Real Simple Home Designers Share Their Secrets for Picking the Perfect Wall Color

The article explores various alternatives to traditional white paint for interior trim, offering expert advice from interior designers on how to elevate a room's aesthetic through thoughtful color choices for baseboards and crown moldings. Traditionally, trim has been painted white, often becoming an afterthought in the design process. However, the article argues that embracing color for these architectural details can introduce an extra layer of visual interest and create a more considered and impactful space. One of the primary recommendations is sage green, which can act as a versatile neutral while adding a touch of playfulness. Cortney Bishop, Principal Designer at Cortney Bishop Design, highlights its ability to draw out substantial trim with color, particularly in rooms with white walls where it can provide warmth and interest without relying solely on large artworks. Yellow is presented as another excellent option, capable of injecting warmth and style, especially when paired with cooler wall colors. Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene, notes that moving away from white woodwork, ceilings, and skirting fosters a contemporary and cohesive scheme. The article suggests using a color wheel to find complementary pairings, such as yellow with blue, for a visually pleasing contrast. For those seeking bolder statements, red trim is discussed as a way to create intrigue and highlight specific architectural features. Laura Stephens, founder of Laura Stephens Interior Design, describes how red trim can separate different wall colors and draw the eye upwards, as seen in a living room where red trim accented a wallpapered ceiling. She advises selecting a red tone that harmonizes with other existing elements within the scheme to maintain cohesion. Dark green is recommended for baseboards and skirting to ground a space and subtly link open-plan areas. Emma Gurner of Folds Inside suggests using paint color charts to identify complementary colors and even exploring monochromatic schemes with varying tones from the same color family. Grey is offered as a sophisticated and timeless alternative, providing visual weight without being overly bold. Tom Cox of HÁM Interiors explains that using a bolder grey for trims and skirtings in conjunction with a natural hue on walls and ceilings can create a tailored effect, with accents of the trim color connecting adjoining rooms. Blue trim is proposed for a luxurious, all-encompassing finish, especially in smaller or awkward spaces like utility rooms or cloakrooms. Helen Shaw, Director at Benjamin Moore, suggests that applying a single shade across skirting, walls, ceiling, and window frames can make a small room feel more expansive by blurring lines. Finally, lilac is introduced as an unexpected yet brilliant choice for a pop of color, working well with pink tones, olive greens, and sunny yellows, or adding intrigue to white and grey schemes. Natasha Bradley, Lick's Director of Interior Design, emphasizes that contrasting woodwork can be a fun way to inject personality, even with neutral wall colors. The article concludes by encouraging readers to experiment with different tones within the same color group for subtle looks or contrasting colors for bolder effects, using the color wheel as a guide. It also highlights the technique of painting trim the same color as the walls to open up a room by eliminating visual breaks. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalTrim #ColorSchemes #DesignTips #WallPaint #HomeImprovement #DecoratingIdeas

This article explores various approaches to incorporating color into living room design, moving beyond neutral palettes. It presents a collection of ideas and examples, demonstrating how different color schemes can impact the ambiance and style of a living space. The article begins by showcasing a living room with a tinted navy wall paint, which serves as a backdrop for a blend of modern and shabby chic furnishings. Another example highlights a warm palette achieved through delicate neutrals and textured accents, emphasizing the strategic use of subtle tones within a predominantly warm room. A Scandinavian living room features a serene wall paint fluctuating between deep gray and shady blue, illustrating a subdued yet colorful aesthetic. The concept of pastel colors is explored with a lilac backdrop complemented by pastel furnishings and copper accents, creating a calming atmosphere. The article also delves into more contrasting and bold applications of color. One example illustrates a study in contrast using a concrete floor, delicate frilly furnishings, and an eclectically intricate backdrop. Another showcases playful patterns and sweet shades to redefine a two-toned room. For a bolder look, a living room with charcoal wall paint is presented, softened by elegant, modern furnishings. The use of subtly patterned