Staring at a display case full of paint chips can leave even the most confident do-it-yourselfer's head spinning. We asked top interior designers and paint professionals which wall color they would choose if they could have only one. Here are their can't-miss favorite paint colors.
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Memorybook Blue 4007-5C by Valspar
Valspar's Memorybook Blue is a soft, peaceful shade that can work as a neutral in large doses. "Blues are said to promote productivity and help one's focus," says Sue Kim, color marketing manager at Valspar. "This hue is calming, creating a great foundation for a den or study." The muted shade also works well in kitchens alongside white cabinetry and shiny fixtures and finishes.
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Rocky Coast 1595 by Benjamin Moore
Use dark gray wall colors like Benjamin Moore's Rocky Coast to instantly add drama and elegance. "I love this moody gray," says Jessica Davis of Nest Studio. "It has a slight blue undertone and makes any room feel sophisticated. Use it in cozy rooms like libraries and dens."
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Calke Green 34 by Farrow & Ball
Saturated greens, like Farrow & Ball's Calke Green, are a favorite for rooms that need a personality boost. "I love a good, playful green," says interior designer Jeff Andrews. "This color has a vintage vibe that can work well in any room where you want to have a little sense of humor, to not be too serious. But it also stands the test of time."
Green Paint Colors Our Editors Swear By
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Tony Taupe SW 7038 by Sherwin-Williams
Warmed-up, earthy shades of gray, like Tony Taupe, are the new go-to neutrals. Use these colors to envelop rooms in a rich, warm feeling. "In a satin finish, this gray tone is ideal for a media room or library where you want a neutral color with great depth," says John Cialone of Tom Stringer Design Partners.
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Classic Gray 1548 by Benjamin Moore
Gray is becoming the ultimate neutral, since it looks good with almost any color. Classic Gray is a modern neutral that creates a light and airy feeling, yet adds more warmth to a room than basic white. "When you hear 'gray' you think dreary, but this is a wonderful gray that has a lot of light in it, especially when paired with white trim. Even on a dreary day, it looks good," says interior designer Mary Hickey. "Plus, it's a color that works well with so many other colors. It's absolutely beautiful with peacock blue accessories."
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Naval SW 6244 by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' pick for 2020 Color of the Year, Naval, is a rich, saturated blue that makes a bold statement. "I like a little drama in the dining room," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "Navy is timeless, and paired with gold accents, this color seems to sparkle." Use navy blue alongside neutrals, like white, gray, and beige, and add wood finishes and natural textures to warm up the look.
Colors That Go With Navy Blue
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Escape Gray SW 6185 by Sherwin-Williams
Escape Gray creates a soothing atmosphere that's ideal for the bedroom or living spaces where you want to kick back and relax. "A hint of green gives this gray a more natural and earthy tone," says interior designer Sara Hillery. "Pair it with deep, rich colors, like papaya orange, to create a warm yet striking statement in a living room."
Not-So-Boring Neutral Paint Colors
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Calamine 230 by Farrow & Ball
For a modern twist on neutrals, consider Farrow & Ball's Calamine, a subtler, more delicate version of millennial pink. "This pale wash of a cool pink works as a neutral, or pair it with red to amp it up," says interior designer Summer Thornton. "I like it best with warm southern and western light."
Here's What Colors Go With Pink
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Cayenne Pepper 8-14 by Pratt & Lambert
Daring shades of orange, like Cayenne Pepper from Pratt & Lambert, are nothing to be afraid of. "Use a vibrant orange as an accent in a family room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere," suggests Stacy Garcia, design and color specialist. "Juxtapose it with cool neutral shades of white, gray, and mid-tone blues." If bold shades aren't your thing, consider using Cayenne Pepper for an accent wall, or possibly for a piece of furniture.
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Kendall Charcoal HC-166 by Benjamin Moore
Paint walls with a luxurious charcoal gray to foster a sense of comfort (and make white trim pop). "Kendall Charcoal is a sophisticated, moody color that makes a living room feel elevated and intimate," says Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design. "I love contrasting it with pastels to anchor and complicate them."
Our Best Gray Color Schemes
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Clay Beige OC-11 by Benjamin Moore
For a designer paint color, go neutral. As an off-white hue that suits any environment, Clay Beige is a natural choice for hallways or living rooms. "This is my go-to whenever a neutral, but not boring, background is needed," says interior designer Mandy Lowry. "It's a chameleon color. It has the amazing ability to read either warm or cool and never fails to make its surroundings elegant in any light." Beige works well in any room and with any accent hue.
