When used innovatively, paints can transform the perception of space, create depth and texture, and simulate natural materials like stone, lime plaster or concrete without the associated maintenance or cost, points out Architect Indrajit Kembhavi, Kembhavi Architecture Foundation.As an example, for the Winds of Change residential project’s clubhouse in Thiruvananthapuram, Kembhavi wanted to achieve the look of fair-faced concrete through painting. “Exposed concrete finishes have become a popular choice in modern architecture, celebrated for their raw, minimal and industrial aesthetic, which blends effortlessly with modern materials like wood and metal,” he says. That was the inspiration. However, achieving a similar monolithic, sleek, minimal and texturally rich look on a surface not cast in concrete requires both the right product and application technique. Kembhavi opted for concrete finish texture paint from Asian Paints, for its aesthetic appeal, flexibility, cost, construction efficiency, control over finish, design consistency, light weight, retrofit-friendliness, maintenance and performance features.Surface preparation was a key challenge, “as any imperfections become highly visible under the finish,” shares Kembhavi. “Workers skilled in using layered techniques with trowels or sponges to replicate the natural tonal variation of concrete were key to achieving uniformity across the large surfaces (the clubhouse spans 15,000 sq ft), especially without visible joints or inconsistencies. Environmental factors like humidity can affect drying and maintaining colour consistency requires careful batch control. But onsite mock-ups can help fine-tune the texture and tone.” He adds, “On the exterior, modern paints offer climate-responsive protection with features such as UV resistance, heat reflectivity and anti-fungal properties, which are especially valuable in harsh or coastal environments.” Adding life The façade of an 8,000 sq ft private luxury weekend villa in Nagaon, Alibag, uses earthy terracotta tones with deep charcoal greys, a combination aimed not just at coating but accentuating the architectural massing, shadow lines and stone cladding.All these paints came from the Asian Paints Apex Ultima Protek range, a high-performance weatherproofing exterior emulsion chosen for its crack-bridging technology and 10-year warranty. “Durability against saline humidity and algae growth was a key consideration given the villa’s proximity to the sea,” explains Nilesh Sawant, Principal Architect, Nilesh Sawant Architect.Applying the paint was not without challenges. “Coastal weather posed challenges during curing times,” he says. “Achieving seamless colour continuity on complex surfaces like pergolas and sloped roofs required meticulous masking and skilled applicators.” Within the villa, Sawant used Asian Paints Royale Atmos in select spaces like bedrooms and lounges, for its air-purifying qualities and low VOC levels. “Our choice aligned well with the wellness-focused design approach,” he says.Each room was designed with a unique mood board. A beige and ivory backdrop in the master suite creates a serene, retreat-like feel. A terracotta accent wall in the double-height living room echoes the surrounding soil, bringing in the outdoors. Subtle texture paints and metallic finishes were used in the dining and entertainment areas to add depth without over-decoration. “We used paint not just for coverage but to evoke warmth, freshness and identity,” says Sawant. “We treated walls like canvases to narrate the client’s lifestyle and the villa’s tropical context.”Spatial storytellingA 6,000 sq ft residence in Delhi spread over two levels, the Sassy Bow residence, used surface finishes not just decoratively but as a core part of the spatial storytelling.A layered, cohesive aesthetic avoided overdone panelling or obvious ornamentation, explains Neha Jaene, Founder & Principal Designer, Studio Jaene. “A key example is a load-bearing structural column in the dining-living space. Rather than conceal it or treat it as a visual block, it was turned into a statement by applying a custom black-and-white painted graphic. This created a strong visual identity for the space while tying it into other design elements like a matching mural painted on the dining room wall.”Lime coating delivered a specialised textured finish to certain spaces, a subtle, mineral-like tactility, adding depth without feeling overwhelming. Paint was also used to personalise smaller zones like zig-zag patterned panels in the bedroom or tonal transitions in ceiling alcoves where prints or tiles would have felt excessive.Asian Paints was used for the hand-painted murals and custom wall treatments in the dining room, vestibule, and bedrooms. ICA coatings were used for a liquid metal effect on surfaces requiring high-performance finishes, such as custom furniture and cabinetry, where a balance of texture, durability and sheen was critical. “We chose paints over printed materials to maintain full control over scale, texture and colour, allowing each artwork to integrate with the architecture,” adds Jaene. “Both brands offered a broad palette and the finish quality needed to hold up over time, especially in high-use zones. We opted for low VOC paint, a low-sheen matte finish that didn’t overpower other finishes like marble and wood, and strong pigmentation that worked well for hand-drawn