wallpaper with a neutrally saturated shade is demonstrated, allowing for eclectic island-chic and mid-century modern decor elements to stand out. A smokey gray wall is presented as a color choice, especially when paired with wood floors and a subtly tinted paint, challenging the perception of gray as a non-color. Further examples include a bright blue wall paint combined with a whitewashed ceiling and eclectic, colorful decor, accentuating the vibrancy of the space. A two-toned living room integrates a chic mix of color, texture, and style, enhanced by sleek copper details and marbled wallpaper. The article also reconsiders commonly overlooked shades, featuring a pigmented brown with a hint of magenta on an accent wall. A gray-washed living room is elevated with vibrant furnishings and mid-century modern style, demonstrating that "too much color" is a subjective concept. The article also provides a solution for adding color without painting walls, suggesting a wall-to-wall mirror installation to reflect vibrant decor. A bright green wall paint in an English cottage emulates a rustic decor, while a seemingly textured wallpaper adds depth to monochrome walls, providing a base for warm-hued decorative elements. A rosy wall paint creates a subdued setting for accented colors and organic features, making the space inviting. The article concludes by showing that color blocking works effectively with two saturated shades, with the sofa's hue strategically used to unify bold wall colors. Other examples include a monochrome living room with subtle bursts of eye-catching color, multiple shades of blue accentuated by daylight and clever paint contrasts, a delicate wall paint with a cool undertone complementing dusty blush-toned furnishings, wood panel walls creating a nautical theme for a beachfront property, an earthy decor scheme stemming from patterned wallpaper and woven accents, and an elegant gallery wall complementing a saturated wall paint, emphasizing the importance of accent pieces. #ColorfulLivingRooms #InteriorDesign #WallPaintIdeas #HomeDecor #ColorSchemes #LivingRoomDesign #AccentWalls #DesignInspiration #PaintColors

Applying a new coat of paint is a common and relatively inexpensive method to refresh a room, but selecting the incorrect hue or finish can inadvertently lead to a dingy appearance. Expert designers and home stagers offer insights into common paint mistakes that can make a house look less clean and vibrant, along with recommendations for better alternatives. One significant mistake is the use of warm earth tones. Interior designer Jerith Bailey advises against tans and browns, explaining that their foggy tones can make a space appear unclean and dull, despite their versatility in pairing with furniture. For a clean neutral, Angela Hall, a certified home stager, suggests greige tints such as Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige. Another common error involves painting wood trim in colors other than crisp white. Bailey emphasizes that white trim is crucial for a clean aesthetic, recommending classics like Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Decorator’s White. However, she cautions against pairing clean white trim with earthy, warm wall colors, as this can make the walls look dirty by creating a stark contrast. Instead, she suggests wall colors that complement white trim, such as Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, Sherwin-Williams’ Mineral, or Behr’s Silver Drop. The paint’s light reflectance value (LRV) and sheen also play a critical role. Bailey notes that lower LRV colors, like deep plums and navys, are effective at concealing dirt and smudges and contribute to a clean-looking room. Conversely, higher LRV colors, such as whites and cool grays, brighten a space. When it comes to sheen, a middle ground is preferable; ultra-matte paints are difficult to clean, while very high-sheen paints accentuate imperfections. An eggshell finish is often the best choice for most walls. Outdated or incorrect shades of pink, specifically dusty rose hues, can also make walls appear dull. Andra DelMonico, a lead interior designer, suggests that if pink is desired, lighter undertones, like Behr’s Rose Sorbet, are more effective. Similarly, yellowy-white paints can leave walls looking dirty, especially when contrasted with bright, cool whites. Hall prefers neutral whites or those with cool undertones, mentioning Benjamin Moore’s Simply White as a good option. Purple-based grays are another color family to approach with caution. Bonnie Kespohl, owner of KASA Interior Design, explains that these tones can appear fuzzy and dull, sometimes taking on a pink overtone that enhances a drab effect. She recommends Benjamin Moore’s Winter Orchard for a lighter gray and Kendall Charcoal for a darker option. Colors with brown undertones also contribute to a dingy look, as they can create a dusty or shadowy effect. Donella Olson of Two Island Design Build