Established paint brand Behr has unveiled its most sought-after colors of 2025, offering a glimpse into the palettes that captivated homeowners and designers alike. While some favorites are familiar (we're looking at you, Swiss Coffee), a handful of unexpected shades hint at a growing desire for hues that feel richer, bolder, and characterful.

Neutrals continue to dominate the best-seller list, yet sumptuous jewel tones made an equally compelling appearance, suggesting that 2026 color trends will celebrate not only grounding classics but also colors imbued with depth and emotion.

Where Behr’s beiges and creams once quietly anchored interiors, this year’s trends predict a bold shift: deep, enveloping shades (historically used as accents) are poised to step into the spotlight, redefining the concept of 'neutral' for homeowners looking to create a lasting statement.

What Were Behr's Best-Selling Shades In 2025?

Unsurprisingly, last year's paint trends continued to favor reliable neutrals. Kayla Kratz, Senior Director of Color & Design Strategy at Behr, explained, 'Neutrals have quietly had a makeover, and Behr's 2025 bestsellers are the proof. Swiss Coffee remains a go-to for its creamy, milky softness, while shades like Blank Canvas and Even Better Beige reveal how white and beige are evolving.'

More than your standard neutral paint, Kayla adds, 'Blank Canvas reads as a soft warm white with a hint of sunlit cream. It works beautifully across full walls or on trim and molding, where it feels tailored rather than sharp. Even Better Beige leans into a subtle sand tone with a limestone-like warmth that gives walls quiet substance without heaviness, a welcome quality in north-facing rooms that can otherwise feel cool and flat.'

It wasn't just neutrals that were popular in 2025; Kayla reveals jewel tones received plenty of appreciation. 'At the same time, we saw a rise in homeowner preference for richer tones. Hidden Gem (Behr's Color of the Year 2026) introduces a smoky jade that adds mood to bedrooms, cabinetry and dining rooms.'

Kaylad adds, 'Nocturne Blue delivers inky depth without reading black, perfect for a moody study with natural wood shelving and a desk. Then there’s Cracked Pepper, a soft charcoal that grounds lighter palettes and transforms a small half bath into something that feels deliberately considered rather than overlooked.'

What Can We Expect Color Trends To Look Like this Year?

While decorating with neutrals will always bring timeless appeal, 2026 will see interiors fully embracing richer, more immersive hues. Expect spaces awash in deeply saturated blues and enduring greens, as color-drenching transforms from accent to statement, bringing depth and warmth to every room.

Kayla says, 'What the 2025 bestsellers reveal is that homeowners are anchoring spaces with a warm neutral like Blank Canvas or Even Better Beige, then committing to saturated moments: a luxe dining room in Hidden Gem, a reimagined kitchen island in Nocturne Blue, and a powder room fully drenched in Cracked Pepper. The result feels considered rather than cautious – bold and grounded in equal measure.'

Fearless color choices are set to dominate in 2026. Kayla adds, 'That push-pull between quiet and bold is what will define interiors going into this year. Homeowners are less afraid of contrast and increasingly, they're using paint as the medium that ties together how they want each room to feel, rather than a single colorway that has to match everything else.'

What Paint Colors Will Be Big In 2026?

Butter yellow and rich burgundies may have dominated the world of interiors last year, but in 2026, expect to see more grounded, rich tones with organic notes. From earthy colors like rich dark greens to warm blacks, mellow reds, and deep ochres, these unctuous tones will be in all of your favorite interior designers' projects.

Kayla adds, 'In 2026, earthy and jewel-inspired tones move from accent to anchor. Grounded greens, warm terracottas, and rich browns will continue to grow as homeowners seek interiors that feel connected to nature. Think of a smoky jade bookcase with mineral depth, or a burnished terracotta carried from walls to ceiling for a room that wraps around you.'

Powder blue was an unexpected fall color trend last year, but 2026 will welcome deep notes. Kayla says, 'Deeper greens and sophisticated blues, like smoky jades and navy-leaning hues, are rising in popularity for their ability to anchor a space while maintaining harmony and offering far more visual interest than stark whites and cool grays.'

While last year revealed our universal love for both ends of the color spectrum (neutrals and jewel tones), for this year's interior design trends, there will be an even greater focus on layered spaces that make color the star of the show. Kayla says, 'The shift is not away from neutrals. It is toward layered rooms where warm foundations and saturated accents work together to tell a more complete story about how a space is meant to feel.'

She adds, 'What unites all of these directions is an appetite for color that envelops. Rooms in 2026 will feel layered, immersive, and intentionally composed, like a good story you don’t want to leave.'

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Now that 2025's much-anticipated Color of the Year announcements are wrapped up – with leading paint brands having revealed their trend-setting shades for the coming months – we've got a much better idea of what this means for decorating trends this year.

At first glance of this year's Color of the Years, there are obvious themes to arise: purple is having a renaissance and brownish, earthy tones are the 'new neutrals' for the year ahead. But what exactly do these colors say about how we're going to decorate our homes throughout 2025?

We turned to paint and color specialists as well as interior designers, who share all below. We've summarized five main color trends observed from the Color of the Years which you can expect to dominate this year – from bold and colorful to earthy and warm.

1. Bold and personality-led interiors

This year's Color of the Year announcements confirm a continuation of personality-led interiors that embrace the boldest colors. While trends such as dopamine decor, which encourages homeowners to ignore the rulebook and decorate with shades that bring joy, have been gaining momentum in recent years, 2025's color trends such as Glidden's Color of the Year Purple Basil, suggest this is only expected to continue.

'Choosing a bold color like Purple Basil indicates a shift towards more personalized spaces,' explains Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden. 'Homeowners are increasingly looking to express their unique tastes and preferences through color choices, moving away from more traditional palettes.'

'Consumers are unapologetically selecting colors that bring them joy, worrying less and less about resale value and creating your space because of you,' Ashley adds. 'Consumers are becoming more and more comfortable with color.'

This color trend is further emphasized with Dulux's True Joy, a bright yellow paint, and Minwax's Violet, a bold purple wood stain that nods to maximalist color ideas.

2. Quietly colorful hues

While bold and statement hues have made their mark on this year's color trends, there's just as much to say about 'quieter' colors that focus on comfort in home decorating. Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, is one of the best examples of this, a brownish purple that feels relaxed and soothing.

'For us at Benjamin Moore, 2025 is going to be very much about quietly colorful hues,' explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'This is a shift from the saturated color story seen in previous years and will focus on a more subtle and comforting take on color.'

'Our Colour of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, perfectly encapsulates this idea of a quietly colorful hue – it has presence without distraction, with its delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown undertones,' adds Helen.

'Alongside Cinnamon Slate we have curated a Color Trends palette, featuring nine other ‘in-between’ hues that have the ability to transition gracefully from room to room, exuding an innate sense of ease and liveability. What makes these hues special is that each is rich with undertones that make a statement with relaxed confidence, whether taking a neutral or a moodier approach. The quietly colorful nature of these hues also provides an excellent vehicle to finding color confidence without overwhelming a space or its occupants,' Helen explains.

3. Nostalgia-inspired colors

Another color trend expected to inform this year's color choices based on the Color of the Year reveals is a return to nostalgic-inspired shades, as demonstrated by Sherwin-Williams' 2025 Color Capsule, inspired colors of the past and present.

'This year we decided to go with an entire capsule of colors instead of a singular one, and our 2025 Color Capsule of the Year tells a story of our past and our future in regard to trends,' says Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

'Nostalgia is having a big impact on design and homeowners are looking for authentic pieces of the past in their homes. This palette pulled influences from those iconic design styles from the past but with a twist. The capsule feels very eclectic and reminiscent of the 1970s, which is making a comeback in home and design, but we added a few modern shades to keep it feeling fresh and fun,' Emily adds.

Interior designers also recognize nostalgia as a key color trend, with Chicago-based designer Andrea Goldman weighing in: 'We have been noticing a return to paint colors that were more popular in the 1980s such as mauve, burgundy, burnt orange, and dusty pink. The same trend is surfacing in fabrics and rugs. The “every 20 years” rule for fashion seems to apply!'

4. 'In-between' shades

The rise of 'in-between' colors has been cemented with this year's color trends. From Dunn-Edwards' Color of the Year, Caramelized, a terracotta-brown to HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year, Quietude, a blue-green, we're seeing popularity for shades that don't reflect one 'true' color but are a mix of different color families. This is a trend that stands out to interior designer Ghislaine Viñas, who elaborates below:

'I’m definitely noticing a theme with muddier, mixed tertiary colors gaining popularity. In the past, we’ve seen more obvious pops of color and jewel tones dominate, but now it feels like the color experts are expanding their palettes and leaning toward less conventional hues. These warm earthy tones are comforting without being too brash, bright, or bold, which I think reflects the complicated world we live in. It feels like people are moving away from the usual crayon box colors we often fall back on and are diving in and discovering new strange hues they love. Call me a lover of the underdog but the stranger the color the better for me!'

'These unconventional colors are also more nuanced and require a bit of introspection to truly appreciate, which could point to a broader trend of people seeking more individualistic and unique spaces,' adds Ghislaine.

5. Warm schemes instead of cool

Lastly, we can't overlook the dominance of warm tones in place of cool color schemes. While cooler tones have cropped up with shades like Encore, Valspar's 2025 Color of the Year, a dark blue paint, there's a general shift towards earthy and warm tones, from Behr's Color of the Year, the warming ruby red called Rumors to richer brown and purple paints, warm hues are officially 'in' for 2025.

'After so many years of bright white rooms or high contrast black and white, we are feeling the pull towards warmer, richer colors which I think is what we’re seeing in all the Colors of the Years,' observes designer Rosanna Bassford of Memmo Interiors. 'Various shades of browns and earthy tones are back in a big way so these paint colors work well with those hues. I think we’ll see a lot more tone on tone or monochromatic use of colors, less contrast, and more calm, enveloping design styles.'

'We’re at the antithesis moment of gray, so we’re going super warm and this is influencing people to use more brown furniture and antique pieces and I think it's a sign that people are embracing a vintage aesthetic and overall warmth,' agrees Chicago-based interior designer Claire Staszak of Centered by Design. 'Compared to the browns of the '90s, which are all cooler, the browns now are warmer and richer.'

Debbie Mathews, founder and principal designer at Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs, also notes the dominance of warm hues, adding that they can make our homes feel more comfortable:

'I believe these colors, along with Pantone's Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, are all a bit earthier than what we have seen over the past few years. Warmer than the stark whites and grays that have been trending for many years, they all seem to be muted with brown undertones. Cinnamon Slate is softer than your typical purple and Carmelized is softer than your typical brown. I believe the popularity of these colors means that people are yearning for warmer, richer home environments that literally wrap them in comfort.'

Clear trends have emerged from this year's Color of the Year revels, from warm color schemes that reinstate the appeal for cozy and comfortable spaces to 'in-between' hues that reflect a more adventurous take on color. 2025 is all about using color to reflect personality, moving away from predictable neutrals to those that inspire creativity.

A freshly painted wall is one of life's great joys – but what if yours is bubbling?

Not only will this ruin the new look of your home, it could also be an indication of underlying issues, such as excess moisture or dirty surfaces.

Here, our painting and decorating experts explain how to fix paint bubbling on walls, so you can master how to paint a wall like a pro.

Why is my wall paint bubbling?

Gurleen Kaur, professional painter, decorator and owner of Gurleen Painting, explains, 'When paint loses its adhesion to the surface underneath it, it can result in the formation of visible paint blisters.'

Still, you might be wondering why paint would bubble on the wall in the first place. There's a host of reasons you might need to consider when painting a room:

1. It's improperly applied

One of the most obvious reasons why your wall paint might be bubbling is also one of the easiest to avoid: it's improperly applied to begin with.

Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of North Shore, explains, 'The most common reason in my experience is just paint that hasn't been properly applied. Whether it's a rushed job and you didn't allow your primer or first coat of paint to set correctly, you skipped the primer altogether, or if you didn't allow your surface to dry completely after cleaning it – if you're seeing bubbling paint, it's likely to do with user error.'

So, to prepare walls for painting, sand your walls, patch up any holes, and ensure you prime adequately with a high-quality primer, such as the Rust-Oleum ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer available at Amazon.

Failing to do so 'can create a bumpy base upon which the paint will be applied, and thus develop bubbles, especially if the wall has cracks or small loose particles,' says professional painter, Kaur.

It's also important, says Austin Skogg, owner of Sky Side Exteriors, to peel old paint off the wall completely before painting over it. He warns, 'I remember working on a house where old, peeling paint wasn't completely scraped off. When we put on new paint, it trapped air and moisture underneath, causing those annoying bubbles.'

2. The weather is unsuitable for painting

Something that can have a huge effect on how paint looks and dries is the weather, says contractor Skoog. But can you paint a house in humidity?

'Painting in extreme temperatures or high humidity can also cause bubbling,' he advises. 'I had a job where the weather was super humid, and without proper ventilation, the paint bubbled up badly.'

To avoid this, you can check the humidity of your home with a hygrometer, such as the Govee Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer available at Amazon and watch the temperature, too, before getting started.

The ideal humidity for painting your property is between 40% and 50%, and any higher could cause adverse effects. Note that a humidity of 70% is the maximum for most paints, and temperature-wise, professional painter Kaur advises that it's best to use the paint at temperatures ranging between fifty and eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit.

'For temperature-sensitive paints, Behr Premium Plus Ultra (available at Home Depot) is a solid choice,' recommends Skoog.

To keep a healthy home with good humidity levels, the average day-to-day should be a maximum of 50-60%. You can reduce your home's humidity even without a dehumidifier in multiple ways.

All prices correct at the time of publication.

3. The walls aren't clean

If you're repainting and want to avoid bubbling paint, it's important to know how to clean walls before painting, says professional painter Kaur.

'Some of the contaminants like grease, dust or residue could hinder paint from adhering to the surfaces well by causing bubbles whenever the surfaces have not been well cleaned before painting,' he explains.

'Before painting, the wall must be washed and cleaned thoroughly to remove any dust, grease or dirt. Ensure that the surface is completely dry,' before getting started.

Use warm water and dish soap, such as Dawn from Walmart, to clean walls, and ensure you don't use too much water, which may cause further moisture issues.

4. Moisture issues and water damage

Paint expert Kazimierski explains, 'Wall paint bubbling can also be a sign of potential water damage or common household leaks within your walls though, so it is definitely something to get curious about when you see it.'

This is because the moisture will cause bubbles as it tried to escape, which is also why you should always ensure your surface is thoroughly dry before beginning painting.

It might also be a good idea to use your best dehumidifier in the room you intend to paint for at least a day or two before, particularly if you're painting any kitchen ideas or bathroom ideas, which tend to be the areas of the house with the most moisture.

If you have noticed moisture in a wall or ceiling, search for exterior leaks as prolonged ones can increase the risk of mold.

5. Low quality materials

As contractor Skogg explains, 'Sometimes the paint or siding just isn’t up to snuff. I once used a budget paint brand, and it didn’t perform well – bubbles everywhere. Switching to a more reputable brand solved the issue.

'Invest in quality paint and siding. Benjamin Moore Regal Select available at Benjamin Moore is one of my favorites for a smooth, lasting finish.'

If you're wondering where the best places to buy paint are, our expert guide ensures high-quality looks and finishes, wherever you're painting.

6. Incompatible paints

Finally, incompatible paints may be the reason why your paint is bubbling, says professional painter Kaur.

He explains, 'Applying one coating system over another that has been painted with a different type of paint, particularly by using an oil-based paint finish over a water-based one without preparing the surface prior.'

To avoid this, apply compatible paints in thin, even coats,' he advises.

How to fix paint bubbles

If it's too late, and your paint has already bubbled, looking uneven and unsightly, there are reliable ways to fix it.

1. Identify the cause

First things first, you will need to identify the cause of the problem.

Professional painter Kaur advises, 'First, treat the real problem, which is either high humidity or inadequate surface preparation.'

Look for signs such as damp spots or condensation inside windows which will indicate humidity, or a bumpy, uneven paint job.

2. Remove the bubbles

Next, it's time to remove those pesky bubbles. Contractor Skoog says, 'Scrape off the bubbles carefully. A good scraper, like the Hyde 09170 Dust-Free Vacuum Sander available at Amazon, makes this a lot easier.'

In a pinch, Kaur also recommends using a putty knife for this step.

3. Sand and clean

Contractor Skoog advises, 'After you’ve removed the bubbles, sand the area smooth and clean it up. The DEWALT DWE6423K sander (available at Amazon) is fantastic for this job,' and is useful to get rid of textured walls, too.

4. Prime and repaint

Then, it's time for the fun part – and the most important. Contractor Skoog advises, 'Apply a good primer to help with adhesion. KILZ 3 Premium Primer available at Amazon is my go-to for this.'

Of course, wait for the primer to dry thoroughly before applying your paint to ensure a smooth application. Stick to high quality paints, like beautiful Benjamin Moore paint colors, or the most popular Farrow & Ball paint colors – it's much better to spend more and get a result you're truly happy with then have to spend the money on repainting later down the line.

Finally, all that's left to do is to keep an eye on your work. 'Catching small issues early can prevent bigger problems down the line,' adds Skoog.

FAQs

How do you fix bubbles in paint when rolling?

If you spot bubbles appearing when painting with a roller, keep rolling them until the surface flattens and appears smooth, as you may have just applied too much paint in that area.

If the problem perseveres, it is probably down to a more serious issue, in which case it might be worthwhile to call a professional to come and take a look or check for moisture or leaks.

'Tackling wall point bubbles can be a bit of a chore, but with some know-how and the right materials, you’ll have those walls looking sharp in no time!' says Skoog.

Next, learn how to clean a paint roller, to ensure yours is ready next time you need it.

The world of neutral paint colors is a varied one, ranging from classic whites to warm beiges, cool grays to soft pinks. In most homes, neutral paints are an important foundational element, often used as the backdrop color to set the mood of a room.

When it comes to choosing the right neutral paint for your home, there is a vast range of options that cater to all room types and design styles. But what are the very best among them?

We turned to the expertise of interior designers, who share below their favorite paints for decorating with neutrals. Tried and tested in their design projects, these neutral paints have become firm favorites that are repeatedly used for their timeless appeal and flattering finish. If you're looking for some steer with your neutral paint ideas, read on to gain some inspiration.

Best neutral paints: 12 top picks from designers

From Benjamin Moore to Sherwin-Williams, the below neutral paints come from leading paint brands, and the colors among them range from warm and cozy to cool and crisp.

Greek Villa, Sherwin-Williams

'My all-time favorite neutral paint is Sherwin Williams’ Greek Villa,' says Marie Flanigan, designer and founder of Texas-based Marie Flanigan Interiors. 'It’s a soft, creamy white that feels warm without leaning too yellow, making it versatile for any space.'

There are lots of ways to incorporate Sherwin-Williams' Greek Villa into your room color ideas and it's a warm white paint frequently recommended by designers for its versatility and flattering look without leaning too warm-toned.

'I love using it in living areas or bedrooms because it has an inviting, timeless quality,' Marie continues. 'The color reflects light beautifully, creating a serene, open atmosphere while still feeling grounded. It pairs well with both modern and traditional design elements, allowing you to create a cohesive and layered look.'

Oatmeal, Portola Paints

If you want to create an earthy look with your paint ideas, Portola Paints' Oatmeal available in the Roman Clay finish is a failsafe choice. With warm undertones, this neutral feels organic, perfect for adding depth to plain walls.

In STUDIO KEETA's Glendale Spanish project, this neutral paint color was used on the walls of this bathroom, teamed with textured tiles in a similar hue and a wooden vanity unit for an earthy, timeless look.

'We believe a neutral paint should be soft and easy on the eyes, hold a bit of warmth, and have a sense of familiarity, whilst avoiding too much of a yellow undertone,' says Kristina Khersonsky, founder of the Los Angeles-based design studio.

'We tend to reach for the perfected formulas of Oatmeal by Portola Paints that have more of a subtle peach undertone and provide a vintage effect. If we need a brighter shade of neutral, we’ll probably go for Harvest Moon by Backdrop. It still reads white but adds a creamier hue, rather than fluorescent.'

White Dove, Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore's White Dove is a classic white paint that leans slightly more cool-toned, a go-to backdrop color for a bright and clean space.

'White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a versatile white that I find myself using over and over again,' shares interior designer Nadia Watts. 'It has cool undertones making it incredibly user-friendly.'

While white paints like this one are amongst the most versatile, working well in many rooms, Nadia says it works particularly well in rooms with limited natural light with its brightening effect.

Additionally, the designer adds, 'White Dove is one of those chameleon colors that looks good no matter what it’s paired with. It looks rich and warm next to fall colors like red, orange, and brown; it’s the perfect pop of contrast for creamy neutrals.'

Alabaster, Sherwin-Williams

Another popular warm white paint is Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster, a bright yet cozy shade. Below, Ali Otterbein, Director of Design at Blakely Interior Design explains why this paint color made the perfect choice for this relaxing bedroom:

'We love this neutral pairing of Sherwin Williams' Alabaster and Gossamer Veil to create a serene and welcoming bedroom design. Alabaster was perfect for the walls because it's a beautifully balanced creamy white – it's warm and inviting yet bright and crisp, without feeling cold. For a subtle contrast on the trim, we used Gossamer Veil, which is a lovely soft warm gray. Its versatility makes it a favorite for many of our projects in various applications, whether the aesthetic leans coastal, historic, or contemporary.'

Tiffany Matthews, founder and lead designer at Motif Homes also highlights Alabaster as a favorite neutral paint: 'Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is our go-to neutral paint color due to its creamy, warm, and inviting qualities. While most warm whites contain hints of yellow, we suggest teaming Alabaster with bold blacks and earthy browns to minimize yellow.'

Alternatively, Tiffany recommends ditching color combinations altogether and embracing color-drenching ideas with Alabaster for a cohesive look: 'Ditch the flat white paint on the ceiling. Saturate the walls, ceiling, and trim in the same white and satin sheen to create a cohesive look.'

Baby Fawn, Benjamin Moore

'For the past few years, my go-to neutral has been Benjamin Moore’s Baby Fawn,' says Ryan Austin Hagood, Principal Designer at r.a.d. Interiors. Described by Benjamin Moore as a 'go-to neutral' Baby Fawn is a pared-back shade that adds subtle warmth to the home.

'It's a warm, bone-white shade that strikes the perfect balance – neutral without feeling stark or cold, and it doesn’t lean too yellow or creamy,' Ryan continues. 'What I love most about Baby Fawn is its versatility. It works beautifully in almost any space and complements a variety of materials and textures. I often use it in a flat finish on walls and in satin on trim.'

Accessible Beige, Sherwin-Williams

Looking for a tried and tested beige paint? Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige is an earthy beige with subtle gray undertones which give it a modern look.

'I love Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams,' says interior designer Laura Williams, the owner of Austin-based design studio ATX Interior Design. In this modern kitchen of its Oak Haven project, Accessible Beige was used to create a welcoming yet timeless look. 'It is the best warm tone to go with any other paint colors and it never leans too far brown or gray,' the designer adds.

This year has been all about warm shades when decorating with neutrals, and that's expected to endure into 2025 too. Colors like Accessible Beige are a great replacement for white, adding a warmer, cozier look whilst maintaining an overall pared-back aesthetic.

Modern Gray, Sherwin-Williams

If you're looking for a gray paint that doesn't lean too cool-toned, Sherwin-Williams' Modern Gray should be on your radar. Falling into the category of 'greige' paints, this neutral is essentially a slightly warmer gray that works well as a timeless backdrop in many rooms.