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Wickham Gray HC-171 by Benjamin Moore
This timeless shade of gray promotes calm and relaxation. "Bedrooms should feel like an oasis or retreat from our hectic lives," says interior designer Marika Meyer. "Wickham Gray is a restful tone that sets this mood." For a soothing space, pair gray with neutral finishes and natural textures.
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Glowing Apricot 165 by Benjamin Moore
Bright and summery, this shade of orange adds brilliance to any wall. "I love Glowing Apricot for any room, but it's particularly beautiful in a dining room, where it casts a soft golden glow that makes everyone look radiant," says interior designer Danielle Rollins. Balance the warm yellow-orange with cool hues, like navy or gray.
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Blue Arrow 5001-3C by Valspar
For your bedroom, try a soothing shade like Blue Arrow, a versatile color. "Easy on the eye, easy to live with. It's a robin's egg blue-green with a bit of muddiness to it," says Melissa Birdsong, Lowe's vice president of trend design and brand. "I always like my colors a little muddy." Blue-gray is popular since it goes with almost any wood tone, and works well with almost any neutral fabric, making it great for anything from a living room to a basement makeover.
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Hawthorne Yellow HC-4 by Benjamin Moore
This buttery yellow color has a slight gray undertone that balances the brightness. "Hawthorne Yellow is a vibrant choice for bedrooms," says interior designer Gary Mcbournie. "It has a certain cheeriness and works with tailored patterns in blues, greens, and browns, or soft florals in a variety of garden colors."
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Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin-Williams
Gray-blue is both modern and classic, and Sherwin-Williams' Sea Salt has the versatility of a blue with the contemporary cool of a gray. "This pale gray-blue is soft and soothing," says interior designer Janie Hirsch. "It's kind of like sea glass, where it can look blue or green—and it works with both. And it's great with neutrals or cream. I've used it in a beach house, a traditional home, a sorority house—so it has a lot of flexibility." For a serene atmosphere, try this blue paint color in a bedroom, living room, or bathroom for a serene atmosphere.
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Savoury Beige 3002-10C by Valspar
Timeless and versatile, Savoury Beige sets a soft backdrop for any decorating style. "This is the perfect cafe au lait that puts just enough color on the walls to warm them up," says interior designer Elaine Griffin. "Even the biggest colorphobes can commit to this pale tan." As with any great neutral, Savory Beige (sold in some regions as Churchill Hotel Ecru) looks good everywhere and with everything. Colors with this kind of versatility are a safe bet, as you can count on them being in style for years to come.
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Gervase Yellow 72 by Farrow & Ball
To add color to a room without overwhelming the space, opt for a soft, muted shade like Gervase Yellow. "When I'm using a color rather than a neutral, I pick in the golden range," says designer Barry Dixon. "With a little tone of green peeking through, this yellow is not so intense that it's overly dramatic. It's warm and embracing—not one of those overly cheerful yellows. It's a subtle yellow you'll never tire of." Yellow brightens rooms and is versatile enough to go with almost any style of furniture or accent. Gervase Yellow is a muted hue that has these attributes, yet isn't too intense for rooms with lots of natural light.
FAQs
What is the most popular wall color 2022? ›
The most popular neutral interior paint color of 2022 is Pure White by Sherwin-Williams. This popular neutral wall color is beloved by interior designers for any room.
Should all walls in a room be the same color? ›As a general rule of thumb, you should never paint your entire home one singular color. That isn't to say that you can't use the same color in some capacity throughout your entire home; however, it shouldn't be the primary wall color in every room.
What interior colors are timeless? ›...
Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
- Warm White. Getty Images. ...
- Sage Green. Getty Images. ...
- Greige. Getty Images. ...
- Black. Getty Images. ...
- Navy. Getty Images. ...
- Light Gray. ...
- Champagne Pink. ...
- Slate Blue.
Bright and cheery, Benjamin Moore's pick for 2023 color of the year is a vibrant red-orange called Raspberry Blush.
What colors is for 2022 for living rooms? ›What is the best living room accent wall color of 2022? Earthy-toned green shades are on the rise in 2022. Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Glidden, Behr, PPG, and Better Homes & Gardens all chose muted green colors as their Color of the Year for 2022.
What is the most popular color for interior walls? ›As the reigning champion of interior paint, white is a color that transcends both time and decorating styles. White can make a room feel bright, fresh and up-to-date in settings ranging from modern to traditional.