suggests drawing inspiration from nature’s bold and vibrant colors, recommending Behr’s Scallion for a deep green. Finally, yellow-green shades can also be problematic. Kespohl warns that these hues can often appear as puce, lacking depth in lighter tones and becoming overly bright and unnatural in more intense shades. She advises testing samples on walls over several days to observe how colors change under different lighting conditions. For green, she recommends Sherwin-Williams’ Crooked River, and for yellow, Backdrop’s Stardust. By avoiding these common painting errors and opting for thoughtfully chosen colors and finishes, homeowners can ensure their interiors appear fresh, clean, and vibrant. #PaintColor #HomeInterior #DesignTips #WallPaint #ColorSelection #HomeDecor #PaintFinish #NeutralColors

The article provides guidance on selecting appropriate paint colors for various rooms in a home, drawing on insights from designers Devon Tobin and Beth Armijo, and color consultant Michelle Marceny. The central theme revolves around overcoming the fear of using color in home interiors and leveraging it to create desired moods and aesthetics. Designers emphasize that humans naturally appreciate color, and any apprehension often stems from a fear of incorrect implementation. The article highlights that an effective color palette can evoke positive emotional and physical responses. To navigate the vast selection of paint colors, the experts offer practical advice. They suggest starting by narrowing down choices, possibly by exploring manufacturers' historical collections, which offer curated and generally reliable color options. A critical step involves considering paint undertones, as colors can appear differently than initially perceived from swatches. Tobin advises obtaining samples that are both one shade lighter and one shade darker than the initial choice, as one of these alternatives often aligns better with the desired outcome. Extensive testing is recommended: painting large samples (at least 11x17 inches) on white poster boards and observing them in the actual room. This approach allows for an accurate assessment of how colors interact with the room's unique lighting conditions, which can vary significantly depending on window orientation (e.g., north-facing windows casting a blue tint). The article also stresses the importance of living with samples for an extended period, observing how colors transform throughout the day as natural light changes and after dark. When determining personal color preferences, the experts suggest looking at one's wardrobe, as the colors people tend to wear often reflect colors they would be comfortable incorporating into their homes. The piece also acknowledges that color preferences evolve, noting that home palettes typically need updating every decade. This perspective encourages a more liberating approach to color, viewing it as a relatively small investment for significant satisfaction, even if preferences change over time. Specific recommendations are provided for different types of spaces. For gathering areas like living rooms, neutral tones are suggested, but with an expanded definition that includes natural, earthy hues such as muted greens and blues, which mimic outdoor landscapes. For dining rooms, light-reflecting colors like soft pinks and subtle golds are favored to enhance complexions, although dark, saturated colors (e.g., navy, dark green, rust) can work in rooms with ample natural light to avoid a cave-like feel. In productive spaces like offices, the choice depends on the work type; mid-tone blues like Sherwin-Williams' Granite Peak or Benjamin Moore's Britannia Blue are recommended for video calls, while dark, subdued colors can aid concentration for screen-intensive work. Kitchens, as hardworking spaces, benefit from fresh, layered neutrals to maintain clarity, with the option of using a single color in varying shades for depth without overwhelming the space. Finally, for cozy areas like dens and libraries, deep, saturated greens and blues are encouraged to create a sense of calm and distinctiveness, provided sufficient lighting is available. For bedrooms, the emphasis is on serenity, with whites, creams, and light greiges like Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray or Sherwin-Williams’ Gossamer Veil being ideal for a tranquil backdrop, allowing accent colors to be introduced through decor or a feature wall/ceiling. #PaintColors #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorConsultation #DesignTips #RoomMood #NeutralColors #AccentColors #HomeDecor