Shauna Glenn Design used this paint color across the walls in this colorful living space, complete with Sherwin-Williams' Snowbound on the trim. 'Our favorite go-to neutrals are Sherwin-Williams' Modern Gray and Sherwin-Williams' Snowbound,' says Shauna Glenn, the founder of the design studio. 'Modern Gray is the perfect greige color.'

White Down, Benjamin Moore

Another slightly more subtle greige paint is Benjamin Moore's White Down, used on the back wall of this light and airy living room.

'Sister color to well-known, designer favorite Benjamin Moore's White Dove, my new favorite go-to neutral is Benjamin Moore's White Down,' says interior designer Rebecca Bobroff of Rebecca Bobroff Design. 'It has a warmer undertone, pairs well with a wide breadth of colors, and gives the room a glowy, refined feel without leaning too yellow.'

'One important note when using this shade: if you have strong south-facing light, it will bend more heavily into its warmth, so apply a generous test swatch before committing, and view it at various times of day to ensure it appropriately complements the space.'

Pure White, Sherwin-Williams

Another popular white paint is Sherwin-Williams' Pure White, a clean and classic shade with a hint of warmth to ensure a welcoming look that's not too harsh.

'Sherwin-Williams' Pure White is my go-to white,' says Allison Garrison, founder and principal designer at Allito Spaces. 'It looks totally fresh but never stark. It works amazingly with light from any direction and doesn't show any undertones. I have found that it plays well with other neutral shades whether other whites, beiges, or grays. It is hard to go wrong with Pure White.'

Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore

'My recent go-to favorite neutral paint color is Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore,' says Darci Tee, lead designer at TKS Design Group. 'It has a warmer undertone and tends to look good in every space. My clients are always happy with this color whether it be on the walls or on their kitchen cabinetry.'

Kathy Kuo is also a fan of Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee, adding that it's versatile enough to work well in both warm and cool color schemes: 'This is a soft and sophisticated neutral tone that has just the slightest touch of green in the undertones, which makes it super versatile – you can pair it with a warm color scheme or a cool one and it will always feel inviting and serene.'

Another great aspect of this popular neutral paint is that it lends itself well to wood tones, ideal for rustic or farmhouse decor styles. 'The color helps balance wood tones and adds warmth to a space without being stark white,' adds designer Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors.

Rodeo, Benjamin Moore

'My all-time favorite neutral has to be Benjamin Moore's Rodeo,' says designer Cheryl Clendenon, owner of In Detail Interiors. If you're looking for a neutral paint that doesn't feel as warm as beige yet not as cool as a true gray, Rodeo makes a great choice.

'It's incredibly versatile, seamlessly balancing between warm off-whites and cooler grays,' Cheryl continues. 'This flexibility makes it a go-to choice, especially in remodels where we may not have full control over existing finishes like flooring. It’s a timeless shade that adapts beautifully to different environments, so we find ourselves specifying it often.'

Bit of Sugar, Behr

Lastly, Bit of Sugar by Behr is an off-white paint that makes for a flattering, versatile backdrop color.

'I’ve been loving Bit of Sugar from Behr – it’s the perfect off-white with warm undertones that don’t veer into antique white,' explains designer Thea Bloch-Neal, the founder of Curated by Thea. 'The subtle undertones make it incredibly versatile, complementing many of the popular accent colors people are using today.'

Neutral paints are a classic in design, providing our homes with a gentle backdrop to allow the rest of a room's decor to shine. Whether you're drawn to warm neutral paints that help achieve an inviting, cozy feel or prefer the fresh appearance of cooler tones, these specific paint shades are worth exploring.

There's one color that's well and truly dominating right now, not least in interiors but further afield in the fashion world too, and that's rich shades of red. Indeed, dark, red wine-esque hues have officially taken center stage, and I for one am fully onboard with it.

As H&G's color editor, I've noticed dark red seeping into paint brands' Color of the Year reveals for 2025. For example, Behr unveiled Rumors, a rich ruby-red that firmly put this bold shade on the radar for fall color schemes. Marking a shift away from the prominent mid-tones, this alluring red paint encourages daring color trends that fill our homes with drama.

Since then, I've increasingly noticed wine red cropping up in interior spaces, from all-out red room ideas to cozy fall decor. And so, intrigued by this color trend, I spoke to interior designers about how they recommend decorating with this need-to-know-about hue.

How to decorate with wine red

While dark paint colors have been gaining popularity throughout this year, such as dark greens and browns, wine red stands out more than most right now since it nods to the holiday season. Decorating with red has always been a timeless choice, but the warming purple undertones of wine reds are the most on-trend way to do so right now.

'Rich red wine shades create an intensity and convey confidence and complexity,' explains interior designer Nadia Watts. 'Red wine colors such as ruby, garnet, and violet add sophistication and refinement. They have great depth; the perfect combination of warm comfort and passionate energy.'

Wondering how to decorate with wine red? Read on to gain some moody and sophisticated room color ideas, the most stylish shade for the cozy season ahead.

Create a high-impact scheme with color drenching

'When decorating with red wine colors, my top tip is to embrace these deep, luxurious hues in spaces where you want to create warmth and intimacy,' explains designer Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. 'For these spaces, I love to go all in with a fully saturated room that includes painting the walls and ceiling.'

In this incredibly sophisticated living room with a gloss, deep red paint used across the walls and ceiling for a color-drenched look, you can see how effective this color is when used boldly. However, there are other ways to embrace this color in more understated ways, as Marie shares below:

'If you’re looking to take a smaller step, start with a statement piece, like a sofa, and build around it with complementary tones to balance the richness. Incorporate textures that enhance the color’s depth – think natural woods, leather, or metallic accents. To avoid overwhelming the space, pair red wine colors with neutral or muted shades, allowing the rich tones to stand out without dominating the room. Finally, lighting is key; choose warm lighting to enhance the color’s warmth and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.'

Choose a saturated, bright wine red paint

In this room designed by Studio SFW, an NYC-based architecture and interior design firm, Benjamin Moore's Rapture, a bold red paint with warm violet undertones, is used across the walls and built-in cabinetry,

'Don't be afraid to go all in with a rich, bold hue,' says Erin Fearins, co-founder of Studio SFW. 'The saturation of color becomes a beautiful backdrop for art and the entire room.'

Certainly not shying away from making a statement, red paints such as this are great for maximalist decor ideas. If you do opt for this approach, embrace the wall color fully as shown here which feels a lot more modern and cohesive than once-popular accent walls.

Channel wine red through furniture and decor

Want to incorporate this color trend into your home but don't want to re-paint the walls? Consider decorating with red wine colors through furniture and soft furnishings.

When choosing the best color combinations for your wine red schemes, one approach is to turn to other warm tones such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples – all of which sit close to red on the color wheel. This approach was taken in this home office with a deep red sofa, dark purple curtains and pillows, and yellow wallpaper. The result is a warming scheme that's full of depth.

'We like to go all in when using bold colors, balancing them with their color wheel counterparts, and repeating tones around the room to create a cozy, cohesive space,' says Kathryn Murphy, founder of Kathryn Murphy Interiors. 'This study is rich in texture and unexpected combinations.'

Avoid paring wine red with white

'If you're thinking about using the rich red wine color we’re all loving right now, you can either ease into it with accents or go all in,' says Thea Bloch-Neal, founder and lead designer at Curated by Thea.

'But if you’re going for bold walls or a big furniture piece, it’s key to pair it with warm tones – nothing too bright. Avoid big swaths of white with burgundy, you don't want locker room vibes. Instead, think warm browns, muted grays, deep blues, or cozy ivory tones to make the space feel inviting and cohesive. Every time I’ve used this color, people can’t stop talking about how much they love the bold choice.'

Use dark wine red in small rooms

A great place to experiment with rich wine tones is in small rooms. While such bold color choices can feel too brave in rooms like living rooms or kitchens, smaller rooms that aren't the main social spaces of the home can be a great opportunity for an unexpected color moment, such as powder rooms or pantries.

There are so many wine red paints out there, depending on how vibrant or dark you want to go, but some of my favorites right now are Farrow & Ball's Preference Red, a rich burgundy; Benjamin Moore's Segovia Red, a rich red with brown undertones; and Backdrop's Self-Portrait, a dark and sophisticated red paint.

Embrace the unexpected red theory

I couldn't talk about decorating with red and not mention the unexpected red theory. If you're looking for an understated yet equally effective way of embracing this color trend, use red wine colors in small doses to uplift neutral rooms.

Whether that's by painting trim details with wine red paint colors like this boot room; adding a red lamp to a neutral entryway or elevating the living room sofa with a pop of red through pillows, there are lots of simple ways to explore this trend without going overboard.

Shop the wine red color edit

If, like me, you love this rich and sophisticated color trend, why not incorporate it into your own home, just in time for fall? I've rounded up my favorite wine-red decor picks for you to shop below, from cozy textiles to statement lamps.

Whether you decide to update your wall colors with this trending shade or embrace it more subtly with smaller decor items, this rich, warm, and bold color trend boasts timeless appeal, bound to endure long beyond the fall months.

With the Color of the Year season in full swing, the latest paint brand to announce its standout hue for 2025 is Behr, revealing Rumors, a rich and warming ruby red.

While so far, we've seen blue gain momentum across paint brands' Color of the Year announcements, this Behr paint color marks an exciting and fresh color trend to embrace in 2025, perfect for adding warmth and cozy appeal to our homes.

In addition to its warming qualities, Rumors has a timeless look and feel, adding year-long sophistication that doesn't come across as overly trend-driven.

Behr's Color of the Year 2025: Rumors

While decorating with red is often reserved for bold decorating styles like maximalist decorating ideas, Rumors works as a stylish paint color for many design styles, since it's not too vibrant and instead rich and tranquil.

Realizing homeowners' appeal for decorating with red, Behr conducted new research that revealed over three-quarters of Americans said they would consider decorating a room or wall with red paint. Specifically, bedrooms, front doors, and accent walls ranked as some of the most desired places to embrace this warm hue across home decorating.

'We're seeing people embrace color like never before,' says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company. 'Rumors is a modern take on the timeless red that creates an energetic appeal to make a lasting statement in a stunning way.'

The new research also highlighted the psychological benefits of decorating with red, with the majority of respondents saying the use of the color red in home decor makes them feel energized.

This color trend goes hand in hand with one of this year's most popular interior design trends: the unexpected red theory. This trend, where red is used in small doses to uplift rooms with design interest, is showing no signs of stopping for 2025, and paint colors like Rumors provide a way of tapping into this decor idea in a timeless way. For example, add an accent wall to a neutral room for a more interesting look, or paint furniture with this rich red hue to create an unexpected color moment.

'Our Color of the Year empowers consumers to use color with confidence,' says Andy Lopez, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing at Behr Paint. 'Rumors is undoubtedly a color that inspires creativity while being versatile enough to transform a space through large and small projects.'

Behr's 2025 Color Trend Palette

In addition to Rumors, Behr has also revealed its 2025 Color Trends Palette, a selection of 16 paint colors that reflect prominent trends within the design world. The palette includes both warm and cool hues; light and dark.

Boreal, a gray-green paint is used above in this relaxing bedroom, and there are many other earthy hues to consider for the year ahead, including Amazon Jungle, a deep olive green, and Aerial View, a sky blue.

If you prefer decorating with neutrals, there are plenty of light and airy shades, such as Blank Canvas, a warm white paint; Nutmeg Frost, a light peachy tan; and Even Better Beige, a versatile light beige paint.

Intrigued to find out more about this sophisticated paint color? Head to Behr to learn more about its 2025 Color of the Year. Additionally, you can shop for Rumors exclusively at The Home Depot stores nationwide and on The Home Depot's website.

Whether you’re looking for authentic colors to decorate a traditional home, or you’re looking to introduce a touch of history into a modern home, vintage paint colors are a wonderful way to add charm and character to interiors.

Vintage paint colors are perennially popular with interior designers and there are a huge array of shades available inspired by historic colors. In fact, many paint companies take inspiration from period properties when formulating core colors and offer curated heritage palettes.

Just like modern paint colors, vintage paint colors do go in and out of fashion, so if you're a fan of vintage style and you’re looking to redecorate then you're in the right place as we've consulted the experts on what vintage paint colors are making a comeback this year.

What are vintage paint colors?

Vintage paint colors are generally used to describe colors of the past that are characteristic of a certain period or era. Today we are used to having ready-mixed paints available in an infinite spectrum of colors, but until the late 19th century most interior paint finishes were mixed by hand using ground earth, mineral, and vegetable pigments combined with various water or oil-based binders.

Colors made from earth pigments such as ochre, sienna and umber were commonplace simply because they were the most affordable and really available, while bright colors made from more prized mineral pigments were a luxury afforded only by the wealthy.

Since the 20th century, with the development of synthetic pigments and binders, alongside the use of white titanium dioxide which gives modern paints vibrancy and opacity, a wide array of vibrant colors have become readily available. Vintage paint colors are generally regarded as more mellow than today’s and as they were hand mixed they historically displayed a more nuanced texture when applied to surfaces.

Although one needs to be cautious not to over-generalize when it comes to the history of color in interiors, certain shades have come to be associated with different periods and eras.

During the Georgian era, pea green, sky blue and pastel shades were thought to be particularly popular, while the Regency period of the early 19th century saw a shift towards rich reds, greens and yellows. The Victorians were not shy with color and favored deep reds, browns and dark greens.

Fast forward to the 20th century and during the Mid-century modern period neutral backdrops were more common with bold color often introduced through art and furnishings in the form of primary colors as well as mustard yellows, teals and oranges. Light pinks, blues and corals were also popular.

Today the world is your oyster when it comes to paint colors. There are a wealth of modern paints available inspired by vintage colors and many paint companies including Farrow & Ball and Little Greene often look to period homes and interiors for inspiration when developing palettes.

When it comes to choosing interior paint colors the size of a room – as well as its orientation, lighting and function – are all important factors to consider, not to mention how they make you feel. Generally, it’s best to avoid trends when it comes to choosing paint colors for your home, instead look to colors that suit the architecture and make you happy. However, if you are embarking on a decorating project, looking at color trends can serve as great inspiration.

Which vintage paint colors are making a come back this year?

According to color experts, warm earthy shades are on the rise. Soft, mellow yellows through to rich mustard and golden shades with undertones of ochre as well as terracotta and brown are all growing in popularity.

Earthy pinks and peach hues reminiscent of fresh plaster and sunbaked Mediterranean buildings to the retro 80s interior are also making a comeback. Additionally, ‘grubby' greens which contain black and umber are having a revival, such as mossy greens and drab olives which conjure the interiors of the Victorian era. Perhaps more surprising is the resurgence of zingy acid greens of the swinging sixties and seventies.

‘The resurgence of vintage colors in interior design is a significant trend, blending nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics. This revival is not just about recreating past looks but reinterpreting them in fresh, modern ways,’ explains Francesca Wezel, color expert and founder of Francesca’s Paints.

‘Popular vintage colors are terracotta (our Marco's Terracotta from the Original Collection), ochres (Peter's Ochre Original Collection) and browns (Lavinia's Russet Donne D'arte). The return of vintage colors in interior design reflects a blend of historical appreciation and contemporary innovation, and to create spaces that are both stylish and personal.’

1. Light buttery yellows

We’ve noticed a lot of buttery yellows popping up lately and the experts agree. Evocative of crumbling Italian buildings to 1950s kitchens, light creamy yellows are guaranteed to bring vintage charm while radiating spaces with a warm, uplifting atmosphere. They make a great choice for everyday spaces like kitchens or use them in hallways for a joyful welcome.

‘I love that we’re seeing a comeback to more retro-style colors lately, especially since they’re so fun and vibrant! One that stands out to me is the resurgence of yellow shades,’ explains Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. ‘While yellows have always been seen as vibrant and uplifting shades, they may take experimentation to find the right palette and colors for someone’s style and taste, making them an intimidating choice for homeowners.

In Sherwin Williams’ recently launched 2025 Colormix® Forecast: Capsules - its yearly trends forecast - several yellows are put in the spotlight, including the lovely Icy Lemonade.

‘It’s one of my favorites from the forecast,’ says Emily Kantz, ‘We’ve never highlighted a light and upbeat yellow shade like this in our yearly forecasts because we usually recommend homeowners go for deeper yellows in the home since they’re easier to work with. But now that we’re seeing a comeback for retro decor and shades in the homes, we came back to this shade because of how well it works either as an accent color on kitchen cabinets, or on all four walls in smaller rooms like a mudroom or an entryway – it really brightens up any space you place it in!’

Cara Newhart, interior designer and ambassador at Behr, has also tipped vintage pastel yellow as a shade set to make a comeback. ‘This shade was a go-to for vintage kitchens and is a perfect accent color since it’s bold enough to make a statement, but soft and warm enough to be liveable,' she says. ‘Behr’s Vanilla Ice Cream is a warm and cozy yellow with all the vintage vibes.’

2. Sandy and gold ochre hues

As we continue to seek spaces that feel grounding, comforting and connected to nature it’s no wonder earthy shades with undertones of ochre are growing in popularity. According to the experts, sandy, gold and caramel tones are set for a revival.

‘This year is all about adding comfort to the home and rebalancing with warm yet serene tones. Hues like Summerdale Gold are resurfacing as popular colors, offering a sandy tone that is both confident and calming,’ says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (International), Benjamin Moore.

A key color featured in its new AW24 lookbook, 'this grounded honey gold with hushed green undertones pairs beautifully with tactile materials, from wicker to appliqué, while acting as a relaxed foil to abstract pattern, painterly finishes, and other rich autumnal hues,’ adds Helen Shaw.

Rich yellows also feature in Sherwin WIlliams' color forecast for 2025 with Quilt Gold selected as a stand-out hue. Color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams Emily Kantz describes the shade as ‘very reminiscent of the 70s retro design style and is an excellent choice as an accent color in the home to bring out a pop of color and playfulness in any room. We’re very excited to see how yellow comes back to life!’

3. Grounding browns

Similarly to the caramel and ochre tones, the rich sweet tones of chocolate and cinnamon brown as well as terracotta are proving irresistible this season for their ability to bring grounding warmth. Rich and cocooning they are perfect for infusing interiors with a moody, vintage feel from Victorian utility to retro 1970s vibes.

‘Gone are the associations of dated 1970s interiors, drab or dull spaces, browns are re-taking their rightful place in contemporary interiors. From the deep Chocolate Colour and sumptuous Muscovado, to the softer ochre-toned brown Galette or the elegant warm stone color Split Pink, these cozy, versatile neutrals are perfect for creating captivating, indulgent and inviting spaces,’ explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

‘This embracing of brown is a continuation of the trend we have seen shifting away from cooler grey interiors to a warmer palette of natural hues that deliver comforting, soothing schemes. The earthy yet refined nature of brown shades makes them the perfect backdrop for natural materials currently being incorporated in contemporary interiors, including wicker, rattan, warm woods and stone finishes.’

4. Plaster pink and peach tones

‘We are seeing a big ‘peach revival’ with these warm terracotta shades reminiscent of Mediterranean summers to 80s drawing rooms! Peachy colors bring warmth, rustic charm, and a touch of the Mediterranean to any space,’ says Milla Elder, Head of PR and marketing at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint.

‘Edward’s terracottas have an earthy undertone and are truly exquisite, they are packed full of the finest earth and mineral pigments so whether you go for a coral pink or more pinkish brown, these shades will create a soft, living finish that will flatter all lights and work and transcend time.’

To channel the trend for warming peach tones try Edward Bulmer’s Hespan which he describes as, ‘not pink, nor orange, just a beautiful soft color which warms up any type of room!’

Similarly, Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball agrees that warm plaster and peachy tones see no sign of abating. ‘Earthy pinks have been doing the rounds for a few years now and for good reason. Consider them as a neutral and they will layer with almost any color (we’re talking Pink Ground and Setting Plaster here). They work in any room in your home, from the most flattering wall color for your bathroom, to an elegant living room, to a warm-blushed hallway. These colors are your best friends.’

5. Grubby greens

Earthy or 'grubby' greens as some have started to call them, are greens that have black or brown undertones giving them an aged look as well as a moody, mellow feel. COAT has recently released three new green colors perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature and create a nostalgic, grounding atmosphere including Jojo's Green pictured above.

'COAT has only been around just over three years, but even we’ve seen the shift in popularity from fresh greens to grubbier ones. By ‘grubby’, I mean those green shades with yellow or brown undertones – versus blue undertones, which tend to give a fresher green color,' explains Rob Abrahams, COAT's co-founder and CEO.

'We saw the same shift in whites and neutrals first, with people moving from cooler to warmer tones with an earthy feel. Greens are just following that same shift. A muted green color, whether dark or light, feels quite like a neutral in that it sits comfortably in the background without being too shout-y.'

6. Retro teals

Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design and color psychologist, has tipped Lick's Teal 01 as a great color for capturing a vintage feel alongside creamy whites. Popular in Mid-century Modern palettes, mellow teal blues pair wonderfully with on-trend earthy ochres and terracottas.

'Vintage colors are deeply nostalgic, they cocoon us and comfort us. This is because they typically have a heavy black pigment in them, giving them an earthy, grounding feel,' says Tash Bradley. 'Deep reds, burgundys, ochre yellows, creamy whites, and deep teals all have that vintage feel and are both luxurious and inviting. Buttermilk colors like creamy White 05 and Yellow 07 are gorgeous paired with rich burgundy or teals like Lick Teal 01.'

7. Acid Greens

Fans of Mid-century modern style will be pleased to know that acid greens are on the rise. While not an easy color to decorate with, for the color confident they can make for wonderfully fresh and energizing spaces.

Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball explains how ‘we are seeing the return of some vibrant 50’s and 60’s colors such as zingy limes like Acid Drop from our archive or the Kermit inspired green like Danish Lawn, again from our archive palette.’

Similarly, Cara Newhart, interior designer and ambassador at Behr, has tipped the zesty green shade as one to watch. ‘Shag green — reminiscent of lush shag carpets and vintage bathroom tile this classic lime green has been in and out of vogue at least once a decade and is an amazing color for adding personality and vibrancy to any space. Luscious Lime from Behr is a bubbly lime green that’s perfect for a vibrant accent wall or color-drenching a powder bath with a fun floral wallpapered ceiling.’

As when bringing anything vintage into your home, the result will always be timeless. Looking to the past for your color inspiration will ensure the scheme always works as a backdrop even as your tastes and trends change.

Neutrals are a decorating staple. Hugely versatile and easy to pair with bolder colors, they are the go-to shades for those looking to create calming and timeless interiors or provide a subtle foundation for brighter accents.

While they are often regarded as the safe option, settling on the right neutral shades for a room is not always as straightforward as it might seem as there’s a vast spectrum of shades available from crisp whites and cool grays to creams, beige, taupe and brown, not to mention the myriad tones in between. 

If you’re thinking of decorating with neutrals you’re in the right place as we’ve consulted the experts to discover the neutral palettes that always work alongside their favorite shades for creating timeless spaces.

5 neutral palettes that always work

If you're looking to create a timeless space you can't go wrong with a neutral palette. From myriad off-whites to beige and taupe, through to charcoal greys and deep chocolate browns, neutral tones are wonderful for using together to create interiors with depth and interest that will stand the test of time.  

However, with so much choice, knowing the right shades to use together can be baffling. Generally speaking, working with different tones within the same color family, or with the same undertones, is a great way to create a harmonious scheme.

 To help give you confidence with your room color scheme we asked the experts to share their go-to neutral shades for timeless decorating and have used the advice to compile a shortlist of the five neutral palettes that always work.

While neutrals generally have enduring appeal, it's worth taking a look which neutral colors are on trend alongside wider color trends before starting a project. Currently, warm neutrals are overtaking cool grays as the sought-after shades for relaxed, liveable spaces.