What is the color for the year 2022? ›Very Peri by Pantone
Last but certainly not least, industry leader Pantone announced its color of the year for 2022 in early December. The selection was Very Peri, a perfectly purple blue shade of periwinkle.
"Darker, more saturated colors are going to be everywhere in 2022," shares designer Hope Austin. "Think wallcoverings and fabrics in bold blues and bright citrines paired with rich espresso and slate finishes."
What is the 60-30-10 decorating rule? ›It's a classic decor rule that helps create a color palette for a space. It states that 60% of the room should be a dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color or texture and the last 10% should be an accent.
Should your kitchen and living room be the same color? ›It depends on your personal preference. Some people find it calming to have the same color scheme running throughout their home, while others prefer to have a little bit of contrast between their living room and kitchen. As long as you like the look of it, it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks!
How many colors should you have in a room? ›
How many colors should you use in a room? According to the 60-30-10 rule, you should only use three colors in any room – although you can successfully incorporate many different tones of these three colors.
What interior colors never go out of style? ›- Turquoise + Cobalt + Sky Blue.
- Beige + Blue + Green + Gray.
- Charcoal + Creamy White + Linen.
- Creamy White + Brown + Leaf Green.
- Indigo + Gray + White.
- Bright White + Orange + Navy.
- Greige + Cream + Russet.
- Silver + Seafoam.
White is, of course, always a good paint choice, because it feels elegant, fresh and clean. Plus, Gibbons says, “black and white are the most timeless colors you'll find anywhere and the most timeless color combination.”
What interior paint colors are out of style? ›Navy and gray are on the way out
The report also highlighted a declining interest in navy (down 43%), mustard yellow (down 27%), and light gray (down 25%). Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022.
WGSN, a global authority on consumer and design trends, and Coloro, a global authority on the future of color, have announced Apricot Crush as their Color of the Year for 2024.
What is the color for 2025? ›Red Plum.
Is grey walls Still in Style 2022? ›Is gray paint going out of style in 2022? Gray paint is trending downward in high end design, but will continue to reign in new builds and contractor's bids.
What is the color for bedrooms in 2022? ›Our interior design experts rank their top 12 bedroom wall color choices of 2022! According to leading design experts, the best wall colors for a bedroom are warm pastels, soft white paint shades, and neutral-leaning blues and greens.
Is beige coming back in 2022? ›Nature Tones
This will culminate in 2022 with tones like taupes, beiges, biscuits, and mushrooms taking center stage, along with nature-inspired hues, particularly greens," says Wadden.
Gray is a popular neutral for any room in the house, but it looks particularly sophisticated in the living room. It is among the most popular living room colors. Blue is America's favorite color, so it's a no-brainer for the room that brings everyone together.
What are the neutral colors for 2022? ›
- Natural Linen SW 9109 (subtle neutral beige)
- Shoji White SW 7042 (subtle neutral beige)
- Alabaster SW 7008 (off white with a hint of gray)
- Accessible Beige SW 7036 (I have this color throughout my home)
- Agreeable Gray SW 7029 (This has been a popular neutral for years)
White walls are pretty classic but are definitely still on trend. While dark, moody walls are very popular, white is the light and bright neutral option that is most on trend at the moment!
What is the trend for wall colors? ›What colors will trend in 2022? The colors that will trend in 2022 are noted to create calm and serenity – or evoke creativity and optimism. Pantone, the global color authority for the design community, has announced that purple and blue paint will play a huge role in our decorating choices.
What is the new GREY in interior design? ›It's not beige, it's not grey: it's greige – and it's why all our houses look the same | Interiors | The Guardian.
Are accent walls out of style 2022? ›Accent walls are back in 2022, and more popular than ever before. This is a year of bold statements and unique, eccentric ideas. That's why an accent wall may be an easy solution to make any home more exciting and distinctive.
How do I modernize my home in 2022? ›- Upgrade Fixtures and Appliances. Many older homes still have brass or gold hardware. ...
- Refresh Walls, Flooring, and Countertops. Wallpaper is making a comeback. ...
- Design a consistent color scheme and flowy layout. ...
- Improve Interior Lighting.
Gray has been on the way out for a while, but it's really looking dated now. Gray colors, especially cool grays, are no longer on trend. This is normal – popular colors cycle out every 7-10 years.
How many colors is too many in a house? ›A good rule of thumb for a cohesive color palette is to use no more than 5 distinct colors throughout your home. In this case, a white, a neutral, and 3 colors.
