However, whenever we speak with designers about the rise of color, everyone is so quick to say; but nothing will replace a timeless neutral. There's always space for those shades that feel warm, soft, and cocooning. And Farrow & Ball's Mouse's Back is one such shade – a whisper-soft, comforting mid-brown that dances in daylight and cocoons in the darker hours. A brown paint oh-so gentle, it's named after the fawn-toned fur of a British field mouse.

'Long-term Farrow & Ball fans will always have a place in their heart for Mouse’s Back,' explains Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball's Color Curator. 'It feels like the backbone of our palette. Perfect for those who desire a restrained traditional look, Mouse’s Back feels like it has been plucked from the utility area of a historic house. This gray-brown classic is quiet in nature and totally timeless, and although understated, it is a really clever color, more saturated than a classic neutral but just as versatile.'

In this breakfast nook designed by Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster and Patina, Mouse's Back brings a gentle warmth that cocoons the eating area. It accentuates the wall paneling and architectural features without creating too much depth or heaviness.

'Mouse's Back is one of my absolute favorite moody browns,' says Alexandra. 'It's the color of my old primary bedroom, my old sunroom, and my current design studio, so to say I love it is an understatement! I think it is such a great balance of warm but not too warm. I love pairing it with warm stained, neutral woods like walnut or white oak,' adds Alexandra. Organic materials and paler neutrals let the depth of Mouse's Back shine whilst finding common ground with its earthiness.

'As we turn towards comfortable colors in our homes, this quiet dark tone is the perfect choice, sitting effortlessly alongside natural materials such as weathered wood and flagstone floors,' explains Joa. 'Its muted quality is ideally suited to being used on both walls and woodwork (and particularly paneling) for a sophisticated muted atmosphere.'

'Its laid-back tone sits perfectly beside other subtle tones like Pigeon and Treron for a slightly mismatched and very relaxed scheme,' Joa adds. 'I favor using it in boot rooms, and particularly on floors where it has a certain muted feel that is favored in modern homes for a cozy soft look, reflecting our yearning for heritage tones which feel restorative and reflect the spirit of craftsmanship we all hanker for.'

In this small kitchen (pictured above), Mouse's Back feels just soft enough to warm the space and create a cozy feel without dominating its small parameters. Paired with the rustic wooden countertops and vintage ceramics, it's a lesson in balance.

'I think Mouse’s Back really comes alive alongside rich, earthy colors and materials with age and texture,' says Russell Loughlan, founder of The House on Dolphin Street. 'Here we’ve paired it with deep reds, dark-painted furniture, rush seating, worn timber, aged brass and simple ceramics. I love that mix of confident color with pieces that feel collected and a little imperfect, so it keeps the room from feeling too formal or overly designed.'

'The ground floor of the house is naturally quite dark, so rather than fighting that with pale colors, we decided to embrace it with a strong, Georgian-inspired palette,' Russell explains. 'Mouse’s Back has a wonderful earthy depth to it; it feels warm and enveloping without becoming heavy, and has much more character than a straightforward mid-brown. There’s a definite Georgian influence to the palette, and friends have actually nicknamed this front room ‘The Dolphin Street Tavern’ because it has such a Dickensian feel to it, which I rather love.'

'It also works beautifully as a bridge between the two reds in the adjoining spaces: Preference Red to the left and Picture Gallery Red to the right. They’re both strong colors, but Mouse’s Back has enough presence to hold its own between them while allowing the reds to really sing. So rather than trying to make a dark, intimate room feel larger with a pale color, we embraced that sense of enclosure. Mouse’s Back gives the room warmth and depth, and makes it feel incredibly inviting.'

'Interestingly, in the lower light it reads slightly greener on the walls, which is another reason it works so beautifully with natural greenery. Those fresh greens really bring out the complexity of the color and lift the whole palette.'

Mouse's Back is a soft, delicate, and versatile mid-brown paint that shines in historic settings as well as new. Yes, it's a 'safe' neutral, but it's a timeless one too.' There is something special about a room where nothing is shouting,' Joa says. 'Mouse’s Back works because it doesn’t beg for attention but rather works as a backdrop, letting the things you want to feature take center stage.'

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And so far, 2027 color trends couldn't be more inspiring. While not all of the shades have made their official debut (there's plenty still to come over the next few weeks), each shade announced so far feels part of a greater shift in how we are using color in our homes. There's not a neutral in sight – if we needed any more evidence that we are all tired of bland 'safe' colors, the Color of the Year announcements so far are it.

From Sherwin-Williams crisp 'Celery' green to Dutch Boy's 'Deep Rooted', a grounding terracotta, these paint colors speak to our emotions; they are uplifting, or cocooning, or energizing, certainly very far from boring.

Valspar: Cottage Door

Valspar's 2027 Color of the Year is Cottage Door 8004-38E, an on-trend powder blue paint that feels calming, soothing, and refreshingly cheerful.

Cottage Door is the perfectly usable blue paint, that falls right in the middle of the color spectrum, the perfect balance of light and dark, warm and cool. It's infused with gray undertones, too, so while it is still inherently a blue paint, it's still calm and usable.

'Cottage Door celebrates the unique beauty inside us all,' said Sue Kim, Director of Color Marketing at Valspar. 'This mid-tone neutral blue is reflective and warm, with timeless appeal that feels personal and grounding. Cottage Door captures blue’s natural sense of security and trust while serving as a colorful new neutral that layers effortlessly into the home. It creates spaces that feel balanced, comforting, and inviting.'

Graham & Brown: Rose Earth

Family-founded paint brand Graham & Brown's Color of the Year for 2027 is a grounding, restorative dusty pink titled 'Rose Earth.' With faded terracotta and plaster notes, it's a 'new neutral' paint color that feels as subtle as beige or taupe, yet far more interesting.

A calming color with a heritage feel, the chalky rose paint rethinks neutrals as we know them. It also gives us a clear idea of where color trends might be heading next year, as shades that provide calm and ease become just as important as eye-catching, buzzworthy hues that feel like an instant statement.

It's not the only earthy color in the round-up either; plenty of organic, nature-inspired hues that feel familiar and comforting have been crowned Colors of the Year.

Behr: Grounded

Behr's Color of the Year is the moodiest of the roundup so far. Saturated and rich, it's a deep, mossy green hue with a real luxurious edge.

Named 'Grounded' for its natural roots, the dark green paint is designed to bring a cocooning feel to any room. 'Grounded is a reminder that the most meaningful spaces are the ones that help us connect with the rhythms of everyday life,' explains Kayla Kratz, Head of Color at Behr Paint Company. Behr has curated a full 2027 Color Trends Palette, which features a collection of complementary hues inspired by nature, too.

It's also a reminder that color is more than just a way to decorate your home. It's an opportunity to create real emotion and feeling in your environment, and in the case of Grounded, that's a sense of calm, restoration, and instant comfort.

Dutch Boy: 'Deep Rooted'

Dutch Boy's color of choice is an on-trend terracotta hue titled 'Deep Rooted'.

'Our 2027 Color of the Year feels alive with possibility while being rooted in the familiar warmth of nature,' says Lisbeth Parada, Color Marketing Manager, Dutch Boy Paints. 'Deep Rooted offers a color that feels rich, grounding, and deeply human. Its earthy orange tone creates a versatile foundation for spaces that celebrate individuality through bold contrasts and layered textures.'

This orange-infused terracotta paint might be one of the bolder paints so far, but its warmth and depth make it perfect for rooms in need of a little comfort. Reminiscent of sun-baked pottery, it's an inviting, warm neutral filled with possibility.

Dulux: Soulful Sage

Another green in the mix, English paint brand Dulux announced that 'Soulful Sage', a pale green with a heritage charm, is the Dulux 2027 Color of the Year.

Sage has had a bit of a resurgence over the past few months, so it makes sense that the British paint brand chose to spotlight this shade du jour as one to watch in 2027. A brighter, fresher take on sage green paint as we know it, it's a liveble, timeless green with a distinctly calming feel.

'Glow', 'Light' and 'Lift' are the three new curated color stories by Dulux, each designed with a unique purpose for the home. 'Soulful Sage' sits at the center of these palettes, designed to beautifully pair with a range of warm neutrals, moody tones, or organic shades.

Sherwin-Williams: Celery

Green paints are a common theme in the 2027 colors of the year. While sage and dark olive feel familiar, Sherwin-Williams' crisp, apple-green called 'Celery' is a refreshingly unexpected choice.

'Celery shows that our connection to nature isn't going away, but the way we're interpreting nature-inspired color is evolving,' Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams explains. 'We're moving toward hues that still provide a sense of comfort and restoration but also bring more freshness, lightness, and personality into the home. Rather than creating spaces that feel overly styled or perfect, there's an emphasis on interiors that feel welcoming, layered, and reflective of everyday life.'

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2027 is an exciting, zingy green that feels striking as well as soothing. Infused with yellow, it's the perfect paint choice for those of us looking to bring a little freshness into our homes.

The line-up might be varied, but each color feels like part of a greater shift towards intentional decorating. Through color, we can make our homes feel personal, comforting, and authentic, whether that be a dark olive paint that cocoons or a mid- blue that soothes.

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Meet: mustard and burgundy, the rich, characterful, and always comforting color combination that gently alludes to autumn while still looking elevated. While the red and yellow color combination has long been loved, designers are embracing the deeper, richer, more saturated version of the pairing this season.

'Mustard yellow and burgundy work harmoniously to bring warmth into a space, making them a particularly effective color combination as the seasons turn and cooler natural light sets in,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'The rich, warm hues create a welcoming backdrop for autumn, balancing boldness with earthy undertones that bring a cozy, seasonal glow indoors.'

Burgundy and yellow work perfectly alongside the olive green cabinets in the charming farmhouse kitchen. The scheme was inspired by nature, uplifting those earthy olive tones with the vibrant yellow and rich red. 'The large window over the sink at the back of the kitchen overlooks a beautiful and lovingly tended garden, which was a great source of color inspiration,' explains Laura Parkinson, director of design studio Palmer and Stone. 'It had previously felt very cold, so part of our brief was to create a warm and inviting kitchen for our client who are keen cooks.'

'Following the surge of interest in burgundy in clothing fashion, we've definitely seen a rise in interest in using it within the home. Our studio color palettes tend to keep to a more natural or tonal base, and then we might add a brighter, or more 'acid', color into the mix to cut through,' Laura continues. 'In this case, we've used a warm red-burgundy that feels very natural alongside an orange-yellow that is much sharper. The addition of a few other colors in the mix (in this case khaki green and a deep sky blue) stops the yellow and red from overwhelming the space.'

'As this is a north-facing room, bringing in warmth was our priority,' explains Rachel Taylor, founder of interior design studio Bucknall James and designer of this living room. 'Despite the huge windows, the previous off-white walls left the space feeling rather flat, so we knew color would be key. Our client fell in love with the Ikat rug by Luke Irwin, and this became the starting point for the rest of the scheme.'

'We wanted to create that cozy, enveloping feeling that draws you in on a gloomy winter's day, the kind of room where you light the fire and settle down to watch a film,' Rachel explains. 'At the same time, it was equally important that it didn't feel dark or heavy, so Edward Bulmer's Trumpington on the walls felt like the perfect balance. Come summer, the light flooding through the windows transforms the room into a sunny, uplifting space.'

'The combination of mustard and earthy burgundy works particularly well paired with brown antiques to ground the scheme and add depth,' Rachel adds. 'Adding pattern to break up any block colors softens the impact as well as connecting the colors, like the rug, artwork and cushions in this project. Warm, autumnal tones especially are being embraced, and it's easy to see why, as they are so pleasing to live with. For us, this project was about creating a space warm and cocooning, yet still light, cheerful, and full of life.'

The ochre yellow paint and rich burgundy paint bring an effortless warmth to this cozy living room too, adding a sense of heritage and character. 'I’ve always been drawn to those slightly muddy, earthy colors that you find in old houses,' says Russell Loughlan, founder of The House on Dolphin Street. 'I didn’t want the room to feel as though it had been designed around a color scheme, though,' he adds. 'It’s much more about layering things that I love, so old furniture, ceramics, textiles, and letting the colors build up naturally. I think rooms are much more interesting when everything isn’t perfectly matched.'

'Burgundy and mustard have that wonderful, slightly old-fashioned quality to them, which I mean in the best possible way. They’re colors you see in old textiles, paintings and historic interiors, so even though they feel very relevant at the moment, there’s something quite timeless about them too,' he adds.

'I think the key is not to be too literal with them. I wouldn’t necessarily have a mustard wall and then feel I needed to find exactly the right burgundy to go with it,' Russell advises. 'It’s much nicer to work with variations like ochre, tobacco and warm yellow alongside rust, oxblood and deep red. That slight mismatch is what makes a room feel layered rather than decorated.'

'I also like one color to do more of the work. In this room, the ochre is the backdrop and the burgundy comes through much more strongly in the furniture, so they’re not fighting for attention. And then I’d bring in plenty of things that aren’t really ‘colors’ at all, so old/dark wood, aged brass, natural linen, dark brown, ceramics.'

While deep red and yellow aren't a typical kitchen color combination, they're a great way to introduce depth and character to the cooking space. Hence, interior designer Lucinda Kellaway applied a pink-tinted burgundy paint to this kitchen island and used a pale mustard shade on the kitchen cabinetry.

'I wanted the kitchen to feel warm and welcoming, but with a bit of drama. The rich burgundy island brings depth and character, while the yellow is softer and sunnier for balance,' Lucinda explains. 'Yellow and burgundy certainly seem to be a combination to watch right now, but they’re also colors with heritage roots and real longevity. I think we’re all becoming braver with color again, which is lovely!'

When pairing the two together, refrain from being too literal. 'I wouldn’t try to match the accessories too closely,' adds Lucinda. 'I’d bring in natural materials like wood, warm whites, and a little pattern to create contrast. The aim is for everything to feel layered and considered, rather than overly coordinated.'

When bringing two rich shades like mustard and deep red into the home, paint expert Helen says it's crucial to let one color lead. 'To create balance between these saturated shades, use the 60:30:10 rule – allowing one color to take the lead, the other to work as an accent, and a warm neutral to anchor the scheme.'

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What you want is a balance – colors that feel warm and inviting, but never dark or small. The right kitchen colors hit the sweet spot, adding just the right amount of saturation to feel cozy and create a space you'll never want to leave.

So which warm kitchen colors are the best choice to create spaces that still feel elegant and timeless, but always inviting? Whether you're a fan of neutrals or prefer something more statement, there are plenty of kitchen colors that add warmth without creating a dark, dingy box room. It's about the right paint application, selecting thoughtful shades, and knowing when to drench a color all over the kitchen or stick to just the cabinets. These are the warm kitchen colors designers recommend, and how they introduce them tastefully.

1. Rich Brown Hues

We couldn't talk about warm kitchen colors without bringing brown into the equation. This rich, moody hue acts as a dark neutral, and while it's most synonymous with fall, it feels chic in every season and pairs beautifully with classic kitchen materials like marble, wood, and brass.

It's one of the most versatile palettes, too. You can introduce brown through your kitchen cabinetry in paint colors (Broccoli Brown by Farrow & Ball and Tudor Brown by Benjamin Moore work beautifully for brown kitchens) or wood stains, as well as cozier zones like seat cushions and pillows on a kitchen banquette, or via the upholstery on bar stools.

In designer Jess Cooney's kitchen, brown hues show up throughout, from the dark wood cabinets to the upholstery present in the dining nook. It adds warmth, richness, and a sort of classic style that's hard to achieve with paler tones.

2. Soft Yellow Shades

Warm colors come in many shades and tonal variations, but if there's one hue that radiates warmth in a kitchen, it's soft, almost muted shades of yellow. It's a color that transitions seamlessly through the seasons, and depending on the color pairings, a yellow kitchen can read earthy or more neutral-adjacent.

'It’s such a warm, sunny color and instantly lifts the spirits. I particularly love the more earthy, ochre yellows as they have a softness to them and are incredibly easy to live with. Yellow naturally brings a sense of sunshine into a room, so even deeper, muddier shades still have this wonderful luminosity. It adds warmth without making the space feel heavy and works particularly well in kitchens because it feels so cheerful and welcoming,' says interior designer Uns Hobbs.