The article explores the increasing trend of incorporating bold colors into home decor, moving away from traditional neutrals. It highlights four distinct rooms in Front Range homes, each showcasing a different color scheme and design philosophy, offering inspiration and practical advice for homeowners. The first example is a vibrant red kitchen designed by Lauren Maggio, inspired by personal sentiment and New Orleans roots. Maggio emphasizes that red, being energetic and cheerful, is suitable for rooms where a lot of time is spent, such as a kitchen. She advises pairing strong colors with more muted tones, like creamy walls and rattan accents, to allow the primary color to shine without overwhelming the space. The designer also stresses the importance of carefully selecting the exact shade, as it will be a prominent feature in the home. The second room featured is a master bedroom in Cherry Creek that incorporates bright green. Designers Ashley Larson Eitemiller and Conni Newsome of C&A Interiors chose green for its natural and soothing qualities, aiming to warm up an angular, tall-ceilinged space. The design began with a custom green rug, complemented by a similarly colored door. The article also provides a brief guide to various green shades, suggesting their best applications, from masculine hunter green for a man cave to soft Hollingsworth green for a master bedroom, and Minced Onion for a kitchen. Next, the article presents a blue and white office in the Polo Club, designed by Ramey Caulkins of Griffin Design Source. The serene office prioritizes functionality while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment. The elegant blue-and-white woodland patterned wallpaper, Arbre de Matisse by Quadrille, serves as the foundation for the room's color scheme, with matching fabric used for custom shades and drapes. Caulkins highlights the enveloping effect of the pattern in a larger space and demonstrates how to extend the color by painting the back of a built-in cabinet and using a custom-blended blue to frame a mirror, creating balance and cohesion. Finally, the article showcases a bold black dining room designed by Deidre Oliver of Oliver Designs. Oliver advocates for full commitment when using black, noting its ability to add an edgy backdrop that enhances layered finishes. For her dining room, she sought a saturated color that would complement her existing Ralph Lauren furniture. The walls and floors are painted in Benjamin Moore's Almost Black, contrasted with White Dove trim and a box-beam ceiling, blending traditional and modern elements. The article concludes with practical tips for DIY painting projects, including virtual color selection tools, paint quantity calculators, and resources for recycling old paint cans, providing readers with actionable steps to embrace color in their own homes. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorInDesign #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #OfficeDesign #DiningRoomDesign #PaintTips #DenverHomes

White walls are often perceived as a versatile and timeless choice for interior design, yet they present several unexpected challenges that many homeowners encounter only after completing the painting process. While a pure, bright white can create a stark and overly formal atmosphere reminiscent of retail stores or art galleries, it often feels inappropriate for a home setting. Interior designers highlight five key problems associated with painting walls white and offer solutions to address them. First, the notion that "white is just white" is a significant misconception. White paint inherently possesses undertones such as blue, pink, yellow, or green, which can dramatically alter its appearance based on a room's lighting conditions and surrounding colors. A soft, creamy white that looks inviting in one space might appear dingy in another. Layering different whites, for instance, on ceilings, trims, or cabinetry, can inadvertently lead to clashes, making a space feel sterile or imbalanced rather than serene. To overcome this, designers recommend selecting off-white, beige, or taupe shades with undertones that complement the most dominant colors in the decor. For example, if a room features moody blues, a cool off-white with gray or green undertones is suggested. Conversely, for warm and earthy aesthetics, a beige with a subtle hint of peach works best. Second, styling white walls can be surprisingly difficult. Although white is frequently praised for its adaptability, it demands more from the surrounding objects. Without a grounding color on the walls, elements like art, furniture, lighting, and textiles must provide sufficient visual interest. A room with white walls can easily appear flat or under-designed if there is a lack of varied textures, contrasts, or layered tones to add depth. This makes white walls surprisingly high-maintenance in terms of styling. Therefore, when designing a space with white walls, it is crucial to plan accent pieces in the initial stages and consider which colors might not harmonize with white. Third, white walls can clash with warm tones. In spaces dominated by warm wood, earthy textiles, or creamy furniture, a bright or stark white wall can feel cold and detached. This contrast can highlight undesirable elements and disrupt the natural flow of an