'A warm, neutral palette will give you total decorating confidence as it will work with all room directions and differing levels of sunlight,' says Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design and color psychologist.

1. Layer warm off-whites for a classic look

Decorating with white is a failsafe way to create bright and fresh interiors, plus it creates a versatile backdrop for layering color through furniture, fabrics, homewares and accessories. Decorating with pure brilliant white can be effective if you’re looking to create a super contemporary space, however, usually off-whites and tonal variations with subtle hints of different pigments are more effective in creating liveable and comfortable interiors. Layering a selection of subtly different tones that sit within the same color family is an easy way to create depth and harmony within a white room scheme. 

‘If sticking to the classic route of neutrals, we at Farrow & Ball have grouped them into six tonal families and I always return to our traditional neutral palette of Slipper Satin, Lime White, Off White and Old White,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball. 'The latter two are my favorites, they have this lovely underlying green note that is enlivened by a dose of yellow. Both are wonderfully sophisticated and very easy to layer with bolder colors, either in paint or textiles. Try Old White on kitchen cabinetry and Slipper Satin on walls, ceiling and trim for a gentle, harmonious scheme.’

2. Embrace timeless gray and white

According to Benjamin Moore’s director of marketing (International) Helen Shaw, you can’t go wrong with gray and white. Ranging from cool icy tones to deep steely hues and earthy green shades, decorating with gray remains popular with those looking for a little more depth and atmosphere than that found in white and off-white neutral spaces. Green and moody grays are particularly on trend - pair them with white to let them shine but take care choosing your whites advises Helen Shaw. 

‘Gray harmonizes well with almost every other hue, this versatility gives good reason for its popularity,’ says Helen Shaw. ‘A barely-there gray with a crisp white will create a timeless look and keep a room feeling bright and airy. However, not all white shades are going to work with any gray shade, as a rule of thumb pair warmer whites with warmer grays, and cool-toned grays with purer whites.’

‘A moody gray green such as Hazy Skies, as pictured in this gray and white living room, is a color with mysterious depth that will always intrigue. Elevate this captivating base color that’s timelessly stylish with layers of texture - dark woods, tactile bouclé textiles and sleek stone surfaces such as marble and quartz. Opting for a trim in a different color to the gray walls provides contrast and highlights the woodwork. A fresh white paint such as Sebring White works beautifully with this, offering clean contrast and a bright outline.’

3. Pair beige with warm whites

Beige and stoney neutrals continue to be popular with those looking to create spaces that are bright and airy yet warm and comforting. Cold whites and grays with hints of blue can leave spaces feeling stark and unwelcoming but, with their warm undertones of ochre and brown, beige and stoney tones are guaranteed to bring a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for living rooms. 

‘Beige is a surprisingly versatile color that can work in a huge variety of spaces due to its reassuring and grounding qualities. Beige has natural associations with the earth, and can provide a cozy, warm, and assured feeling to your space,' says Tash Bradley, director of interior design and color psychologist at Lick.

'Lick’s Beige 02 is a soft beige with yellow and grey undertones, reminiscent of the elegant, rustic interiors of Soho Farmhouse. Beige 02 is an extremely cocooning color and will make a room feel restful and calm, especially when paired with a complimentary white with warm undertones, such as Lick White 05, which is creamy and comforting.’

‘If you want to embrace an earthy neutral look but enjoy using white to bounce sunlight around your space, think about pairing white walls, such as uplifting Lick White 03, with grounding beiges or taupes in your furnishings and accessories. You can also bring in warmth through richer wood tones, textured stones with organic markings like marble, and brass finishes.’

For more inspiration on decorating with beige be sure to check out our dedicated feature and our gallery of beige room ideas.

Cara Newhart, brand ambassador at Behr agrees that decorating with beige is a wonderful choice when it comes to achieving timeless spaces. ‘I love warm neutrals – they have an earthy and welcoming feel and help spaces feel light and bright without being too stark white. Some of my favorite paint colors are Even Better Beige and Blank Canvas by Behr, they work perfectly with almost any accent color and can be used together for perfect contrast – think a warm cozy beige wall with crisp and fresh white trim.’

4. Go for browns with creamy whites

Browns are growing in popularity as color trends move towards more earthy, comforting tones. For Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin Williams, brown and warm white is a failsafe combination. ‘One of my favorite neutral color combinations is a creamy warm white, such as Shoji White, and a stone brown like Foothills. This duo creates a minimal but welcoming environment, making it the perfect balance between warm and modern,’ says Emily Kantz. 

‘Alongside these tones, I recommend adding wooden accents, fresh cut flowers or green plants and natural fiber rugs for a relaxing space. Since this combination truly creates the ultimate respite and escape – I love using it in bathrooms because it’s often an overlooked room that has the potential to be transformed from bland to stunning. These colors will make it look like a spa-like room!'

Deeper browns and neutrals are also growing in popularity and make a wonderful choice if you’re after a more moody look. ‘Neutrals with brown and golden undertones are trending right now,’ says Cara Newhart, brand ambassador at Behr. ‘ I’m seeing a lot of neutral palettes with more mid-tones and darker colors to create contrast and depth vs just lighter tones that usually convey an airy look.’

‘I’m seeing mid-tones like Grizzly and darker tones like deep browns like Espresso Beans or balanced blacks like Cracked Pepper by Behr. These dark and mid-tone colors create lots of personality and depth without having to risk going big and bold with bright colors that don’t feel livable for everyday spaces.’

Thinking about decorating with brown? Check out our dedicated feature for advice and inspiration.

5. Team warm plaster pink tones with pinky neutrals

Today many interior designers are turning to ‘new neutrals’ for their projects - these are colors not traditionally classed as neutral, but which can pair with almost any color and used in the same way as the traditional neutral tones of white, grey and beige. In particular, we’re seeing plaster pinks and earthy greens often being described as ‘new neutrals’ and embraced by interior designers for their versatile and grounding properties.

‘Most of us think of a neutral as an ‘off’ white, something with a little more character that leans towards pale grays or brown-ish whites. However, colors can be neutrals too, especially our classic Setting Plaster, the warmest of earthy pinks,’ explains Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘This color is brilliant at bringing delicate warmth to a poorly lit space or ‘bleaches’ out rather beautifully in a bright and sunny room, so has true versatility in its uses!’

Tash Bradley has also noticed the trend towards plaster pinks. ‘Warm, neutral palettes are becoming increasingly popular as we lean into colors with pink or yellow undertones which create a welcoming feeling within our homes. In fact, Pink is one of the most versatile colors, termed a ‘new neutral’, says Lick’s director of interior design and color psychologist. ‘It works in any room, can be paired with most colors, and looks great with a natural floor.'

When it comes to neutral palettes that always work, generally color experts are observing that we’re decorating with more earthy neutrals with yellow, brown and pink undertones over cooler neutral tones. Warm off-whites, beige, stoney neutrals and brown are all proving popular for creating welcoming and timeless spaces, especially when paired with warm whites.

Gray room ideas still have their place, but generally green and moody greys are taking the lead over cool icy tones. New neutrals like plaster pink are also coming to the fore and are often replacing traditional neutral tones as the go-to blank canvas for decorating with.

If you're in the process of decorating a room, finding the right paint color is likely one of the biggest decisions you'll be making. But before settling on a color, choosing which paint brand to shop at is key.

Each paint brand offers a unique range of colors and paint formulas, and you'll often find that certain paint brands cater to your specific needs and paint ideas more than others, so it's worth being aware of the best paint brands and what they offer.

We spoke to interior designers to learn their favorite paint brands; ones they have used for years and continue reaching for in projects. From Sherwin-Williams to Farrow & Ball, these paint brands are some of the best places to buy paint for good reason.

Best places to buy paint

If you're looking for some inspiration for your next decorating project, read on to hear what designers say about these leading paint brands.

1. Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is one of the most widely used paint brands among designers, known for its wide range of colors that cater to all interior design styles.

'Benjamin Moore is my go-to paint brand,' says interior designer Betsy Wentz, who used Benjamin Moore's Sail Cloth in this living room design. 'They have a wide graduation of color palettes, and their pigments create a rich, deep color that goes on smoothly. You can count on the historical color collection to work well in any type of light and to look good for several years.'

Amongst the best-selling Benjamin Moore paints, designers comment on the range of finishes available to suit different spaces. 'The color we spec the most often is Benjamin Moore,' says designer Brandon Lange, Creative Director at BZ Interiors. 'They have a range of finishes and usages as well as price points.'

Of all the brand's available colors, white paints are some of their most popular. For interior designer Marina Hanisch, part of the New York Design Center's Access to Design program, it's the best Benjamin Moore white paints that stand out, specifically Chantilly Lace and Super White.

2. Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is another go-to paint brand for interior designers. 'I’ve worked with Sherwin-Williams paints in a number of my projects, including my own home,' says Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. 'As an interior designer, I am always drawn to their extensive color palette and the different finishes which always look beautiful when applied to walls, ceilings, millwork, and more.'

Beyond Sherwin-Williams' best-selling paint colors, designers recommend Sherwin-Williams for the available finishes that offer both high coverage and durability.

'I use Sherwin-Williams a lot because I love the coverage the paint gives,' says designer Connie Vernich of Vernich Interiors. 'Their finishes are wonderful. The Emerald finish is wonderful for cleaning with its stain-resistant properties.'

Interior designer Janelle B. Photopoulos, Principal & Owner of Blakely Interior Design used Sherwin-Williams Greenfield across this vanity. 'Their semi-gloss finish is just perfect,' adds Janelle. 'It’s just slightly less shiny than other brands, which lends itself to an elegant finish on millwork and cabinetry.'

3. Little Greene

'My favorite paint brand is Little Greene,' says interior designer Nadia Watts. Although a British brand, Little Greene is now available in the US and is popular for its slightly muted, heritage-inspired colors that create cozy and homey spaces.

'They take such pride in their family-run business and it shows in the quality of the paint,' continues Nadia. 'Little Greene is hard-wearing and built to last: it’s practical, beautiful, and economical too.'

'The paint is highly pigmented meaning you get excellent opacity and coverage. One of my favorite things about Little Greene is the palette – they focus on historic colors resulting in an elegant palette perfectly suited for modern and historical interiors.'

4. Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball is another leading paint brand that ranks highly among designers and homeowners. Known for its liveable selection of colors that boast a timeless appeal and pigmented paint formulas, Farrow & Ball is one to have on your radar.

'As an interior designer, Farrow & Ball is a go-to paint brand due to its array of timeless yet modern colors,' says interior designer Melissa Read, Creative Director at Studio Burntwood. 'Farrow & Ball is renowned for its elegant soft neutrals such as Skimming Stone and Elephant's Breath.'

'Farrow & Ball has an extensive range of finishes,' adds Melissa. 'Their newest addition 'Dead Flat' provides an ultra-matt, velvety look; minimizes glare, and enhances the richness of the colors. We've used this finish both on period properties and contemporary new build homes.'

5. Behr

Behr is a US-based paint brand that offers homeowners and DIYers a wide selection of colors to transform homes. Behr's best-selling paint colors range from white paints to more adventurous and playful hues, perfect for all design styles.

In addition to the wide range of colors and finishes, Behr is also known for its exterior paints and wood stains, which make it a go-to choice for painting outdoor spaces of all types during the summer.

6. Backdrop

Lastly, LA-based Backdrop sells on-trend paint and wallcoverings for modern homes, boasting a design-led selection of colors that are full of character.

In this living room designed by STUDIO KEETA, Backdrop's Harvest Moon is used across the walls, a warm white paint that creates a fresh base without feeling at all stark.

The paint formulas are praised for their coverage and smooth application that make the decorating process simple, and the brand also offers adhesive paint swatches so you can easily test colors in various spaces and in different lighting conditions, before committing.

Whether it's neutrals or bold colors you're looking for with your paint ideas, you can't go wrong with these paint brands. Used and loved by interior designers, these brands offer many popular colors and formulas to suit your space.

The colors chosen for the exterior of a home are an important factor in its aesthetic appeal. Whether you should match hues or not is one of the questions you’ll need to consider, so should you paint your garage door and front door the same color?

Creating curb appeal means considering elements like front yard landscaping, but the exterior color palette for the house itself is equally crucial, and both the garage door and the front door make a significant impact.

To assist in your decision-making we asked the experts to share their opinions on matching – or complementing – the two features when creating a great exterior and this is their advice.

Should the garage door and the front door match?

The front porch and the front door can create a great first impression of your home. But equally important is the garage door, whose size ensures it’s a prominent feature.

While garage door replacement is possible, paint can give it an instant upgrade and color counts, so we asked design pros whether the same shade or a different one from that of the front door is preferable.

Match then contrast

Matching the garage door and front door while creating contrast with the façade of the house is a good strategy, according to Margine Biswas, principal of Archiphy Architects and Interiors.

‘To achieve a harmonious appearance, it is a good idea to select the same colors for both the entrance and garage doors,’ she recommends. ‘Opting for a contrasting color from the façade will make these doors stand out as focal points.

‘In this home, above, the front door and the garage door are the focal point, and choosing a bold hue creates a striking contrast against the lighter tones of the exterior walls,’ she says.

‘This choice adds a sense of sophistication and personality to the façade while drawing attention to the entries. Choosing a lighter shade for the walls, such as crisp white or soft beige, creates balance and harmony with the darker tones of the doors, resulting in a cohesive and eye-catching exterior.

‘This interplay of dark and light colors enhances the home's architectural features and lends it a contemporary and inviting allure, making a memorable statement to visitors and passersby.’

Let the front door stand out

Choosing different colors for the two doors is the best strategy for Trina Rogers, certified color consultant, Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company.

‘Since in most cases the front door is the main entrance for guests to enter your home, I prefer to let it stand out with a unique accent color,’ she says. ‘For the garage door, keeping it either the body color or trim color will allow it to blend into the home for a more cohesive look. The garage door is a large surface area that could end up stealing the attention from the front door if they are both the same color.

‘If you prefer an overall more subdued color scheme for your home, try painting the front door a few shades lighter or darker than the body color to help it stand out a bit more while keeping the garage door the same as the body color.’

Consider the overall impression

The decision on whether the garage door and the front door should be painted the same color depends on the effect you want to create, says Rick Berres, owner of remodeling specialists Honey-Doers.

‘If you’re going for a low key kind of exterior design – say, white on white – then yeah, you want both doors to be the same color, because you’re not having a lot of other accent colors,’ he advises. ‘Same if you’re painting the home white or light gray or sage green or something, and you’re painting the doors and windows black or charcoal. You want them all to be the same, for a seamless cohesive design.

‘Now, if you’re going for a different, more cottagey look, perhaps – a red door, a yellow house? – then you can paint your garage door white, or navy, and it won’t be distracting, because it fits. What would be distracting is if you painted the garage door red, as well, just because your front door is red. That’s a... bold choice.’

Think about the exterior design

Whether to match or not is the right strategy depends on the exterior design and the overall look of the home you are trying to achieve, according to Jeff Akerman, strategic construction advisor at Real Estate Bees.

‘Typically, we match the front door, garage door, and window trim for uniformity and cohesiveness,’ he explains. ‘However, in our more modern designs, it may depend on the field color around each area and the style of the doors themselves.

‘Some homeowners prefer one singular bright pop of color, which can be a red or yellow front door with the typical white, black, or glass garage doors. In this example, it would be too much to match the color of both.

‘Bear in mind that using the exact same color is certainly not a necessity in any case. Matching can mean complementing colors or just a similar color family.

‘Interestingly enough, many of our recent clients prefer the modern look in which the garage is tucked to the side of the house with the doors not visible from the street.’

Keep it cohesive

There are ways to make both the option of painting the garage door and the front door the same color, and that of choosing contrasting shades for them work, says Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy Painters of North Shore, but overall the exterior should be cohesive.

‘I do think having your front door and garage door match can create a great, cohesive look for your home’s exterior, especially if the color you choose for these two doors is a contrasting or complementary color to the general exterior color of your home,’ he says.

‘However, it’s definitely also possible to pull off a look with two different colors – in this case, I would recommend keeping your garage door color the same as the rest of your trim, and then picking a color for your front door that's different enough for it to really pop.’

A new paint finish for the front door and the garage door can show the rest of a home’s exterior is in need of a refresh via front yard walkway ideas and porch paint ideas. Think added value, too, with the curb appeal ideas that could help make a profit when you sell.

Refreshing the paint of your outdoor space can do wonders in making it feel welcoming in anticipation of summer, and Behr Paint Company has just revealed the perfect shade to do so with. 

Named Tugboat, Behr's Exterior Stain Color of the Year for 2024 is a brown wood stain with gray tones, which forms part of the brand's new Curb Appeal Collection: a selection of on-trend paints and strains for home exterior projects. 

A versatile exterior paint, Tugboat reflects a nautical quality that takes reference from weathered ships at sea and is designed to complement a wide range of home exterior styles. The stain can be used across exterior surfaces, enhancing the appearance of wood grain while adding protection to give your outdoor paint ideas longevity. 

'Our 2024 Exterior Stain Color of the Year provides a new perspective on color for exterior wood stains, adding character and freshness to projects,' says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr. 'With a timeless finish, Tugboat’s versatile brownish gray color provides organic beauty to make any outdoor space feel like a safe harbor.'

Concluding from a recent Behr Paint Company survey that over half of American homeowners find the paint selection process for exterior spaces stressful, Behr is seeking to address this apparent difficulty with its Curb Appeal Collection.

A first of its kind, the collection includes 30 exterior paint and stain colors that have been carefully curated to complement one another, with Tugboat acting as the grounding hue.

'We recognized the challenge consumers are constantly facing when it comes to the color selection process – especially for exterior projects,' says Andy Lopez, Head of Marketing at Behr. 'By offering a collection of curated colors in a diverse product offering, we aim to provide consumers with the confidence they need to select a color and complete their exterior projects with ease.'

Available in solid and semi-transparent finishes, Tugboat works in outdoor spaces as a dark neutral and can be used in large or small amounts – from front door color ideas to deck color ideas.

'Tugboat is a versatile stain that pairs well with all wood types, building materials, and architectural styles,' explains Erika. 'The semi-transparent finish brings out the wood's natural texture for a perfectly weathered look, while the solid finish offers a polished, striking look that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.'

Erika continues to share some of the best ways to use Tugboat in exterior spaces as well as the best color pairings from the Curb Appeal Collection to complete the look: 'Create stunning color combinations like Tugboat on the fence, Cracked Pepper on the roof trim, Adirondack Blue on the house body, and a pop of Red Pepper on the front door for a vibrant touch.'

'For a deck adjacent to your home, consider Tugboat paired with Jungle Camouflage on the house body and Ultra Pure White for the trim, or opt for a complementary Cedar stain to enhance your deck's allure.'

You can shop Tugboat in a range of Behr's stain finishes to best suit your outdoor space exclusively at The Home Depot. To find out more about the full Curb Appeal Collection, head to Behr.com.

Throughout her fruitful career, Gwen Stefani has had an affinity for boldness. Whether on stage with No Doubt or as a solo artist, the musician has expressed herself through punchy songs and vibrant outfits. It turns out that this persona extends into her interior design preferences, too.

In a video posted to the Hollaback Girl singer's Instagram page, she stands in the hallway of her maximalist home, decked out with printed wallpaper, religious art, and a grand chandelier. A more subtle but equally as significant decal is her painted black door – a color that is very much on the rise this year.

Immediately eye-catching, dark paint is beloved for its ability to bring sophistication and a touch of moodiness to any space. It's particularly effective as a front door color, and according to experts, it's a great way to incorporate one of 2024's biggest colors.

'As we look into 2024, creating a sense of comfort and belonging will continue to drive design decisions – but now, as life returns to its more familiar rhythms, it’s time to allow our senses to come alive,' says Erika Woelfel, the vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company. 

'From heightening the aromas of a dining room to feeling the softness of a living area, Cracked Pepper enhances the natural expression in any space,' she says of Behr's 2024 Color of the Year.

It's easy to see why people love dark paint: it serves as a solid base for an array of design styles, from retro to contemporary, minimal to maximal. There are even numbers to back its popularity: according to research conducted by Behr Paint Company, 61 percent of millennials agree that black paint instantly gives a home a fresh look, while more than half of Americans say dark wall paint makes a room feel elevated.

'We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces,' says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr Paint Company. 'Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project.'

While painting a front door black is a direct way to implement this phenomenon, dark accents and accessories are fantastic for trying out the trend.

Shop the black decor edit

Shop Behr's Cracked Pepper shade below, along with some black decor that is sure to embolden an entryway. First impressions count beyond the front door, after all.

Blue could easily be called 'the other neutral.' The cool, tranquil shade pairs easily with brighter colors. It's grounding, calming, and stylish. The color truly shines in Ina Garten's home.

The Barefoot Contessa's living room celebrates the hue in a casual, cozy way. White walls, white sofas, and a silver, modern lamp create a backdrop for three abstract blue paintings and blue throws over the chairs. Together, the blue, gray, and white form an inviting space in the cookbook author's home.

Interior designers love the scheme that Garten has chosen for her cozy living room idea. Mina Lisanin, NYC-based designer tells Homes & Gardens: 'Gray is a neutral color known for its calming effect, while blue evokes feelings of serenity and tranquility. Together, these colors create a harmonious and soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a long day.'

Furthermore, the grays and whites in the space provide the perfect backdrop for her blue living room color scheme. Lisanin states, 'Gray serves as an excellent base color, providing a neutral backdrop that allows blue accents to pop. This versatility allows for easy incorporation of various textures, patterns, and decorative elements, ensuring a visually dynamic and inviting space.'

She continues, 'Gray acts as a grounding element, balancing out the vibrancy of blue. This creates a sense of harmony and cohesion in the room, making it visually pleasing and inviting for both residents and guests.'

The shades also serve as mood-boosting decor. Lisanin states: 'Studies have shown that colors can have a significant impact on mood and emotions. Blue is often associated with productivity and concentration, while pink can evoke feelings of warmth, love, and compassion. Combining these colors with the calming properties of gray can help create a space that uplifts the mood and promotes overall well-being.'

It's also a rising interior design trend. 'Pastel shades have been gaining popularity in interior design in recent years, with many homeowners embracing softer hues to create tranquil and inviting spaces. The combination of gray and blue offers a modern twist on traditional pastel palettes, making it a potential choice for those looking to update their living room decor with a fresh and contemporary look,' says Lisanin.

'However, trends in interior design can vary regionally and over time, so it's essential to consider personal preferences and the overall aesthetic of the space when choosing a color scheme.'

Shop the Blue Living Room Edit

Blue and gray is the perfect combination, and it looks even more beautiful in Ina Garten's space.

Creating a calm environment in our homes is something most of us strive for, and the use of color plays a key role in doing so.

The colors we decorate with – and how those colors work alongside each other – will set the mood of a room, so giving close thought to color combinations is an important step in the decorating process.  

But what are the most calming color combinations for rooms? We enlisted the help of color experts from leading interior paint brands to uncover the most calming color combinations, which we've rounded up below.

6 calming color combinations

From pairing gentle neutral tones with nature-derived green to classic sea blue with crisp white, many carefully balanced color combinations will evoke a sense of rest throughout the home. If you're looking for color inspiration for your next home decor project that enhances relaxation, read on. 

1. Green and soft neutrals

'For a soothing interior scheme, green is a great choice,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. 'As the true color of nature, green makes us feel comfortable within the home. It is a shade that we associate with the tranquillity of the outdoors.'

'From earthy, muted tones such as Sage Green, which is soft yet sophisticated to deeper shades such as Dark Brunswick Green or the lighter shade of gentle Book Room Green – green is a color that brings a sense of peace and soothes the soul.'