'If you’re nervous about color drenching an entire kitchen in yellow, introduce a contrasting color on the island. In this kitchen, I paired the yellow cabinetry with a deep aubergine island, which grounds the scheme and gives the room more depth. Keeping the countertops and walls pale also allows the yellow to really sing without overwhelming the space.'

3. Classic Wood Tones

If you want to combine warm color with timeless style, wooden kitchen ideas tick both boxes. Particularly with natural and darker finishes, the grain and surface variations bring texture and richness without committing to a solid paint color.

'I love bringing in wood tones to make a kitchen feel warm and inviting. We introduce wood in a variety of ways – through stained tongue-and-groove ceiling treatments, a wood-stained kitchen island, or even through cabinetry,' says interior designer Anne Pappas.

Wooden kitchens have a reputation for being better suited to more traditional schemes, but it's a material that works just as stylishly in modern design. 'I think there are so many ways that wood tones can look modern – we love white oak for cabinets, Cypress (which is indigenous to our coastal region) and Mahogany for kitchen islands.'

4. Deep Red Hues

The autumn months always imbue that warm, cozy aesthetic, so looking for fall colors is always a charming source of inspiration. And one such hue has been proving a timeless choice in kitchens lately. 'Deep red is another favorite of mine for kitchens. It creates a much cozier, richer feel and works beautifully if you want something a little more cocooning,' says Uns.

'Used thoughtfully, deeper shades such as burgundy can make a kitchen feel cozier without making it feel smaller. It’s about balancing the color with natural light, coordinating materials and the surrounding palette,' adds paint expert Dominic Myland. Burgundy kitchens are proving the most popular of the color family, but deep reds include rich aubergines and muddy oxblood hues.

The beauty of deep reds is that they are timeless, classic, and pair beautifully with materials from marble to soapstone. The color pairings you can create with deep reds are surprisingly versatile, from warm neutrals and soft pinks for a lighter space to bold yellow for a more maximalist kitchen.

5. Warm, Muddy Neutrals

Warm kitchen colors don't just refer to more saturated or moody shades – neutral kitchen ideas are included, too. Departing from crisp whites and cool grays, warmer, muddier neutrals, from putty shades and taupes to mushroom kitchen colors, create a cocooning feel while maintaining a light, inviting room.

'Taupe is the quiet workhorse – it’s warm and grounded and neutral-adjacent, which is a comfortable choice for homeowners,' says Anna Franklin, principal of Stone House Collective. 'Colors with warm undertones create a rich, storied, somewhat architectural feeling, whereas your stark whites and grays often feel sterile.'

There are a few ways to decorate with this palette. A warm, earthy neutral on the cabinets adds depth, while lighter walls add subtle contrast and a light-enhancing finish. Alternatively, a dark cabinet color, whether it's a rich brown or soft green, is highlighted by a warm neutral color on the walls. Look to shades like Oxford Stone or Joa's White, both by Farrow & Ball, for these warmer, muddier neutrals.

6. Earthy Greens

Green kitchen ideas come in an array of shades – soft sage and pistachio tones add the right amount of subtle saturation to bring a cooking space to life, but if you're looking for warmth and coziness, consider deeper, earthier shades like olive, artichoke, and moss. Take this olive green townhouse kitchen, for example. The mix of earthy greens creates a warm, inviting atmosphere without feeling imposing.

'Green is a perfect color choice when you want to avoid a true neutral or wood tone. Pulling colors from nature is an assured way to create a kitchen that feels warm, inviting, and timeless,' says interior designer Kristen Pena. 'You have to be mindful of tone, especially with green in a kitchen. It’s all about tone, saturation, and your materiality.'

'Painted cabinetry is the first place we suggest adding these colors,' Anna adds. 'From there, we layer warmth in through countertop stone and backsplash selections, since those are the next-largest visual real estate in a kitchen. The common thread here is scale: cabinets, counters, and backsplash all take up enough visual space that committing there makes a real impact.'

7. Deep Charcoals With Warm Undertones

Charcoal and black paints may sound bold for a kitchen color, but when you choose the right shades (and undertones), the result is surprisingly alluring. 'We often gravitate towards darker, more atmospheric colors,' says Nick Cryer, Founder of Berkeley Place, who says seeking out shades with brown or red undertones, rather than blue, is the secret to these more daring, dramatic colors.

Decorating with darker colors relies on warm undertones to ensure your kitchen feels inviting, rather than cold. 'These are colors with real tonal depth, which respond beautifully to changing natural and artificial light. We return to them particularly in period kitchens, including rooms people often assume are too dark to carry a strong color: lower-ground floors, single-aspect rooms or spaces with limited natural light.'

In this kitchen, the dark charcoal palette works for two reasons: warm undertones and a large window that fills the kitchen with natural light, so it never feels dark or uninviting. 'Color is never static; much like pigment in a painting, its character is determined by the light around it,' Nick notes. 'A charcoal with warm undertones responds particularly well to afternoon sun and warmer artificial light, revealing subtle brown and red notes as the light changes.'

We spend so much time in our kitchens; it makes sense to decorate them with warm, inviting colors. These designer suggestions show that warmth comes in many colors, from neutrals to moody hues, so you can embrace the look no matter the size or style of your kitchen. For more inspiration, this year's kitchen color trends have plenty of unexpected ideas to bring your cooking space to life.

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But this autumn, we’re noticing a new fall color trend joining forces with the greats – purple. Like a slightly cooler, more refreshed version of the oxblood and burgundy tones that took over the design scene last year, purple brings an elegant edge to traditional fall color schemes. This regal color is deep and alluring, and it spans from richer shades like plum and aubergine to cool and saturated tones like grape and royal purple.

Purple was all over the Fall/Winter 2026 runways earlier this year, with Loewe, Tory Burch, and Celine all featuring the shade. Plus, our favorite home decor brands have featured its elegance in their fall collections, like GreenRow's Plaid Pillow with its purple-toned pattern and Anthropologie's Nature Scene Wallpaper in chic shades of purple. Crate & Barrel's fall drop has plenty of purple picks too, from the Calda Blanket and the Bowen Pillow Cover to the Anneli Upholstered Bed.

The warmth of traditional fall tones needs a cooling complement, and this year, that color is purple. Shop our favorite purple picks for fall below.

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Whilst the palette aligns with 2027 colour trends, its liveability is what makes it unique. 'When we started thinking about the 2027 Colour Edit, I kept coming back to the idea that the most successful homes are the ones that feel completely connected to the people living in them,' Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick, tells Homes & Gardens. 'You can walk into a room and almost immediately sense when it has been designed around someone's real life rather than around an image of what a beautiful home is supposed to be.'

'That became the starting point for A Soulful Home. We wanted to explore how colour can help create that emotional layer within an interior – the warmth, familiarity and personality that makes somewhere feel like your home.'

The eight-shade paint edit balances vibrancy with calming hues, perfect for creating a lasting scheme that inspires and endures. The palette features Blue 05, soothing Green 09, classic White 03, grounding Brown 02, and moody Teal 03. Three new shades are joining the palette, too: rich Red 07, bold Green 23, and calming Pink 14.

'We're surrounded by so much visual inspiration now that it's incredibly easy to know what everybody else's homes look like,' explains Tash. 'But I think the interesting shift for 2027 is that we're beginning to turn that attention back onto ourselves: What colours am I naturally drawn to? What memories do they bring back? What environments make me feel at my best? How do I actually want to live in this room?'

The Soulful Home edit is filled with room colour ideas based on feel as well as look. 'The palette has been built around those different emotional needs,' Tash adds. 'You have the cocooning depth of Red 07, the grounding quality of Brown 02, the nurturing softness of Pink 14, the restorative feeling of Green 09, alongside the joy of Green 23, the uplifting quality of Blue 05 and the stimulating richness of Teal 03, all given breathing space by warm White 03.'

'And there's a reason we've created an edit of eight colours rather than declaring one single colour of the year. We very rarely experience colour in isolation. The feeling of a colour changes according to what you put beside it, the materials around it, the light, and even the proportion in which you use it. We wanted to give people a palette they could interpret rather than a trend they had to follow.'

The most timeless paint colours are those you're drawn to. These eight shades reflect colour trends, yet provide comfort and familiarity that will last beyond a year. Saturated, rich, and ultimately grounding, they're shades that work side by side or solo.

'You might be drawn to three of these colours; someone else might choose a completely different four. That's the point. Soul isn't an aesthetic. It's personal,' Tash explains. 'So although these colours reflect where we believe design and culture are heading in 2027, they're really an invitation to look inward rather than outward. Instead of asking, ‘What should my home look like?’, it's about asking, ‘What do I want my home to give back to me?'

'What I love about these eight colours is that there's this wonderful overarching warmth to them – and I don't simply mean that they're all ‘warm colours’. There's a warmth in the feeling of the palette. Before you even look at the palette, my advice would be to work out the purpose of the space you're decorating – and I don't just mean whether it's a kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Think about the life that actually happens there.'

When bringing the palette into your home, Tash advises to start by considering how you use each room. 'I'd start building a palette of perhaps three or four colours, rather than thinking that every shade needs to appear as paint,' she says. 'That's another reason we create an eight-colour edit: colour is relational. Change the proportion or placement of a colour, and you can completely change how it feels.'

'For example, you might fall in love with Pink 14 and use that as the dominant colour across the walls of a living room. Then look to Brown 02 as inspiration for the sofa or a beautiful piece of furniture, and bring in Teal 03 as a smaller accent through a rug, cushion, artwork or lamp. Suddenly you've taken three colours from the same edit but interpreted them entirely through your own furniture and possessions.'

'That's what I want people to have fun with. Don't think of the Colour Edit as eight paint colours that need to go onto eight walls,' she says. 'Think of it as the starting point for the entire room. Pull those shades through upholstery, rugs, curtains, ceramics, artwork, natural materials and pieces you already own.'

You could even take the full palette and allow it to travel through the house, changing the hierarchy from room to room. One shade becomes dominant here, another appears as an accent there, and suddenly there's a subtle thread connecting the whole home without every room looking the same.'

Built upon emotion rather than fleeting trends, A Soulful Home is filled with emotive, comforting, and restorative hues that serve a purpose greater than just aesthetics. 'Ultimately, a soulful home isn't something you can copy,' Tash says. 'It's built from the colours, objects, routines and little everyday moments that mean something to you. Work out how you want to live first, and then use colour to support that feeling.'

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The new paints are scattered among Little Greene's Colors of England and Color Scales collections. From orange-infused ochres to light-changing teal-meets-green, these timeless paints bring warmth, comfort, and gentle saturation into the home.

'Color trends are always an evolution rather than a revolution,' Creative Director of Little Greene, Ruth Mottershead, tells Homes & Gardens. 'Over the past decade we've watched the mood move through rich blues into teals, then softer neutral greens, then bold yellows that deepened into ochres and caramels, before settling into stone-based neutrals and indulgent browns.'

'For the latest colors, we had really noticed consumers looking for balance,' she explains. 'If you imagine today's most-loved neutrals sitting on a pH scale, they'd sit right in the middle at a five or six, neither too warm nor too cool.'

Six new colors feature in the Colors of England collection, a line inspired by English history and heritage. Ashes of Marigold, a retro orange, represents the defining colors of the 1970s. 'Over the past decade, color trends have slowly drifted away from pure bright orange ‘Marigold’, whilst warm terracotta tones and burnt orange shades have become more popular,' says Ruth. 'Our new Ashes of Marigold carries the vibrancy of orange, yet is tempered with a subtle touch of black. It reads more as a gentle, earthy terracotta rather than a vibrant statement color.'

Shades like Perpetual Blue feel just as rooted in the past. 'I'm particularly drawn to Perpetual Blue at the moment,' says Ruth. 'It's taken from a surviving paint palette belonging to Winston Churchill, from his studio at Chartwell. It's a mid to deep blue with a touch of green running through it, so it responds beautifully to changing light throughout the day. It would work wonderfully color-drenched in a study, or used more sparingly as a grounding note against softer neutrals.'

For those who enjoy decorating with neutrals, Parlour, a plaster hue with pink notes, is light, fresh, and enduring. Inspired by the parlour room at Dyrham Park near Bath, the pale pink paint is perfect for schemes that need an uplift. 'There's an appetite for fresh, gelato-toned pastels, gentle, characterful colors like Floss and Parlour that feel joyful without ever being overpowering,' adds Ruth.

Next comes the twenty-one new hues featured in the Color Scales collection. The warm neutral Barge Stone – a complex, green-infused beige is available from light to dark. Barge Stone grew directly out of the popularity of our Portland Stone, says Ruth. The citron green Boxington has also been expanded into a graduated Color Scales family, a reduced lime with a touch of red oxide of iron, elegant in dining rooms and hallways.

'These 27 new colors sit at the next point along that story,' says Ruth. 'We've taken the red oxide and intense heat out of our caramels and burnt oranges to create gentler shades with less intensity, and we've moved away from the colder greens and blues that were so popular a few years ago, in favor of warmer versions like Celestial Blue, Boxington and Hammock. So yes, they very much respond to where color is heading, but they're also simply an honest reflection of what we're already seeing and feeling ourselves.'

'Trends never really jump; we notice shifts, and if you look back, you can trace those changes in the use of color,' Ruth explains. 'In 2016 we saw a lot of blue, which had grown out of a love of gray in the early 2010s. That moved through rich blues into teals, then softer neutral greens, then into bold yellows that deepened into ochres and caramels, and more recently into stone-based neutrals and indulgent browns. This transitioned into burgundy, deep reds, pinks and aubergine, colors that bring such a lovely sense of intimacy and quiet grandeur to a room.'

'At the same time, we noticed people pulling away from the caramels and chocolate browns that had been so loved a few years ago, wanting something with a little less heat and intensity. Marle is another favorite of mine,' she adds. 'It's a luxurious mid-tone brown, heavy on yellow ochre but softened right down with plenty of black. Used all over, it creates the most cocooning, intimate feeling in a room. I love it in a bathroom paired with Mochi on the opposite wall.'

Little Greene's twenty-seven new paint colors balance both emerging trends and what homeowners want right now, along with timeless classics that will never date. Each has its own place in the collection, inspired by either the heritage hues that defined the past or the shades that are most popular today.

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'Our in-house design team works a year ahead, closely monitoring lifestyle and interiors trends to anticipate the colors and styles that will resonate with our community,' says Iona Graham, Brand & Marketing Controller and fourth generation of the Graham family. 'We began seeing a strong shift towards warmer and earthier tones, which helped select Rose Earth as our Color of the Year for 2027.'

While plaster-pink shades enjoyed a major moment in interiors a few years ago, Graham & Brown's latest pick proves that our love for muted, earthy hues is far from over. Rose Earth feels warmer and more grounded, bringing a subtle depth to the soft pink trend and making it easy to imagine in both contemporary and more traditional spaces.

Alongside its Color of the Year, Graham & Brown has also unveiled its Design of the Year, 'Roselle Grove' – a rich floral pattern inspired by Chintz – and its Mural of the Year, 'Red Rose County', which takes its cues from the rolling Lancashire landscape.

'The studio expects this versatile shade to make a real impact throughout 2027 and beyond,' Paula Taylor, Stylist at Graham & Brown, tells Homes & Gardens. 'Reflecting the growing desire for interiors and colors that feel warm, inviting, and grounded. As consumers move away from cooler, minimalist schemes, we're seeing an increasing appetite for colors that bring comfort, authenticity and a sense of connection to the home.'

It's easy to see why. With its warm, plaster-like quality, Rose Earth brings a gentle sense of comfort to almost any scheme. A neutral with character, muted pinks are a smart choice for spaces that need a little more depth and warmth without tipping into anything too dark or moody.

'Rose Earth captures this shift perfectly, combining the natural warmth of clay-inspired tones with a timeless elegance that works across a variety of styles and spaces,' says Paula.