otherwise cozy environment, especially in older homes or those with vintage decor. In such cases, a warm white or soft neutral paint color is a more harmonious alternative. These subtle undertones, when paired with decor that accentuates warm hues, help create a cozier ambiance. Fourth, white walls are not as easy to maintain as generally believed. Despite their clean appearance, white surfaces readily show scuffs, smudges, fingerprints, and even shadows where furniture once stood. They often require frequent touch-ups to maintain their pristine look. Furthermore, matte finishes, which are sometimes used to conceal imperfections, are harder to clean effectively. This can be particularly challenging for households with young children or pets. However, it is still possible to use white in high-traffic areas like kitchens by carefully selecting the right shade, finish, and placement. Finally, white walls necessitate ample layering to prevent a sterile appearance. To make white walls easier to style and add depth, incorporating various textures is essential. Natural materials such as linen, wood, wool, and leather can introduce visual warmth. Additionally, integrating a few high-contrast pieces, such as black accents, bold artwork, or rich colors, can anchor the space, transforming a white wall into a compelling backdrop for a well-told design story. While white walls remain a popular choice, a thoughtful and strategic approach is vital to overcome these common challenges and create a truly stunning interior. #WhiteWalls #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #DesignChallenges #StylingTips #NeutralPalette #ColorTheory #HomeRenovation

Corey Damen Jenkins, an ELLE Décor A-List designer known for his layered interiors that blend vivid colors and patterns, emphasizes that successfully mixing colors is a complex endeavor, akin to cooking a meal. Jenkins recently curated a vibrant palette for Benjamin Moore, featuring rich emerald, soft pale pink, spicy raspberry, deep noir, warm white, and electric aquamarine. His primary advice for homeowners considering bold paint colors is to select paint colors last in the design process. He argues that there are extensive choices in paint colors, unlike rugs, furnishings, or fabrics for sofas and window treatments. Therefore, it is more effective to invest in significant anchor pieces first and then choose a paint shade that harmonizes with existing elements. When developing a color scheme, Jenkins recommends identifying a "tie that binds"—a wallcovering, rug, or patterned fabric that encapsulates the various colors intended for the space. Once this central element is established, other hues and finishes can be chosen to complement it. He also suggests looking to one's wardrobe for color inspiration, noting that people are often comfortable with colors they wear and may be more open to incorporating similar shades into their homes. For those hesitant about bold paint, accents and accessories offer a subtle way to introduce vibrant colors. Nature serves as another valuable source of inspiration for color combinations. Jenkins points to natural pairings found in flowers or bird's wings as evidence that seemingly disparate colors can coexist harmoniously. To ensure a colorful room remains timeless, Jenkins advises studying historical color palettes from ancient civilizations, as certain colors, such as jewel tones, consistently appear throughout history, suggesting a cyclical nature of fashion and design that avoids a completely neutral aesthetic. Understanding how natural light interacts with a room is crucial. Jenkins suggests embracing the room's inherent lighting conditions: dark rooms can be made "sexy and smoldering" with rich, deep colors, while well-lit rooms can be amplified with vibrant, joyful hues. He cautions against using bright colors to overcompensate for a lack of natural light, as this can create an overwhelming effect. For accent walls, Jenkins stresses the importance of making a deliberate statement rather than simply adding color for color's sake. An accent wall should draw attention to a specific feature, such as a bed in a bedroom. He also recommends framing accent walls with molding to create a more custom and sophisticated look, resembling a mural. Finally, if a homeowner is determined to start with a specific bold paint color, Jenkins advises full commitment. This can involve either matching all furnishings and accessories to the chosen color, creating a monochromatic effect, or using contrasting colors to achieve a color-blocked design. In either approach, a decisive commitment to the chosen palette is essential for a cohesive and impactful result. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #ColorPsychology #DesignTips #BenjaminMoore #CoreyDamenJenkins #ColorPalette