What is dominant color in interior design? ›The middle color is the dominant color; the colors on either side become the secondary and accent colors. As an example, you might choose orange-yellow, yellow and green yellow. Yellow would be the dominant color. The other two—both variations of yellow—would be the secondary and accent colors.
Can every room in house be a different color? ›Every room of your home can be done in a different style and color palette if you want to. But if you're feeling like your home is a mess or too hectic or you just want to make more peace, you might consider creating more cohesion with each room.
Should cabinets be lighter or darker than walls? ›
There are no strict rules as to whether painted kitchen cabinets should be lighter or darker than the walls, essentially it comes down to personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.
How do I choose a whole house color scheme? ›- Choose a whole-house color scheme based on mood. ...
- Use one color to create connection and flow between spaces. ...
- Work with natural lighting. ...
- Introduce pops of color with accessories to neutral schemes. ...
- Add modern elements to historic buildings. ...
- Choose the room you frequent the most as your starting point.
Color: | Best for: | |
---|---|---|
Cooler Colors | Green, the most restful color | Bedroom Living room Kitchen |
Blue, the color of calm | Bedroom Bathroom | |
Purple, the color of sophisticated drama | Bedroom Office Living room | |
Neutral Colors | Brown, the color of traditional comfort | Any |
All walls in a house shouldn't be the same color in general. A house that's painted with only one color may look plain and unattractive. However, that doesn't mean using the same color in some areas of the house is bad. When done right, single-color walls can add elegance to a home.
What is the rule for accent walls? ›Typically its best to follow the 60-30-10 rule which states that 60% of the room should be the dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color, and 10% should be an accent color. So when choosing a color you'll want something that's different from the 60% and 30% colors to make it pop.
Should you paint your hallway the same color as your living room? ›If you have a home in which all your living space is connected, then you should stick with one color to create cohesion. Otherwise, you can end up with a chaotic feeling space that seems disjointed when visitors first walk in. Going with one color can also make smaller spaces feel clean, connected, and more spacious.
› Interior Design ›The 60-30-10 rule – how to use it to create a balanced color palette
Room color ideas – 27 masterclass lessons in decorating with color
These Are The 4 Color Rules That Every Interior Design Fan Needs ...
Overall, the most popular wall colors for 2022 are going to be your neutrals. Grays, whites, and even some beiges are being chosen by the majority of homeowners.
What colour is replacing GREY? ›What will replace it, they predicted – and also Benjamin Moore's colour of the year for 2022 – is a light, silvery green. Or, as they called it: greeneige.
What is the paint color of the year 2022? ›2022 Color of the Year, Evergreen Fog SW 9130. Sherwin-Williams.
What is the paint colour of 2022? ›
Dulux 2022 Colour of the Year: Olive Sprig
A versatile paint colour that lives well inside or outside, Olive Sprig blends in with nearly any environment.
"Darker, more saturated colors are going to be everywhere in 2022," shares designer Hope Austin. "Think wallcoverings and fabrics in bold blues and bright citrines paired with rich espresso and slate finishes."
What is the most popular color for interior walls? ›As the reigning champion of interior paint, white is a color that transcends both time and decorating styles. White can make a room feel bright, fresh and up-to-date in settings ranging from modern to traditional.
What design trends are out for 2022? ›In 2022, designers are ditching faux-distressed furniture, redoing kitchens to erase the all-white mode, and tossing boho chic throw pillows and wall hangings that are ubiquitous in the farmhouse trend.
Is beige replacing gray? ›America's decades-long love affair with cool gray tones may officially be over. Beige is back to bring a warm, soothing vibe to our homes, according to PPG's 2021 Palette of the Year.
What is the most popular Sherwin-Williams color for 2022? ›Introducing Evergreen Fog SW 9130, the 2022 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year.
What is the most popular color for a kitchen 2022? ›White is still the most popular kitchen cabinet color in 2022 and beyond. However, we are seeing a shift towards warmer and more natural tones. We cover the best colors for cabinets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams like Simply White, Dove White, and Chantilly Lace.
What color walls are popular now? ›- White Dove. OC-17. Shop Now.
- Chantilly Lace. OC-65. Shop Now.
- Cloud White. OC-130. Shop Now.
- White Heron. OC-57. Shop Now.
- Swiss Coffee. OC-45. Shop Now.
- Classic Gray. OC-23. Shop Now.
- Calm. OC-22. Shop Now.
- Pale Oak. OC-20. Shop Now.
Nature Tones
This will culminate in 2022 with tones like taupes, beiges, biscuits, and mushrooms taking center stage, along with nature-inspired hues, particularly greens," says Wadden.
Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.