When decorating with green as the primary color, soft neutrals work best alongside it. Ruth warns that whites can create too much contrast when paired with green, interrupting its calming appeal.

'Avoid combining green with harsh bright whites, which can feel cold and stark,' says Ruth. 'Opt instead for warmer neutrals or natural stone colors such as Portland Stone Light or Travertine which are perfect for creating restful and comforting interiors.'

2. Chocolate brown and clay tones

Ruth Mottershead also recommends decorating with brown for a darker color scheme that's equally calming. She says that chocolate browns make for a more restful choice than other harsher dark colors:

'Don’t be afraid to use darker shades, as rich, chocolate browns are also perfect for creating restful spaces that bring comfort to the home and envelop a space. They work wonderfully as an alternative where you might previously have considered black, charcoal, or a dark blue, bringing a restful and warm atmosphere to an interior.'

When choosing the best colors to pair with chocolate brown, Ruth recommends lighter clay tones to create a tonal scheme: 'Partnering beautifully with neutral hues and natural tones such as Clay and Lute, stronger browns add a tonal element that will add warmth to an otherwise cooler interior.'

3. Light blue and white

Decorating with blue and white is a classic calming color combination, evocative of coastal decor. Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick explains below why blue works especially well in the bedroom for a relaxing feel.

'Blues work well in the bedroom because they provide a sense of serenity and clarity of thought – allowing you to calm your mind before bed. The lighter the blue, the more mentally soothing the room.'

Pairing this cool hue with white creates a fresh and timeless look; enhancing its restful appeal and playing to its cool tones. Weighing in on decorating with blue, Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color at Behr explains that 'neutrals in the white color families compliment these nature-inspired hues.'

She adds that this classic color pairing can work equally well in a kitchen: 'Covering kitchen walls in Blank Canvas and using Offshore Mist on kitchen cabinets creates a serene environment.'

4. Pink and green

For a more vibrant calming color combination, consider pink and green. Helen Shaw, Director of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore explains below that this color combination, especially pastel variants of these two shades, is a go-to pairing. 

'Soft pastels will offer the perfect injection of color, and pinks and greens go hand in hand. Being complementary colors, they work to elevate each other yet are far less contrasting and harsh than green and red, for example. Their calming tones won’t be overly stimulating as they require our eyes to do little to no adjusting.'

The bedroom is one of the best rooms to channel this relaxing combination. Tash Bradley elaborates on the color psychology of pink, explaining: 'Pink is one of the best colors to use in a bedroom as it’s an incredibly nurturing, caring and warming color, which is exactly how a bedroom should feel. When you walk into a bedroom which is painted in soft pink, for example, Lick’s Pink 01 or Pink 02, your shoulders instantly relax, and you settle into a calm space.'

5. Burgundy and wood tones

Earthy colors such as burgundy and natural wood tones make another calming combination. 'A rich burgundy paired with dark brown woods or accents will bring a rustic warmth to any room,' says Helen Shaw. 'Earthy colors reflect less light, making a room less active and therefore more restful.'

This pairing makes an obvious choice for a kitchen, by using burgundy on the walls or cabinets and incorporating wood tones through the kitchen countertops; but it also works in other rooms, so long as they have appropriate amounts of natural light, as Helen explains below.

'This works particularly well in large, well-lit spaces where there is plenty of natural light to avoid it becoming closeting and confined. Layer the look with natural materials such as ceramic clay vases and textured fabrics and finishes to soothe the senses and deliver softer surroundings.'

6. Beige and white

You can't go wrong with a fully neutral scheme to achieve a calming feel. Layering warm neutrals creates a pared-back and spacious look that's restful to the eyes. 

'Pairing warm neutrals such as cream, beige, and white together will ooze comfort in a sophisticated and effortless way,' explains Helen Shaw. 'Elevate this timelessly stylish look with layers of texture such as dark woods, tactile bouclé textiles, and sleek stone surfaces such as marble and quartz.'

When choosing the best colors to layer into your neutral scheme, Tash Bradley recommends the following paint ideas, which would work well in a neutral bathroom: 'Colors like Lick’s Beige 03 and Beige 02 are grounding neutrals that make you feel very comforted and give you an almost spa-like feel.'

Whether you're drawn to light neutrals or prefer a richer color scheme, these pairings work in harmony together. From the bedroom to the kitchen, use these color combinations to ensure a feeling of relaxation runs throughout your home. 

A cream living room might sound like a simple scheme to execute, but it's easy for a room to feel flat and uninspiring if you don't introduce the right design details. After all, the last thing you want is a living room you don't want to spend time in.

Cream is a staple color for many designers – it's a neutral base that feels warmer than white. But when it comes to creating a cream living room, furniture, decor and lighting all play a part in a successful scheme. 

If you've been looking at living room ideas and still find yourself unsure of where to start, these designer-approved cream living room ideas are sure to set you on the right path – and prove that cream schemes can be stylish and elevated.

 Cream living room ideas 

A cream living room is a timeless color scheme, and you can pair almost any color and interior design style with it. Whether you want to color-drench a living room, introduce neutral furniture, or simply want some inspiration for introducing the right cream decor, these ideas are sure to set you on the right path.

1. Introduce a cream sofa for instant warmth

When you think of a cream living room, your thoughts will probably jump straight to the paint color, but the living room furniture is just as important. A cream sofa is a classic choice – not only is it timeless, but it pairs with a variety of color schemes.

'A cream-colored sofa (in a performance fabric, of course!) is the perfect foundation for any cozy family room. Pair it with an off-white paint color and you have a blank canvas from which to add color and texture,' says Liz Potarazu, CEO and principal designer at LP + Co.

'In this living room, we layered large-scale art, leather, brass and wood elements to create an earthy but glam feel that is cozy and elevated,' she adds.

2. Add a fun mix of patterns and textures

A cream living room scheme is perfect for a minimalist style, but when a space is filled with one hue, it can quickly begin to feel flat and uninspiring. Introducing subtle patterns and textures can reintroduce interest and dimension into your scheme without disrupting the chosen color palette.

'If you are going to lean into doing a cream living room, it is important to do a few things to make sure that your space doesn't end up looking washed out and flat. Have fun mixing patterns and textures, which can help give depth and interest to the space,' says Cathleen Gruver, of Gruver Cooley.

'Patterns and textures don't just have to be on throw pillows or blankets – finding a lamp that has some fun elements in a cream color can also bring in the personality.  If you have the opportunity to start with a new home, doing a different floor pattern, such as herringbone, can be a great detail that would stand out as more of the star if everything else is neutral. Layering rugs is another way to make your cream living room stand out as well,' she adds.

3. Stick to warm hues

There are so many different cream paints to choose from, so selecting the right hue can change the overall look of your space. Stick to warmer tones that don't read to yellow, or too gray.

'Creams have a warm undertone so are ideal for those looking to avoid the clinical feel of a pure brilliant white, while still creating a clean and understated look in the living room. The lack of any grey pigments helps to keep spaces feeling fresh making the shade perfect for rooms facing north or with little natural light,' explains Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.  

'Soft Chamois OC-13 is a soothing shade with a warm, delicately shaded case. This works beautifully with a soothing green hue cooled with a splash of grey such as Saybrook Sage HC-114. It’s incredibly versatile and has the ability to pick up on what’s being reflected in the light. White Down OC-131 is perfect for living rooms as its warm undertones will instantly make a space feel inviting and elevated without feeling too yellow,' she adds.

4. Consider how the lighting effects the color

Cream is a light, neutral color, so selecting the right living room lighting to pair with your chosen hue is crucial to achieving the tone you desire. An orange light might lead your cream paint to read more yellow, but adding lighting that feels to white and stark can remove the cozy ambiance that's necessary in a living room.

'Warm neutral colors are back as homeowners are looking for cozier and welcoming atmospheres, staying away from the more harsh, sterile whites. Shades of beige, such as taupe, warm gray, cream, and warm white paint works well as a sophisticated backdrop and pairs well with other colors and textures without overwhelming the space,' says Juliana Sorzano, of PJCArchitecture.

'When using warm neutral colors, it’s important to consider factors such as lighting, room size, and the desired mood to achieve the right effect,' she adds. Check the undertones and test how the cream color appears in the natural and artificial light of your living room before committing to a shade.

5. Create a cozy, calming scheme

If you're wondering how can you make a living room more relaxing, a soothing cream color scheme is a great place to start. 'Designing a cream living room is like painting on a blank canvas; it offers a serene and sophisticated base that can be styled in countless ways. This color palette exudes warmth and invites light, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels elegant and welcoming,' says Allison Kaminsky of Lola Tucker Interiors.

Alongside a warming cream paint, introduce furniture and materials that further exude a sense of comfort and luxury for a cohesive scheme. 'Furniture should exude comfort and luxury, featuring a mix of cream, beige, and white shades and incorporating materials like wood, metal, and glass to add depth. A combination of overhead and accent lighting further warms the space, highlighting textures and bringing the room to life,' she adds.

'When I think of a cream room design, I think of serene, calm, and clean. This room would have to invite big personality textures and patterns within the same cream palette.  Like any other designed house, a cream room can be equally rich with materials and still be elegant and classic,' says Adrian Crisp, of Adriana Crisp Home Design.

6. Introduce dark flooring

When decorating with neutrals, adding an element of contrast helps to prevent a room from feeling flat and uninviting. In a cream living room, the flooring is an ideal place to add that element of interest without disrupting the neutral color palette.

'We begin with a foundation of flooring that contrasts beautifully against the cream palette – think rich, dark woods to enhance warmth,' says Lola. There are lots of wood flooring ideas for a living room, but a dark wood floor is classic and hardwearing, making it a truly timeless choice. The deeper tone will ground the room, without adding any color that will disrupt the aesthetic of the space.

7. Decorate the right shade of cream

When choosing the cream shade you want to decorate your living room with, it's important to consider the undertones and the colors you want to pair it with. Cream is a versatile shade that will pair with almost any color. But if you want to introduce elements of different colors to a cream scheme do pay attention to the undertones. Adding green to a cream living room? Opt for a cream with green undertones. Elements of pink or red? Choose a pinkier cream, and so on. 

'Neutrals, such as creams, are good colors to use in a living room space because they are versatile, making it easier to layer in other colors, textures, and decor items to keep things fresh and inviting,' explains Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr.

'Whipped Cream is a delectable, clean white that invites a playful lightness into your home. This soft neutral adds subtle sophistication to any space. Chanoyu is a harmonious shade of cream with a hint of light green. It is a reliable neutral that can be built upon with bold pops of color. Blank Canvas is a warm, welcoming cream that provides a clean background for endless design and décor possibilities,' she adds.

Although you can pair cream with almost any palette, there are a few shades Erika recommends trying: 'When considering colors to pair with cream, consider a dark amber tone for a bold pop of color, or an inky black to add timeless sophistication, or even a relaxed green to elevate the serenity of the space.'

8. Create visual interest with decor

Designing a cream living room is more than just a color. The decor you introduce and how you style it gives your scheme personality, so consider how different pieces can create visual interest and inject a sense of character.

'While symmetry is key for visual appeal, subtle variations in size and height add intrigue without disrupting balance. For example, I added a large piece of art that is still neutral but creates balance on the empty wall by having the windows and the tall tree on the opposite side,' says Natalia Avalos, of Natalia Avalos Interiors.

As a cream living room is generally kept neutral throughout every aspect of the design, these decorative details add an eye catching feature that might otherwise be achieved using bright colors.

9. Add warmth to a cream living room with layers and texture

Texture plays a key role in any scheme, but in a cream living room, interesting textures layered throughout the room give the scheme dimension and create a cozy atmosphere.

'Creating a neutral space is all about adding personality and warmth through layers and texture. Finding accents that feel unexpected but are grounded in neutral tones makes a room feel uniquely yours,' explains Laura Ulam, of Studio LOC.

Natural materials work well in a cream living room as they have a more neutral tone.  Materials like jute, cotton, and wood are a fitting pairing for a cream scheme, but make sure choose the right tones. 'When creating a neutral living room, the use of textures is crucial to achieve a well-layered space. When incorporating wood tones, consistency is of utmost importance to ensure a cohesive aesthetic,' adds Natalie.

10. Create a tonal scheme

'For a cream living room to still look elegant and feel elevated the combination of neutral colors and textures will prevent the space from feeling dull or bland. Using different shades of neutrals and mixing various textures, such as stone, wood, and fabrics, can add depth, visual interest, and sophistication to the design.' explains designer Amy Kartheiser.

The key to preventing a cream living room, or any neutral living room for that matter is to go tonal. Layer up different cream tones with grays, beiges and whites to give plenty of depth to this simple, just sophisticated palette. 

11. Think transitional to create a timeless cream living room

Cream living rooms are already pretty timeless, but opting for a transitional style in which you mix decor, old and new will ensure a living room that never dates. 

This living room designed by Mead Quin is the perfect example, blending contemporary shapes with vintage rugs. 'Our client was keen on keeping her cherished, heirloom Indian rugs. We were able to incorporate the intricate, colorful patterns into her modern home by layering the room with soft, warm neutral materials. Including items that have age and character add a level of depth and dimension otherwise unattainable,' explains Mead.

There are so many cream living room ideas to take pointers from. Whether you stick to an all-cream palette with textural interest or pair cream hues with earthy tones, you really can't go wrong with this classic colorway.

Emma Hernan, reality star and high-end real estate broker at the famed Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles, is all about simple changes that make a big difference. Homes & Gardens sat down with Emma to discuss her tips for selling a home, and they're much easier than we expected. 

Her favorite renovation idea for the best return on investment when selling is simply adding a fresh coat of paint. 'I think that fresh paint inside and outside always pays off. I think it's the best return on the investment that you could have,' Emma says.'It honestly makes the home feel brand new.' 

Emma continues, 'Imagine walking to a house that smells like fresh paint; even if the home is not brand new, you think [that it's new] in your head.' If you're looking to sell your house, this feeling of newness for prospective buyers is a huge plus. First impressions are important, and Emma's tip is a great place to start. For the same reason, Emma always recommends 'switching out the light fixtures in the entryway if they're old.'

Furthermore, Emma says that many home improvements don't add value. She says, 'When I have clients looking to sell, I don't recommend a massive remodel. I honestly think it's about updating cosmetics and freshening the home up so that it's ready to hit the market.' 

She adds, 'Because someone's going to come in, and they're probably going to want to do their little fixtures and do their little home touches themselves anyways.' In Emma's opinion, as a real estate agent, it's about making the home as appealing to the broadest range of buyers possible, which personalization can work against.

If you are looking to make a quick and affordable renovation that will add value to your home and only have the budget to make one room, Emma recommends the kitchen. She says, 'I think it's the lowest hanging fruit, and you know, it's the heart of the home. Some fresh paint and some fresh hardware can go a long way.'

Shop Some of Our Favorite Paints

No matter the style or architecture of your home, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in getting the home ready to sell.

You have likely heard about the importance of testing paint samples in different lights before redecorating your home – but do you understand how light affects paint colors? 

While it is simple to see that color looks lighter or darker in certain lights, different light sources and colors can have a big impact on the appearance of paint, thanks to color theory. Certain lights could make one color look like an entirely different shade. 

Here, color experts from leading paint companies have explained how light affects paint colors to help you make the best redecorating decisions. 

How does light affect paint colors?

A key part of using paint samples correctly is understanding how light affects the final color. It is not as simple as popping them by your window, however. Different kinds of natural and artificial lighting, from bright and yellow whites to colored LEDs, all impact tone and shade. 

How natural light affects paint colors

We are all looking for ways to increase natural light in our homes, but it arguably has the biggest impact on our paint colors. Mainly because there is nothing we can do to alter how it bounces around our rooms. This is why you often hear interior designers discussing the best colors for a north-facing room and the best colors for a south-facing room.  

‘I always recommend homeowners to consider the presence and direction of natural light in a space before choosing a final paint color,’ begins Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams. ‘For example, a north-facing room painted in a warm orange-red color will appear brighter and warmer, whereas a west-facing room painted in that same color will become intensely vivid in the late afternoon. A west-facing room can look dull and shadowy in the morning but be bathed in a warm glow in the evening thanks to the setting sun. 

‘Additionally, an east-facing bedroom that gets strong light with the early sunrise will look very different when seen late at night in artificial lighting.’

The best way to combat this is to try out your color swatches around the room so you can see them in different lights, continues Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball:

‘One color can vary depending on the room and even look different as the light changes throughout the day. Light can bring out or downplay the pigments and undertones of each color. 

‘In south-facing spaces that receive warm, natural light all day (climate dependent), colors will look extremely different to those in north-facing spaces, which receive little to no natural light,’ Charlotte explains. ‘In these rooms, the lack of light will emphasize the cooler gray and green undertones of colors.’  

She urges you to resist leaning into this perceived ‘gloominess’ with a plain white, however, and instead opt for a more dramatic, cooler tone. ‘Darker tones such as Inchyra Blue and Railings will give a living room a magical quality, particularly in the evening light.’

South-facing rooms, by virtue of being opposite, are much brighter and warmer in tone – ‘gentle off-white shades and pale aquas will work beautifully to embrace the benefits of the abundant sunlight,’ Charlotte recommends. ‘Consider something with a soft undertone, like Tailor Tack or School House White, to create a clean and bright space. Gentle greens and blues are also perfect hues for creating a light-filled sanctuary.’ 

How artificial light affects paint colors

When the sun goes down, the pressure is on our artificial light sources, such as lamps, candles, and even fireplaces, to bring out the tone of our wall paint. Whether you use bright white task lighting, make a living room cozy with lighting in warm orange hues, or add to a cinema experience with color-changing LEDs – or a mixture of all three – you need to consider them when picking your paint. 

'This is where understanding lighting temperature basics is really important,' says Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr. ‘Warm artificial lighting tends to emphasize the yellow undertones, while bright white light will bring out the cooler tones in the paint color.’ 

Flora Hogg, interior designer and color consultant at Craig & Rose, adds that; ‘by paying attention to the types of bulbs used in your lighting fixtures from downlights, wall lights, pendants, and lamps, you can bend the color to your will.' 

‘I've spoken to many clients often mentioning some paint colors looking colder or bluer even with the curtains drawn, which is frequently due to the use of cool white light bulbs at 4000K+,’ she says. ‘Swapping them out for warm light bulbs at around 2000-3000K makes a room feel more comfortable and warmer as well as the paint color.’  

How to pick the best paint for your lighting

Whenever you are choosing paint colors – be it for your walls, trim, or painting furniture, it is important to swatch first and paint later. 

‘We always recommend bringing home color chips and taping them to walls or painting a sample swatch and viewing it in your desired space at different times of the day, especially if you have natural light in the space,’ says Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr. She adds that it is not just the color you need to pay attention to but the finish as well: 

‘Different paint finishes/sheens can also impact the color appearance in different lighting settings, so it’s helpful to view your desired color in the correct sheen for your space. 

‘For example, a hi-gloss sheen on trim or door will amplify the color and provide more depth with lighting reflecting off the color than the same color in matte on the walls.’ 

FAQs

 Does paint get darker or lighter as it dries?  

Often, a wall paint color will get darker as it dries. This is because the solvent used to keep paint in a liquid state evaporates as it is exposed to air (this allows it to dry and stay on your walls without wiping off). Because of this, it is important always to swatch your paint samples and allow them to dry before deciding on which paint to go for.  

Why does light affect color?  

Light and color are intrinsically linked – you cannot have one without the other, which is why light has such a drastic effect on our paint. Light appears differently depending on its wavelengths. Cooler, bluer light has a longer wavelength than warm-toned light. As such, when these wavelengths of light hit color, they refract differently, making the color appear different to the eye. In short, the light rays bounce off the paint differently, altering its appearance.  

No matter if you pick your paint or your lighting first, remembering that one will have a drastic impact on the other is the best way to make sound decisions when decorating your home 

Color is a powerful tool in interior design, capable of setting the mood of an entire home. While primary and secondary colors are most likely firmly on your radar, have you ever considered including intermediate colors in your decor?

Intermediate colors, otherwise known as tertiary colors, are born from the mix of neighboring primary colors and secondary shades on the color wheel. The result is subtle yet vibrant and brings a subtle burst of color into any space. Tertiary colors are often used in complementary color schemes to accent and make the main, more vibrant tones in your scheme stand out. However, the experts think intermediate colors can (and should) also take center stage.

From creating a harmonious palette to infusing warmth into a room, intermediate colors might just prove to be the unsung heroes of the color wheel. Here, we've spoken to color experts to help us unlock the secrets of decorating with these in-between hues.

What Are Intermediate Colors?

Intermediate colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color that sits adjacent to it on the color wheel. The color wheel includes the three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue, and the three secondary colors, green, orange, and purple (which are formed by combining equal parts of two primary colors). 

Finally, you have the six intermediate (or tertiary) colors, a mix of primary and secondary tones. These are:

- Red-Orange (Coral)

- Yellow-Orange (Mango)

- Yellow-Green (Lime)

- Blue-Green (Aqua/Turquoise)

- Blue-Purple (Iris)

- Red-Purple (Magenta)

Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball, says: 'Bold intermediate colors are an incredible accent for every space. The combination of pigments creates a more nuanced version of the primary color, with more depth and a beautiful reaction to changing light.' They boast a combination of the vibrancy of the primaries with the depth of the secondaries, offering a rich spectrum to decorate with.

'When choosing an accent paint color for the home, you may not want something as expected as primary hue,' says Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr. 'Tertiary colors are great options to add pop and depth to walls as they often feel like they have more personality.'

How To Use Intermediate Colors In Interior Design

Intermediate colors are exceptional tools in color trends due to their ability to bring depth, sophistication, and versatility to a scheme – without overbearing. They offer a nuanced palette that strikes a balance between vibrant and subtle, making them ideal for those who shy away from neon brights but want something a little more than a muted color scheme.

Playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between primaries and neutrals, by bringing intermediate colors into your home you can start to establish a more cohesive palette. Or introduce subtle color pops without overwhelming the space (or you), allowing for a harmonious and refined aesthetic. 

'Intermediate colors provide a diverse range of hues that can add depth and complexity to interior spaces,' explains Ashley McCollum, GLIDDEN® paint by PPG color expert. 'Their harmonious qualities create a sense of unity and offer the opportunity to strike a balance between warm and cool tones. Additionally, layering different shades of intermediate colors through furniture, textiles, and decor can create visual interest and richness.' 

'Since these are a mixture of different colors, keep in mind the potential undertones that come through in different artificial lighting settings and with changing natural light conditions throughout the day,' she advises.

Designers will often leverage these tones as accents. Start by considering your room's purpose, lighting – both natural and artificial – and existing features, flooring, and furnishings and decide whether you want to create focal points by highlighting specific areas, or go bigger and bolder.

With these considerations in mind, you can start to navigate the spectrum of intermediate colors with confidence.

Decide on the look and feel you want to achieve

If your home’s color scheme is feeling a little flat, using intermediate colors can add depth and warmth. For example, incorporating red-orange or yellow-orange tones can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere without the vibrancy of their primary counterparts.

'Keep in mind the mood you want to create in each room when decorating with tertiary colors,' advises Behr's Erika Woelfel. 'Warm hues like red-orange and yellow-orange can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool hues like blue-green and blue-purple can evoke a sense of calm and relaxation.'

'Paint an accent wall in a tertiary color like Desert Coral to create a focal point in a home's entryway area.  Alternatively, you can use a cool tertiary color like Caribe or Sophisticated Teal for a bedroom accent wall behind the bed,' Erika adds. Really consider the look and feel you want your rooms to have.