This article explores insights from five leading designers on selecting kitchen colors, focusing on their custom-designed Silestone quartz surfaces and recommended Benjamin Moore paint pairings. The designers, part of Silestone's 25th-anniversary Influencer Series, offer guidance on contemporary kitchen color trends and practical tips for homeowners. Kerrie Kelly's "Albedo" surface, inspired by the moon's reflectivity, features a nuanced pattern and coloration. She identifies navy blue as a key trend for 2015 due to its versatility with various metals, grays, and wood tones, suggesting Benjamin Moore's Deep Royal for a lacquered look, Gray Owl for a timeless backdrop, and Silver Satin for warm white trim. Kelly emphasizes checking undertones by observing paint samples in different lighting conditions and pairing them with primary colors to understand their true effect. Courtney Cachet's "Lusso" draws inspiration from her global travels, particularly the natural beauty and elegant styles found in the South of France, Italy, and Miami. Her design incorporates a hint of gold into a timeless marble aesthetic. Cachet highlights white as a dominant kitchen color trend, along with metallic accents like brass, gold, and copper for hardware, plumbing, and lighting. She also notes the continued popularity of dark woods and neutral gray shades. Her top tip for color selection is to always evaluate colors in the intended space, as lighting and room functionality can drastically alter perception. She recommends Benjamin Moore's Blue Danube for a high-gloss finish, Light Quartz for an eggshell finish, and Decorators White for moldings and wood trims. Julia Buckingham's "Copper Mist" blends urban sophistication with the elemental mysticism of the Southwest, specifically the mineral-rich shades of the Camelback Mountains. She foresees copper and gold metallics becoming prominent in faucets, sinks, cabinet pulls, and knobs, creating a sophisticated yet earthy aesthetic. Buckingham advises establishing a color scheme early using tools like Benjamin Moore’s apps and testing chosen colors on larger wall areas, ensuring they harmonize with trim colors. Her recommended paint colors are Stone Harbor, Silver Fox, Sterling Silver, and Ashley Gray, all in an eggshell finish. Mark Williams's "Nimbus" aims to replicate the casual elegance of veined white and gray marbles like Carerra, Statuary, and Venantino, but in a more durable quartz surface. He points to painted cabinetry in whites, grays, and taupes as a major trend, alongside more saturated tones such as jadite, coral, navy, and persimmon for added individuality. Williams's advice is to use color intentionally, employing strong colors to define focal points and complementing them with supportive neutrals. He suggests Benjamin Moore's Silver Fox, Cement Grey, and American White, all in an Aura Eggshell finish. Kim Lewis's "Olivia" is inspired by nature, offering a new neutral olive green/caper tone that is versatile with various color palettes and metal finishes. She observes a growing openness to cabinet colors beyond traditional white, with soft, pale palettes and deeper jewel tones creating eclectic mixes. Brass remains a popular choice for metal finishes. Lewis stresses the importance of evaluating paint colors under natural light at different times of the day to ensure an accurate representation. She recommends Benjamin Moore's Universal Black for a bold look, Soft Sand for a romantic space, and Smoke for a mid-century inspired aesthetic, all in an Aura Eggshell or Natura Eggshell finish. The article provides comprehensive guidance on kitchen color selection, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying inspirations, current trends, and practical application tips from these five design experts, sponsored by Silestone by Cosentino and Benjamin Moore. #KitchenDesign #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #Silestone #BenjaminMoore #DesignTips #QuartzSurfaces #PaintColors #HomeDecor #DesignerInsights

Choosing the right paint color is a crucial decision that significantly impacts a room's atmosphere, mood, and overall aesthetic. Gretchen Schauffler, founder of Devine Color, emphasizes that the background color, meaning the wall color, sets the temperature, depth, and mood for all other colors in a space. Puji Sherer, President and Chief Color Nerd at Colorhouse Paint, and Schauffler provide expert guidance to simplify this often daunting task. One key consideration is light and scale. Sherer highlights that architectural colors behave differently on a larger scale than on a small paint chip. Natural light exposure, for instance, in a north-facing versus a south-facing room, can dramatically alter how a color appears. To avoid unexpected results, it is recommended to test potential shades by painting swatches on large poster boards or directly on the wall. Sherer suggests opting for a true white, like Colorhouse's Imagine .01, as a versatile choice due to its untinted nature and lack of troublesome undertones, making it suitable for walls, trim, and ceilings. Connecting colors seamlessly