And much like the recent resurgence of the sun-faded pastel trend, this softer take on pink looks set to have staying power. 'Warm, chalky plaster tones are emerging as the new neutrals for 2027,' adds Paula. 'Their understated warmth and versatility make them an ideal foundation for a wide range of color palettes, creating a sense of softness and quiet sophistication within the home.'

'These muted, earthy shades also reflect the growing desire for interiors that promote wellbeing and connection to nature,' adds Paula. 'Rooted in biophilic design principles, colors inspired by clay, stone and natural minerals help bring a feeling of balance and tranquillity indoors.'

Consider textures and colors that go with pink when introducing Rose Earth into your scheme. 'Ultra-matte finishes and raw, tactile textures will be key for the season ahead, making Rose Earth particularly effective on textured surfaces where natural light can enhance its depth and warmth,' Paula advises. 'Pair it with organic materials such as wood, stone and linen, alongside soft sage or olive greens, to create a beautifully calm and restorative atmosphere.'

'For a more immersive look, consider color capping to create a cocooning effect. Using tonal shades from the same color family across walls, ceilings and woodwork adds depth and sophistication,' she adds. 'For example, a rich warm brown such as Elderton can be used as a grounding shade, gradually transitioning into Rose Earth to create a seamless and enveloping scheme.'

'You could also pair it with wallpaper to bring character to the room, with our Design of the Year, Roselle Grove, or Mural of the Year, Red Rose County.'

Rose Earth Shopping Edit

Inspired by Rose Earth's warm, earthy take on pink? Explore our edit of the best pink paints for more ways to bring this versatile shade into your home.

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We’re often drawn to this living room color combination because both colors feel neutral, versatile, and contemporary. However, it’s a scheme that designers tend to avoid because the pairing of gray and white, two cool colors, can mean the room loses warmth and depth. While it's not necessary to rule out the combination entirely, thinking carefully about how you use gray and white is key to creating a welcoming living room you want to spend time in.

When it comes to gray and white, designers prefer to avoid using gray and cool white together. ‘I always think about how we feel on a cold gray day. Instinctively you want to come inside and get cozy. A cool gray interior can evoke that same feeling, particularly when paired with a stark white that makes both colors appear even cooler,’ Sophie Pringle, interior designer and Pringle & Pringle founder, explains.

Why Cool Gray and Bright White Can Make a Living Room Feel Cold

Painting your living room in cool gray and stark white can create an atmosphere that feels cold, uninviting, and lacking in depth. This is all down to color science. ‘You’re essentially putting two colors together that both sit at the cooler end of the spectrum, without anything to soften or balance them,’ Saskia Blyth, founder of Blyth-Collinson Interiors, explains.

This atmosphere is intensified further when gray and white walls are paired with furniture and decorative items in similar hues. ‘You lose any sense of depth. If the walls, upholstery, and furniture are all sitting within that same cool spectrum, everything starts to read as one note,’ New York-based interior designer Lauren Carlucci shares.

It's All About the Undertones

Much like their bolder color cousins, there are whole families of color within both gray and white. While three different shades of gray may look very similar at first glance, the undertones in each gray can have a big impact on how a space ends up feeling.

‘Undertones are hugely important when choosing both whites and grays because neither is truly neutral. A white can have blue, green, pink, yellow, or violet undertones, while gray can lean blue, green, purple, brown, or even warm taupe,’ Saskia points out.

The undertones at play in a white or gray become much more apparent once the color is on all four walls and interacting with everything else in the room. ‘A blue-gray next to a creamy white, for example, can sometimes make the gray suddenly look much bluer and the white much yellower than either appeared on the paint chip,’ Lauren notes.

How Lighting Can Change the Way Gray and White Look

Undertones, and subsequently the color, are hugely impacted by the light a room receives. Naturally, this is also a very important part of the puzzle when choosing the right gray and white for a living room. ‘A north-facing room tends to receive cooler, more diffused light, which can exaggerate blue or gray undertones. South-facing rooms have warmer, stronger natural light and can usually tolerate cooler colors more successfully,’ Lauren confirms.

Beyond this, artificial living room lighting also plays a big role. ‘Cool white bulbs can reinforce the blue undertones, while warmer bulbs will introduce a little more comfort in the evening,’ Saskia adds.

The Warmer Living Room Color Combinations Designers Prefer

Neutral doesn't have to mean beige, gray, or white. In fact, Pringle suggests looking at neutrals with a discernible undertone. For example, soft plaster pinks, muddy greens, warm stone shades, and pale earthy yellows all bring much more warmth and character.

‘Edward Bulmer Jonquil is a lovely example of a soft, warm neutral, Farrow & Ball Cromarty has a subtle green undertone, and Paint & Paper Library Stone is another favorite when you want something warmer but still very understated and contemporary,’ Sophie suggests.

Meanwhile, Lauren recommends neutrals that sit somewhere between cream, stone, putty, mushroom, and even very muted green. For example, Farrow & Ball's Matchstick, Slipper Satin, Old White and String.

How to Warm Up a Gray and White Living Room Without Starting Over

If you already have a cool gray-and-white living room, you certainly don’t need to rip everything out. Saskia suggests starting by introducing natural timber: ‘An oak coffee table, a warm wood side table, or even a few smaller timber accessories can immediately take the chill off.’

She then recommends adding tactile textiles such as wool, linen, bouclé, velvet, and chunky knits in warmer shades such as oatmeal, camel, tobacco, rust, or muted olive. Beyond this, you can also look at lighting. ‘Several pools of warm, low-level light are much more inviting than one bright overhead source,’ she adds.

While a gray-and-white living room isn’t inherently a bad thing, it requires careful consideration when it comes to paint colors and benefits hugely from layering furniture and fabrics. After all, we all want a living room that feels warm, cozy, and inviting.

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Soulful Sage sits at the heart of three new curated colour stories by Dulux: 'Glow', 'Light' and 'Lift'. Anchoring all three colour collections, Soulful Sage is described as 'an ethereal, soft and silvery green designed to help us ‘Live Lightly’'.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux, says, 'Our overarching theme, ‘Live Lightly’, reflects what we feel people need from their homes right now. With increasingly busy lives, information overload, and a world that can often feel quite heavy, our homes should provide a counterbalance – somewhere we can switch off, reconnect, and make room for moments of joy. Soulful Sage captures that feeling beautifully; its soft, silvery quality brings a sense of lightness while retaining that reassuring connection to the natural world.'

Proving the enduring influence of the natural world on interior design trends, Soulful Sage celebrates nature's restorative, calming power and highlights how our homes can be designed as places of sanctuary and calm. Embodying a sense of ‘innocence, freshness, and rejuvenation,' the beauty of decorating with a green tone such as Soulful Sage is that it can effortlessly integrate into homes of all ages, styles, and sizes.

Marianne continues, 'Soulful Sage can feel warm and nurturing alongside earthy tones, peaceful and restorative with quieter shades, or fresh and energising with more joyful colours. That adaptability made it the perfect shade to sit at the heart of our three colour stories, Glow, Light and Lift – giving people different ways to create a lighter home for a lighter life.'

A colour that represents healing, freshness, balance and nature, Dulux's Soulful Sage signifies the importance of creating a restorative and relaxing home in 2027.

As part of the Soulful Sage Colour of the Year announcement, Dulux has launched three accompanying colour stories: Glow, Light and Lift. These easy-to-use palettes offer different inspiration for how to decorate with Soulful Sage in your home. From being paired with contrasting, warming earth tones to similar light and understated shades, the colour collections have been created to bring 'a versatile foundation for creating interiors that feel warm and nurturing, quiet and restorative, or joyful and inspiring.'

We explore the three different looks below.

The Glow Colour Palette

The Glow palette has been designed to enrich Soulful Sage with cosy and warm contrast. 'Clay, terracotta, stone – these have been the building blocks of home for generations, and their colours feel authentic, familiar and comforting. Our Glow colour story combines these warm earth tones with uplifting lilac and the ethereal Soulful Sage to encapsulate cosiness.'

Shades in the Glow palette include: Belgian Chocolate, Clay Walls, Pebble Sea, Cinnamon Sprinkle, Violet Storm, Waxed Wood, Sunbaked Cherry, Spiced Honey, Slumber Seed.

The Light Colour Palette

The Light palette has been designed to create a grounding and healing space, matching the light and breezy feel of Soulful Sage. 'Airy and understated, these neutral browns, greys and blues make the perfect backdrop for a simple, visually uncluttered scheme in any home. Our Light colour story combines these quiet, pale tones with darker shades and Soulful Sage for a pared-back, healing feel.'

Shades include: Double Espresso, Nordic Waters, Earl Blue, Volcanic Sand, Arctic Pebble, Faded Indigo, Whispered Blue, Ashen White, Slow Living.

The Lift Colour Palette

Rich with vivid and bright tones, the Lift palette has been designed to work with Soulful Sage to create a joyful and bold scheme. 'A mix of yellowy ochres and soft pinks, with the ethereal Soulful Sage, our Lift colour story is optimistic and uplifting. These positive tones can help you create an inspiring, light-hearted feel and fill your home with a little bit of wonder.'

Shades include: Taupe Pink, Hemp Cloth, Faded Damson, Moss Agate, Fern Forest, Hushed Grey, Potter's Clay, Honey Bear, Smokewood Taupe.

What Does Soulful Sage Mean for 2027 Colour Trends?

Dulux's 2026 Colour of the Year, a palette of three paints named 'Rhythm of Blues', also took inspiration from the beauty of the natural world. However, Soulful Sage offers a lighter, more subtle expression of nature for 2027.

Elegant and calming, and far from intense or domineering, Soulful Sage brings a sense of lightness and tranquillity to the home, reflecting a growing desire to create spaces that feel calm, simple, and connected to the outdoors.

As we continue to adapt and rethink our interior spaces in response to the world around us, the launch of Soulful Sage suggests that creating a sense of calm at home will remain a key design priority for next year's trends. It speaks to our desire for spaces that feel restful yet uplifting – interiors that offer a welcome sense of escape while still feeling fresh and contemporary.

Colours with connections to nature have long endured in the world of design, but as we look towards 2027, it will be interesting to see how decorating with green evolves, with the launch of Soulful Sage marking a shift towards a quieter, more understated approach to green room ideas.

Soulful Sage Shopping Edit

For more decorating inspiration, explore our edit of the best sage green paints .

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If last year's color trends were defined by confidence, 2027's room color ideas feel equally bold, but with an enduring quality that makes them easy to live with. Rich plums, sun-faded pastels, warm mustards, and organic greens are already emerging as standout shades, bringing just the right amount of saturation and personality to a scheme without overwhelming it.

The Color Trends to Watch Out for in 2027

From quietly uplifting pastels to deeper, moodier tones, these are the seven colors interior designers are most excited about for 2027. Expect to see them shaping interiors throughout the year ahead – and well beyond it.

1. Muted Mauves

The mauve color trend is only getting more popular in 2027. Think lavender, with a little pink thrown in. Sophisticated and grounding, it's a shade that's made a welcome return in recent months.

'I think we'll see a real shift toward colors with depth and complexity rather than a single “it” hue,' explains designer Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan Interiors. 'Think muted mauves and dusty pinks moving out of just bedrooms and into living spaces, greens, and warm, near-black bronze tones for cabinetry and trim. People want color that feels emotionally grounded. Earthy, mineral, and lived-in, rather than color chosen purely to be on trend.'

'My rule is to bring trending colors through things that are easy to change like pillows, art, a powder room, or an accent wall,' adds Michelle. 'Keeping the big, expensive items to change surfaces in colors with real staying power. If a client falls in love with a trend color for something permanent, I'll push it toward a deeper, more muted version rather than the brightest version. In my opinion, that’s what keeps a room feeling current five years later instead of dated in two years.'

2. Mustard Yellow

Decorating with yellow might sound a little bold, but rich, warm, and comforting mustard couldn't be further from overbearing. Whether you're committing to a cocooning paint idea or experimenting with a few mustard accents, it's a hue worth considering.

'I think mustard yellow is going to have a big moment,' says designer Elizabeth Burch. 'We’ve been moving toward warmer, muddier colors for a while, and mustard feels like a natural next step. It has enough brown in it that it can almost act as a neutral, but it still brings so much personality to a room. I especially love it with chocolate brown, burgundy, olive green and even a really good blue. It feels nostalgic without feeling dated.'

'I don’t think you should ever use a color just because you think it will be "timeless" in the long run,' adds Elizabeth. 'If you would have loved mustard yellow five years ago and think you’ll still love it five years from now, use it. The most timeless rooms are usually the ones that feel collected rather than designed around one particular moment. Bring trendier colors in alongside antiques, original art and pieces you’ve owned for years, and they become part of the room'

3. Deep Plum

Whether you're decorating with Farrow & Ball's Brinjal or embracing even darker purple paints, deep aubergine tones bring moody sophistication to every scheme. John Maloney McNamara of Coosa says purple will be big next year. 'Purple, but deep. Not lilac, not lavender, not anything anywhere near Barney or Grimace. I mean purple in its darkest mood: black plum, nightshade, an inky purple that's practically not purple at all.'

'After several years of gravitating toward earthy, grounded colors, dark purple feels like the richer end of that palette,' he adds, 'it has the same weight and warmth, but is decidedly less expected.'

'Lacquer it in a powder room and your reflection in the mirror gets the most flattering filter you could imagine, thanks to purple's warm undertones in combination with all that sheen. Use it in Farrow & Ball's new Dead Flat finish in your bedroom and it softly absorbs the light, wrapping the whole room – walls, woodwork and doors – in one deep, velvety wash of color. For the purple end of the spectrum, I'd look at Tonester "High at the Gala," Backdrop "McQueen," Benjamin Moore "Plum Martini" and Farrow & Ball "Paean Black": all sitting in that rich, moody territory where purple starts flirting with black.'

4. Earthy Pinks

'Earthy pinks are especially interesting because they offer a more sophisticated, grounded take on the pinks we remember from the 1980s,' says Emily Winters of Peabody’s Interiors. 'They bring warmth and character without feeling overly sweet or trendy.'

Dusky pinks are perfect when neutrals don't provide enough punch. 'Antique peony is the color I will be coming back to again and again in 2027,' says Hallie Malitsk, founder of Hallie Rose Design. 'A dusty pink with peach tones, it's not too sugary or sweet, so it works in children' s and adult spaces just as well. I recently drenched my own daughters’ bedroom in Benjamin Moore’s Odessa Pink, wrapping the walls completely. The peach undertone looks stunning next to all different wood tones. Plus, a color like this doesn’t age out of a room the way a pastel pink does.'

And with Graham & Brown's color of the year named Rose Earth, it's fair to assume that delicate pink tones will be popping up in interiors throughout 2027.

5. Pomegranate

Raspberry pink was the color of the summer, but Pomegranate, the richer, red-infused alternative, is a color trend set to crown interiors beyond the warmer months.

'Pomegranate is an unsung color that will finally get its moment in 2027,' says Courtney Klinger, founder of Studio Whitford. 'Unlike its popularized cousins, cherry red and hot pink, it has much more depth. Pomegranate leans less Barbie Pink and more Ralph Lauren. The 2026 viral social media unexpected red theory is overly formulaic; pomegranate is actually a way better option for the "unexpected" look. I love a color that can take an otherwise very serious room and add a hint of intrigue and personality by injecting this punchy tone.'

'For peek-a-boo moments like a curio cabinet or other small features, pomegranate is the ultimate color,' adds Courtney. 'You can pair it with light or dark tones. It plays well in a variety of spaces, as long as it's used strategically.'

6. Faded Pastels

Sun-faded pastels bring a quiet, gentle saturation to interiors without dominating. 'The supporting cast: natural colors that appear softened by the sun,' says John. A camel that is buttery like suede, a toasted terracotta, plus tobacco and military olive, with warm creams like Benjamin Moore's "Peau de Soie," which has the faintest blush underneath. The word I keep coming back to is dusty: colors that look as though they've mellowed for years rather than been mixed at your hardware store last Tuesday.'

'What I like about this palette is that none of it feels too precious or too perfect,' John adds. 'It has an easy, lived-in quality that works beautifully with a waxed or cerused walnut, undyed linen and honed travertine.'