forms.”A key challenge associated with executing large-scale hand-painted surfaces is close collaboration with artists and artisans to match colour tones across materials. Working around structural constraints was another challenge, as was getting a uniform finish without making the painted surfaces look like a theme.Cement-like finishes“We imagined Skuccii, the 4,000 sq ft aesthetic clinic frequented by celebs, as a contemporary, high-concept space that seamlessly blends craftsmanship with modern aesthetics,” says Rupesh Baid, Principal Interior Architect, AND Design Co.In keeping with this vision, Baid chose stucco paint as a central material to define key walls and surfaces. “Not just a finish, stucco became an element of texture, depth and tactile richness – adding both visual character and, through its handmade, organic feel, architectural warmth to the interiors,” he adds.Stucco paint, known for its velvety matte finish and subtle movement, lent a quiet drama to the interiors without overpowering them. Its ability to reflect light in a muted, nuanced way allowed Baid to play with form, shadows and mood across different areas – from private lounges to curated display corners.Beyond stucco paint’s aesthetic appeal, what truly stood out was its adaptability and durability. “Whether paired with natural stone, warm-toned woods or contemporary metals, stucco paint held its own – anchoring the interiors while complementing the larger palette, showing how the simplest materials, when used thoughtfully, can create the most striking impact,” says Baid. With Skuccii, he says he “reimagined paint not merely as a wall covering, but as an element of design”Touch of gold Residential interiors provide ample scope to explore various textures and finishes in creating elegant yet sophisticated interiors that harmonise functionality with artistic expression, according to Milind Pai, Founder, Milind Pai Architects & Interior Designers.“We have used liquid gold and champagne gold leafing to accentuate architectural details, such as the frame of a Brazilian marble slab installed on a wall as a focal point,” he says. “Liquid gold helps create standout features, instilling a sense of opulence throughout the space. Subtle textures on walls provide a refined backdrop that enhances architectural elements while more pronounced textured paints introduce uniqueness and depth to wall surfaces. We use Asian Paints and Jotun textured paints.”In addition, Pai says, “Polyurethane (PU) paint finishes from ICA and Asian Paints provide robust protection and a sleek appearance and make a great choice for kitchens (where we’ve used satin finish PU paint) and children’s rooms (where we’ve used PU paint for a focal wall).” He selects brands for their superior quality, finish, durability and rich colour range, with the idea of using products that not only enhance visual appeal but also elevate the overall quality of living spaces. However, he simultaneously emphasises precise planning and skilled craftsmanship to ensure textured finishes deliver the intended outcome. Achieving a high-quality finish in the featured projects demanded meticulous surface preparation, especially for previously painted or uneven surfaces.Pushing boundariesIn a world increasingly defined by minimalism and monotony, Tusshar Joshi, Founder, Utkarsh Vastukaran, says the Noor Palace Room, a 450 sq ft deluxe room in the Noor Mahal Hotel Karnal, offers a striking counterpoint: an immersive space where emotion, colour and storytelling come alive through design.The room is painted in radiant yellow, for its aesthetic value and psychological impact, to evoke warmth, happiness and creative freedom. What’s more, every surface of the room features hand-painted murals in Asian Paints acrylics. The intricate murals capture flora and fauna in mid-motion – peacocks dancing, pigeons in flight, a pigeon comforting its mate, echoing quiet companionship, parrots perched as quiet observers – symbolic reflections of shared emotions between humans and the natural world.“The Noor Palace Room embodies a bold narrative that fuses royal nostalgia and historical grandeur with artistic interpretation inspired by childhood dreams,” describes Joshi. “The room takes inspiration from the timeless beauty and spirit of the Noor Mahal’s vibrant architecture, which once attracted fauna to its courtyards. In the Noor Palace Room, this folklore is reimagined in paint.”The Noor Palace Room, like many other featured projects, doesn’t just push boundaries; it paints them. Beautifully.QuotesPaints can simulate natural materials without the associated maintenance or cost. - Architect Indrajit Kembhavi, Kembhavi Architecture FoundationDurability was a key consideration for a villa proximal to the sea. - Nilesh Sawant, Principal Architect, Nilesh Sawant ArchitectWe chose paints over printed materials to maintain full control over scale, texture and colour. - Neha Jaene, Founder & Principal Designer, Studio JaeneWhether paired with natural stone, warm-toned woods or contemporary metals, stucco paint holds its own. - Rupesh Baid, Principal Interior Architect, AND Design CoLiquid gold helps create standout features, instilling a sense of opulence throughout the space. - Milind Pai, Founder, Milind Pai Architects & Interior DesignersIn the Noor Palace Room, Karnal, we have reimagined folklore in paint. - Tusshar Joshi, Founder, Utkarsh Vastukaran