‘Energetic and social spaces such as kitchens and dining rooms work fantastically well with uplifting, warm, and energized colors,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. 'Intense and rich yellow-oranges will lift the mood, creating a joyful, positive atmosphere.’  

Embrace the power of contrast and don't be afraid to experiment, allowing your personality to shine through, like in fashion designer Pearl Lowe's kitchen seen above, designed by deVOL Kitchens and featuring a mustard yellow statement kitchen island. 'India Yellow is a perfect moody yellow-orange shade, this deep mustard will bring buckets of cheer for a pop of color or in a scheme with a gentle neutral such as Shadow White,' advises Farrow & Balls' Charlotte Cosby.

On the other hand, the blue-green shades can create a sense of calm and connection to nature.  'The beauty of blue-green, even in its brightest of tones, is that it combines wonderfully with other greens, just as in nature, hues of green sit alongside each other harmoniously,' explains Ruth. 'Pair with soft whites for a fresh, uplifting finish.’  

'Yeabridge Green from Farrow & Ball is a fresh, clean green with a yellow undertone that can be used in period and contemporary spaces alike for an energizing and surprisingly cozy atmosphere,' adds Charlotte.

Pair intermediate colors with neutrals for a softer color pop

Intermediate colors will add depth and character to your space, while creating focal points allows you to highlight specific areas for visual interest. Create a palette that balances dominant tones with accents and apply these hues strategically, whether through wood trims, furniture, or decorative elements like rugs and cushions.

'Intermediate colors are the unsung heroes of interior design, seamlessly bridging the gap between bold statements and subtle accents,' explains Tobie Lewis, head of marketing at Valspar. 'Mood-uplifting tones are trending this year – they possess the versatility to elevate any space, offering a harmonious balance that effortlessly ties together diverse elements.'

'Use these colors in your home as accents and pair them with a neutral scheme to create contrast for a harmonious ambience,' advises Tobie. 'Embrace these nuanced hues in your decorating journey, allowing them to whisper sophistication and depth into every corner of your home.'

These subtle tones are ideal for accentuating specific areas or elements in a room and help can draw attention to architectural features, furniture, or decor items.

Combine intermediate colors with complimentary hues

Pairing intermediate colors with complementary colors is a foolproof way to ensure harmony in your scheme. For instance, if you're working with a blue-green intermediate color like in the space by Arteriors seen above, its complementary color, a red-orange, can be incorporated to create a striking contrast. 

'The lovely thing about using an intermediate color is it gives you a ready-made palette which you can use for your accessories and other furniture,' says Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'For example, if you use a teal color such as North Sea Green from Benjamin Moore, you can pair it with both blues and greens for a natural partnership that will work beautifully to give your space a watery, outdoor effect.'

'You can also layer complementary colors (those that sit opposite one another on the color wheel) to add a dash of invigoration,' advises Helen. 'These will bring out the warmer undertones of teal and add visual interest to the room.'

The key is to use complementary colors judiciously, ensuring they complement rather than clash. 'Red walls are a bold choice but can be brought to life with hints of orange,' suggests Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. 'The orange neutralizes the intense redness, making it a great choice to accent door and window frames, as well as entire walls.'

'Blue Maize is a rich blue-violet, and with its sophisticated red undertone, it brings a dash of unexpected warmth to a room, particularly when paired with gentle off-whites and a pop of bold red Romesco from Farrow & Ball,' adds Charlotte Cosby.

Intermediate colors offer the palette for those who seek vibrancy and color, without the brightness of neons and primary hues. From the careful selection of tones to the strategic placement of complementary colors, embracing intermediate colors allows you to go bolder. So, whether you're embarking on an all-out transformation or seeking subtle refinements, let the spectrum of intermediate colors be your starting point.

Want to spruce up your front yard without splashing the cash? There are tons of budget driveway ideas that will instantly create a warmer welcome to your plot. And if you need a little inspiration, we're here to help.

Driveways are a must-have landscaping feature for most, providing a safe and secure place for vehicles right outside the home, as opposed to on the street. But as well as being practical, their aesthetic value should be taken into account too – after all, the best driveway design will boost your curb appeal and make a fabulous first impression on your guests.

But if yours is in need of a makeover, you don't necessarily have to splurge all your savings. With a bit of know-how, there are plenty of affordable ways to upgrade your front yard.

9 inexpensive driveway ideas for improving the front of your plot

'How your driveway works with the rest of your front yard is something you can consider,' says Teresa Conway, deputy gardens editor of Homes & Gardens.

'If your driveway is left neglected then it will bring down the kerb appeal of your space. Therefore a few nip and tucks, along with some well-chosen planting can help with the overall first impression,' she says.

1. Keep on top of maintenance for a welcoming first impression

No matter what driveway updates you go for, keeping them well-maintained is crucial to ensure they always look their best. Plus, it will help them last longer, saving you money in the long term.

Weeding, clearing away fallen leaves, and giving them a good wash with one a pressure washer or an outdoor broom is all it takes. Following up with a sealant can help protect it, too. You'll also want to repair cracks in driveways regularly.

2. Opt for a low-cost ribbon driveway

Ribbon driveways are a perfect inexpensive driveway update. As there is less hard landscaping involved, they are more affordable to install than a fully paved or concreted space. And, it's easy to make them fit the shape of your plot – whether you need them curved or straight.

There is the added benefit that they are more permeable than solid surfaces, meaning they are good for garden drainage. And, we think they look fantastic too. 

You don't have to stick to grass for the center, either. Some people prefer to opt for alternative low-growing hardy plants such as succulents, bugleweed, or pretty Vinca minor with its purple blooms – all of which are great for encouraging wildlife to your plot.

3. Paint your garage doors to complement your home

One of the easiest ways to make a front yard more inviting is to upgrade outdoor spaces and features is with exterior paint. And the door of your garage is no exception. It's a natural focal point for a driveway, so giving it a spruce can have a big impact and add plenty of character to an otherwise simple concrete or asphalt setting.

Paint it a hue that complements the exterior of your home and rest of your garden color scheme, whether that's a glossy black, a soft cream, or perhaps a chic blue-gray such as the gorgeous shade in this setup. Try Behr Premium gray cast eggshell direct to metal paint at The Home Depot.

4. Pep up a plain driveway with edging plants

The best edging plants can transform a drab driveway, offering color and form to the scene. Plus, they'll help to neatly define the space.

Clipped evergreens are one option. While they're a bit of an investment at first, with the right maintenance they'll last for years, so will be well worth it. 

'I like to use plants to soften the edges of hard landscaping. Driveways are functional therefore can look a little bland. Lavender is a lovely option for giving your driveway a bit of harmony with your front yard,' says Teresa Conway.

Alternatively, create a wildflower bed alongside your driveway. All you'll need to do is scatter seeds each year for an explosion of color that bees and butterflies will adore – a super affordable approach that's perfect for a more naturalistic style.

5. Save on electricity with solar lights

Lights are crucial additions to front yards, not just for practicality when night falls but also for upping your plot's security levels.

If you're trying to keep costs down, opting for solar lights for your front yard lighting ideas can be a great option for reducing your electricity bills. 

Motion-activated wall lights are ideal for positioning above garage doors, while stake lights can be pushed into the ground alongside your driveway and nearby paths to illuminate the boundaries of the zone.

6. Break up the space with a statement flowerbed

As well as lining your driveway with edging plants, you could also position a flower bed closer to the house to break up a span of concrete, gravel, or asphalt and soften the overall look.

Plant it up with a large, fast-growing, easy-care shrub, such as a hydrangea, or try ornamental grasses for a more modern look. Spring bulbs make a lovely and low-cost addition, too.

7. Get creative with curves

Introducing curves into your space can be a simple way to add visual appeal and create a more considered, unique look.

Perhaps not workable if you have a small front yard, but if you have a large one, a gently curved driveway may be more appropriate, and interesting, than a straight one – even if it's made of a very simple material. Line it with flowers or taller shrubs and it'll lend a sense of intrigue to your plot as you approach your home. 

Alternatively, opt for a circular driveway with a flowerbed in the center – great for creating a sense of country-classic charm.

8. Sow a stretch of lawn from seed alongside your driveway

Speaking of grass, one of the easiest ways to give your driveway a boost is by contrasting the hard landscaping with a patch of lawn on one or both sides. If you are opting for something simple, such as concrete, the boost of greenery alongside will instantly elevate the view.

Buying and laying turf will give you fast results, but planting grass seed is much more affordable and won't take too long if you do it at the right time of year. 

It's a great way to cover a large stretch of space quickly and cheaply. And for extra appeal, consider digging in a flowerbed or two to fill with vibrant blooms.

9. Lay budget-friendly gravel

Laying gravel for your driveway is one of the most affordable, easy, and practical approaches. Plus, it looks great, complementing all sorts of gardens. And, as demonstrated here, you can plant straight into it to bring more color to your driveway – there are many drought-tolerant picks that will thrive (and won't need much maintenance, either).

Gravel garden driveways are a great option if you are looking to remove the contractor part of the installation process. By opting to use this method, you can dramatically lower the cost of your driveway in comparison to alternative choices.

FAQs

How can I make an inexpensive driveway?

• Install a natural earth driveway: Perhaps the cheapest of all the options is to install a simple and natural earth driveway. Often seen outside country properties or those that are tucked away from civilization, this option incorporates components of compacted earth, achieving a rustic and organic look.
• Consider other options for edging: As well as plants, there are plenty of other garden edging ideas that can be used to define your driveway. Secondhand red bricks, sleepers, large stones, and even glass bottles are all fairly simple to install yourself and won't cost too much.
• DIY where you can: It almost goes without saying that taking care of the bulk of a landscaping project yourself will automatically save on costs in comparison to hiring a pro. But, it is crucial to ensure you know what you're doing first, otherwise you could end up paying more to have it repaired or rebuilt. One of the most important things to consider when building a driveway is driveway drainage solutions – our guide is full of practical tips.

Once you've had a go at sorting out your driveway updates you might turn you eye to your garage. We've got some great advice on organizing a garage to maximise your storage.

There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to transform a space, and certain shades are known for their versatility and universal appeal. It's no secret that neutrals work well in just about any room of the house, while bold accent colors add layers and depth. And over time, the most tried-and-true hues have gained quite the following for their timeless nature and their alignment with recurring color trends.

Whether for ease of use or eye-catching color, certain shades captivate more homeowners than others. We spoke with Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr, about the brand's top 10 all-time best-selling colors, and how to use the hues to elevate your home. Here's all you need to know about these popular paint colors.

Behr's best-selling paint colors

From clean, white paints to deep, moody accents, the Behr best-selling list runs the gamut of classic paint colors. Fit for full walls, finishing details, or outdoor areas, these shades have proven quite popular over the years. Here's what you should know about Behr's top hues.

1. Ultra Pure White

'Ultra Pure White is a clean, pure white that can serve as the backdrop to highlight the textures and structure of a space. The color is a great choice for walls and trim,' says Erika.

Erika suggests pairing Ultra Pure White with other similar shades to achieve a layered space that has depth and interest. If you're looking for a bit more color, she says opting for blue tones with leave a space with a clean coolness, while yellow and orange tones will add some warmth.

The shade acts as the perfect blank slate for a variety of interior design styles. In this entryway, Ultra Pure White walls complement the warm hues of a wooden console table and the pale gray tones of the rug. 

2. Swiss Coffee

'Swiss Coffee is an off-white with subtle yellow undertones that create a creamy, warm base within a space,' says Erika.

Like many white and especially warm white paints, Swiss Coffee's tones shift as a room's lighting changes. In this kitchen, bright lighting allows the color to work perfectly alongside darker accents, like gray appliances and black light fixtures.

'More light exposure will bring out the inviting, warm qualities while dimmer lighting creates a cooler, muted appearance,' says Erika.

3. Dolphin Fin

A timeless neutral, Behr's Dolphin Fin brings understated yet impactful depth and interest to any room. 'Dolphin Fin is a gray that leans slightly warm due to its undertones. It is a popular color choice for both the exterior and interior of homes,' says Erika.

4. French Silver

'French Silver is an elegant cool gray that can be used to make small rooms look bigger. Also, as a mid-gray it can be used on the exterior of homes for classic and modern style,' says Erika.

In this bedroom, the color is used on wall detailing to add an extra layer of dimension. Paired with deep wood tones and lighter neutrals, it provides a sense of calm.

5. Etched Glass

In this bedroom, Behr's shade Etched Glass is paired with warm neutrals and airy sunlight for a fresh yet cozy look. Undeniably blue yet still relatively neutral, the shade is best used for creating soothing spaces,' says Erika.

'Etched Glass is a frosty blue with hints of gray that creates a relaxing atmosphere. The color suits rooms that are designated spaces to unwind like a bathroom or bedroom setting.'

6. Adirondack Blue

'Adirondack Blue is a sophisticated, slate blue that evokes feelings of the outdoors. The pop of blue is a popular choice for small accents whether it's cabinets, built-ins, or one wall in a bedroom. Adirondack Blue pairs well with natural elements like wood and stone as well as other neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray,' explains Erika.

This living room utilizes the deep, cool shade to bring a fireplace accent wall to life, a pop of color in an otherwise clean, neutral space. The wooden coffee table and stools, plus outdoorsy views, offer perfect examples of the natural, organic elements that work beautifully alongside this shade.

7. Black

'Black is beautiful and pure in its timeless simplicity. For those looking to experiment with this bold color choice, consider trying the shade on an exterior door, accent wall, or fireplace to add drama. Using the color in a matte or eggshell finish will soften the dark appearance. Opt for this color if you are looking for a true black color with no undertones,' suggests Erika.

Decorating with black works best when painting small details, but can also be used to make a large statement in just about any room – take, for example, this sophisticated kitchen design. Paired with bright white and metal fixtures, these black cabinets define the space.

8. Brook Green

'Brook Green is a gentle sage green that pairs wells with creamy whites like Swiss Coffee and Silky White. As it is less intense than a true green paint, it serves as a nice accent color in a neutral color scheme. The soothing nature of the color makes it a great choice for a bedroom or living room,' advises Erika.

A minimalistic pop of color, Brook Green can be accessorized with wooden furnishings, neutral-toned materials, and house plants. This calming bathroom employs the shade for a fresh yet laid-back space.

9. Dark Everglade

One of the list's boldest hues, Dark Everglade exudes depth and sophistication. In this dining room, it serves as a beautiful backdrop for a small collage of black-and-white photographs and a tall antique cabinet.

'Dark Everglade is a rich, deep green that creates a moody ambiance within a space. Choose a high-gloss sheen to lean into a glamorous style or pair it with natural elements to incorporate more of a traditional feel. This color would be a perfect choice for a study or sitting room where you are looking for an extra touch of elegance,' suggests Erika.

10. Dark Crimson

In this classic bathroom, Behr's Dark Crimson pairs with bright white accents and organic touches – including an outdoor view. But the shade also works alongside similar hues.

'Dark Crimson is a scarlet red hue that can be paired with other colors within the red family to create a chic, monochromatic look. To create a feeling of opulence within a space, choose an emerald or deep indigo hue to style with the deep, red hue. The color can work nicely on the exterior door of a home as an accent or coating the walls of a dining room,' says Erika.

This diverse range of hues has led the pack over at Behr, and it's easy to see why. Filled with plenty of neutrals, plus pops of dark, sophisticated hues, this list of best-selling shades will likely keep its popularity for many years to come.

With so much appeal surrounding warm schemes in the world of interior design, we're continuing to see homeowners embrace warm colors in place of previously popular cool tones. While there are endless warm hues to choose from, terracotta has been a standout this year.

Terracotta can be classed as a neutral but with more depth to it than traditional hues in this color family. Derived from earthy tones, terracotta has notes of pink, brown, and orange and brings instant warmth to the home whilst nodding to warmer climates. 

With so many variations of terracotta to choose from, we spoke to interior designers to learn more about this color, as well as rounding up their favorite paint ideas to help you bring this vibrant color trend into your home decor ideas. 

What is terracotta and why is it so popular? 

'Terracotta is so on trend for 2024 because it has a wonderful, earthy feel that pairs beautifully with soft, warm neutral colors,' says interior designer Nicole Cullum, founder of Color Caravan. 'Terracotta is a blend of red and orange that mixes to form a beautiful deep, ruddy brown.'

'These robust desert colors can lean more orange or red depending on the mix. I prefer terracottas that fall more into the deep brown and red spectrum, rather than the fiery oranges for interiors because they feel more grounded in the space,' continues Nicole.

Interior designer Tyson Ness, founder of Studio Ness adds that terracotta hues work well with lots of interior design styles: 'Terracotta tones are a great way to introduce a warm tone to the space that works well with almost all color palettes. This earthy hue is very balancing for a space and can be blended in with many colors and styles.'

When it comes to decorating the rest of the room around a standout terracotta shade, Nicole advises opting for warm white paints: 'When pairing a strong color like terracotta, make sure to balance it with a light, warm white that doesn’t read too yellow, pink or gray. Your wall color needs to have a very minimal touch of warmth to it because terracotta will enhance any oranges, yellows, or pinks in your wall color and also clash with cool grays.'

6 of the best terracotta paints

Ranging from muted versions to much richer and darker hues, below, we've rounded up six of the best terracotta paints used by interior designers to create an energetic and on-trend look for 2024.

1. Byzantine, Benjamin Moore

For interior designer Kathy Kuo, her go-to terracotta paint choices are Benjamin Moore's Byzantine and Persimmon. 'Byzantine is a more traditional warm terracotta color with rustic brown undertones; it reads as a true earth tone and is easy to pair with other warm neutrals, as well as wabi sabi-inspired decor and an organic modern style.'

2. Persimmon, Benjamin Moore

'Persimmon, on the other hand, has lovely rose-colored undertones that give it a distinctively feminine vibe,' continues Kathy. 'I like to think of this color as a more earthy and understated response to the popularity of the color pink in the past year. Pair this one with blush or taupe upholstery, rose gold decorative accents, and plenty of luxe textures, like velvet and linen.'

3. Red Earth, Farrow & Ball

'For that classic tone, you can’t go wrong with Red Earth from Farrow & Ball,' suggests Tyson Ness. If you're more drawn to muted colors, Red Earth is a good choice for a terracotta scheme as it can feel slightly less daunting than more saturated variations of this color trend. 

4. Kalahari Sunset, Behr

'Behr offers a diverse range of terracotta paints, catering to a spectrum of hues. On the darker, more rustic side, Kalahari Sunset stands out as a favorite,' says Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr. 

'Decorating with terracottas can bring warmth, earthiness, and a touch of nature to your space. I recommend pairing Kalahari Sunset with complementary colors like muted greens such as Park Bench or neutrals like Even Better Beige. These combinations can enhance that warm, inviting feel of terracotta while creating a balanced, cohesive look.'

5. Georgian Leather, Glidden

Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden recommends using Georgian Leather for your terracotta decor. 'This saturated, earthy hue is a great choice for a gathering space like the living room. Balance the boldness of this shade with a mix of muted teals and neutral elements to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing design.'

6. Fired Brick, Sherwin-Williams

'My favorite Sherwin-Williams terracotta color is Fired Brick,' says Nicole Cullum. 'It has a beautiful mix of brown and red, with a slight hint of orange for a bold, earthy saturated feel with a touch of fire to it. These adobe colors look amazing on cabinetry with barely-there linen white wall colors like Sherwin-Williams' Downy, or Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White.'

In 2024, we expect to see colors like terracotta continue to be embraced. It's the perfect hue to create warmth in the home, and with so many variations to choose from, you can adapt this trend to best suit your decor style. 

Decorating with black is a bold move. The darkest of all colors, black is guaranteed to create a statement look when used in home decor. Embracing these types of dramatic hues is a key trend we've seen this year, with homeowners and designers seeking to create spaces that feel encapsulating, sophisticated, and cozy.

While there are many paint options for decorating with black, Sherwin-Williams' Black Magic is a standout hue; a warm-toned black that brings drama to any decor scheme. 'Black Magic is an enigmatic paint color that offers a unique take on classic black,' says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

'Distinguished from a true, neutral black, Black Magic possesses a subtle yellow undertone that adds a hint of warmth and depth to its character. This shade combines the profound allure of black with a touch of warmth, making it an excellent choice for those seeking depth, sophistication, and a hint of coziness in their color palette.'

What are the best ways to decorate with Black Magic? 

Despite being a bold color trend, there are many different ways to decorate with Black Magic. Whether you want to fully embrace this paint idea for a dramatic look, or use it as an accent hue for a more subtle look, there are many options to consider. Below, we've rounded up five of the best ways to decorate with this daring hue, to give you some ideas for creating moody and elegant black room ideas. 

1. Create an opulent space

When styled in the right way, Black Magic can create a space that feels sophisticated and timeless. You can create this feeling of grandeur in any room, but the entryway is a great place to start. 'I'd use it for creating drama in a foyer or adding a chic touch by painting all the doors black,' says interior designer Bethany Adams.

Interior designer Kathy Kuo also recommends this opulent look, and makes some simple styling suggestions: 'Offset the dark color with plenty of rich textures like bouclé, velvet, and leather, and be sure to add eye-catching wall art pieces in lighter color combinations so that they really pop.'

Another advantage to embracing this hue is that it has a warmth to it so you can be sure the space won't result in feeling too harsh. 'As far as black paints go, Black Magic is a fairly warm paint color,' says Kathy. 'It works well for a space that you plan to make feel warm and cozy with dark academia-inspired pieces or even dark cottagecore and grandpa chic motifs.'

2. Make smaller rooms feel more cozy

'Sherwin-Williams Black Magic is the perfect color to help bring some drama to any room,' says interior designer Luis Carmona. 'Because of its darker shade, which is not quite pure black, Black Magic can be used in a smaller-sized room like a powder room or laundry room to help open up the space.'

'Contrary to popular belief, a shade of black can also make a room appear larger as much as its white paint counterpart. While it is not as common to paint a smaller room a dark color, it has become increasingly popular due to its ability to not only make the room appear larger but also act as a design element that drapes the entire room.'

3. Aid relaxation in the bedroom

Black Magic can also work as an effective paint choice in the bedroom, aiding in creating a dark space that can help with relaxation, as Luis Carmona explains: 'Black Magic is also the perfect shade to use in bedrooms where you want it to be dark. The darker shade will help absorb the light, making the room naturally darker, perfect for any room designated for movie-watching. Most would consider using black paint as gloomy and dark, but in reality, the darker shades have been known to help with sleep and relaxation. The darker color provides support to blackout curtains or other design elements put in place to help block out the light.'

4. Go bold with statement walls

For the ultimate statement look with Black Magic, consider painting all four walls of a room in the home, such as the living room or dining room. While this will no doubt bring the drama, opt to add lighter-toned accessories to balance the space. 

'I know black can be intimidating but I would recommend homeowners to not be afraid of it,' says Sue Wadden. 'While black can shrink a space, if you work in lighter and brighter colors to the rest of the space through accents, art, and furniture, it can feel illuminating. Although painting all four walls in black is a bold choice, they can serve as a stunning backdrop for many different styles if done right.'

5. Use as an accent hue

Lastly, if you're more inclined towards a more subtle way of decorating with Black Magic, you can equally use it as an accent color in any room of the home. This could include painting the trims of a room, as Bethany Adams suggests: 'Even builder-grade millwork will get a boost from this bold hue.'

Or, if you're considering decorating with this color in your kitchen ideas, opt to use it on kitchen cabinets, as Sue Wadden recommends: 'This color is also a great choice as an accent color to add a touch of elegance, like on kitchen cabinets. Black Magic also works beautifully with natural wood tones, earthy textures, and crisp whites, creating a space that feels both grounded and elevated.'