'Think grounded backgrounds with crisp details,' agrees Sarah Fontanez of Pomme House. 'Earthy Terracotta with a slice of citron. Deep ochre with a sliver of powder sky blue. Bring in complex, saturated hues that aren’t straightforward – memorable colors that surround and uplift the spirit.'

7. Organic Greens

From the gray-green color trend to earthier, dark sages, nature-inspired greens have been cropping up in many homes, but it is further cemented as a key trend since Behr's 2027 Color of the Year was revealed. A deep olive green called Grounded suggests that we're all craving comforting, organic tones that soothe.

'I think we’re going to be shifting towards deeper and richer greens with brown undertones,' says designer Kelly Bartley. 'I’ve been referring to this color as safari green. We’ve seen so much olive and sage green in the past years, which have almost become defaults – and I think we’re craving something with more depth.'

'This color can give you the serenity we all need while also bringing in a pop that isn't a scream of color. It's a neutral; it's a color, all at once. This isn't a wall color; it'd make a room too dark. But for textiles – upholstered seating and pillows it is incredible. Specifically with velvet and mohair, which have a subtle sheen, safari green becomes incredibly vibrant in a subtle way.'

Colorful Shopping Picks

Taking inspiration from color trends is a great way to influence your home's design, but choose shades that speak to you. 'Trends can be a great source of inspiration, but creating a timeless home comes down to choosing colors that feel authentic to the people living in the space,' says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

'Rather than redesigning an entire room around a trend, consider introducing emerging colors in ways that complement the home's existing architecture, materials and furnishings. Tonal layering can also be an approachable way to experiment with color, using varying depths and complementary hues to add dimension while maintaining a cohesive feel. Ultimately, the most enduring palettes are those that balance what's current with colors you genuinely enjoy living with.'

But what past Colors of the Year have proven to be more timeless than trendy? We asked interior designers for their favorites from the past ten years, and they range from pared-back neutrals to much richer, bolder hues. All of them, however, have an earthy quality that makes them livable and able to pair with many other colors. And so, before the influx of 2027 Color of the Year announcements is upon us, take a look at these timeless shades that designers come back to time after time.

1. Simply White by Benjamin Moore, 2016

Benjamin Moore's Simply White, the brand's Color of the Year in 2016, has become one of its best-selling colors. It's a white paint with subtle warm undertones, which makes it a go-to shade for lots of designers, including Katie Bromley of Spaces by Katie.

'Simply White has earned a permanent spot in our color palette – we specify it almost universally for trim and ceilings,' Katie says. 'We’re drawn to how it behaves in real spaces: it's a bright white but a faint warm undertone keeps it from ever feeling clinical or cold. A decade later, it still feels current because it was never trend-driven to begin with – Simply White works as a quiet backdrop for practically any design direction.'

Katie used Simply White in this kitchen. 'It's soft enough not to compete with the warm greige cabinetry and marble counters, yet bright enough to keep the room feeling fresh and sunlit,' she explains. 'Paired with warm wood floors and brass hardware, the white trim frames the architecture without ever drawing attention to itself – making the whole space feel finished.'

2. Mocha Mousse by Pantone, 2025

When Pantone revealed its 2025 Color of the Year as Mocha Mousse, it cemented decorating with brown as a major interior design trend. 'Brown has often been treated as a practical backdrop, but Mocha Mousse gives it a wonderful sensuality – it recalls suede, walnut, cacao, and aged plaster,' says interior designer Anu Jain of Atelier Oleana. 'It creates warmth without sweetness and depth without unnecessary drama.'

Today, shades like Mocha Mousse still feel relevant, says Anu. 'We are moving away from flat, cool neutrals and toward colors that feel earthy, tactile, and emotionally grounding,' she adds. 'Mocha Mousse functions as a neutral, but it is not an anonymous one; it brings atmosphere and richness while remaining incredibly livable.'

In this living room, a similar shade, Benjamin Moore's Whipped Mocha, was used on the ceiling, along with Farrow & Ball's London Clay on the built-ins. 'My biggest tip is not to match the browns too perfectly,' says Anu. 'I prefer several related tones in different finishes – a deeper brown on the millwork, a softer shade overhead, and something more textural on the walls. That slight tension is what makes a tonal room feel layered rather than flat.'

3. Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams, 2016

Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster is another endlessly popular warm white paint, which was named Color of the Year in 2016. Since then, designers have repeatedly chosen this hue to create light but quietly warming backdrops.

'It's a warm, slightly creamy white that doesn't read as stark or clinical, which makes it one of the most genuinely versatile colors I've ever used,' says designer Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley, who used it in this entryway. 'A decade later, it still works in everything from new construction to historic renovations, and it's one of the only Colors of the Year I can honestly say I've never stopped specifying.'

'In rooms with warm natural light, it glows,' says Cathleen. 'In north-facing rooms with cooler light, it stays grounded rather than tipping gray, which is where a lot of whites fail. Under incandescent or warm LED bulbs, it reads almost like a very pale linen, which is exactly what you want in a bedroom or living space in the evening.'

'The one context I'd avoid is a very dark or low-light room where you're hoping a white will brighten the space,' she adds. 'Alabaster's warmth means it absorbs some of the light rather than bouncing it, so in a truly dim room a crisper white will do more work.'

4. Rumors by Behr, 2025

A couple of years ago, burgundy made a major comeback in interiors, offering richness and moodiness. Behr's 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors, is among the popular burgundy paints and a favorite of designer Luba Libarikian of Libarikian Interiors. 'It’s a very versatile burgundy that plays well in both modern and traditional interiors,' she says.

'It's a great color for people who hesitate to use bold colors in their home, but still want something that makes a statement,' Luba adds. 'When a space is color-washed in this color, it feels warm and inviting.'

Designer Diane Luna also highlights Rumors as a favorite Color of the Year. 'The dark ruby tones in Behr’s Rumors are most effective when used in a cozy-sized space such as a bedroom or small powder room,' she says. 'Powder room walls painted in Behr’s Rumors look incredible when paired with a statement sink. I love to install a pure white porcelain sink that has shapely legs – the contrast between white and burgundy is so beautiful. Brass faucets read like heirloom jewelry with a ruby-toned wall as the backdrop.'

5. Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams, 2022

Sherwin-Williams' Evergreen Fog is a muddy shade of green, its 2022 Color of the Year. 'I love Evergreen Fog because it’s a soft, muted sage green paint that can almost act as a neutral while still bringing color and personality to a space,' says designer Lacey Michalek. 'In this kitchen, we used this paint on the island to create a subtle focal point and bring a pop of color to the room. It’s a color that layers beautifully with natural wood, stone, and warm metals, which is why I think it continues to feel just as current today as it did in 2022.'

Evergreen Fog is also a favorite shade for designer Carrera Shea of Ali & Shea Design, who describes it as 'one that has really stood the test of time. It helped usher in a broader appreciation for nature-inspired greens, and I still think we're seeing the influence of that shift today, particularly in kitchens.'

6. First Light by Benjamin Moore, 2020

Benjamin Moore's First Light is a delicate shade of blush pink that's not too sweet, but balanced and sophisticated. 'In my opinion, it’s the perfect pink because it is not too soft – there is still some oomph to it,' says designer Sarah Moore of Sarah Catherine Design. 'I think many overlook the power of using soft pink, either as a primary color or as an accent in a space. The right pink, such as First Light, can often act as a neutral in a room. Your eye doesn't even register it as overwhelmingly pink.'

'Soft pinks pair beautifully with so many other colors, which makes it an excellent sidekick color,' Sarah adds. 'This hue could easily complement brown, cream, green, blue, yellow, and lavender.'

Dora Dmitriev of Dora Dmitriev Design also often turns to First Light when a warm atmosphere is desired. 'On projects where the boldness comes through the furnishings, this color creates the perfect backdrop and is a refined alternative to the typical white or neutral palette,' she says. 'The subtle pink undertones transform beautifully throughout the day, creating a sense of warmth and ease in the space.'

7. Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore, 2025

Benjamin Moore unveiled Cinnamon Slate as its 2025 Color of the Year, right at the time when purple was making its comeback in interiors. Rather than saturated purple tones that feel closely linked to the '90s, Cinnamon Slate put a modern spin on this nostalgic shade, with its muted feel and hushed brown undertones.

'Cinnamon Slate is difficult to define in the best possible way,' says Stephanie Wiott of Stephanie Wiott Designs. 'It is a nuanced combination of plum and warm brown that changes with the light. It has color and depth, yet it can still function as a neutral. It feels moody without becoming heavy and sophisticated without feeling overly formal.'

'Cinnamon Slate still feels current because homeowners are moving away from cooler grays, stark whites, and spaces that feel overly new,' Stephanie adds. 'They are embracing warmer, earthier colors that give a room personality and a sense of history while remaining livable. Cinnamon Slate strikes that balance beautifully. It can make a strong statement, but it is quiet and complex enough to endure long after its year in the spotlight. It pairs beautifully with natural wood, aged and unlacquered metals, richly veined stone, and other collected finishes.'

8. Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams, 2023

Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams, its 2023 Color of the Year, is an earthy shade of plaster that brings warmth and more depth than traditional neutrals.

'Redend Point takes the quiet, neutral base of a classic beige and gives it the faintest flush of color,' says designer Alissa Johnson of Alissa Johnson Interiors. 'That pink-meets-gray-meets-beige quality gives it a softness that reads as sophisticated, and the tone represented a real pivot toward warmth – a shift that has only accelerated since 2023.'

'Redend Point is also an incredibly flexible neutral that brings natural earthiness to any space,' Alissa adds. 'That flexibility is exactly why it still feels current today: design has continued moving away from the cool, stark minimalism of the past decade toward warmer, more tactile, nature-inspired palettes, and Redend Point was ahead of that curve.'

9. Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore, 2021

Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal feels just as relevant now as it did in 2021. A green-blue blend with a soft, muted quality, it feels tranquil and is a fun alternative to blue paints.

'We’ve used it across several projects because its depth changes completely depending on the light,' says designer Christina Higham of Sun Soul Style Interiors. 'In bright daylight, it reads as a vibrant, tropical aqua; under softer evening light, it turns wonderfully moody and intimate.'

'Blue is such an approachable bridge for clients who want color without feeling like they’re taking a massive risk,' Christina adds. 'Aegean Teal gives you that rich, confident pigment while pairing seamlessly with warm woods, earthy rust tones, and bold accents.'

Anelle Gandelman of A-List Interiors is also drawn to Aegean Teal. 'It isn't just a color of the year; it’s timeless,' she says. 'While many colors of the year feel trendy and of-the-moment, this one has real staying power.'

10. Upward by Sherwin-Williams, 2024

Sherwin-Williams' Upward is a pale blue paint that feels light and airy. It was its 2024 Color of the Year, and it is a favorite pick for designer Sydney Katz of SDK Architecture.

'Upward is a soft and quiet tone that works equally well as a primary color for a space or as an accent for a bolder color palette,' says Sydney. 'Recently, I've been using it to create timeless spaces for clients who crave calm color stories.'

Sydney used Upward in this kitchen, working as a fresh alternative to traditional neutral shades. 'We didn't want a white, beige, or greige kitchen, and Upward is the perfect blue neutral,' she says. 'I also love to use it as an accent with bolder palettes,' says Sydney. 'I've also used it as a bathroom tile to add soothing color to a bathroom retreat. Use it everywhere and anywhere!'

The Colors of the Year that are seemingly the most enduring aren't the brightest of the boldest – they're those that work effortlessly to bring a certain mood to a room, without demanding too much attention. Even the richer, more colorful shades in this roundup have a slightly hushed feel that gives them versatility and longevity.

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That said, the risk of decorating with blue is that it can feel a bit frosty and unwelcoming. Since it is a cool color, it needs to be balanced carefully with warmer tones, texture, and natural materials, and it's important to choose the right paint shade so it doesn't come across as stark.

And so, to help you pull off this endlessly stylish color trend in a way that's every bit warm and welcoming, designers share their favorite decorating ideas below – from bedrooms to kitchens.

1. Pair Blue With Wood Tones in a Kitchen

The idea of a blue kitchen can quickly conjure images of an overly cold space, but with the right material pairings, blue can be endlessly warming in the heart of the home. Here, the blue kitchen cabinets are softened and warmed alongside the rich wood tones on the island and ceiling beams.

'We wanted coziness and warmth without wrapping the space in wood,' explains interior designer Heather Peterson. 'This lovely shade of blue-gray brings approachable color to two walls of cabinetry and balances the wood floor, island, and beams, without overwhelming the space.'

To complete the look, brass hardware adds extra warmth. 'Something about the brass hardware brings out the warm side of this blue, and the black metal finishes provide just a touch of edge,' Heather adds. 'We generally like to double down on our choices to make them feel super intentional: here, a navy vintage runner at the sink does the job.'

2. Use Neutrals to Soften a Blue Bedroom

Blue bedrooms are known for being a restful choice, but the wrong pairings can make it feel drab rather than cozy. Take inspiration from this bedroom and pair blue walls with soft, earthy neutral tones across the rest of the decor.

'We essentially wrapped the room in this color, painting the walls and trim the same color so that there was no jarring contrast in the space, with the exception of the white ceiling,' explains Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs.

'The main fabric used on the bed has a similar soft blue floral pattern, promoting further continuity and cohesiveness,' she says. 'The drapery fabric is a soft cream color with accents of blue and brown. All of the colors we used are soft and muted, as opposed to being clear and stark.'

3. Paint the Ceiling Blue

Decorating with blue paint doesn't have to be predictable. Instead of painting all four walls blue, why not bring this fun hue to the ceiling? In this transitional living room, it brings an immediate sense of coziness without overwhelming the room.

The designer Katie Bromley of Spaces by Katie explains that the key to success in this room was repeating the blue from the ceiling throughout the space. 'We incorporated blue at every scale, starting at the top,' she says. 'Benjamin Moore's Templeton Gray on the coffered ceiling, then, as the eye moves around the room, blue repeats in smaller, varied doses: the blue-striped cornice fabric, the sofa fabric, skirt and pillow trim, the plaid side chair, the patterned rug, even the tones in the artwork – so the color feels woven through the room rather than concentrated in one or two spots.'

Smaller details helped the various shades of blue feel warm rather than cold. 'The blues are all set against a warm, neutral backdrop, Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray, and paired with wood and rattan tones in the furniture, and touches of coral in the pillows, rug, and chair fabric to keep the palette from skewing cool,' she explains. 'Texture did a lot of the work, too – nubby linen, plush velvet, woven rattan, coco beaded chandeliers, and a wool rug all add layers and warmth to the space.'

Another clever design choice that brings warmth to this space is the lack of hard surfaces. Katie adds: 'There are very few hard surfaces in this room. Nearly everything is upholstered, which reduces echo and ensures that nearly all touches are soft ones.'

4. Color-Drench With Blue Paint

Don't be afraid to go for the most immersive paint technique: color drenching. In rooms such as bedrooms or snugs, where you want to create a cozy, cocooning feel, color drenching is the way to go.

'I chose to color-drench the bedroom because I wanted the blue to feel like the atmosphere of the room, not simply a color applied to the walls,' explains designer Anu Jain of Atelier Oleana. 'Carrying it throughout creates continuity and allows the architecture to recede, which makes the space feel calmer and more cocooning. Because Lulworth Blue is luminous rather than dark, it envelops the room without making it feel heavy.'

When using paint all-over like this, choosing the right shade is key. 'Lulworth Blue feels warm and welcoming because it has clarity and depth rather than an icy or gray cast,' says Anu. 'In daylight, it feels fresh and uplifting; as the light softens, it becomes gentler and more enveloping. Of course, no color exists in isolation. The smoked-taupe linen, warm wood tones, and velvet in the room temper the coolness of the blue and give it an earthy counterpoint.'

Paint sampling is essential when color drenching, warns Anu. 'I always test the color on both vertical and horizontal surfaces and look at it throughout the day,' she says. 'Blue changes tremendously with the light, and the ceiling may need a different strength than the walls even when the goal is a fully color-drenched room.'

