo' trend to pair furniture and accessories in the same shade, as this will help lock the scheme together. It can be your 10% colour in the 60:30:10 rule which is another popular interior design approach.
The element of unity is something that Cathryn Sanders also alludes to in her suggestions.
“Contrast works best when it feels balanced rather than dramatic. Complementary colours can be very effective, but softer or chalkier versions often feel more liveable in smaller areas," she says.
"Tone-on-tone schemes are another lovely option, for example using a deeper shade within shelving against lighter surrounding walls," Cathryn suggest. "Ultimately, 'peek-a-boo' colour is about bringing small moments of joy and individuality into a space. It allows people to be playful with colour in a way that still feels calm, intentional and easy to live with.”
Essentials for creating your 'peek-a-boo' moments
With their angled design, this pack of paintbrushes is perfect for creating 'peek-a-boo' moments throughout your home
Can be used on freshly painted surfaces to ensure clean and crisp lines when adding different colours
Use this simple colour wheel for deciding what colours to use when creating your 'peek-a-boo' moments
Ideas for using the 'peek a boo' trend in your home
Whether you're adding a 'peek-a-boo' moment to your walls, windows or wooden cabinets, you still need to make sure it's painted to perfection. For advice on getting clean edges and pristine finishes, find out whether painters tape or masking tape will give you the neatest lines, and discover what a professional DIY expert recommends when cutting in paint.