If you're feeling inspired to embrace black in your home decor ideas, you can be certain it will result in a space that feels opulent and timeless. To give you some more inspiration, consider what colors go with black to complete the rest of your decor scheme. 

Do you want to know what the professionals use for decorating? These are the best paint brands chosen by interior designers along with their reasons for selecting them.

There’s a wide choice of paint brands on offer when you begin an interiors project in your home and assessing which is the pick of the bunch can be tough. But who better to ask about the quality of paint finishes along with factors such as the range of colors, durability, ease of application, and more?

Whether you’re painting a room yourself or bringing in a contractor to do the job, you can follow the designers’ lead with this guide.

5 best paint brands: chosen by interior designers

When you’re embarking on a room refresh, using paint that will bring great results is a must. A high-quality paint will offer great coverage and depth of color and stay looking its very best for longer. 

Specifying paint that delivers on every count is part of the decisions interior designers make every day, so we asked them to divulge what the best paint brands are and these are their insights.

Benjamin Moore

Interior designer and architect Michael Dolatowski is a fan of Benjamin Moore. ‘Benjamin Moore is my go-to paint brand,’ he says. ‘Their design tools are super useful for a wide range of projects. I absolutely love the lighting feature on their website. It’s such a great way to help clients understand the depth, range, and life of color and why it’s so important to sample in the actual space. They also have such a robust range of colors I always feel I can find the right fit for my project no matter the emotion I’m trying to convey.’

Michael has some current preferences, too. ‘My favorite colors at the moment are: Berber White for a deep and stone-like white that blends incredibly well with earth tones and organic neutrals. 

‘Navy Masterpiece paired with walnut furniture and black glazed ceramic finish creates a very sexy moody space. 

‘Weekend Getaway is the most peaceful mid-tone green and clients love it.

‘Conch Shell is a fresh take on pink, an almost pencil-eraser color that can play supporting and lead roles. 

‘Dark Basalt is a color that I've been working into my projects for a while now. Try it as the finish on a custom piece of furniture like a coffee table instead of black for more depth and dimension.’

Leah Ring, principal of LA-based interior design firm Another Human, also prefers Benjamin Moore. ‘Our design process at Another Human is very color driven and we love Benjamin Moore paint in our office for the wide range of colors and the number of bright, saturated colors they offer,’ she says. 

‘The color range is very comprehensive so we can achieve soft, bold, or moody palettes all with the same paint brand which ensures a consistent quality throughout a project.’

Behr

Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla, also likes Benjamin Moore, but he also favors Behr as a paint brand. ‘In both my residential and commercial projects, my go-to paint brands are Benjamin Moore and Behr,’ he says. ‘They not only offer an extensive range of colors but also have great quality and performance, not to mention amazing customer feedback and reviews. 

‘Behr paints have a resilience that withstands the daily wear and tear of household life, making it a top choice on projects for our clients with kids and (or) pets. Their range of finishes, from matte paint to glossy paint, allows us to tailor the paint to the specific needs of each space, be it an overly bright living room or a moisture-prone bathroom.’

Farrow & Ball

Interior designer Artem Kropovinsky selects Farrow & Ball as one of the best paint brands. ‘Farrow & Ball gives any space an air of sophistication by providing it with a depth and richness in its palette,’ he says.

‘Specifically, their darker colors, such as Hague Blue and Railings, offer a dramatic atmosphere, ideal for accent walls or statement rooms. These colors do not only provide visual appeal but also form a setting against which art and furniture stand out. 

‘The amazing aspect of Farrow & Ball paint is its coverage: impressive pigmentation, which translates into fewer coats for a lush and smooth result. Saving time is among the features of the product that not only makes it attractive but also ensures that even a DIY lover can get professional results.’

Ecos Paints

Looking for a paint brand that emphasizes eco-friendliness. ‘I cannot say enough good things about Ecos Paints,’ says Thomas Borcherding, lead designer and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. 

‘Ecos Paints are non-toxic and have zero VOCs, ensuring you and your family maximize your health. They even have a paint line that absorbs VOCs. Their color selection is both modern and future-proof at the same time, and their pricing is fair. I strongly recommend ordering samples from them at the very least.’

JH Wall Paints

Looking for limewash? Michael Dolatowski likes JH Wall Paints. ‘They are great for limewash paints,’ he says. ‘They provide interior exterior, primer, and sealer to pull off this desirable finish. Although it’s certainly trendy, limewash paint has been around since Roman times so I think we can put it firmly into the timeless category. 

‘JH wall paints come out so beautifully matte in finish and they handle light almost like suede. We love it, especially on curved surfaces. I’ve been using 105 over 104 for a very natural and soothing stone-like finish. Also, try the 150 over 152 with white accents and styling for an unexpected and undeniably cool environment.’

FAQs

As well as choosing high-quality paint, it’s vital to be sure of the right technique for painting a wall to ensure good results. If it’s color inspiration you need, living room paint ideas, bedroom paint ideas, dining room paint ideas, and bathroom paint ideas can all be a great starting point. And if you have leftovers from a project, be sure to dispose of paint safely.

The living room, often the heart of the home is a social space that is designed for relaxing and entertaining guests in equal measure. When it comes to choosing the best paint colors to adopt in the living room, it can be difficult to know where to start.

While it's important to opt for a color palette that is personal to you and reflects your own interior taste, it's also important to choose colors that feel happy and promote an uplifting feel, somewhat setting the mood for the rest of the home.

Fear not: happy living room colors do not just mean bright and bold hues, there are in fact a whole host of unexpected colors that will make the living room feel happy, according to the design and color experts.

For 2025, we explore the colors that will make your living room happy in our dedicated piece.

5 colors to make a living room feel happier

Whether you prefer muted hues or enjoy injecting a splash of playful color into your living room decor, experts explain how these colors can boost your mood whilst looking timeless in the home.

We've rounded up the five best living room color ideas that are guaranteed to create a happy feel.

1. Warm oranges and corals

'Adding a splash of color to the living room doesn’t need to be daunting,' says Benjamin Moore's director of color marketing Helen Shaw. 'Warm and earthy tones such as terracotta and coral will naturally bring a zest and sense of energy to a room.'

It may seem like a bold choice, but decorating with orange and coral hues in the living room will no doubt uplift the home. Orange hues are known to signify positivity and experts recommend them for their energizing qualities.

'If you’re looking for a mood-boosting color, brighter shades can feel dynamic and bring more energy into a space,' agrees Behr's color expert Erika Woelfel.

When finding the perfect orange-toned hue, opting for a muted and earthy variation will make styling the rest of the room around this shade easier while still benefitting from the color's unique uplifting quality. Woelfel recommends Behr's Amber Brew or Orange Flambe as a starting point.

2. Soft pinks

For a warming and cozy feel, opting for a pink living room is an excellent choice. While you may find the hot pinks associated with the Barbiecore trend too daring, earthy shades of pink are just as effective in creating a balanced yet happy feel.

'For somewhere to switch off, read a book on your squishy sofa, or catch up on your favorite drama, look to an earthy pink for your walls,' suggests color consultant at Farrow & Ball Patrick O'Donnell. 'Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster is just the ticket with its delicate brown notes and utterly soothing feel.'

3. Uplifting yellows

When we think about happy colors and dopamine decor, yellow tends to be the color that comes to mind first. While it can be seen as a difficult hue to integrate into home decor thanks to its boldness, color experts suggest that with the right styling, yellow can work really well in the living room, and is of course guaranteed to create a happy feel.

'Yellows are known to lift a mood and evoke a feeling of warmth and joy,' says Shaw. 'For something a little more trend-led, consider painting just one wall in a bright yellow and then a tonal hue or white for the upper wall which will keep the space feeling fresh and open.'

If you're not convinced to fully commit to decorating with yellow in the living room, Shaw suggests instead using this vivid hue as a more subtle accent color: 'Alternatively, use this happy color as an accent or highlight architectural features for a more subtle approach.'

4. Earthy greens

Decorating with green may sound bold, but there's a whole spectrum of shades to choose from. It's a color that's strongly associated with nature, and it's well known that having links to nature in the home creates a happier feeling and lifts the mood. With so many variations of the color green to choose from, experts agree that dark forest greens and soft, muted hues will both create the same happy feeling. O'Donnell also recommends pairing green colors with a soft shade of white for the best result.

'To give the room a nice counterbalance try Card Room Green on all your woodwork – doors, skirting, and windows – and then choose a nuanced white for your ceiling, nothing too sharp. Shadow White would be a perfect balance for the main colors,' suggests O'Donnell.

For a more subtle approach to decorating with green in the living room, Ashley McCollum, color expert at PPG's Glidden suggests using muted pistachio hues that she notes work very well in rooms that are lacking in natural light, such as Glidden's Whispering Pine.

5. Classic neutrals

For those who are more inclined towards minimalist interior decor, experts agree that decorating with neutrals can be equally effective in creating a happy feel in the living room. Choosing pared-back colors as a base for the room means you can be more experimental with other decor elements throughout the room, and sets a relaxed and calming atmosphere that's key to feeling happy.

McCollum is an advocate for choosing understated neutrals in the living room, explaining: 'A lighter hue like Limitless provides a fresh and energizing take on a neutral color. This color adds brightness to the deep, warm, and cool tones of the season.'

To complete the look, McCollum advises that 'gold or bronze finishes pair beautifully with neutral shades.'

Q&As

There's no doubt that color affects our mood, so when designing your living room it's important to carefully consider your paint colors based on the mood you want to create. For a happy living room, it's all about having fun with the colors that bring you the most joy, so have fun with creating a colorful living room to ensure a positive outcome.

Martha Stewart has never been one to shy away from controversy (who else could appear in Sports Illustrated at 82 and pull it off?). Still, she is widely considered a maven of good taste in the home interior space. 

Martha's anti-trend stance on home decor allows her to make even that which appears unfashionable chic and timeless again. So, to color trends. 

Recently, the lifestyle guru took to Instagram to announce her approval of Behr's 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper. The shade is a dark charcoal color akin to the hue of peppercorns. It is available in multiple finishes. Some lamented the color choice, but most, including our design experts and the Martha Stewart Show host herself, are embracing this dark shade in the coming year.

Martha Stewart announced Behr's 2024 Color of the Year with the statement, 'Get ready to embrace the dark side.' 

She included a quote from Erika Woelfel, the Vice President of Color at Behr Paint stating, 'The moment now is about optimism, awakening the senses, and elevating how you feel – and a room with a soft black really checks the box on all of those things.' 

Martha goes on to say that the  paint is both 'moody' and 'versatile.'

Black paint is somewhat of a lightning rod in the design community. The paint color is generally considered 'brave' and included on 'colors to never use in your living room' lists. However, Behr Paint's announcement of this color of the year combined with the approval of Martha and other knowledgeable interior design experts indicates that we should no longer be scared of the dark paint hue. This color trend is here to stay.

'My thoughts on color schemes incorporating black paint are that they can be very dramatic and moody, and even warm. There’s something about the color that envelops you and feels very insular,' says Alexa d'Argencé, Senior Interior Designer at BAR Architects & Interiors. 

The mood of black paint, she indicates, is all about the surrounding decor. 'Lighting feels really warm against the color' says Alexa, 'I could see a dramatic wallpaper feeling great in a space with black walls also.'

Color and paintwork expert Goodell David admires the effects that dark paints like Cracked Pepper can have on a space. He says, 'I think a black color scheme is very sophisticated and elegant, as well as versatile and timeless.' 

Goodell continues about the Behr Paint color of the year, 'Cracked pepper is a soft black that can create a dramatic and cozy atmosphere in any room, as well as contrast well with other colors and materials. It can also add some depth and dimension to our space, as well as reflect light and create some shimmer and shine.'

Though introducing it requires some skill and forethought, black paint is a stylish and versatile paint trend that will be appearing everywhere in 2024.

Color of the Year season is well and truly upon us in the world of interior design, a time when we lean into the expertise of color specialists for their predictions on the shades that will dominate color trends in the coming months. Behr is the latest esteemed paint company to announce its forecast, confirming ‘Cracked Pepper’ as the hue to take pride of place as 2024’s Color of the Year. 

Cracked Pepper is described as a ‘versatile soft black’, designed to promote the comforting effects dark colors can evoke in the home, as well as its ability to make a sophisticated statement. ‘As we look into 2024, creating a sense of comfort and belonging will continue to drive design decisions – but now, as life returns to its more familiar rhythms, it’s time to allow our senses to come alive,’ says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company.

The California paint company conducted research on dark paint colors, concluding that three-quarters of Americans would consider opting to paint a room a dark color. Although often applauded for its ability to bring warmth and coziness to a room, opting to decorate a room with a dark-colored palette can just as much create a loud statement for the more adventurous among us. 

‘We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces,' says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr Paint Company. ‘Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project.’

Cracked Pepper has been carefully designed by color experts to respond to the uplift in the desire to go bold with color in the home, created for both interior designers and homeowners alike to elevate spaces and establish confidence whilst expressing individuality.

How To Use Cracked Pepper In Your Home

Praised for its versatile nature, Cracked Pepper can be used in a range of different spaces and across many interior design styles. ‘From heightening the aromas of a dining room to feeling the softness of a living area, Cracked Pepper enhances the natural expression in any space,’ explains Erika Woelfel.

Decorating all walls in a room with Cracked Pepper is guaranteed to make a statement and will aid in creating a cocoon-like feel, ideal for a spaces such as cozy living room ideas as pictured above. On the other hand, you can opt to use the shade more sparingly, perhaps as a feature wall in the bedroom balanced with neutral shades, or used as an accent color to bring a touch of sophistication. 

Either way, dark hues such as Cracked Pepper can elevate your home with a refined and elegant look for 2024, one that nods to the understated beauty of quiet luxury.

FAQs

We would be forgiven for overlooking the power of neutrals – however, as the failsafe basis for both timeless and contemporary designs, these hues deserve a moment of recognition. And Nate Berkus is here to ensure they get the appreciation they deserve. 

The designer, along with his husband (and TV counterpart) Jeremiah Brent, has spent two decades mastering the art of layered neutrals – creating spaces as elegant as they are cohesive and sophisticated. It was inevitably only a matter of time, therefore, that the question arose, which neutrals are his favorite? Well, stop everything because our color prayers have finally been answered. 

'I’m very flattered that a lot of you have been reaching out and asking me what are my go-to paint colors when I’m painting a neutral room. Are you guys ready? Because here they are, once and for all, I’m sharing the swatches that I use most often,' he says via Instagram.

Nate begins with Benjamin Moore – sharing Alabaster, Swiss Coffee, Smokey Taupe, and Snowfall White are his favorites. 

'Portola is another paint company I use all the time, and they have two colors that I absolutely love: Saint Sauvant and the second is called Lisbon⁣, which is a greeny gray, and that’s the real name. It’s a beautiful color, and we use it in the kids’ bathroom.'

Of Nate's favorites, most don't qualify as a stark white – but, instead, have warmer undertones that create a comforting base that complement any other hued furnishings. However, should we desire a brighter white option, Nate points us to Clare Paint’s Fresh Kicks (and their white-green tone Flatiron) in his caption.

For yet more color design inspiration, Nate and Jeremiah previously sat down with H&G to discuss neutrals' eternal influence on design. At the time, Nate also noted that Behr's Even Better Beige was a stand-out when decorating with beige – but all these colors are versatile enough to work in rooms of all shapes and sizes. 

'What I love about neutrals is that they provide the perfect backdrop to then make the room what you want it to be,' he says. 

'Whether that’s bringing in a certain design style or color scheme, a neutral palette literally provides a blank canvas. I’m not the hugest fan of bright paint colors or accent walls; rather, experiment by painting niches, like shelving.' 

This is our cue to get creative with our shelving while refreshing our walls – and whichever of Nate's favorites we choose, we're almost certain we can't go wrong. 

After a dramatic life event – be it your children flying the nest, a breakup, or a new job – our homes become the best place to seek refuge, rest, and recuperate to avoid stress. But how we decorate our spaces can have a huge impact on how well this works for us – and there are some vital colors to avoid painting your home after big life changes, experts warn.

Between avoiding the most stressful colors, and picking the most relaxing colors for rest, color therapy can drastically alter how we process changes in our everyday lives and could make the difference between sailing through your troubles and being bogged down in anxiety. 

Here, top paint experts have shared the five colors to avoid painting your home after big life changes if you want your home to be a sanctuary.

Colors to avoid after big life changes 

Working out your new decorating ideas when you are weighed down with stress can lead to rash decisions and unhelpful thinking patterns. Luckily, there are several mood-boosting hues that color therapists urge you to use after a big life change instead. Here’s what to avoid, and what to use in its place.

1. Avoid red when you’re experiencing heartbreak or grief

When struggling with heartbreak and grief, it is often recommended that you spend time with yourself to rest, recuperate and slow down – and our homes are the perfect place to do this. When focusing on self-care, however, it is best to avoid overstimulating, stressful colors, such as decorating with red, or decorating with yellow to avoid ‘overwhelming a fragile heart,’ says Marianne Shillingford, color expert and creative director at Dulux – ‘unless you want to distract yourself or party through the pain,’ she adds. 

Instead, it is a good idea to add some stability to your home, giving yourself some space to breathe with tranquil colors such as green, suggests Patrick O’Donnell, color expert and international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball.

‘You won’t put a foot wrong if you want to create a restful environment by finding a perfect mid-green, not too clean but not too drab either. You can team it with a gentle gray, such as Farrow & Ball’s French Gray which will work beautifully in any room, or pair it with the softest Wimborne White as a perfect trim and/or ceiling color for a soft space.’

2. Stay away from neutrals when the children have left home

Children leaving home can drastically change the dynamics of a household. If you are looking to transform your old teenager's bedrooms into more usable spaces, then it can help to avoid picking stark white or neutral colors to prevent removing all personality from the room, or making them feel like a hotel room, Marianne Shillingford, color expert says. 

Rather, you should seize this challenge and take the opportunity to show your kids just how daring you still are,’ Marianne recommends. ‘For sure, it can be a sad time, but when you are ready for a fresh start to the next exciting chapter in your life, you can try decorating with blue. The perfect colors to refill your nest with are rich ocean shades of teal, navy, and sky blues – these shades are both bold but calming, perfect for a time of transition.’ 

3. Find alternatives to gray when you’ve started a new job

When starting a new job, whether you have moved house or are shaking up your routine after feeling stuck, it is important to use some of the most motivating colors – especially in home offices, and avoid subdued tones like grays and cool neutrals ‘which are not so great for boosting mood and self-confidence when you need it most,’ Marianne Shillingford, color expert says.

Patrick O’Donnell, color expert instead recommends using bright, bold tones and playing with yellow room ideas, for example. 

‘Bright shades like yellow help to recharge the batteries,’ he says. ‘Nothing says sunshine more than a cheering yellow, and whilst painting a whole room can feel like too much commitment, consider flipping the convention and use it on your woodwork for a nod to optimistic cheer!’

4. Keep it neutral when you’ve just moved house

Moving house has been declared one of the most stressful life experiences we all live through, so it can again help to avoid decorating your new space with bright, eccentric colors right off the bat. 

Instead, it can be a good idea to opt for decorating with neutrals, such as a warm-toned cream or white, to help you settle into the new house to avoid making big design decisions under pressure, suggests Erika Woelfel, Behr’s VP of color and creative services.

‘When it comes to big life changes, Blank Canvas, a soothing warm white, is the perfect fit – it is a color of renewal and fresh starts,’ she says. ‘Blank canvas is the ultimate solution for someone looking for a color with the transformative power that will leave a clean and optimistic background for limitless possibilities.

‘Swiss Coffee, Spanish Sand, or Perfect Taupefrom Behr are also wonderfully relaxed neutral shades that give a warm, relatable feeling amid life changes. They also offer flexibility for you to play with and ultimately transform a space from a place of rest to creativity.’

5. Be wary of red if you’ve just got married

The chances are that you have already been living with your partner for a while before getting married, but your wedding can be a massive life change in and of itself that can spark a desire to redecorate your home. When working on bedroom ideas for couples, Marianne Shillingford, a color expert suggests avoiding red. Although touted as the color of passion, there can easily be too much of a good thing, she warns:

‘Red is the most stimulating color, and you have to use it carefully. Too much of a good thing sometimes isn’t so good, and passion can flare both ways when you’re going through big life changes. While you may well have more fun in a red bedroom, red in a living room or kitchen may be too overpowering, so I recommend that newlyweds stick to cooler tones in their living spaces to retain that post-marital bliss.’

Named the most beautiful color for a room, toning down red hues and using pink or pastel shades is a more suitable alternative Helen Shaw of Benjamin Moore continues. 

‘Color drenching and blocking is a perfect method to bring these shades to life. For instance, soft pastel hues such as sage greens and romantic blush pinks or lilacs pair beautifully and are a perfect entry point for adding a subtle layer of calmness into the home whilst looking fresh and optimistic.’

Why color makes such a difference after a big life change

We may not immediately think of repainting our homes when our life seems to be up in the air, so to speak, but how we use color and paint have drastic impacts on our mood and redecorating can be a great form of alternative therapy, suggests Laurie Pressman, VP at Pantone Color Institute. 

‘Color influences us both psychologically as well as physiologically,’ they begin. ‘As a part of our psychic development, color is tied to our emotion as well as our intellect, this means that every color holds meaning, whether we consciously think about it or not. Some of these associations and feelings we may inherently sense, while others can be learned by association and/or conditioning – such as red being danger and green being nature. This then enables us to recognize the messages and meanings delivered which has an effect, ultimately, on how we feel.’ 

As a result, switching up your paint ideas can be a wonderful way to heal.  

FAQs

Painting intuitively and working with colors that you know help to relax you and cheer you up is the best way to work when decorating after a big life change. Always use colors that don't hold any negative connotations in your life, using paint trends and the expert's knowledge as guidance, but never law, when creating a relaxing space for you.

Netflix's Selling Sunset has just returned for new series – meaning we, once again, have access to the most luxurious homes around Los Angeles. However, despite their millionaire price tag, some key design lessons from these properties can translate to any size or style of home – starting with our paint choices. 

Whether we're looking to sell or not, the power of our paint is no secret – but while some tones are perfect for our interiors – Jason Oppenheim, founder of The Oppenheim Group, explains that the opposite is true for front door colors. And vice versa.

Inside, it is better to choose 'softer, organic colors' – such as versatile neutrals – that are anything but provocative. 'I often see aggressive colors on the wall, like dark burgundy or black. It’s these aggressive, sharper colors that I think are a big mistake,' Jason says. 

'When selling a house, you want to go with softer, organic colors. You don’t want to go with something that one person might love – but a color that nobody will hate.'

Jason's love for decorating with neutrals perhaps comes as no surprise – since they are the ones he uses in his own homes. He recently collaborated with Behr to use their Designer Collection in his recent penthouse renovation (and you can shop for his top picks below). However, when it comes to curb appeal – Jason's color choices are notably more daring. 

I think you can have fun with the front doors. I have sold many homes with many colors on their front doors – and when it’s on the listing, agents will refer to the house as '‘the one with the red front door'’ – or whatever color it is.'

'I think you can go bolder. I’ve seen black, blue, and red are notably popular colors. And I think, for the right house, red, blue, and even yellow pop. I really like red on the front door if you have a home that is cute, charming, or traditional. I’m pretty open to front-door colors.' 

Before rushing to paint our doors red, however, Jason adds that, if we're selling your property, we may want to 'play it a bit safer', however, in many cases, using vibrant exterior paint will pay off. So, especially if you're staying in your house, it's time to 'have some fun with it.' And we're not about to argue with Jason Oppenheim.

You can shop for Jason-approved neutrals (for your interiors) below. 