5. Add a Pop of Blue to a Rustic Bathroom

Blue is often used in bathrooms, but to stop it from looking stark alongside all of the white fittings and hard surfaces, rich wood tones can do the trick. 'Blue is my most reached-for color in bathrooms and bedrooms precisely because, when handled right, it reads as deeply cozy rather than cool,' says designer Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley.

'In this project, I used a handmade glazed subway tile in a soft, dusty blue-green throughout the bath,' Cathleen explains. 'The slight variation in the glaze keeps it from feeling flat or harsh, and the natural pine ceiling and exposed beams pull all the warmth up into the room. The goal was for blue to feel like something that had always been there, not a statement. Pairing a muted, slightly gray-toned blue with warm natural materials is the move that makes it feel welcoming rather than cold.'

Decor Buys Cozy Up Your Blue Rooms

Whether you're painting your walls blue or want to warm up a blue sofa, these decor buys will help soften this cool color.

Cool colors like blue don't need to feel cold or unwelcoming; with a thoughtful approach to decor, they can be full of warmth and coziness. Whichever room you're decorating with blue in, warm wood and natural textures create balance, while warmer colors such as pink always work well.

'Pale, cool blues can offer many of the qualities homeowners have long appreciated about gray,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams. 'They're calming, versatile and easy to live with, while bringing a subtle sense of color and personality into a space. These softer blues can create a light, airy atmosphere that feels serene and restorative without reading as stark or overly cool. They also provide a gentle connection to nature, which can help a room feel fresh and inviting.'

'As homeowners continue to move away from one-size-fits-all gray interiors, we're seeing greater interest in nuanced colors that still function with the ease of a neutral,' continues Emily. 'A pale blue can serve as a beautiful backdrop across a variety of design styles, pairing naturally with warm whites, wood tones, natural stone and other organic materials. The result is a space that maintains the flexibility of a neutral palette while feeling more layered, personal and expressive.'

In this romantic breakfast nook (pictured above), the pale blue walls create a sense of freshness, but paired with the charming gingham print and warm tones, it avoids looking cold. 'These spaces utilize a soft pale blue to create an airy and open feel. Pale blue tends to lean a bit more feminine than the alternative (gray), which made it perfect for these spaces layered in florals,' explains Bridget Tiek, co-founder of TIEK BYDAY. 'We used Farrow & Ball Skylight and Sherwin-Williams Niebla Azul.'

'Cool blues are better than gray because they inject some color into a space while still feeling like a neutral,' agrees interior designer Jessica Hobson. 'That color instantly gives life to a room, which a cool gray just can’t do!'

'I love a pale blue ceiling; it can act as a neutral in a room but adds so much more than white, beige or gray,' Jessica adds. 'It instantly lifts the ceiling, creating an airy feeling in a room. In this dining room (pictured above) we chose a soft blue paint to work with the Lewis & Wood wallpaper. The paper featured a gorgeous print but was all neutral with creams, beige and grays, so I knew I wanted to bring in some color in the space. The ceiling was the perfect spot!'

'We used Benjamin Moore's Quiet Moments. This is a beautiful calming go-to blue for me, and it is particularly great on a ceiling. It is a very soft cool blue-green shade with some gray in it and just has a way of creating a calm over a space.'

'This is a snug in an 18th-century house on Lake Geneva in Switzerland,' says interior designer Sofia Clara. 'We wanted the room to feel calm and inviting while still respecting the character and original architecture. Pale blue felt like a lovely alternative to the more expected neutrals or gray and pulls from the color in the original hand-painted wallpaper that I believe might be a Zuber wallpaper.'

'We chose a very soft, powdery blue that contrasts nicely with the original floorboards, jute rug and the warmer tones of the antique furniture,' Sofia adds. 'Rather than feeling cold, the blue creates a gentle backdrop, allowing the more patinated and earthy elements of the room to stand out.'

'Pale blues give you many of the qualities people traditionally look for in gray; they are quiet, calm and easy to live with, but they have much more softness and character,' Sofia explains. 'Gray can feel flat or austere, particularly in rooms with cooler natural light or small windows. A very pale blue brings a subtle sense of color and lightness. Here, the blue also works particularly well with the warmer materials in the room, creating a balance that I don’t think a gray would achieve.'

The Best Pale Blue Paints

If you're a lover of gray but want something more characterful, pale blue is the color for you. When bringing cool blue paint into the home, 'pair these shades with warm whites, natural woods and organic textures to help balance their cooler qualities and create an inviting, layered space,' suggests Emily.

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We asked designers which shades come to mind when they think of the most iconic, long-loved interior design styles, so if you are looking for color scheme inspiration that will never date, here is a good place to start.

Country Cottage: Sage Green and Dusty Pink

When you think of cottage style, it's hard not to envision a soothing backdrop of warm white walls, soft barely-there pink accents, plenty of sage green, and lots of rustic, time-worn accents.

'Many of our clients lean into the warm, muted, earthy, and dusty colors to add to the vintage feel of the iconic cottage-style design,' explains Brittany Bowen, co-founder of Girls At Flourish Studio. 'While plenty of colors lend themselves to the cottage look, we feel like we see earthy greens and pinks repeatedly in some of our favorite cottage-core designs. This scullery (designed by Smith Street Interiors), couldn’t be a more perfect example.'

'For a hazy pink, we used Mulberry Silk by Sherwin-Williams, and their earthy green is Bunglehouse Gray, also by Sherwin-Williams,' says Brittany. These muted colors add the coziest vibes, and contrasted with the rich walnut cabinet tones and historic trim work, this palette is timeless without being bland. For us, nothing screams country cottage more than pink and green.'

New England Coastal: Crisp White and Sea Blue

Inspired by the seashore and the traditional beach huts dotted along the coastline, coastal design is defined by its white and blue color palette. Think white shiplap walls, and plenty of blue accents, from painted window frames to full-on feature walls.

'Muted, historic blues paired with warm cream tones feel traditionally American and bring a timeless combination to any room,' says Daniele Doerge, marketing manager and color expert at California Paints. 'The colors have enough contrast to highlight strong traditional and colonial-style architectural details, but this particular color combination keeps the style elegant rather than overly formal. I love this combination, and especially in the New England area, we see a lot of this timeless design style.'

For a more muted take on the classic pairing, try heritage pale blue paints like Farrow & Ball's Light Blue or Windy Blue by Sherwin-Williams (best beside a warm cream like Dover White).

Midcentury: Muted Mustard and Olive Green

Warm, autumnal tones are synonymous with mid-century interior design. From complex ochres to burnt oranges and forest greens, midcentury modern embraces deep saturation and comforting richness.

'Mustard and olive green worked perfectly together in a lot of midcentury design, capturing that unique and nature-inspired interior design style,' says Daniele. 'Now, especially with the steady resurgence of love for midcentury modern homes, I love recommending slightly more muted versions of these hues, where the nostalgia is still there, but the softer tone makes the combination feel current.'

Timeless mustard paints like Little Greene's Light Gold or the brown-tinted India Yellow by Farrow & Ball are perfect for schemes looking to bring a little dose of the past into the present day.

Classic Heritage: Charcoal

Smoky, navy blues, and deep grays define classic heritage style. 'Whether used inside or outside of the home, these colors enhance architectural details and bring character without feeling dated,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager, color marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'Especially for exteriors, homeowners often gravitate toward colors they can live with for many years rather than colors tied to a particular moment. These heritage-inspired hues create a warm, welcoming feeling that feels timeless, which is why they continue to be favorites generation after generation.'

In this moody living room, interior designer Caroline Levenson selected a warm gray as the palette's central color. 'We’re especially drawn to the rich earth tones, muted blues, and deep greens associated with the Colonial era. In this client’s Knoxville home, we enveloped the living room in Benjamin Moore’s Flint, a cool charcoal that acts as a neutral but takes on subtle blue undertones as the light changes throughout the day. Paired with warm wood tones, softer blues, and touches of yellow, the room feels cozy and cocooning without feeling heavy.'

Farmhouse Style: Warm White

A farmhouse kitchen isn't complete without some warm white painted walls. While the classic ceramic sink and shiplap walls undeniably make the farmhouse style what it is, a light-changing white paint adds an elevated layer to the rustic look we all know and love.

Characterized by warm neutrals, rustic accents, and plenty of raw materials, off-whites couldn't be more intrinsic to farmhouse style; they balance out its warmth and earthiness and bring a light, bright, and refreshing feel to a look that's been embraced by Americans for centuries.

Shades like Benjamin Moore's White Dove, a clean, timeless off-white with subtle notes of warmth or Farrow & Ball's heritage shade, School House White, to balance the warm wood tones of the farmhouse look.

Classic colors, synonymous with classic styles, are a good place to start when planning a color scheme. Even if you plan to mix and match eras (the best homes always do), ensuring that your color scheme speaks to the style of your home or interiors will ensure a timeless cohesion.

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To help you master your bedroom color ideas and avoid making any color mistakes, designers reveal the five popular shades you may want to avoid in bedrooms, and the more timeless alternatives to use instead that lend a calm, cozy feel.

1. Energizing Reds – Go For Chocolate Browns

The last couple of years have given decorating with red a new lease of life. With the likes of the unexpected red theory, red feels once again modern and fresh, but you may want to think twice before painting your bedroom walls this color.

'We generally avoid red in a bedroom,' explains the Minneapolis-based interior designer Heather Peterson. 'It can be intense and activating, and we strive for a restful envelope in most bedrooms.'

'If you want the drama, consider a rich dark brown instead,' Heather advises. 'Think bittersweet chocolate, which can have a red undertone. This is just as strong as red and delivers warmth, but it is less charged. We especially like it paired with light neutrals for contrast and red-brown wood for some tonal interest.'

2. Sweet Pale Pinks – Opt For Muted Dusty Tones

Pale pink paints have been making a comeback in interiors, often working as a more colorful alternative to traditional neutrals. And while this warm shade works well in plenty of settings, the wrong tone can look dated in bedrooms.

'Pink is a popular color for bedrooms, but it is often the default choice for feminine nurseries,' says New York designer Luba Libarikian of Libarikian Interiors. 'We love pink, but if it is the wrong hue, it will feel like a bedroom for a young child, and not sophisticated enough for a grown-up bedroom.'

Instead of pale pinks, Luba points to earthy, dusty variations of pink, which offer a lot more depth. 'A muted pink is unisex; it’s a soft color that feels calming and is flattering in evening light,' she says. 'The pink undertones have to be desaturated a little, and it has to be light enough to feel soft and soothing.'

3. Cool Grays – Choose Light but Earthy Tones

Gray-blue paints have gained lots of momentum in the design world as a cool, modern take on decorating with neutrals. And while these cool shades can bring a crisp, refined feel to light and airy rooms, they can feel out of sync with the cozy feel we want to achieve in bedrooms. 'I would steer away from colors that feel too cool, particularly gray-blues,' says designer MK Smith Boykin of Charlotte-based Smith Interiors.

'In a bedroom, you want the palette to feel warm, inviting, and uplifting,' she adds. 'Cooler shades can make the space feel a little sterile or chilly, which isn't the feeling you want to wake up to – especially in the winter.'

To keep your bedroom feeling soft and welcoming, while maintaining a pared-back look, go for light, warm neutral paints. 'I often urge clients to use a creamy white,' suggests MK. 'It's much more timeless and welcoming. I also would love to see a warm cinnamon in a bedroom. This is cozy, warm, and timeless, and it pairs well with crisp bedding.'

4. Bright Whites – Pick a Soften Brightening Lilac

Decorating with white is a timeless choice, especially when aiming to make a room feel light and airy. And while in sun-drenched kitchens or open-plan spaces, white walls feel bright and breezy, white bedrooms can feel off-balance. 'We find that most people default to a cool white – a white paint color that has a cool undertone,' says designer Luba Libarikian. 'The problem with this type of color is that it only looks great in bright sunny rooms – most bedrooms don’t get enough light, and feel cold and unwelcoming.'

'White can feel a little too sterile and clinical – almost like a hospital room – when a bedroom should feel soothing, warm, and inviting,' adds Houston interior designer Lindsey Herod.

For something much softer and more inviting, Lindsey recommends exploring the world of lilac paints. 'It brings color and personality into a bedroom without overwhelming the space, and has a soft, calming quality that feels naturally suited to where we rest and recharge,' she says. 'It’s subtle enough to feel timeless, but still adds a sense of warmth, character, and joy – creating a room that feels soothing at night and uplifting in the morning.'

5. Rich Burgundy – Try a Fresh Yet Enveloping Blue

Few color trends have been as defining as burgundy of late, and while there's no denying the warm, sophisticated appeal of this decadent hue, some designers are swerving it in bedrooms. 'I love burgundy in dining rooms, libraries, and other spaces where you want richness and drama, but in a room intended for rest, it can carry more visual energy than people anticipate,' says designer Anu Jain of Atelier Oleana, based in San Francisco.

'Depending on the light, it can also shift from romantic and enveloping to feeling quite heavy,' she adds. 'A bedroom is one of the few places where I want the color to lower the volume rather than demand attention.'

To create a colorful look that feels more aligned with a bedroom context, consider going for a blue bedroom instead. 'Blue has an inherently restorative quality, but it still gives a bedroom far more atmosphere and personality than a conventional neutral,' says Anu.

Here, Anu used Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue, which she describes as 'a fresh mid-tone blue with a slightly formal, historic quality. It has enough clarity to feel uplifting during the day but becomes wonderfully soft and enveloping in lower evening light.'

The key to designing a bedroom color scheme that you won't soon tire of is to think about how you want the space to feel. Whether that's calm, cozy, or cocooning, the right wall color can totally transform the mood, so think of this before diving into the latest color trends.

With any of the paint colors mentioned here, make sure to sample shades at home first so you can see how the color looks at different times of day – you'd be surprised by how changing lighting completely alters the look.

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As appreciation for all things characterful continues to reign supreme in the interior design world, vintage paint colors that evoke nostalgia and charm are being embraced once again. From soothing muted greens and duck egg blues to dusty roses and the palest tangerines, heritage hues that transport you to the tranquil setting of an English cottage are cropping up in projects everywhere, from new builds to old homes and everything in between. These are the old English cottage-inspired shades designers want to see more of, and how to use them in a way that works in 2026.

1. Dusty Rose

'Clients and designers are drawn to more muted and earthy colors, much as you would find in an English rose garden,' says Jessica Luna, Founder of JLL Interiors. 'We are moving from the gray, white, and bright interiors into a more moody and earthy palette.'

'For this bedroom (pictured above), I used Benjamin Moore Biscotti, a soft dusty rose, on the walls. The room needed to coordinate with the selected rug that carries navy, rose, and other earthy tones. Our inspiration fabric was Jasper's Bentley Rose, which you can see on the floral throw pillow on the chaise. Biscotti pulled that rose straight off the fabric and let it live quietly on the walls instead of shouting from it. The key is to pull colors that already exist and repeat, repeat, repeat.'

'The dusty rose backdrop also plays beautifully against the duck egg blue drapery in the room and the terracotta hue in the upholstered bed. That combination, a warm muted pink against a cool soft blue, is such a classic English cottage pairing. It feels collected and layered rather than decorated, which is always the goal in my work.'

2. Softest Yellow

Soft, buttery yellow tones that hark back to the quiet serenity of countryside retreats have been popping up in interiors slowly but surely over the last few years. Think Hay by Farrow & Ball or Sherwin-Williams' Butter Up which gained a lot of love when the butter yellow trend was at its height.

'I think these traditional English cottage colors are having a resurgence because they give a space a link to the past,' explains interior designer Aoife Maria. 'Even if everything else in a renovation is new, using color, pattern or more traditional architectural details can give a home that feeling of something familiar, which makes it feel much more comfortable and like a lived-in home straight away.'

'In this project, we’ve used quite a lot of color throughout as this was a personal request from our client, and as it’s an old Irish farmhouse, we also wanted everything to feel in keeping with the house. For this playroom, we chose a soft yellow for the windows (Little Greene – Carys) as it gives a lovely hint of color without taking over, and it still allows us to add lots more color and pattern into the room over time. Paired with the lime plaster texture and the warm off-white walls, it gives the room so much depth and character, and there’s something really lovely and sunny about it.'