is another vital aspect. Schauffler advises assessing existing elements such as flooring, wood tones, furnishings, fabrics, and accessories before selecting a wall color. She illustrates this with an example of a kitchen already rich in orange tones from floors, cabinets, and wood, where adding yellow walls would create an overwhelming environment. Her personal living room features Devine Buffalo, a gray, as a neutral backdrop that allows her art to stand out, complemented by a crisp white ceiling (Devine Icing) and black trim (Devine Leather). Both experts advocate for treating wall color as a supporting element, allowing brighter colors in furniture and decor to take center stage. Sherer, despite being a 'color nerd,' chose neutral and subdued walls (Nourish .03) for her living room to prevent the space from feeling overwhelmed. She also suggests green as a versatile neutral, citing Colorhouse's Leaf and Glass families, which include warm khaki green (Leaf .02), soft silver sage (Leaf .03), and a blue-leaning green (Glass .02), all ideally paired with white trim and ceilings. Accent colors play a significant role in defining a room's character. They can highlight or diminish architectural features and create diverse aesthetic effects. For example, a denim wall with white trim offers a traditional look, while pairing the same denim with light green-gray trim creates a whimsical feel. Schauffler demonstrates this with Devine Reef, a diluted aqua, which can be sweet with pink (Devine Poodle) for a child's room or sophisticated with charcoal or chocolate (Devine Cocoa). Sherer emphasizes the importance of balancing vibrant wall colors with grounding accent colors, such as pairing the fluorescent-like Almost Ripe (Colorhouse's 2017 color) with pastels and a nearly black green. The ceiling, often overlooked, can also enhance a room's warmth, with options like Bisque .02, a white with subtle umber undertones. Finally, understanding color temperature is essential for creating the desired ambiance. Cooler hues like blues and greens promote calmness, making them ideal for bedrooms and other restful spaces. Conversely, warm, energetic colors such as yellows, reds, and oranges foster social interaction, making them suitable for dining rooms and kitchens. Sherer's bedroom, for instance, features Water .02, a complex blue with green and gray undertones, paired with white trim (Air .02) and ceiling (Air .01). For a kitchen, a burnt orange like Clay .02 with warm white trim (Bisque .02) and a light beige ceiling (Bisque .03) creates a welcoming scheme. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #ColorPsychology #ArchitecturalColor #AccentColors #RoomAmbiance #ColorPalette

The article discusses how to add personality to a home by using vibrant feature walls, emphasizing careful consideration of the room's purpose before selecting a color. For instance, children's rooms can accommodate experimental colors, while master bedrooms require a more muted palette to promote relaxation. The article showcases several favorite feature wall ideas, starting with 'Call it the blues' which highlights indigo blue as a trending color for 2016. It demonstrates how this dark and moody shade can be effectively used in a child's bedroom when paired with ice-white furniture and colorful artwork. The next idea, 'Adventures in teal,' suggests that aquamarine can create a beautiful and lively atmosphere. It illustrates this by painting two alcoves in a vibrant teal, complemented by damask wallpaper and teal cushions to create a cohesive scheme. 'Luxurious lilac' presents a cool lilac feature wall in a country-style kitchen diner. To prevent the block color from being overpowering, the design incorporates tongue and groove paneling, with the lilac paint applied above it. For bedrooms, 'Perfect pink' recommends applying a strong, muted pink to the wall next to the bed, rather than behind it, and pairing it with warm wood furniture for a harmonious look. 'Glorious green' focuses on the calming effect of green, suggesting sophisticated shades like Spearmint Haze by Valspar. It highlights green's versatility in complementing various color palettes. 'Passion for purple' encourages a bold approach with an eye-popping purple feature wall for dramatic effect. The advice is to keep the rest of the decor neutral to allow the vibrant purple to stand out. Finally, 'Black in business' advocates for the use of black as a strong and dramatic backdrop, illustrating its effectiveness with a striking walnut armoire. #FeatureWall #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #RoomDecor #AccentWall