When the 'Best Real Estate Agent in the United States' offers selling advice – we take note – especially when it concerns the first room buyers see when they enter your home. 

An entryway's power to clinch a sale is no secret – but the founder of The Oppenheim Group (and star of Netflix's Selling Sunset and Selling the OC) reminded us just how impactful, negatively and positively, your styling decisions can be in this space – starting, not least, with paint colors. 

'An entryway can allow for different palettes, but I will play it safe and go with white. You don't want to shock people when you come in,' Jason says in an exclusive interview with H&G. 

The real estate mogul sat down with us to share his entryway color ideas after using Behr's Designer Collection paints in a recent penthouse renovation. This introduced him to the power of finding the right hue – and how to create the right first impression with color. 'You want to have a calming presence,' Jason says. This is true in all rooms – but vital when creating an impression on those who pass through your home.'

Like many soft neutrals in the Designer Collection palette, white's tranquil and reassuring aesthetic gets Jason's approval. White, he says, can boost your entryway's appeal in more ways than one.

'Sometimes, entryways can be narrow, so white will make yours feel like a more expansive space,' Jason says. If you're working with a small entryway – or any compact area – Jason recommends decorating with neutrals or off-whites that will emphasize its size without impacting its style. 

'In my penthouses, I chose Tranquil Gray, Even Better Beige, and Blank Canvas. They are softer, tranquil colors,' he says. 'When you’re looking to sell a place or honestly looking to live somewhere, you just want some peace. I like my home to be a tranquil environment. I like softer, mild, organic colors.' 

You can shop for these shades via The Home Depot below.

Neutral room ideas are a timeless way to welcome and impress potential buyers and guests alike – but as Jason explains – we don't need to avoid vibrant colors altogether. They do, according to the agent, have a place – but should be used with caution.

'It’s nice to have an accent color, but not an aggressive accent. If you’re selling a super funky house and that’s the style, you can get away with it,' he says. 'There are some houses that allow for it, but you need to be very careful. If you’re not a professional designer, you’re entering dangerous territory.'

When in doubt – follow Jason's lead – and enjoy neutral's power far beyond SoCal.

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are design forces in their own right, but together, their influence is hard to match. So, when they share paint advice, we take note. 

The hosts of TLC's Nate & Jeremiah by Design sat down with H&G to discuss all things color-related – following their partnership with Cali-based paint powerhouse Behr. Their collection centers around neutrals – the hues set to shape color trends in the year ahead (Behr named Blank Canvas their Color of the Year for 2023, after all). 

The 'trend' label sometimes feels unfair – with the suggestion that admiration for these tones is somewhat fleeting. However, Nate and Jeremiah explain that all neutrals will struggle to fall out of fashion – and one color, in particular, is sure to stand the test of time.

'Beige is so timeless, which is why we chose Even better Beige as one of the room colors,' Nate says when asked to choose his single most versatile color. 'It can be paired with almost anything and will always look handsome.'

Nate is certainly not alone in his argument. Jeremiah, too, says that a warm neutral, such as the aforementioned beige, is 'the most timeless color' – labeling it as 'the perfect canvas for design for any design aesthetic.'

So, there is no denying that decorating with beige is one of the safest (but nonetheless most fashionable design decisions you can make. But what makes it so ageless? For Nate, its versatility comes out on top.

'What I love about neutrals is that they provide the perfect backdrop to then make the room what you want it to be,' he says. 

'Whether that’s bringing in a certain design style or color scheme, a neutral palette literally provides a blank canvas [Behr’s 2023 color of the year]. I’m not the hugest fan of bright paint colors or accent walls; rather, experiment by painting niches, like shelving.'

If you're looking for a paint idea worth the investment, Nate, and Jeremiah suggest beige is the way to go. However, looking for something timeless doesn't mean you need to neglect the shades that will be in vogue in the following year. And with beige, you don't have to. 

Lick's Studio team predicts beige will be one of the biggest hues of 2023 after suggesting that people are looking to 'reconnect with nature' in the months ahead. They label beige as the 'color of the earth and wood,' adding that it is a solid and dependable hue that is completely cocooning. 'Its warming yellow tones will envelop and comfort you while connecting you to the outdoors from the safety of your home,' they add. 

We recommend pairing beige paint colors with lashings of texture in the form of fabrics, wood, and stone to add physical comfort and visual interest to a space.

You can discover more about Nate and Jerimiah's Designer Collection palette (including more timeless shades) via Behr. 

We are amid COTY season – the time of the year when global color authorities reveal their trend predictions for the months ahead. Most recently, it was Behr's turn to share their forecast – and their choice did not disappoint. 

The hue in question is Blank Canvas – described as a 'welcoming warm white' that is powerful enough to sit alone – but versatile enough to work alongside other color trends in the seasons ahead.  

'Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely,' says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company. If you're looking to upgrade your white room ideas for 2023 – or you're looking for a base color that harmonizes with a wide range of hues – Blank Canvas is the solution. 

With its timeless style and unrivaled durability, Blank Canvas is set to reset paint ideas in the following months. So, knowing how to style the hue is key. Here, designers react to Behr's choice – and discuss the pros of bringing this white into your home. 

Victoria Sass, Prospect Refuge Studio 

'If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me for 'the perfect white' - I'd be a rich woman. Good on Behr for answering that call. Who doesn't love the next great classic?'

To Victoria, there is no doubt that Blank Canvas is timeless. However, the founder of Prospect Refuge Studio urges you to remember that shade is a starting point – not a destination. 'Be sure to use it as a backdrop to highlight your unique personal style,' she adds. 

Susana Simonpietri, Chango & Co 

'Years ago, white meant stark white; now, we're all looking for a warmer tone in our whites. I love the name Blank Canvas for this paint color. It creates a clean space from which to work, and for every single piece placed in the space to shine,' says Susana Simonpietri, the creative director of Chango & Co. 

White is admired for its luminous qualities that can create a 'clean space' that reflects light and consequently appears larger. However, as designers like Susana suggest, it can also be used as a base for other colors to work in harmony. 

For inspiration, we're looking at how Behr styled Blank Canvas in the kitchen above. The image epitomizes kitchen color ideas by creating a monochromatic contrast with the dark wood kitchen island, black countertops, and lights.  

Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair

Victoria and Susana's sentiments are emphasized by Wayfair's resident style advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill. She describes the shade as a 'grounding base color from which it’s easy to layer' before celebrating its ability to add both coolness and warmth to any space.

'It works well as a backdrop with a mix of natural woods, linens, and rattan, but equally well paired with striking ebony pieces for a cool, sophisticated monochrome look,' Nadia says. '[It] can appeal to a number of styles, room sizes, and design tastes, the timeless shade is one that we think will have to stay power for 2023 and beyond.'

White paint is a staple in most interior design styles. Whether you keep things simple with light and airy neutrals or introduce white hues as a base for a more eclectic scheme, every home features a splash of this classic shade somewhere.

But a color in such high demand comes with a lot of shade variations – from warmer hues to different undertones, it can be tricky to find the best white paint color on the market. Whichever room color ideas you are considering, there is a shade of white to complement your color palette, it's simply a case of finding the right match.

Whether you're searching for a warm, soothing shade or something bright and pearly, these are the best white paints according to interior designers, plus how they look in a finished scheme.

Best white paints, chosen by interior designers

Decorating with white paint might sound like an easy project, but it's important to carefully consider which shade you choose. Every white paint features different undertones and finishes, so take inspiration from these spaces created by interior designers to find the perfect hue.

1. Simply White by Benjamin Moore

One of the best selling Benjamin Moore paints, Simply White OC-117 proves a favorite amongst interior designers. 'Simply White is a clean, crisp, true white that looks wonderful in any space in a home,' says interior designer Audrey Scheck.

Joan Enger, principal at J Patryce Design, also regularly uses this shade, explaining 'We are big fans of Simply White for the walls in a matte finish. It has the perfect touch of warmth but still feels fresh and modern.'

Not only is Simply White by Benjamin Moore a great color for a balance of warmth and freshness, but it also pairs well with a number of contrasting hues. 'We often pair it with a slightly deeper trim color – Farrow & Ball Pointing is one of our favorites,' Joan adds.

2. Alabaster SW 7008 by Sherwin Williams

For a white paint color with a warmer, more creamy undertone, look no further than Alabaster SW 7008 by Sherwin Williams. This shade offers a light, airy atmosphere that still feels warm and cozy – perfect for living rooms and bedroom schemes.

'Alabaster is a popular choice for its cream warmth, allowing a gentle and friendly atmosphere with no yellow undertone of some whites. It is good for generating a calm and welcoming environment which tends to make spaces elegant but still cozy,' says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder at Arsight.

3. Harvest Moon by Backdrop

Another white paint color championed for it's warmth without the yellow undertones is Harvest Moon by Backdrop. Described by the brand as 'warm white' and 'semi-matte', it's no wonder this shade is proving popular.

'Our go-to white color for clients is Harvest Moon by Backdrop,' says Kristina Khersonsky, principal at STUDIO KEETA. 'It’s a subtle white that reads soft and warm, without the yellow or blue undertones you can often get with white. Although it reads warm, there is still the crispness to the white,' she adds.

4. Creamy SW 7012 by Sherwin Williams

If stark whites aren't your style, Creamy SW 7012 by Sherwin Williams is a lovely alternative. This shade features a very subtle yellow undertone, so it adds warmth without reading yellow in a scheme.

'My current favorite white paint is Creamy by Sherwin Williams. It is a clean, warm white that is not too yellow and adds a brightness to any room,' says interior designer Tama Bell. 'It works in a room with or without natural light. A true neutral game changer that is like adding the sun to any room,' she adds. 

This shade works beautifully when paired with other light neutral hues, and offers a wonderful backdrop for antique and vintage furniture. If you're feeling more daring, pair Creamy with more saturated colors such as warm browns or rust reds.

5. White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore

White paint colors come in many different shades and undertones. Warm and creamy hues aren't quite right for every style, but there are some great alternatives, such as White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, which reads slightly more gray than warm.

'This tone is preferred by many due to its flexibility and gentle heat. It prevents harshness, which is ideal for a warm but well-lit environment. The subtle hint of gray in its shade makes it perfect for both modern and traditional decors, providing the ideal middle ground between warmth and neutrality,' explains Artem Kropovinsky.

6. Ballet White by Sherwin Williams

Liz Potarazu, CEO and principal designer at LP + Co, recommends Ballet White OC-9 by Sherwin Williams, a shade that embraces the colors introduced around it.

'It’s an off-white that is a true chameleon. It has a high LRV (light reflectance value), meaning that it will absorb the colors of what’s around it. Green sofa in the room? You might see a hint of a green cast,' she explains.

Although these characteristics are great for anyone creating a space that feels vibrant and eclectic, if you're curating a space that feels simplistic and minimal, this might not be the right hue. 'While it’s a great versatile color for that reason, it’s also something to be aware of if that’s not what you’re going for,' adds Liz.

9. Blank Canvas by Behr

If you're designing a scheme that requires a sense of tranquility and relaxation, Blank Canvas by Behr is an ideal choice. A white paint that feels warm and inviting, this color works beautifully in any room of a home.

'Blank Canvas is a warm white that creates a welcoming and tranquil environment,' explains Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr. 'It is versatile in nature with limitless possibilities within a home ranging from an entryway and kitchen to a bedroom and living room,' she adds.

Blank Canvas pairs wonderfully with other neutral hues and earthy colors, but it also packs a punch when used in combination with darker palettes. 'This timeless neutral pairs nicely with dark, moody hues like Cracked Pepper for high contrast,' says Erika.

10. Chantilly Lace OC-65 by Benjamin Moore

For a bright an uplifting white paint, a number of interior designers suggest using Chantilly Lace OC-65 by Benjamin Moore. 'My top white paint pick would have to be Chantilly Lace. It always keeps rooms looking bright and fresh, without being overwhelmingly stark, which I think most clients are nervous about when we recommend white paint colors,' says Cathleen Gruver, of Gruver Cooley. 

Cathleen isn't the only one who favors this hue. Kate Donahue, project designer, and Tatiana Amundsen, architect, at Four Brothers Design + Build, both suggest this white paint color, too. 'It is great for interior trim in semi-gloss. A nice crisp white. I stole this go-to from Kate,' says Tatiana.

Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore, describes Chantilly Lace as 'one of our brightest and cleanest white paint colors, Chantilly Lace is a go-to of mine. It works with virtually any hue and creates a fresh, bright note in any color palette. This timeless classic works with any design style and is a quintessential bright white paint color.'

11. Pure White by Sherwin Williams

Whether you're decorating a period property or refreshing a contemporary home, Pure White SW 7005 by Sherwin Williams is a bright, versatile color that suits spaces of every style. 'Just like its name, Pure White is a pure and bright white which works well in many architectural styles,' says interior designer Mollie Ranize. 

'We have used this color in a number of homes, mainly when the whole home is getting a base coat of crisp, bright white. It looks so clean and bright in modern spaces, but also when used for walls, ceilings, doors and trim in more traditional architecture,' she adds.

White paints come in different hues and carry different undertones, but for interior designers, warm shades are the winner when it comes to their favorites. Warmer neutrals offer an inviting atmosphere and offer a wonderful base for any scheme. 

Of course, there is always space for more cool-toned whites, but take inspiration from these hues suggested by the experts – who better to trust than the people who use them every day?

Here we round up some of the best paint brands, known for their reliable formulas, ease of application and tempting palette of shades, from timeless neutrals to moody hues and bold brights. 

Good quality paint finishes can make all the difference to the success of your decorating project, delivering depth of color and a durable finish; investment in the product is what will bring you a professional finish, whether you are painting a room yourself, or having a painter do the job for you.

Best paint brands

If you are planning an interiors project, you will want to invest in the highest quality products. This includes everything from hard-wearing fabrics to durable paint colors. It is a false economy to buy cheap products, and particularly cheap paint. You will not get the coverage a quality product will offer, nor the durability nor depth of color. To make the most of your paint ideas, you need to invest in the best paint brands on the market. This is our list of where to shop.

Benjamin Moore

Irish-born brothers Benjamin and Robert Moore established their business in Brooklyn, New York in 1883. Today, Benjamin Moore & Co is a Berkshire Hathaway company, known as one of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality paints with an extensive choice of formulations and colors – more than 3,500.

‘Our bestselling interior wall finish is Aura Matte,’ says Helen Shaw, Benjamin Moore director, who notes that its popularity derives from its application characteristics and depth and richness of color. 

‘It is also a very durable finish, even in the darkest shades where other brands struggle to stand up to daily domestic wear and tear, so the color looks pristine for longer,’ she adds.

Valspar

This Sherwin-Williams brand has been in the paints, stains and coatings business for over 200 years. Valspar offers a wide range of interior and exterior paints, on multiple surfaces including walls, ceiling, wood, metal and masonry, designed to require fewer coats than some of its competitors. It also offers color-matching technology to scan, match and mix any color the eye can see – said to be over 2.2 million shades.

Sherwin-Williams

As we said above, Sherwin-Williams has been around for over 200 years, when it was founded in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The brand is known for its quality paints and stains for interiors and exteriors, which are sold through its own stores in the USA. It also has its own branded products, including Valspar (as mentioned above), Minwax, Thompson's Water Seal and Krylon.

Farrow & Ball

Known for highly-pigmented paint with a particular depth of color and quality of finish, this company’s roots can be traced back to 1946 in Dorset, England, where it was founded by John Farrow and Richard Ball. 

After a revival in the 1990s, Farrow & Ball has become internationally renowned for its intriguingly named collection of timeless colors. Its bestselling shades include the soft neutral Wimborne White, as well as mid-tones and dirty pastels such as Setting Plaster, French Gray and Slipper Satin. 

'There has also been a renaissance in darker shades over the last two years,’ says brand ambassador Patrick O’Donnell. ‘People have been feeling more confident about color choice and how it can create a “mood” – so we have seen increased interest in Down Pipe, Hague Blue, Green Smoke and Railings.’

Behr

Sold at The Home Depot, Behr was founded in 1947 in Santa Ana, California. Now sold across the United States, Canada and into Mexico, it is known for its primers, stains, interior paints and exterior paints, plus surface preparation products. 

Backdrop

After finding it tricky to purchase paint with success, Natalie and Caleb Ebel founded their brand, Backdrop, ‘for everyone and anyone who wants to transform their space without unnecessary pain’. 

The online offer includes self-priming paints in interior, exterior and cabinet options, in standard and semi-gloss finishes, plus a new range of wallpapers, now that the brand is part of heritage design house F. Schumacher & Co. 

Since its launch in 2018, each Backdrop sale has contributed to the International Rescue Committee, which helps displaced families in some of the most challenging places in the world.

Clare

Interior designer Nicole Gibbons set out to change the traditional paint shopping experience when she launched delivered-to-your-door supplier Clare in summer 2018. Her designer-curated colors now number more than sixty and samples are available as peel and stick Perfect Color Swatches, so you can easily see if the shade suits your space. The interactive Clare Color Genius is designed to help guide you to the right color choice for your room with a quick questionnaire. 

ECOS Paints

One of the first companies to focus on manufacturing paint formulations without harsh chemicals and VOCs, ECOS Paints was founded over 35 years ago. (In the UK, it is sold under Lakeland Paints.) 

Today, the paints are made with the same principles – plus an emphasis on performance – in South Carolina and sold throughout North America and around the world, and are to be found in Westminster Abbey in London and the Louvre in Paris.

‘Our commitment to ingredient transparency sets us apart from other paint companies, says Emma Pugliares, ECOS Paints’ marketing director. ‘We were the first North American paint manufacturer to adopt the International Living Future Institute’s Declare labels, in which product ingredients are made publicly available and compared against an 800 worst-in-class chemicals “Red List”.’

Which is the best paint brand?

Nominating the best paint brand isn't as easy as just choosing one front-runner; choosing the right product for the right job is the most important way to ensure durability and good-looking results. However, most professional painters would cite Sherwin-Williams' or Benjamin Moore's products as the best paints. 

Which paint brand to professional painters recommend?

According to Painters Inc, both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer the best quality paints, with zero-VOC paint options, good coverage and durability. They do highlight that these paint brands come at a cost but our experience is that cheap paints do not offer value for money. 

Garden experts have revealed if you want to create the illusion of a spacious garden, it's best to avoid pale shades and instead opt for dark neutrals.

When it comes to planning small garden ideas, the biggest question homeowners want the answer to this year is 'What color fence paint makes the garden look bigger?' New research* found that the color choice of our garden fence ideas was one of the biggest homes and gardens concerns, after 'how to paint kitchen cabinets' and 'how to choose wallpaper for a living room'.

We’ve spoke to garden design experts for their advice on choosing a fence color to make a small garden look bigger and their suggestions might surprise you. 

The best fence color for a small garden

Instead of setting up a strong contrast between plants and background garden designers recommend creating the illusion of space by bringing everything together in a complementary green and brown color palette.  

'We recommend using Secret Meadow, a deep olive-ish green,' says Erika Woelfel, Vice-President of Color & Creative Services at Behr Paint Company. 'Outdoors, Secret Meadow paint makes a stunning yet welcoming statement on a wooden garden gate, adding a sense of intrigue for guests about to enter your garden or backyard hideaway.'

'This organic green pairs perfectly with soft sandy colors or light stucco, playing off the colors of nearby foliage.'

Rachel Perls, an architectural color consultant and artist, recommends going a step further with a green-hued brown shade called Dragon’s Breath by Benjamin Moore. 'It’s the perfect natural mix of green, brown, and gray,' she says. 'It just sinks in the background, leaving the garden to attract all the attention. The paint color is deep, so it recedes. It’s muted, so it doesn’t compete with the plants.'

Go darker

A fence serves a practical purpose to create better privacy, green is a great fence decorating idea for complementing foliage. However, if you want your wooden fence to blend seamlessly into the background Mark Osborne, director at Orangeries UK recommends always going for black. 

'Nothing beats a black stain on exterior timbers,' says Mark Osborne. 'A black fence removes the fence from our attention and makes a nicer landscaping design by drawing attention to the garden and to plants instead.'

'Black wood stain is fast and easy to apply and doesn't leave brush marks behind like paint. Black stained timber behind green plants and gardens looks really good.'

*Research by Next homeware store

We pay a lot of attention to the colors going on inside our home, but we would like to argue that the most important color choice, is the one you make for your front door. Everyone sees it. You, your guests, passers-by, the mail-person. It's the first judgment people can make about your home and what lies behind that door. So there's pressure to get it right.

Now with that pressure to ensure your home makes the best first impression comes a tendency to play it safe with your front door color. And while 'safe' or 'popular' colors always look fabulous, designers and color experts will argue that your front door is the perfect place to experiment too. So we asked the professionals, for colors that they love to use and always recommend for a front door.

The best front door colors to try, picked by experts

'Your front door is a great introduction to the interiors that lie beyond, so choose your color to express the personality of the household and be bold, but do consider how the chosen color will sit with your brick, stone or render,' explains Patrick O'Donnell, color expert at Farrow & Ball.

So be inspired by these front door color ideas, but also be inspired by your own home before making your final decision. Look to the style of your home, and the surroundings too, and any exterior colors you have going on, and pick a color that's going to work well in situ.

1. Keep it chic and simple with stained wood

Not technically a front door color, but a stain. If you want your front door to look more expensive opting for a subtle yet chic stain is a classic.

As designer Marie Flanigan explains, 'Beautifully stained wood doors elevate exterior aesthetics by showcasing the natural beauty of wood, while adding warmth and sophistication to any home.'

'Additionally, they create seamless transitions between outdoor and indoor spaces, enhancing the overall flow and continuity of the design. With their timeless appeal and durability, stained wood doors offer a luxurious and practical choice for homeowners looking to enhance their curb appeal.'

2. Go bold with a strong red

Red is a wonderful color for a front door if you want to make a bit of a statement. And there are thousands of reds to choose from from cheery cherry reds that will really pop, to more subtle darker shades that would work better if you are after a more subtle and sophisticated look.

Lauren Lerner, CEO and Founder of Living with Lolo suggests going for darker, moodier reds 'Benjamin Moore Dragon Breath and Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red are favorites! I love painting the front door a strong color to set it apart from the rest of the doors in the home to really make a statement. I would avoid painting your front door white so it doesn't feel like just another bedroom door in the home.'

3. Choose a calming soft blue

You can't go wrong with a pale, calming blue. Timeless and versatile, blue is one of the most popular front door colors for a reason. If you want a softer look than the much-loved, strong navy blues then a light blue/green creates a lovely, welcoming entrance to your home.

This is Eddie Maestri, Principal Architect and Owner of Maestri Studio's own front, painted in Farrow & Ball's beautifully light and airy Blue Ground. He explains, 'I love Farrow and Ball Blue Ground so much I used it on my own front door! I love its calming nature for a resort vibe that's also a tad retro. For a moody statement front door, Farrow and Ball Paean Black is a good option. This classic color has a hint of red that gives it a touch of fun and glamour. This would look especially good in their high gloss.'

4. Match the door color to the frame

Of course, when choosing a paint color for a front door, the front door itself is the focus, but do be sure to look at what's going on around the door too, and see how the whole scheme will work together.

Patrick O'Donnell has a great tip that will immediately elevate your front door and it's so simple. He explains, 'Quite often front doors will have a thin wooden frame around them which most people leave white – don’t! By painting the frame in the same color as your door, you will help to give a greater scale and proportion.'

He adds, 'Your front door is an introduction to you and your home, so let the color reflect your personality. Are you a sunny, gregarious person? Try exploring the possibility of Babouche, a deep saturated sunshine yellow. Alternatively, do you err towards the more ordered and methodical? Consider an elegant, restrained shade such as Green Smoke.'