3. Pale Tangerine

Tangerine is the softer, more livable version of some of the really deep terracottas that are trending right now. It's warmer than a butter yellow, but has a similarly brightening and cocooning effect.

Pick the right orange paint, and it's a color that would feel just right in an English country cottage. You want to choose something that leans a little pink and earthy, like Farrow & Ball's Fake Tan, which has drenched this characterful kitchen. Pair with warm metallics and rich colors like reds and purples for a vintage-inspired color scheme that is interesting yet timeless.

4. Duck Egg Blue

Duck egg blue has long been associated with the English country look. Whether it's a painted window frame or a kitchen cabinet, it's a timeless choice for homes in need of a heritage feel. 'In this entryway (pictured above), I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, timeless, and quietly cheerful from the moment you walk through the front door,' explains Kelsey Peterson, principal designer of Style and Space. 'We painted the front door and the custom settee in a soft duck egg blue, a classic English cottage color that immediately brings warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.'

'The blue is layered with natural white oak wall paneling, reclaimed brick flooring, crisp white millwork, and black iron lighting, creating a palette that feels both relaxed and refined. I love using colors like this because they have a nostalgic quality while still feeling fresh. Rather than making a bold statement, they become part of the architecture and help tell the story of the home.'

'I think homeowners are moving away from interiors that feel overly neutral or stark and are looking for spaces with more warmth, character, and a sense of history. Soft cottage colors like duck egg blue, sage green, dusty rose, and buttermilk yellow bring personality in a way that still feels sophisticated and livable.'

5. Sage Green

Nothing says English cottage like sage green. Grounding, muted, and timelessly sophisticated, it's one of the most classic heritage paint colors you can choose for your home.

'Our inspiration for the color palette in this space came from the existing architecture,' begins Brittney Blanton, founder of B. Blanton Interiors. 'The kitchen is open to the living room and breakfast nook, so we wanted a soft color to help anchor it and give it a sense of identity. This sage green was the perfect choice because it responds so well to the light. It can look warm green, cool green, or gray green depending on the natural light and time of day. '

'An English cottage color like a sage green is such a happy choice for a kitchen space. It creates a sense of coziness and a lived-in feel even in a new kitchen.' Try Farrow & Ball's iconic Ball Green or Benjamin Moore's long-loved Saybrook Sage for timeless choices.

English cottage colors have never really fallen out of fashion, but how they are used has shifted over the years. 'What's different today is how designers are using them,' says Kelsey. 'Instead of creating a room that feels overtly traditional or themed, we're pairing these nostalgic colors with cleaner silhouettes, tailored upholstery, natural materials, and contemporary lighting. That balance gives the spaces a collected, timeless quality that feels equally at home in a historic house or a newly built one.'

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Valspar's 2027 Color of the Year is Cottage Door 8004-38E, the perfect powdery blue that strikes a balance between warm and cool. Whisper-soft powder blues like Cottage Door were the most memorable color trends of 2026, so it makes sense that they're continuing to crop up in next year's lineup, too.

We spoke with Sue Kim, Director of Color Marketing at Valspar, to learn more about the brand's color selection and how to use it in 2027 and beyond.

Powder blue might have been an unexpected fall color trend last year, but it's been a top color trend for every season since. Vibrant yet subdued enough to feel soothing, powder blues are one of the most livable blue paints you can use in the home.

'Cottage Door celebrates the unique beauty inside us all,' said Sue Kim. 'This mid-tone neutral blue is reflective and warm, with timeless appeal that feels personal and grounding. Cottage Door captures blue’s natural sense of security and trust while serving as a colorful new neutral that layers effortlessly into the home. It creates spaces that feel balanced, comforting, and inviting.'

Tinged with subtle notes of gray, it bridges the gap between interesting and timeless, making it a suitable shade for almost any area of the home, from home offices to pantries.

Best paired with pale pinks, deep plums, and warm off-white paints, Cottage Door can be dressed up or down depending on the look you're trying to achieve.

Balance Cottage Door’s powder notes with the soft and joyful tones of Moon Shot 8005-2B, a stony gray that picks up on the blue's muted side. For something a little lighter, try Apricot Blush 8003-8A (pictured above), a pastel pink infused with cream that's perfect for creating contrast and a sense of playfulness in the home.

'Shades like Cottage Door are grounding and anchoring,' says Sue. 'They naturally convey authenticity, warmth, and trust, creating an inviting environment where you can truly settle in. Ultimately, their calming presence brings an organized, reliable energy to any space, making them perfectly timed colors that resonate deeply with our desire for comfort and peace.'

'In a world shaped by curated perfection and constant stimulation, there’s a growing desire for spaces that feel honest, grounded, and stable,' says Sue. 'Cottage Door reflects this shift toward emotionally resonant color – tones that feel timeless, personal, and connected. Color that brings a sense of balance and belonging feels more valuable than ever.'

Powder Blue Picks

Inspired to bring this powdery blue into your home? These decor picks will do so in an instant, no paint required.

Valspar's Color of the Year is the perfect balance of trends and timelessness. A powder blue infused with gray tones, it's a livable yet exciting paint color that sets the tone for a year of on-trend hues.

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'Whether they're staying for one night or one month, a thoughtfully decorated guest bedroom can make visitors feel instantly at home,' Helen tells Homes & Gardens. 'While comfortable bedding and considered finishing touches are essential, the wall color plays a key role in setting the mood.'

'Opting for warm, inviting hues creates a space that feels restful, welcoming and effortlessly timeless, helping guests relax from the moment they arrive. From soft, pink-toned neutrals to grounding greens inspired by nature, these four shades are perfectly suited to creating a guest bedroom that balances comfort with style.'

1. Collector's Item

Off-white paint is always a safe bet, particularly in a guest bedroom where you really want to perfect that balance of open and bright yet still cozy and elevated. It's neutral, but it's soft and inviting.

'A pink-tinged off-white creates the perfect backdrop for a guest bedroom,' says Helen. 'In north-facing rooms, where natural light tends to be cooler, whites with warm undertones help counteract shadows and prevent the space from feeling flat. Look for shades with subtle pink notes, such as Collector's Item, rather than yellow undertones, as they create a softer glow and maintain a balanced appearance throughout the day.'

The beauty of choosing pink-tinged whites is that they feel classic but still interesting. They're also light-shifting colors, meaning it's unlikely the guest bedroom will ever feel flat or sterile like many bright white paints can.

Collector's Item is best paired with warm beiges, moody taupes, and complex creams for a timeless color scheme that feels interesting as well as inviting.

2. Shabby Chic

While more vibrant colors have recently dominated color trends in 2026, calming, enduring neutrals will always be timeless in a guest bedroom. Beiges and taupes aren't the only warm neutral paints that suit a guest bedroom. Pink-infused neutrals are timeless paint colors that feel classic, yet still chic and current.

'A nuanced neutral like Shabby Chic offers a warm, inviting alternative to a brilliant white, which, although often considered the safe choice for guest bedrooms, can feel stark and clinical,' says Helen. 'This soft neutral has an understated elegance that instantly makes a space feel more welcoming. It pairs beautifully with dark wood furniture and natural linen textures, adding depth while maintaining a minimalist, grounded aesthetic. Its earthy warmth creates a sense of comfort and stability, making it an ideal choice for spaces designed to feel intimate and relaxing.'

Shabby Chic is tinged with purple undertones, so to keep things sophisticated, pair it with muted, warm colors, like pale pinks and yellow-tinted creams.

3. Cushing Green

Despite falling on the darker end of the color spectrum, Cushing Green is a sophisticated choice for a guest bedroom if you're looking for something a little richer and deeper.

'Cushing Green is a balanced deep green that complements a wide variety of interior styles,' says Helen. 'Soft gray undertones add versatility and depth to this timeless forest green, whose enduring appeal lies in its grounding connection to nature. It works particularly well in traditional interiors, where it can be paired with softened jewel tones, warm brass hardware and rich natural materials to create an enveloping, cocooning atmosphere.'

'Inspired by color combinations found in nature, forest green pairs beautifully with a rich teal – sitting between blue and green, this captivating shade delivers the perfect balance of depth and vibrancy, making it both bold and easy to live with. Together, these colors create a layered, tranquil palette that feels sophisticated and perfectly suited to a restful bedroom.'

Despite its depth, Cushing Green pairs with a variety of hues, but it best comes to life against a grounding pale beige, a muted pale blue, or, for lovers of richness, a deep teal like Helen suggests.

4. Sharon Rose

Pink bedrooms needn't feel overly romantic or vibrant; in fact, hushed pale pinks are a clever choice for rooms reserved for guests, providing a sense of calm and serenity.

'A touch of pink enriches Sharon Rose, a dusty rose that reflects the growing move towards quietly colorful interiors,' says Helen. 'This emerging direction embraces subtle, comforting hues that feel fresh yet timeless. Neutrals are no longer confined to understated background shades but are evolving into softly expressive colors with nuanced undertones that bring warmth and character while remaining effortlessly versatile.'

'This shift towards warmer, layered palettes has created the perfect backdrop for sun-faded pastels to flourish. Shades such as dusty rose offer the versatility of a neutral while introducing personality and softness. Rather than acting as accents, these muted hues are increasingly becoming the foundation of entire color schemes, creating restful, inviting guest bedrooms with enduring appeal.'

Sharon Rose edges into the more striking territory when you compare it to the muted Shabby Chic. To keep your guest bedroom's palette timeless, pair it with a warm white or a sandy beige.

These four quietly charming shades will make any guest bedroom look beautiful. From tranquil plaster pinks to light-changing warm whites, these shades infuse homely charm with timelessness.

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This fall’s biggest color trends aren’t all pumpkin-adjacent, either. Designers are predicting everything from chocolate brown and oxblood to dusty yellow and deep navy, balancing the familiar warmth of a fall color palette with a few less expected choices. What connects them is depth, personality, and an increasing willingness to treat color as part of the architecture rather than something confined to cushions and accessories.

Here are the 10 shades designers expect to see everywhere this fall, and how they’re using them now.

1. Chocolate Brown

After years of beige dominating neutral color schemes, brown is getting darker, richer, and altogether more interesting. Chocolate is emerging as one of fall’s strongest shades, bringing warmth without sacrificing the versatility that made softer neutrals so popular in the first place.

‘I think chocolate brown is going to be a key color this autumn,’ predicts interior designer Uns Hobbs. ‘We have been moving towards warmer, earthier colors in interiors for some time, and brown feels like a natural progression from the softer beiges and neutrals we have seen so much of.’ In this brown kitchen, Uns used a warm chocolate brown on the lower cabinetry and balanced it with softer cream cupboards above. ‘The Delft-style tiles introduce little touches of blue, while the pale blue window frame and soft pink blind add some unexpected color. Together they stop the brown feeling too serious and make the whole scheme feel warm and inviting,’ explains Uns.

Designer Zoë Feldman agrees, describing brown as ‘neutral but with character.’ One of her favorites is Farrow & Ball’s 'Salon Drab', which she says ‘shifts between chocolate, olive, and charcoal depending on the light.’

The trick is to treat chocolate brown as a grounding neutral rather than a statement color. Uns pairs it with pale blue, warm cream, ochre, green, natural timber, aged brass, and antiques, while Zoë recommends going generous with it, whether that’s color drenching a small room or layering with a large chocolate wool rug.

2. Straw Yellow

Every fall palette needs a shade that bridges the sun-drenched days of summer with the richer, earthier tones of autumn. This year, designers are looking beyond bright yellows towards muddier, harvest-inspired hues reminiscent of ripening wheat fields, dried grasses, and late-season sunlight.

‘If I were to choose a color for fall, it would be a dusty, sun-washed yellow,’ says Danu Kennedy, partner at Parts and Labor Design and co-founder of Known Work Studio. ‘Yellow holds onto some of the warmth and optimism of summer, but when it’s muted and a little muddied, it takes on a much softer, more grounding quality.’

Rather than demanding attention, harvest gold settles naturally alongside the colors already associated with the season. Danu instinctively pairs it with warm woods, earthy browns, and tactile natural materials, creating rooms that feel informed by the landscape rather than by passing trends. As changing leaves give way to dried seed heads, straw, and wheat-colored fields, decorating with yellow captures that quieter side of fall without relying on the deeper reds and browns typically associated with the season.

And for anyone nervous about decorating with yellow, Danu’s advice is simple: ‘Don't be scared of it! It’s such a friendly color.’ She even dreams of painting a wood-planked floor in high-gloss yellow.

3. Maroon

Red gets deeper for fall, with maroon sitting somewhere between a classic burgundy and a warm brown. It has all the seasonal richness you might expect, but it’s surprisingly versatile, capable of acting as either the main event or a punchier accent.

‘Maroon is really having a moment right now,’ observes Philadelphia-based designer Michelle Gage. ‘We love its deep, rich hue and unexpected intensity. It pairs perfectly with equally juicy colors, or it can be used in conjunction with neutral shades.’

Michelle likes going bold with the shade. In this dressing room, she balanced an artistic wallpaper with Benjamin Moore’s 'Radicchio' across the cabinetry. ‘The depth of color that a maroon has can really draw you into a room,’ she adds. ‘It’s both moody and somewhat feminine at the same time.’

Try it on cabinetry, built-ins, or woodwork if four maroon walls feel too much, or pair it with creams and softer neutrals to give the color room to breathe.

4. Terracotta

Terracotta has become something of a modern decorating staple, but its warmth makes it particularly convincing once fall arrives. More earthy than orange and softer than red, it brings the fired-clay tones of natural materials indoors.

‘It’s a warming color for a cozy room, light the fire and settle in,’ says Cath Beckett, co-founder of Yellow London Interior Design, who used terracotta in a tactile tadelakt finish in this living room.

Its appeal lies partly in how easily it changes character according to what surrounds it. Cath suggests pairing terracotta with an earthy, neutral palette for a more restrained room, or setting it against jewel-like colors for greater contrast.

That makes it particularly useful in living rooms and bedrooms where texture matters just as much as color. Plaster, tadelakt, linen, timber, and woven fibers will emphasize its earthy side, while saturated greens, blues, and purples make it feel bolder and more decorative.

5. Oxblood

Where maroon carries a little more red, oxblood dives further into brownish burgundy territory. It’s particularly effective in smaller rooms where a darker palette can become a feature rather than something to avoid.

‘Oxblood is moody and enveloping yet retains a sense of warmth, making it especially appealing as interiors shift toward deeper, more expressive colors,’ say Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, founding partners of Missouri-based studio, KOBEL + CO. The design duo favors this shade as ‘a sophisticated backdrop for libraries, bars, and bedrooms.’

Their styling advice is to commit: carry the color across walls, trim, cabinetry, and ceiling for an immersive effect. ‘For a lighter touch, introduce it through upholstery, patterned textiles, lampshades, or accessories,’ they add.

Layering mohair, wool, patterned fabrics, and lacquered finishes in neighboring tones will keep an oxblood room feeling dimensional rather than overly coordinated.

6. Dusky Mauve

Pink isn’t disappearing this fall, but it is losing some of its sweetness. The new direction is muddier, chalkier, and closer to clay or faded red, making earthy mauve a much easier proposition for grown-up rooms.

‘It’s not a sharp or cold pink by any means, but it has real depth and warmth, almost a mud-red undertone,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘This makes it feel grown-up and enveloping rather than sweet.’

Ruth points to Little Greene’s 'Nether Red' as a shade sitting between the current appetite for chocolate brown, dusky pink, and burgundy. She recommends using it across all four walls and even continuing onto the ceiling, explaining that one continuous color can make a room feel ‘larger and more restful.’

7. Tomato Red

While some of fall’s reds are heading darker, tomato red goes in the opposite direction. Its orange undertone gives it warmth and energy, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants an autumnal shade without creating a particularly moody room.

‘For autumn, tomato red feels especially appropriate because of its warmth and richness,’ says designer Lizzie Green. ‘Its subtle orange undertones complement seasonal shades such as rich browns, olive greens, burgundy and warm whites and creams.’

