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 only have one. Here are their can't-miss 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 of blue also works well as a kitchen wall color 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 green wall paint colors, 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 that 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 wall paint colors to envelop rooms in a rich, cozy 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 because it looks good with almost any color. Classic Gray is a modern neutral wall color 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 wall paint color 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 blue paint colors alongside neutrals like white, gray, and beige; 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 cozy, soothing atmosphere that's ideal for the bedroom or living spaces when 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 neutral colors for walls, 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 this 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 midtone blues." If bold shades aren't your thing, consider using Cayenne Pepper for an accent wall color or even a piece of furniture.
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Kendall Charcoal HC-166 by Benjamin Moore
Paint walls with a luxurious charcoal gray wall color to foster a sense of comfort (and make white trimwork 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 favorite 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." Pair gray with neutral finishes and natural textures for a soothing space.
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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. Pair this yellow-orange paint color with cool hues like navy or gray for balance.
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Blue Arrow 5001-3C by Valspar
For your bedroom, try a soothing shade of blue, like Blue Arrow, a versatile color that calms without being boring. "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 is a popular wall color because it goes with almost any wood tone. Blue Arrow is a versatile color that is calming without being boring. Painting ideas that involve blue-gray colors work well with almost any neutral fabric, making them great for living room or basement makeovers.
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Hawthorne Yellow HC-4 by Benjamin Moore
This buttery yellow paint 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 one of those paint colors that's both modern and classic. Sherwin-Williams' Sea Salt has the versatility of a blue and 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." Sea Salt will look great with almost any accent. Try the 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." Just like any great neutral, Savory Beige (also sold in some regions as Churchill Hotel Ecru) looks good everywhere and with everything. Paint colors with this kind of versatility are a safe bet to make when choosing a room color because 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 for walls, 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 is a popular wall color because it 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 interior paint color for 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.
What colors do interior designers use? ›Traditionally, shades like red, orange and yellow are thought of as warm colors because they are more vibrant. However, neutrals like brown and tan are also included in the mix. On the other side of the spectrum are the cool colors, or blue, green and purple, as well as gray.
What are Joanna Gaines favorite interior paint colors? ›- Neutral Whites. Via Magnolia.com. This shade is an interior design staple. ...
- Botanical Greens. Via Magnolia.com. No farmhouse is complete without fresh spring shades somewhere! ...
- Bold Blues. Via Magnolia.com.
- 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.
Pantone's 2022 Color of the Year is making history with its best reveal yet: an entirely new hue created, for the first time ever, to serve as Color of the Year. They call it Very Peri (17-3938).
What is the new color trend for 2022? ›Pantone revealed in December that Very Peri, a blue-purple hue, is its color of 2022. The shade is described as a “warm and friendly blue hue with a carefree confidence and joyful attitude.” Very Peri is just one shade of blue Pantone predicts will be big in 2022.
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.
How many colors is too many 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 paint color do Tarek and Christina use? ›They use a lot of black, white, and gray. These colors make their flips look chic and modern while providing buyers with a clean look almost anyone will love. You'll find them using black and white tile in almost every episode (whether it be the kitchen, the bathroom, or both), and they love choosing gray paint colors.
Should entire house be painted 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 sheen of paint does Joanna Gaines use? ›
The Eggshell sheen offers a velvet-like finish, and will give you a soft, warm look on the wall. Ideal for: Living Rooms.
What is the paint color of the year 2022? ›2022 Color of the Year, Evergreen Fog SW 9130. Sherwin-Williams.
What color do builders use on walls? ›Builder's Beige is the generic colour that most new homes come with. It usually is the colour that a builder uses for an entire subdivision of homes.
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)
Bright and cheery, Benjamin Moore's pick for 2023 color of the year is a vibrant red-orange called Raspberry Blush.
Is GREY paint out for 2022? ›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's the color of the year 2023? ›Introducing Digital Lavender as our Colour of the Year for 2023.
What are the 3 colors for 2022? ›8 Color Combination Trends in 2022:
Trend 1: Pink and Green. Trend 2: Black and Neon Green. Trend 3: Dark Blue and Fiery Orange. Trend 4: Black and Gold.
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.
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.
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.
What is the most popular color for a living room? ›53 percent of experts surveyed think that sage green is the most popular color of 2022, not just for living rooms but also for other parts of the house.
Are white walls in Style 2022? ›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 are the top 3 favorite colors? ›The most popular color in the world is blue. The second favorite colors are red and green, followed by orange, brown and purple. Yellow is the least favorite color, preferred by only five percent of people.
What is the 60-30-10 decorating rule? ›What is the 60-30-10 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 the living room and kitchen 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!
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.