5. Try out a timeless smokey green

Speaking of smokey greens, many designers have been using these subtle yet still not quite neutral shades for front doors. Olivey, sagey greens are that perfect balance of being noticeable yet not super dominant and it's a color that suits so many house styles too. If you are a neutral lover but want to try something slightly bolder for your front door, a green is perfect.

Molly Ranize of Dmar Interiors specifically recommends Sherwin-Williams Dried Thyme. 'Dried Thyme is the perfect smokey green. It's a versatile green because it has the slightest hint of blue, so it can lean cool or warm depending on what you pair it with. It almost looks like velvet, smooth and welcoming, making it an ideal front door color.'

6. Create a colorful contrast

A front door is a great place to really be bold with color and to create a stylish element of contrast with the style of your home's exterior.

Melissa Holt from Cabana Rehab Interiors says, 'Typically we recommend contrasting the front door color to the body of the home to create a focal point and add curb appeal. If your house is darker then a lighter color adds interest, whether that is paint or a lighter wood stain. A lighter color house can carry the visual weight of a darker door while maintaining a welcoming feel.'

As shown here, the bright purple door establishes an elegant juxtaposition with the natural stonework and traditional style of the property, making for an eye-catching use of color and a stylish mix of the old and new.

7. Establish a theme

If you want to create a more cohesive and unified look for your front door color ideas, be inspired by the colors used for your window treatment ideas.

This front door, painted a simple, light gray, perfectly coordinates with the palette of blues and greens used across the window blinds, creating a colorful and characterful entrance into the home. With matching fabric used on the outdoor cushion, we love the inviting, indoor-outdoor feel that is created, and how the front door works in harmony with the entrance design.

8. Take the lead from your house color 

Coordinating your front door color ideas with the color of your home's exterior can be a great option for both traditional and modern properties, and can establish a clean and coordinated look.

As shown above, the white front door works perfectly with this classic property, with the front door perfectly in keeping with the more traditional architecture.

9. Showcase the timeless beauty of nature

Color palettes rooted in nature, from mossy greens to sky blues and buttery yellows, are renowned to make us feel more grounded and calm – and they can blend in beautifully with an outdoor space, too, so are wonderful options to consider for your front door color ideas.

But why not take this celebration of the outdoors to the next level and choose a natural, wooden front door where the timeless beauty of nature can speak for itself?

This warming, wooden door design by Urban Front shown above, works in unison with the coordinating wooden front porch ideas – a great look to consider for porch ceiling ideas, establishing a timeless and rustic look rich in natural material.

10. Go for natural tones with blues and greens

Allow nature to be a guide and put front door color ideas in shades of blue or green at the top of your list of preferences. Either will blend beautifully with foliage alongside the front door or in nearby borders for a harmonious look.

Muted shades like this blue or nature-inspired greens are a perfect partner to traditional homes, too, ensuring the front door is attention-grabbing but sympathetic to the architecture.

11. Refresh in a day with white

Painting the front door is one of the speediest ways to boost a home’s curb appeal. ‘It’s a one-day project that can make a world of difference to the appearance of your home,’ says Matthew Brown, Sadolin, and Sandtex technical consultant.

‘As the first thing people see when visiting your home, the color and look of your front door really should be a considered choice. Taking note of the style of the door, along with the trim and siding that frames it can change the whole look of the exterior.’

For a smart but subtle entrance, follow this home’s lead with the door painted to match the façade. Bear in mind that cleaning a front door is a more regular task the lighter the front door paint color.

12. Follow color principles

The traditional practice of Feng Shui could assist in selecting a front door color. ‘For Feng Shui front door colors, the front door plays a major role in welcoming positive energy into the house,’ says practitioner Eddie Tee of Fengshuied!

‘When we are going for more striking colors, there is a concept of colors that can be applied to choosing one based on the sector where the front door is located within the property or the direction it is facing. This can be generally broken down to the guide below:

• North – blue
• South – red
• East – green
• West – white
• Northeast – brown
• Northwest – white
• Southeast – green
• Southwest – brown

‘This concept is centered around avoiding an energy clash with the nature of energy entering via a specific direction. However, it should be noted that in modern times where the shape of houses is getting more creative, this concept is no longer as widely practiced as decades ago.

A more straightforward way of choosing? ‘It can also be said that in Chinese culture, red front doors are generally considered as auspicious,’ says Eddie. ‘They bring good luck and abundance.’

For further inspiration, explore the other colors people paint their front doors for good luck.

13. Let color bloom with floral-inspired shades

For a truly cohesive front yard or for cottage front door ideas, choose a front door color that picks up one of the hues from among the planting’s palette.

For this home, it’s a delicate lavender shade that will echo the wisteria that grows around it once it’s in bloom.

Likewise, flowers in hot shades can be combined with front door color ideas in red or orange and borders of sunny blooms with a yellow door.

14. Highlight a door’s detail with front door paint colors

There’s no rule that says you have to paint a paneled front door in a single color, and if you want to emphasize its detail, there’s nothing better than choosing a selection of hues for the task.

The key to success? Pick harmonious colors to use on the different elements of the design, and repeat shades from windows and siding, too, to pull the look together and make a striking impression on the street.

15. Smarten up with black

For classic good looks, black is a winning choice for a front door color. ‘A glossy black front door is always in style,’ says certified color expert and interior decorator Pattie Kelly of Inspired Home Interiors. Black can be a natural partner to more traditional style homes, and it’s a shade that will pop, making the front door a focal point.

But if a bolder hue is your instinct, don’t be afraid. ‘A colorful front door is a fantastic way to make a statement and add some punch to your front porch,’ Pattie continues. ‘The most important thing is to choose a color that you love so you smile every time you come home.’

16. Finish a double door

Double front doors are an imposing feature in their own right, so a quieter finish can be the perfect choice for a home with one of these. A white like this is a timeless choice, and although the paint finish will need to be renewed over time due to the effects of the sun and weather, it won’t go out of style.

When selecting any color for a front door, be aware that if you live in a community with a homeowners’ association (HOA), there may be rules on front door finishes. ‘Double check with your HOA in case some colors aren’t permitted,’ says Pattie Kelly.

17. Go for gray for a contemporary front door color

For a front door color that stands out from an exterior in white, beige, or cream, consider gray. It’s a more contemporary choice than black or navy, but is equally handsome, and eminently suitable for a classic paneled door design.

A gray door can also prove easier to keep clean than black and navy as mid to lighter tones won’t make any dust or dirt that adheres to the door’s surface as obvious.

18. Choose a front door color with staying power

Whichever hue is selected from among the range of front door color ideas, it’s important to bear maintenance in mind. ‘You do want to think about how much sun the door gets, so west and south-facing doors can fade quickly due to the amount of direct sunlight,’ says interior designer and color expert Jennifer Guerin, owner of JG Color Studios.

‘Stay within naturally pigmented hues that won’t fade as fast as the more synthetic bold tones that will need a constant touch up. Using a high-quality paint, such as Fine Paints of Europe gloss, which has longer staying power, or Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior Paint, also known for its protective quality that lasts for years even with high sun volume.’

19. Select a different color for the front door's interior

Don’t forget that the color you pick for the exterior of your front door doesn’t have to be repeated on the interior side. You may want to pick a more light-reflective shade for inside, especially if the door is solid, features stained glass, or has minimal glazing, as this will help brighten up an entranceway short on daylight – also a great choice for when exploring, what colors brighten up an entryway.

A different color for the interior can also link the door to the rest of the hallway ideas or entryway ideas, as well as to the palette picked throughout the home.

FAQs

What are popular front door colors?

It is no surprise that black reigns as one of the most popular front door colors, closely followed by other classic shades such as white and gray.

However, the latest interior design trends and color trends are seeing a brave and bold resurgence of embracing color in the home, and what better way to make your home feel more uplifting and welcoming than a colorful front door?

We also continue to be inspired by the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us, with blues and greens another popular choice for front door color ideas.

What color door increases home value?

‘Finishes that are neutral in color can increase home value simply by the way they attract a larger audience,’ says Yoselin Castro, senior interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors.

‘Homes painted in colors like black or white make it easier for people to see themselves in the space and personalize it with their own style, as it’s almost like working with a blank canvas. This is true with front door colors too – while it may only cost you a few hundred dollars to change the color of your door if you’re trying to sell a home, it’s better to keep it safe and opt for neutral exterior paint colors.’

For further insight, explore which front door color adds value to a house.

We're always looking ahead to the biggest color trends across interior design, not just for the rest of 2025, but beyond. Largely responsible for setting the mood of a room, color holds transformative power within our homes, and so landing on the right shade for a redecoration project is key.

2025 was all about, rich, warming shades – think burgundy and verdant green – alongside grounding earth tones for minimalist schemes. Of course, there's still room for brighter shades, from cheerful yellow to calming shades of blue. But the interior color trends of 2025 all have one thing in common – timelessness.

Here, we take a deep dive into the biggest interior color trends for 2025, turning to the expertise of interior designers and color specialists. Read on to gain some on-trend inspiration for your room color ideas, from timeless neutrals to deep and dark hues.

And if you are looking for the key color trends of 2026, we have covered all the biggest shades for the year ahead in our new roundup.

What are the biggest color trends of 2025?

'In 2025, we’re seeing clients embrace a palette of moody and sultry hues that evoke depth and sophistication,' explain Autumn Oser and Andre Golsorkhi, founders of design firm Haldon House.

'Expect dark tones like deep chocolatey browns, vibrant burgundies, and shadowy olive greens to create an ambiance of opulence and refined elegance. Saturated materials like walnut wood, soapstone, and rich plasters will further enhance these immersive, dramatic spaces, making them feel both luxurious and intimate.'

1. Warm and sophisticated reds

Decorating with red gained plenty of traction in 2024 thanks to the unexpected red theory, but this interior color trend is shifting away from saturated tomato reds toward rich and warming wine reds, such as burgundy and oxblood. Since Behr named Rumors its 2025 Color of the Year, we've seen increasing appeal for these sophisticated tones, and designers are predicting dark, warm red room ideas to endure throughout 2025 and beyond.

'Whether you prefer the rich burgundy or masculine rose, red is coming in a major way,' says interior designer Sarah Storms. 'Forget the notion of reds from the 2000s, I'm talking about the rich tones that almost feel a little bit moody or a little bit dusty. There is a classical, almost historical appeal to these colors and how they invoke a level of sophistication of bygone eras. My favorite masculine pink is Tea Room AF-270 by Benjamin Moore.'

'For 2025, we've seen a rise in the use of oxbloods and saturated, moody reds,' agrees designer Marie Flanigan, who opted for Sherwin-Williams' Carriage Door in this dining room. 'These rich, deep hues bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to interiors, creating spaces that feel both dramatic and inviting.'

'Oxblood, in particular, has a timeless quality that adds depth and richness, making it a perfect choice for those looking to create a bold yet classic atmosphere. I love using these colors in intimate spaces like dining rooms or libraries, where they can really make a statement. These shades offer a beautiful way to infuse interiors with character and elegance, and I’m excited to see them embraced even more this year.'

2. Chocolate brown

When it comes to decorating with dark and moody paint colors in 2025, brown room ideas are expected to reign supreme. Rich, chocolate tones fill rooms with warmth and coziness while appearing more inviting than shades such as black.

'Rich, warm brown is poised to be a standout color trend in interiors,' says interior designer Swati Goorha. 'This hue offers a deep, earthy quality that brings warmth and coziness to any space. As people increasingly seek comfort and a connection with nature, brown's natural, grounding presence provides a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Its versatility allows it to complement a range of colors, from neutral creams and soft grays to vibrant accents.'

Although decorating with brown works especially well for fall color schemes, this color's warmth helps us to create spaces that feel reassuring and relaxed year-long. 'For 2025, I think people are putting an emphasis on relaxing spaces,' explains Ethan Greenfeld of Los Angeles-based Ethan Charles Design. 'I believe that will translate to us seeing more earth tones. Specifically, truffle brown tones will be major in 2025.'

'They have the ability to make a space feel like you're being enveloped by a cuddly bear, which evokes a feeling of warmth and comfort. I also think it pairs well with natural wood tones like walnut and oak.'

3. Timeless warm neutrals

Decorating with neutrals in 2025 is all about warming, earth-inspired shades in place of cool-toned neutrals like gray.

'I see the shift from light, airy neutral colors to earthy, grounding hues that wrap us in warmth and comfort, like a reassuring hug,' says Susan Jamieson, principal at Bridget Beari Designs. 'Amongst them, mustard will surely spread in 2025.'

'The color mustard is yellow, muted with brown undertones that allow it to act as a neutral. In color psychology, yellow represents happiness and hope while brown symbolizes security and safety, which will be a meaningful combination for our mindsets and interiors throughout 2025. Mustard pairs deliciously with other warm, down-to-earth shades like cognac, burnt orange, and olive green as well as with cool colors such as navy, teal, and aubergine.'

Neutrals in 2025 can also take on a more subtle tone, with warm beiges predicted to maintain their appeal. 'My top picks in this color family are Benjamin Moore’s Rocky Road CC-470 and Sherwin Williams’ Studio Beige SW 9602,' shares Kerry Jacobs, founder and principal designer at Manor & Woods. 'These hues are both warm and inviting, while also adding a touch of moodiness that’s currently in vogue. It complements both tone-on-tone contemporary designs and traditional, grand-millennial layered and patterned palettes.'

4. Seafoam green

Another interior color trend expected to gain more momentum in 2025 and beyond is seafoam green. A light, blue-green hybrid, seafoam green feels restful, lending itself well to calming home offices and bathrooms, much like Dutch Boy's 2025 Color of the Year, Mapped Blue.

Shades of seafoam green feel reminiscent of the natural world, conjuring images of the sea. Creative director at Dulux, Marianne Shillingford, explains why these types of natural world-inspired hues bode well in our homes: ‘It’s in the great outdoors where we feel at our most tranquil and by bringing these colors into our homes, we benefit from the same calming effects of being in nature.'

‘These are also receding colors with shorter visual wavelengths, so they appear further away and make rooms appear bigger and more spacious than they really are, which is perfect if you want to feel less hemmed in at home.’

If you want to take on this color trend in a darker form, decorating with teal is also predicted to gain popularity throughout 2025. 'In 2025, I anticipate teal to emerge as a prominent interior color trend,' predicts interior designer Jennifer Davis of Davis Interiors.

'It is a rich, saturated hue with the perfect blend of timeless blue and green, with a depth that resonates with the ongoing moody trend. Teal's versatility and sophisticated appeal make it a natural choice for creating spaces that are inviting, cozy, and boldly elegant.'

5. Dark verdant green

If you're looking to decorate with dark paints in 2025, verdant green is the way to go. While previous years have favored dark navy blue, the darkest of greens are expected to lead the way in interior color trends. Guaranteed to add a sophisticated look to the home, dark green paints add drama and depth, while their warmth employs a cozy feel.

'For 2025, we are feeling deep, rich, verdant green,' says Christine Carney, Director of Design for Blackberry Farm Design. 'It is sophisticated and a bit mysterious, incredibly chic and a little inscrutable too. We want to use it everywhere – walls, ceilings, floors, indoors and outdoors. It really adds such an unusual visual depth and sense of warmth to a space.'

In this timeless kitchen by deVOL Kitchens, the dark green walls and kitchen cabinets are teamed with marble kitchen countertops and brass hardware, showing just how elegant this rich and alluring shade is.

6. Earthy terracotta

Another 2025 color trend expected to gain popularity is earthy shades of terracotta. Used increasingly as a paint color in our homes, this interior color trend is derived from natural terracotta clay. With its warmth and plaster tones, shades of terracotta have a grounding, natural feel that works well as an elevated take on decorating with neutrals. If your interior design style leans slightly rustic, it's worth incorporating terracotta decor in your home in 2025.

There are lots of tried and tested terracotta paints to decorate with, but some of our favorites are Red Earth by Farrow & Ball and Kalahari Sunset by Behr. Beyond paint colors, terracotta lends itself perfectly to wall tiles and floor tiles, paying homage to tiles commonly found in Europe.

'This summer, many of our clients have shared stories of traveling to the coast of Portugal, Southern France, and Northern Italian cities,' shares Patrick Fox of Crafted Interiors. 'The common thread in all these areas is the rich, vibrant terracotta tiles and paint colors. We see the beautiful, rich orange and red tones making an appearance again in 2025 as a reminder of European adventures.'

7. Captivating caramel tones

Just as chocolate browns are making a return, so too are irresistible caramel tones. Once shunned for being dated, these golden hues are proving irresistible with interior designers and we’re seeing them paired with richer browns, warm white paints, soft pinks, and blues.

‘Richer neutrals are overtaking whites in popularity, bringing with them a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These earthy yet refined shades make them the perfect backdrop to the natural materials currently being incorporated in contemporary interiors, including wicker, rattan, warm woods, and stone finishes,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

8. Blissful blues

When it comes to decorating with blue in 2025, here at Homes & Gardens, we're noticing a departure from once-popular navy blue toward mid-tones that feel much warmer. Expect to see colors like cerulean blue, sky blue, and cornflower blue in the coming year, serving up a bold yet tranquil dose of color. As seen in this hallway, using blue for color-drenching ideas is a great way to lean into this color and experience its calming effect.

'There are endless shades that pair beautifully with blue but punchy colors, such as orange, pop against rich blues,' says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'Choose shades with warm undertones to create impact and harmony. Alternatively, a monochromatic scheme using one color will offer a smart tailored finish. Layering in multiple shades of the same hue with varying undertones softens this look, imbuing relaxing energy.'

9. Plaster pinks

Plaster pinks see no sign of abating; warm, feminine, and versatile, they bring subtle color and softness while keeping spaces feeling bright. Perfect for kitchens to bedrooms, they pair beautifully with olive greens, browns and charcoal grey, or try creating a fun contrast with pops of zesty yellow or red.

'Earthy pinks, such as Pink Ground and Setting Plaster, have been doing the rounds for a few years now and for good reason,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. 'Consider them as neutral and they will layer with almost any color and will work in any room in your home. They make the most flattering wall color for your bathroom as well as a calming choice for a kitchen scheme. These colors are your best friends.'

10. Happy sunshine shades

Among all the dark reds and browns and soft neutrals, vibrant yellows are a big interior color trend for 2025. Whether color-drenched or used as an accent in a neutral scheme, decorating with yellow is guaranteed to put a spring in your step.

‘As the brightest color of the visible spectrum, yellow is the most uplifting and refreshing of them all – for the ultimate endorphin boost, embrace all yellow walls and woodwork in a full-on color drench look that envelopes you in a sunshine glow,’ says Helen Shaw. ‘Opt for an accent color that sits opposite on the color wheel to add instant invigoration, this is called a complementary scheme. This combination of yellow and blue is a really pleasing aesthetic. The juxtaposition between the calming cobalt and cheery Sun Valley yellow creates a balanced yet dramatic scheme.'

There's much inspiration to take from the latest interior color trends, whether your style is colorful or understated. If you're wondering how best to incorporate these shades, take a look at our roundup of paint ideas, filled with creative suggestions.

A can of paint is the ultimate tool for giving any room a new lease of life. A fresh lick of paint is truly transformative, and it could even add value to your home – if you select the right tones. 

Striking paint ideas for every room make all the difference, and Behr Paint Company has curated a new collection of paints designed to increase the value of your property. Behr drew upon recent research by Zillow, which surveyed almost 1,300 prospective buyers in the US.

According to the study, some paint colors – when used in the right rooms – could increase how much a buyer is willing to offer on a home by up to $5,000. This figure is based on a typical US home value of $290,000. 

1. Light sea shades for the bathroom

If you're looking for value-adding bathroom paint ideas, light blues, like Ethereal Mood MQ3-52 could generate an increase of nearly $5,000. A calming pale blue is a perennially popular choice for the room where we wash off the day due to its associations with the natural world. 

Nods to biophilic design, from naturally-occurring colors like pale blues, greens and browns, to wave-patterned prints will make a bathroom feel more appealing to buyers.

2. Moody tones for the bedroom

Dark bedrooms are hugely popular. Moody blues, such as Sojourn Blue M500-5 could generate an increase of nearly $1,500. Darker tones make perfect sense for a stylish, relaxing and cocooning sleep space, enveloping us like a duvet. The bedroom is a space where bold tones come into their own, as a feeling of light and space isn't such a priority.

3. White for the kitchen

In the kitchen, it's a whole other story. If you want to increase the value of your home, it's all about white kitchen ideas. 

White kitchens are a true crowd pleaser - while you might prefer a darker hue, you can appeal to the masses with a crisp white scheme. A paint color like Behr's Polar Bear 75 could generate an increase of almost $600.

The Behr palette includes a range of sophisticated colors from neutral mushroom and dove tones to dark navy.

When looking for ways to add value to your home, a loft conversion is often one of the first things that come to mind. Creating more bedrooms in this way, or working on the kerb appeal with some landscaping in the front yard, are tried-and-true options. 

But we can't think of a more cost-effective option of adding dollars to your sale price than a few coats of paint.

Behr has announced their Color of the Year 2021 is Canyon Dusk, which the company describes, as 'an earthy terracotta shade'. 

As the crowning glory as Behr's Color Trends 2021 palette, Canyon Dusk is a rich and organic shade that oozes earthly tones and promotes elevated comfort. Its natural hues have the ability to transport consumers to a raw and natural environment where they can re-establish a mental and physical balance as we enter the season of rebirth: Spring.

See: Paint ideas for every room – how to choose the best paint colors every time

The Santa-Ana-based manufacturers selected Canyon Duk as an optimistic premise for the comfortable and inspirational days of our future. As Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr shares: 

'There is something so reassuring about dusk, the moment just after sunset, which brings the promise of a new day. The illuminating, free-spirited Canyon Dusk is a color that can be found in a variety of places, from an awe-inspiring desert landscape to the color of sunbaked clay.'

'Wherever it is found, we share a collective need for these moments of comfort and inspiration in the days ahead,' Erika added.

Unlike any previous year, Behr has revealed their superior shade to a world in lockdown- creating a rare environment in which this particular color will thrive. The current global restrictions mean an increasing number of people are decorating their homes and are, therefore, recognizing the power of paint. This is explained by Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Behr, who says: 

'From seasoned DIYers to first-time painters, it's been inspiring to see people, really embracing opportunities to enhance their spaces during this time when we are all in our homes more than ever before.'

See more: Living room paint ideas – stylish ways with paint, and your questions answered

She continued: 'Whether creating an unexpected accent wall or a simple color change, paint can make a huge visual impact, and it's one of the most affordable and straightforward DIY projects to tackle.' 

How to use Canyon Dusk in your home

As Jodi previously highlighted, the present restrictions offer a distinct opportunity to bring the outdoors into your home through the natural tones of Canyon Dusk. Los Angeles based interior designer, Stefani Stein of Stefani Stein Inc, then offered her expertise on how best to inject the color into your decor, explaining: 

'Behr's Color of the Year, Canyon Dusk, is the perfect replacement for the Millennial Pink trend that dominated interiors for several years. I love the more nuanced, peachy nude interpretation of pink that has been gracing walls and furnishings the past year or two. It's perfect for people craving a departure from all beige everything but aren't fully ready to embrace a colorful space. I can imagine it in a space with ivory linen and rich mohair paired with organic wood materials'. 

Furthermore, Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski of Tiffany Leigh Design invites homeowners to splash Canyon Dusk around their homes, and particularly loves it as a bathroom paint idea, sharing: 'We love this tone for washroom walls – we picture it paired with warm Calacatta marble and a vintage washstand. Afraid of a big commitment? This would also make a terrific front door color'.