Lizzie suggests introducing it through cushions, lampshades, artwork, ceramics, or decorative objects for a gentler approach. For more impact, ‘try tomato-red joinery, an armchair or pair of curtains to create a focal point.’ Natural stone, oatmeal, linen, and timber help temper its intensity, while burgundy or olive can push the palette in a richer fall direction.

8. Bottle Green

Green has long proved itself as more than a passing interiors trend, but this fall’s versions are moving darker and richer. Think forest and bottle tones rather than sage, bringing depth while maintaining green’s innate connection with natural materials.

‘People are looking for homes that feel warmer, more intimate and more personal,’ says Chicago-based designer Andrea Goldman. ‘Deep green, for example, can create a wonderful sense of grounding when paired with natural materials and quieter textures.’

Rather than introducing stronger colors as temporary accents, Andrea likes putting them somewhere they can really be experienced: ‘on walls, cabinetry, statement tile installations, or intentional upholstered pieces.’ Linen, wood, stone, and aged metals are her favored counterpoints, helping richer shades feel integrated into the home rather than becoming too trend-led.

9. Smoky Violet

Perhaps the least traditionally fall color in the line-up is also one of the most intriguing. Blues with a noticeable purple cast offer coolness without feeling icy, bringing a more unexpected kind of smokiness to fall rooms.

‘This fall, I’m loving blues that drift into purple, like Benjamin Moore’s 'Flower Box',’ says Rayman Boozer, founder of Apartment 48. ‘It’s a color that feels calming but still has a lot of personality, and that balance makes it especially appealing as we move into fall.’

Rather than creating lots of contrast around it, Rayman recommends leaning into neighboring shades. ‘I like to layer it with other blues and purples for a monochromatic effect, letting the different tones create depth rather than relying on contrast,’ he says.

Used across walls, upholstery, and textiles, variations of blue and violet can make a room feel moody without relying on the browns, burgundies, and greens more commonly associated with the season.

10. Navy Blue

After several seasons of terracotta, plum, and olive, blue is returning to fall palettes in a much more saturated form. Deep navy has the coziness of a dark color but the dependability of a classic, making it particularly useful if you’re wary of more obviously seasonal shades.

‘Rich navy tones are starting to infuse fall interiors,’ says Rebecca Letwin, owner and Principal Designer of Full Bloom Interior Design. ‘Deep navy invokes coastal waters and stormy afternoons, creating a sense of cozy academia.’

Rebecca considers navy a foundational color and pairs it with medium-dark oak and walnut, brick hearths, brass candlesticks, cognac leather, and soft neutral drapery. It can also bridge other jewel tones, making it a useful anchor for more maximalist rooms.

Ultimately, the most convincing fall color trends aren’t those that scream a particular season, but shades with enough complexity to work long after the leaves have dropped. This year’s palette offers plenty of ways in, from a chocolate-brown kitchen or oxblood library to something as simple as a tomato-red lampshade or dusty-yellow cushion. Start with the colors that already make sense alongside your home's materials and light, then decide whether you want a small seasonal shift or full color-drenched commitment.

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The trend, identified by Dulux, takes its cue from the idea that opposites attract. Rather than covering four walls in a statement shade, it uses color in smaller, surprising places – inside a cabinet, around a doorway, along a baseboard, or on the reverse side of a door.

For anyone searching for fresh paint ideas or keeping an eye on the latest paint and color trends, it's a particularly approachable way to experiment.

What Is 'Peek-a-Boo' Paint Theory?

Think of it as the interior-design equivalent of a colorful lining inside a classic jacket. The color is there, but it isn't necessarily the first thing you notice.

The 'Peek-a-Boo' paint theory pairs shades from opposite sides of the color wheel in subtle ways, creating little moments of contrast that reveal themselves as you move around your home. A flash of blue when a door opens, warm terracotta inside a cabinet, or a sunny yellow along the edge of a baseboard can make an otherwise familiar room feel much more considered.

And while the idea might sound like a very current interior design trend, the principle is nothing new. Fashion has long used unexpected color combinations in linings, socks, accessories, and even hidden layers of clothing. Beauty has embraced the same idea with bold hair colors concealed beneath a more natural shade.

Now, that same element of surprise is moving into our homes.

Why We're Suddenly Less Afraid of 'Clashing' Colors

For years, many of us have been encouraged to play it safe with color. It's no wonder so many homes have defaulted to shades of magnolia, beige, and other safe neutrals, leaving little room for the fun of experimenting with color.

Dulux's research found that 76% of homeowners were taught to avoid 'clashing' colors altogether, while 43% say their biggest decorating fear is getting it wrong.

Yet there's clearly an appetite for something more adventurous. Almost seven in 10 people (68%) say they've been pleasantly surprised by how good an unexpected color combination can look. And 43% describe themselves as 'cautious but curious' when it comes to color.

That's where this trend feels particularly relevant. You don't have to suddenly embrace a bright red living room or paint your kitchen ceiling purple. Instead, you can introduce one small dose of contrast and see how it feels.

'So many of us grew up being told to steer clear of 'clashing' colors, as if they're something to be afraid of,' says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Color Expert at Dulux. 'But what's fascinating is that those very contrasts often turn out to be the most complementary combinations of all.'

It’s a sentiment that could make experimenting with color feel far less daunting. ‘It’s a great way for those who are a little color-shy to add a personal element to their home through subtle yet vibrant details, rather than committing to a fully painted wall or large block of color,’ says Helen Shaw, International Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘It encourages people to rebel against outdated color decorating rules. It takes confidence to “paint outside of the lines”, but it’s one of the easiest ways to make a notable impact.’

The Color Wheel Holds the Secret

The easiest way to understand the trend is to look at a color wheel. Complementary colors sit opposite one another – blue and orange, red and green, and yellow and purple are classic examples.

While they may initially look like unlikely partners, the contrast is exactly what makes them work. Used thoughtfully, one color can bring out qualities in the other, creating a combination that feels energetic without necessarily being overwhelming.

'Colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel balance and enhance one another in a really joyful way,' says Shillingford. 'They have this slightly surprising magic that makes a space feel alive, not overwhelming.'

You don't need to use the brightest possible version of either shade, either. Muted, earthy, or chalkier interpretations can make complementary combinations feel much more relaxed and livable.

Dulux's Mellow Flow and Clay Pot, for example, bring together a calming blue with a warm, earthy tone. They're very different shades, but their contrast creates a sense of balance.

How to Bring 'Peek-a-Boo' Color Into Your Home

1. Paint Inside a Door

A door is one of the simplest ways to create a genuine color reveal. Keep the outside relatively understated, then paint the inside in a contrasting shade that only appears when the door opens. It's an especially fun idea for a home office, bedroom, pantry, or powder room.

'Seeing a contrasting color through a doorway instantly adds interest,' says Shillingford. 'It draws you through the home and makes spaces feel connected rather than flat.'

2. Give Your Cabinets a Colorful Secret

Painting the inside of a cabinet is perhaps the ultimate 'Peek-a-Boo' moment. A bright or warm shade can sit quietly behind closed doors before revealing itself when you reach for your dishes, books, or linens. Try terracotta, golden yellow, or soft peach against a more neutral exterior for a detail that feels personal rather than overly styled.

3. Highlight Architectural Details

Baseboards, door frames, shelving, alcoves, and window trim are all brilliant places to experiment with color. Rather than painting an entire wall, use a contrasting shade on one architectural feature. This gives the room definition and creates a visual detail that catches the eye without dominating the space.

4. Use Doorways to Connect Rooms

A glimpse of color from one room into another can make a home feel more cohesive. Try painting an interior doorway or a section of trim in a complementary shade, so the color becomes visible as you move between spaces.

Blue and orange are particularly effective here, although choosing warmer or more muted versions of each can make the pairing feel sophisticated rather than loud.

How Much 'Peek-a-Boo' Color Is Too Much?

The beauty of this paint trend is that you don't need much of it.

'There's no magic number because everyone is different when it comes to design choices, but I'd always encourage people to start small and build it up as you go,' says Shillingford. 'One or two contrasting moments are often all you need to give a room personality.'

That's good news if you're decorating a rental, working with a small space, or simply not ready to make a major color commitment. Paint the inside of one cabinet or add a contrasting shade to a door frame, then live with it for a while.

If you find yourself smiling every time you notice it, you've probably got the idea right.

Can 'Peek-a-Boo' Color Make a Small Room Feel Bigger?

Used strategically, contrast can make a small room look expensive and feel more interesting and visually layered. Because the eye is naturally drawn toward contrasting details, a flash of color can encourage you to look beyond the immediate walls and around the space.

A brightly colored doorway, the interior of open shelving, or a contrasting trim detail can create a sense of depth without requiring a small room to be covered in bold paint.

'Contrast naturally draws the eye, creating layers that make a space feel more dynamic and engaging,' says Shillingford. 'Sometimes it's those smallest, most unexpected flashes of color that bring the greatest sense of character and life.'

The 'Peek-a-Boo' paint trend is less about following another decorating rule and more about giving yourself permission to have fun with color. You don't need to become a maximalist overnight, and you certainly don't need to paint every wall a different shade.

Instead, look for those overlooked spaces in your home where a little color could make you smile – the inside of a door, a cabinet interior, a strip of trim, or a glimpse through a doorway.

Color doesn't always need to dominate a room to make a statement. The most memorable paint details are the quiet ones – the unexpected glimpses of hue that reward a closer look.

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When decision fatigue sets in, turning to interior designers for their tried-and-tested kitchen colors really helps to narrow down the selection. And Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter is one of the most highly regarded neutrals, adding just the right amount of warmth and contrast to kitchens of every size and aesthetic.

Here's why designers keep returning to this neutral shade, why it works so well in kitchens, and the best ways to bring it into your cooking space.

Revere Pewter is a perfect example of a neutral paint that has just the right amount of warmth to make a kitchen feel inviting, but not so warm that it reads yellow in unflattering light. It feels classic and timeless – exactly the reasons interior designers gravitate towards it so often.

'I think of Revere Pewter as a timeless neutral – somewhere between a warm gray and a soft taupe. It has the most wonderful ability to shift subtly with the light. Revere Pewter has an old house quality to it where it feels as though it could have been part of the original palette of a historic home rather than a color chosen to follow a trend,' says Kelly Galvin Robson, principal designer and creative director at High Street Home Design.

'Revere Pewter is a great staple color for anyone looking for that perfect beige. In some lights it is very soft and creamy, and in others it lends itself more to the taupe family with a slightly green hue,' adds Yvonne Christensen, co-founder of House West Design.

It's become one of the brand's best-selling neutrals – and its enduring qualities are further demonstrated by its inclusion in Benjamin Moore's Historical Color Collection, thanks to its ability to sit just as beautifully in traditional kitchens as in modern ones.

It’s the shade’s versatility – its ability to work in a variety of styles and alongside several materials and finishes – that makes it such a favorable choice for kitchens. 'It adds depth and warmth to a kitchen while still letting the cabinetry, stone, and other materials shine through,' says Elsa Iverson of Marin Design Co. It doesn't command attention; rather, it sits quietly within a scheme to create a truly timeless space.

'Revere Pewter is a versatile, use-anywhere neutral that works well in kitchens, where a variety of materials, finishes, and appliances need to work together. It provides a harmonious foundation and beautiful backdrop for the space,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore.

'For me, the appeal of Revere Pewter in a kitchen is how naturally it works with both warm and cool tones,' adds interior designer Candace Plotz. 'A kitchen is often a mix of so many different materials and finishes, and I love a color that can bring those elements together. It works beautifully with warm woods and brass, but is equally at home alongside cooler stone, tile and stainless steel.'

Whether you've chosen a classic look with warm-toned metals, like a metal pot rack in a brushed brass finish or drawer pulls in heritage brass tones, or taken a more contemporary approach with brushed nickel pendants and backless saddle counter stools painted a chic black, they will all look elevated against a Revere Pewter backdrop.

One of the greatest appeals of Revere Pewter is that it offers a softer, warmer option in place of crisp whites, which can leave a kitchen feeling sterile and uninviting. It's a subtle shade to introduce warmth and contrast without moving out of the neutral palette.

'Revere Pewter is perfect for kitchen cabinetry and is a welcome alternative to an all-white kitchen. It brings warmth and character without making the space feel heavy. In a historic or traditional home, I prefer a kitchen to feel connected to the architecture, and this color has that quality,' Kelly explains.

'It works beautifully with painted millwork, natural wood, stone, and aged metals, so it allows the kitchen to feel like it's always been there (rather than feeling too new). The result is soft, timeless, and inviting – something that can evolve with the home rather than look tied to a particular moment.'

The beauty of Revere Pewter is that it can be introduced to a kitchen in several ways. From the walls to the cabinets to smaller infusions on trim, designers say you can add it almost anywhere for a timeless design.

'Revere Pewter is especially beautiful when used throughout the architectural elements of a kitchen – cabinetry, trim, beadboard, wainscoting, or even a built-in pantry. It gives a kitchen a more historic, layered feeling and offers something different from the ubiquitous all-white kitchen, while still feeling completely timeless,' Kelly notes.

'We love using it on kitchen cabinetry because it has a softness that allows the kitchen to feel established and collected rather than brand new. It is also a color that will age gracefully, making it a wonderful choice for a home where longevity and classic design are priorities.'

Where you've added this color in smaller doses, whether it be the island or trim, you can bring in decor and kitchenware in similar hues, like this Greer Hand Tufted Wool Blend Rug along the walkway, a Carote Nonstick Saute Pan kept on the cooktop, or even these Smooth Taper Candles in your favorite holders.

'I particularly love Revere Pewter on kitchen millwork. It’s beautiful on cabinetry and range hoods, especially when you want the millwork to have a little more presence without introducing a strong color. It can also be carried through to walls or trim, particularly in a kitchen that opens into other living spaces. I love allowing the color to move beyond the cabinetry and become part of the larger palette of the home,' adds Candace.

If you're introducing Revere Pewter to kitchen walls, Arianna suggests a darker cabinet color for a striking contrast. 'Revere Pewter is an excellent choice for kitchen walls. I like to pair it with darker cabinets in colors like Kendall Charcoal HC-166, Hale Navy HC-154, or Essex Green HC-188. Pairing it with a darker cabinet color will bring out its lighter side.'

For a softer, earthier scheme, Revere Pewter pairs harmoniously with shades of green. 'Green works well with Revere Pewter because the two colors harmonize, rather than fighting, due to the green undertones in Revere Pewter. We like to use Smokebush and Backwoods from Benjamin Moore,' Elsa adds. 'We have also used off-whites with Revere Pewter such as White Dove, Natural Cream, Swiss Coffee, and November Rain.'

Shop Revere Pewter-Inspired Kitchen Buys

A timeless neutral that balances both warm and cool tones, Revere Pewter has become the go-to shade for homeowners looking for a warmer alternative to white. Whether you apply it to the cabinets, walls, or as a statement on the island, you can be sure it will feel just as chic in ten years.

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Which is exactly why aged kitchen colors are emerging as the most coveted palette. They are a darker take on neutrals, offering a kitchen color that feels more rooted in nature and layered in design. Think moody reds, rich browns, deep terracottas, and the darkest shades of smoky navy.

And designers say it's no fleeting kitchen color trend – these hues are here to stay, giving kitchens of every size, style, and layout a layered and lived-in look. Here's why they love the trend, and how you can introduce aged colors to your cooking space.

What's the Appeal of Aged Kitchen Colors?

Oxblood red, burnt terracotta, aubergine, tobacco brown, deep navy; these are all colors that have that aged, lived-in feel to them. They are rich and deep in tone, bringing a timeless yet unique feel to kitchens of every style and size. But perhaps the greatest appeal of these shades is the warmth they bring to designs.

'There’s a real richness to these types of colors which feels incredibly comforting. They reference traditional interiors rather than passing trends. Deep earthy shades create kitchens with real depth and absorb light beautifully, making the space instantly feel layered, lived in and homey,' says Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk.

It's that sense of tradition that makes them such an enduring and livable choice – these aren't colors synonymous with new trends or modern design styles; they've been present in homes for centuries.