What wall colors do Property Brothers use? ›Drew and Jonathan's Favorite Paint Colors
Neutral colors, like grays and whites, are always a safe and versatile paint color choice. This sleek Chelsea Gray makes a stellar neutral accent wall color or home office color.
Q: What is your favorite paint color? Hilary: "I don't have a favorite - each space deserves colors and finishes that help make it unique. Perhaps I will paint the main living spaces light neutrals, or even white, and opt for a dramatic dark color as an accent, or for an intimate space such as a library."
What paint colors do the property brothers use? ›Instead of primary hues, the Property Brothers suggest leaning toward minimal decor, which includes lots of black, white and grays mixed with wood tones. Then accent with bold colors, such as red throw pillows or a sunny yellow area rug.
What color goes well with everything? ›
Different hues of green give a room depth and vitality, while they introduce both oomph and whimsy. My third premise is that — because it's a neutral — green goes with any and all colors.
What is the best color to paint the inside of a house to sell? ›When you're painting your house to sell, you'll want to stick with neutral or earthy tones, though you can choose white, beiges, greys, or even off-white colors. Depending on the room, you can even choose neutral shades of blue or green (like in the kitchen). You'll also want to avoid white in bathrooms.
What color gray does Joanna Gaines use on fixer upper? ›Sherwin Williams – Silver Strand
This gorgeous muted gray/green is Joanna's go to color for interior walls in many of the homes she's filmed on Fixer Upper.
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
What sheen of paint does Joanna Gaines use on shiplap? ›Joanna Gaines has recommended True White before and it's matched to Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace. Should I use a matte or semi-gloss on shiplap? The preference is yours it doesn't really matter but I would recommend matte. A semi-gloss would be easier to wipe off though.
What color did Joanna Gaines paint her kitchen cabinets? ›The cabinets are coated in a featured color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint line, Locally Grown, which is a deep hunter green dusted with olive tones.
What colors make a room look bigger and brighter? ›Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
What paint do most contractors use? ›Contractors are often requested to use low- or zero-VOC paints, and this is something they can get from Sherwin-Williams in a variety of their paint lines. Sherwin-Williams paint is thick because it uses more solids, which makes it easier to work with and will cover more surface area.
Do designers use flat or eggshell paint? ›Another reason why consumers and designers often favor using Eggshell or Satin paint is that they've had a bad experience with the “chalky” look that low-quality flat paints have after a few years. To avoid this, the painting professionals at Freeland Painting recommend – and use – superior grades of flat paint.
What paint finish is most popular? ›Satin: Satin finishes are the most common interior paint finish. They have a velvety sheen and are easier to clean than flat and eggshell paints, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, playrooms, family rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
What is the most popular color for interior walls 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.
What is the most popular interior wall color? ›- 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.
Introducing Evergreen Fog SW 9130, the 2022 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year.
What colour is replacing grey? ›' 'We're seeing warmer greiges and beiges increase in popularity,' continues Sue Wadden director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams (opens in new tab). 'While we were noticing a shift toward warmer colors before COVID-19, with everyone spending so much time at home, we expect this trend to continue.
Is grey paint out for 2022? ›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 is the paint color of the year 2022? ›2022 Color of the Year, Evergreen Fog SW 9130. Sherwin-Williams.
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 are the new decorating colors for 2023? ›The 2023 color of the year is a blend of gray and beige with subtle red undertones that pair well with today's trending earth-tone paint colors. Rustic Greige wraps a room in warmth, making it perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, and family spaces alike.
Are painted accent walls Still in 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.
Are white walls still in for 2022? ›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 color house sells best? ›
"Generally, going with neutral colors like shades of white, beige, taupe, and grays lead to a faster sale," she shares. "Neutral colors are also more appealing to potential buyers because many want the creative freedom of a blank canvas to add their personal touches to when looking for a new place to call home.
Are beige walls outdated? ›In fact, 'SHADY' is gone, with shades of gray being quickly replaced by paint colours with more warmth. That's right – beige is BACK baby!
What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 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 is the color trend for fall 2022? ›According to this season's street stylers, the best fall fashion colors in 2022 are bright and beautiful, from head-to-toe oranges and zesty lime greens to classic autumnal browns and grays.
What are the top 3 favorite colors? ›The most popular color in the world is blue. The second favorite colors are red and green, followed by orange, brown and purple. Yellow is the least favorite color, preferred by only five percent of people.
What is the 2023 color of the year? ›Last year, Benjamin Moore selected a soft, sage green as its 2022 Color of the Year, sitting comfortably among the huge trend of "new neutrals." This year, however, with the 2023 pick, Raspberry Blush, Benjamin Moore opted for a bold push outside of the paint color comfort zone.
What colors make a room look bigger and brighter? ›Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.