'These colors – oxblood, aubergine, and tobacco brown – were on walls for 200 years before white became a primary color in kitchens. What changed is that people stopped treating the kitchen as an appliance room and started treating it as the room they actually live in,' adds Michael Winn, owner and president at WINN Design + Build.

'There’s a practical reason too. Most kitchens in the Washington, DC area sit at the back of the house, north-facing, often under a covered porch. White cabinetry in that light doesn’t read crisp. It reads gray and slightly dingy. A deep color in that same light reads deliberate,' explains Michael.

Beyond history, aged kitchen colors tap into the calming, grounded atmosphere that's becoming increasingly desirable in these rooms, where hard lines and cold surfaces are often in abundance. These hues offer contrast and softer design detais that make a kitchen feel cozier and more lived-in.

'The appeal of aged colors like this could be our desire to feel something,' says Anna Franklin of Stone House Collective. 'In a world where everything is innovating and moving and changing at such a rapid pace, it can be hard to feel grounded at all. These aged colors evoke a calm, historic feeling – something earthy and real.'

Why They're Replacing Classic Neutrals

Classic neutrals like whites, grays, and beiges have dominated, often seen as the safest palette to ensure a kitchen doesn't feel trend-led. But homeowners are beginning to search for alternatives that feel a bit warmer, richer, and more confident, and aged kitchen colors offer that without leaning into bright territory.

'For more than two decades, kitchen design has been dominated by light neutrals and restrained palettes. Today, homeowners are embracing color with much more confidence and are looking for spaces with greater depth, warmth and personality. Rich aged tones such as aubergine, burnt plum and cognac have been waiting patiently for their return, and we’re finally ready to bring a sense of permanence and history to our homes that lighter palettes simply can’t achieve,' explains Benjamin Ouellette, Designer at Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio.

Because these colors feel earthy and reminiscent of nature, they almost act as darker neutrals, offering a timeless base for your kitchen design without being plain or too light. 'Aged colors work like colorful neutrals. Since they mirror shades found in nature – like earth, leather, and dark wood – they make a kitchen feel warm and cozy without being overwhelming. They also pair easily with other colors, grounding the space,' says Shannon Kadwell, Kitchen and Bath Director at Anthony Wilder Design/Build.

'Several of these shades, tobacco brown and burnt terracotta especially, function as neutrals in my book. They're not loud colors; they're grounded ones,' agrees John Maloney McNamara, Founder and Principal Designer of Coosa, who explains that the success of your design is about how the colors are introduced.

'I don't see this as bold versus safe, but as layered, warm neutrals versus flatter, cooler ones. The real risk isn't choosing a neutral palette, it's relying on a single gesture. An all-oxblood kitchen can become just as predictable as an all-white one. The most compelling kitchens come from thoughtful combinations of color, material, and texture rather than relying on one dominant move.'

How to Introduce Aged Colors to Your Kitchen

There are several ways to bring aged kitchen colors into your space, whether you go big with painted cabinetry or more subtly with accessories and decor. It really depends on whether you want to embark on a full color refresh or bring life to a light neutral scheme.

'Start with kitchen cabinetry,' Anna suggests. 'Cabinetry takes up the most visual space, so it's going to create the most noticeable difference. Aged colors like oxblood, evergreen, and navy work so well on cabinets, and they're made even more impactful when paired with coordinating panel-ready appliances. It's a surefire way to make your kitchen feel like a work of art. It also opens up so much opportunity to introduce other aged elements into the space, like a really stellar marble countertop, unique light fixtures, and accessories.'

If you don't want to commit to a kitchen drenched in these richer hues, introducing them in smaller doses can be just as impactful. It's also a sophisticated way to add contrast without overwhelming the room.

'If you don’t want to commit to every cabinet, you could choose it for your island or pantry cupboard. In a past kitchen project, we teamed the deep brown with soft cream walls and a soft lilac for the on-counter cabinet, which kept the darker cabinetry feeling elegant and unique rather than dark and heavy,' Sophie explains.

'A single island in a deep aubergine against a warm off-white perimeter gets you most of the drama at a fraction of the commitment. A scullery or butler’s pantry is the other place I like it. Small room, low stakes, and it’s a good surprise when someone opens the door,' Michael agrees.

You can also experiment with aged kitchen colors without taking on a repaint. If you're stepping out of your comfort zone, start with easy-to-change items and subtler features – Shannon recommends 'bringing in terracotta floor tiles, leather bar stools, or copper pots hanging on the wall.'

It could also be a runner in rich oxblood tones, lighting with smoky brown fixtures, or a kitchen nook accessorized with deep navy throw pillows. It's an entry point for decorating with aged kitchen colors without the pressure to get it right on the first try.

Shop the Look

Aged kitchen colors might be a bit darker than you're used to, but they add depth and richness to any design without feeling too bright or bold. Look to shades like Terre d' Egypt and Eating Room Red for rich red shades, Brinjal for more of an aubergine look, Hickory Stick and Ghost Ranch for brown and terracotta shades, or embrace deep navy hues with Hale Navy and Hague Blue.

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But decorating with beige has many perks. With more grounding, comforting shades topping color trends in recent years, beige is making a comeback, with interior designers rediscovering its value as a versatile warm neutral – perfect for creating a light yet cozy backdrop for both contemporary and timeless schemes.

That said, it hasn’t completely shaken off its stigma and can still be seen as a safe or boring choice, making many hesitant to embrace it. To banish the myths about beige, we reached out to experts for their advice on how to make this controversial color work in a living room.

‘Beige has lived under the shadow of its own reputation for too long,’ says Kayla Kratz, senior director of color and design strategy at Behr. ‘In practice, it’s one of the most versatile and quietly powerful colors in design. The trouble is that it’s treated like a conclusion when it’s really a starting point.’

In other words, beige only means bland if you leave it one-dimensional – but used as a base for a layered scheme, and with a little interior design know-how, it can be a sophisticated, timeless choice. ‘Beige becomes compelling the moment you treat it as a foundation rather than a fallback,’ adds Kayla. So, if you’re drawn to beige but worried the results could end up looking drab, then fear not – there’s no reason it has to be boring.

What Are the Pros of Choosing Beige for a Living Room?

The beauty of beige lies in its versatility. Beige offers a warm, neutral base that will endure over the years. As tastes and needs change over time, our homes are ever-evolving; decorating with neutrals makes it easy to restyle and reconfigure schemes without redecorating.

Because it pairs well with most colors, it can sit happily among furnishings, homewares, collectibles, and artwork. ‘Beige tones will always be in style and have always had a home in traditional design. They are a timeless, classic choice,’ says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. ‘It doesn’t compete with other colors, giving you a lot of options when it comes to choosing the design elements for the space.’

Another key selling point of beige is its warm undertones. In recent years, we’ve become more attuned to the way rooms make us feel – not just how they look – and we’ve discovered the power of warmer neutrals to nurture feelings of comfort, security, and overall well-being.

What Are the Cons?

While there’s a strong case for a beige living room scheme, there are pitfalls. For those looking for wall colors, finding the right shade is notoriously tricky. ‘The biggest mistake is ignoring undertones,’ explains Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. ‘A beige that’s too yellow can quickly feel dated, especially if it clashes with flooring or lighting.’ Add to the mix room orientation, size and the materials that exist in the space, and the whole decision becomes even more complex. The answer? Always sample.

‘The biggest mistake we tend to see is people not sampling colors before painting,’ says Arianna. ‘Neutrals are a very nuanced color family, and the lighting and other colors in the space can all affect how the undertones cast once the color is painted on the walls. There is a misconception that beige is a safe or easy paint color, but you really want to pay attention to everything in the space to find the beige that will work best for your project.’

Even once your base tone is decided, there’s still a careful design path to tread to ensure success; without the right treatment and layering, beige rooms can easily feel lifeless, say the experts. ‘Another common issue is a lack of contrast; when everything in the room is the same tone, the space can feel flat. Beige needs grounding elements, texture, or deeper accents to feel elevated and contemporary,’ adds Emily.

How Can You Elevate a Beige Living Room?

So, by now we’ve established that beige can be a wonderful base for a room scheme. It brings warmth to schemes without overwhelming. But where to go from here? To help make your neutral scheme stand out from the crowd, we’ve shared some key ways to make beige beautiful.

1. Choose the Right Paint Shade

Choosing a neutral palette is notoriously tricky, with many factors to consider. To make navigating shade selection easier, here are a few industry favorites.

‘Shaker Beige HC-45 is an iconic Benjamin Moore color and one of its most popular beiges. ‘It is what we consider the quintessential beige, which is why it has such staying power,’ says Arianna Barone at Benjamin Moore. 'In rooms that have a lot of natural light, Shaker Beige has enough depth that it doesn’t wash out and still has a presence in the room. In rooms with cooler lighting, it can add warmth, creating a welcoming space. ‘

At Sherwin-Williams, shades like Accessible Beige SW 7036 and Natural Linen SW 9109 continue to be top requests, along with light, warm neutrals such as Neutral Ground SW 7568, explains Emily Kantz. ‘This reflects a shift away from the cool grays and a strong desire for warmth and comfort in interior spaces,' she adds. Rather than yellow undertones, neutral shades with brown or green undertones seem to be on the rise, such as Sherwin-Williams' color of the year, Universal Khaki.

At Behr, Even Better Beige is a consistent seller. ‘It has a grounded presence that feels livable on day one and still feels right two years later. That kind of staying power is rare,’ says Kayla Kratz. ‘Blank Canvas is the white I recommend when someone wants light without coldness. It breathes without disappearing, bringing warmth without weight. And Wheat Bread is for the homeowner who wants a beige that commits. Its toasty undertone holds through different light conditions.’

The big risk with picking a beige paint is choosing one that leans yellow. This can look dated. Opting for ‘greige’ – beige tones with hints of gray – is an alternative designers often turn to. Despite having gray in its name, Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray is a popular choice for those looking for an easy neutral.

'Beige paint can be incredibly sophisticated when it has the right undertones, and Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray is a perfect example,’ says Tracy Morris, principal, Tracy Morris Design. ‘It reads warm and soft, not flat, which allows architectural details and furnishings and layered artwork to really stand out.’

Benjamin Moore's Tapestry Beige is another of Tracy's go-to greige neutrals, as it offers depth without overpowering a space, she explains. 'It carries a subtle, brown-based green undertone that warms up beautifully in natural light, making it especially lovely in rooms like this that are filled with windows. The result is a calm, layered backdrop that pairs effortlessly with both soft neutrals and deeper accent tones.'

2. Pair Beige With the Right Neutral Tones

While color-drenched rooms can look effective, using beige in isolation can make a room feel flat and lifeless, so it’s important to pair it with the right supporting tones to get the most out of the shade. White is a popular choice, with some designers preferring warm, soft whites and others turning to more crisp whites.

‘Pair beiges with crisp white paint colors – like Simply White OC-117 or Chantilly Lace OC-65 – to bring out its depth. Or bring in darker charcoals and browns – like Kendall Charcoal HC-166, Silhouette AF-655 or Fresh Brew 1232 – to make it feel lighter and softer,’ says Arianna Barone.

On the other hand, Lauren Saab prefers warmer whites. ‘Benjamin Moore's Cloud White works beautifully with a beige interior as it has a subtle, warm quality to it. This quality adds to the softness of the palette without disrupting it.’

'For a harmonious feel, using shades from the same color family is a good way to add interest in a subtle way,' explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. 'A good palette to utilize is the Little Greene ‘Color Scales’ collection. Our most popular colors sit within families of four graduated tones, made using the same pigments, but in different strengths. These groups of colors are a timeless choice if you are looking for soft, neutral tones to provide natural movement throughout the home.'

3. Introduce Texture

Texture is vital to the success of any interior scheme, but arguably even more so in neutral rooms. Designers can't stress the importance of layering texture enough to prevent spaces from feeling flat. ‘Add in texture, texture, texture: or in designer speak, layers. Your beige living room will not fall flat if you incorporate different textures in your furniture choices, textiles and lighting,’ explains Lindsay Norton, founder of Cornerstone Design & Build. Here, her living room design has a minimalist palette, but by mixing organic materials like textural linen, chunky knits and wood, the scheme remains inviting.

‘Wooden coffee tables, cane chairs, or a rattan focal mirror will instantly add visual interest and much-needed warmth to an all-beige living room, helping to anchor the room amidst the calm neutral envelope,' adds Lindsay.

One way to introduce grounding texture at a foundational level is to opt for a textured wallpaper, as done here by New England-based interior designer Alison Hammatt. ‘We chose Thibaut’s vinyl grasscloth in Wheat. This is a family room, and we wanted something durable, lasting, and attractive on the walls,’ says Alison. ‘I love the texture that this wallpaper adds to the space. It is a large room, and the grasscloth makes the walls feel cozy.’ This is a great option for rooms that might lack architectural interest.

4. Pair Beige With Rich Accent Colors

We've established that beige needs to be layered and lifted in order to shine. Fortunately, beige can carry a wide range of tones, making it a great base for building a deep, interesting color scheme. When it comes to accent colors for beige shades with warm, earthy undertones are a natural fit, such as caramel, brown, olive green, and deep red.

‘Try pairing Even Better Beige with a grounding olive green, a decadent burgundy, or an earthen terracotta,’ advises Kayla Kratz. ‘For an elevated, organic pairing, Behr's Sorrel Leaf brings a grounded, almost botanical richness that makes beige feel collected rather than cautious. Together, they're calm but deeply intentional. The room feels connected and curated.’

'When using beige in a living room, I recommend balancing it with deeper accent colors and warm metals, so the space feels intentional and elevated rather than bland,’ says Tracy Morris, principal at Tracy Morris Design.

Alternatively, for more greige tones, blues make a wonderful accent color, as demonstrated in this open-plan living room scheme by Cohesively Curated. 'Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee was the perfect foundation for this home because it brings warmth and softness without feeling overly creamy or yellow. The client really wanted the space to be primarily neutral, and we incorporated greens and blues through the vintage rug and the pillows,' explains Emily Ruff, founder of Cohesively Curated Interiors

While there aren't too many colors that fight with beige, some designers suggest that colors to avoid pairing with beige include citrus yellows, purple, vibrant greens, and blues.

5. Embrace Pattern

Introducing soft furnishings and window treatments in patterned prints will instantly liven a beige living room. Here, Alison Hammatt cleverly layered prints in different scales, motifs and textures against walls in Farrow & Ball's Shaded White to create an engaging and comfortable space. ‘My client lives in coastal Rhode Island and wanted her home to feel decidedly not nautical. She wanted something that felt a bit more soothing and neutral, so we chose this great "greige" color as our foundation,’ explains Alison.

‘The sofa is in a brown performance fabric, forgiving for a home with three young children. We layered in neutral Fermoie sconce shades for texture and beautiful Soane Scrolling Fern pillows for some movement. The drapery is a subtle James Malone Ikat stripe.’

6. Play with Finishes

Paint finishes are a great way to bring contrast and depth to beige-painted rooms, creating subtle differences in tone and texture. ‘If you want to use the same beige on multiple surfaces – think walls and trim – you could use eggshell on the walls and semi-gloss on the trim. This creates a softer contrast,’ explains Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore.

When it comes to finishes, you always want to consider the surface that is being painted, and how it is being used, she explains. ‘The higher the sheen, the more durable but less forgiving of imperfections, so you want to make sure the surface is prepped properly. Doing a beige in a higher sheen on the walls will reflect more light around the room and create a more unexpected look.’

7. Add Black to Ground a Beige Scheme

According to several designers, the addition of black – or other dark tones – is essential to a successful beige scheme. ‘Do not forget the best-kept designer secret for neutral spaces: adding black,’ reveals Lindsay Thornton. ‘The eye needs a focal spot within a space, and the best neutral rooms have small pops of black throughout for this very reason. Whether that is a picture frame, curtain rod or the legs of a coffee table, elements of black will help anchor the neutral room and bring another dimension to the space.’

Emily Kantz agrees that skipping deeper tones and structural details can cause interiors to lack focus. ‘Another common issue is a lack of contrast; when everything in the room is the same tone, the space can feel flat. Beige needs grounding elements, texture, or deeper accents to feel elevated and contemporary.’

What Are Good Alternatives to Beige?