When selling a home, paint color choices can significantly impact its resale value, as most potential buyers struggle to envision themselves in spaces with highly specific or unconventional hues. Real estate agents emphasize staging, which often involves repainting, because many buyers are turned off by taste-specific colors. Choosing the wrong paint color could result in a loss of over $8,000 for the typical U.S. homeowner, according to Zillow's home trends expert, Amanda Pendleton. Buyers use visual cues like color to assess a home's upkeep and modernity, as they lack the daily experience to judge its condition accurately. Research indicates specific colors are particularly detrimental to resale. A "Paint and Color Trends Report" from Fixr, based on a survey of 71 interior designers and home stagers, identifies red as the most off-putting color, with 59% of professionals agreeing it deters buyers. Real estate agents concur, noting that deep red shades, while potentially elegant in specific settings, often make rooms feel smaller and dated. Marissa Castello, a realtor, adds that red can be physiologically unsettling, evoking feelings of "danger or stop." Lime green is the second worst color for resale, with 53% of design professionals advising against it. Other colors to avoid when listing a home include mustard yellow, pink, and turquoise. Breaking down by room, bright yellow in the kitchen can decrease sale prices by an average of $2,125, according to Zillow's data. Carolyn Cerminara of Cerminara Design explains that while vibrant, bright yellow can overwhelm a kitchen, a space meant for gathering and cooking, making it feel too intense for buyers. Kristina Phillips, a designer, suggests avoiding white walls with white cabinets in the kitchen, as it can create a "builder grade" appearance. In bedrooms, mint green can reduce offers by $1,123. While darker, sultry colors were once popular, a trend toward lighter and brighter palettes is now observed, making mint green less appealing. Dark forest green in bathrooms can lead to offers $1,760 lower than expected. However, design experts are divided on dark bathroom colors; some, like Phillips, suggest that dark walls paired with white vanities and veined marble can create a sophisticated look, especially in dated bathrooms, and can even make small spaces feel loftier if the ceiling is also painted dark. Bright yellow in the living room is associated with offers $3,032 lower. Designer Evette Rios notes that yellow is a highly stimulating color, making it unsuitable for a living room, which is typically a space for relaxation. Instead, bright yellow is best reserved for areas where energy is desired. For front doors, white or neon colors are discouraged. White front doors often appear boring and blend in too much, making them hard to keep clean and potentially hurting curb appeal. Kristi Weaver, a designer, and Phillips recommend a pop of color, such as red or peacock blue, but strongly advise against any neon shades for the front door, regardless of the house color. #HomeResaleValue #PaintColors #RealEstateTips #HomeStaging #InteriorDesign #ColorPsychology #HomeImprovement #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingRoomDesign #CurbAppeal

When selecting paint colors for a home, several factors beyond light and room function come into play, particularly for individuals with art collections. This article explores how to effectively pair wall colors with various types of art, moving beyond the traditional white wall aesthetic. Expert opinions from Clare Simpson, Head of Exhibitions at Dulwich Picture Gallery, and Caroline Corbeau-Parsons, a curator at Tate Britain, provide valuable guidance. Clare Simpson advises using the artwork's palette as a starting point, looking for surprising accents to create balance without competition. She emphasizes that the paint should not dominate the art, suggesting that dark shades can introduce drama, provided a matte finish is used to prevent sheen and reflections caused by lighting. Caroline Corbeau-Parsons adds that for paintings with yellowing varnish, colors with purple undertones, such as aubergine and deep reds, are effective in counteracting the yellow tones. Twenty-five examples from the House & Garden archive illustrate diverse approaches to this design challenge. Sophie Warburton's London home features Benjamin Moore's 'Gallery Buff' as a warm neutral backdrop for her jug collection. In a Victorian villa, Little Greene’s ‘Olive Colour’ provides a suitable background for large-scale artwork. India Holmes’ Highgate abode uses Farrow & Ball’s ‘Setting Plaster’ to create a neutral setting that enhances delicate art without overwhelming it. Lonika Chande’s Stoke Newington house utilizes Little Greene’s ‘Baked Cherry’ for joinery and walls, a bold color that contrasts effectively with white-mounted pictures. Chester Jones’ London flat employs Little Greene’s ‘Clay’ to display a charming, eclectic collection of artworks. Other examples include a Bath house with Little Greene’s ‘Garden’ providing a contemporary backdrop for dark paintings, and Annabel Bevan’s bathroom in Little Greene’s ‘Livid’ contrasting with warm red tones in a painting. Alice B. Davies’ Victorian flat uses Farrow & Ball’s ‘Slipper Satin’ as a neutral canvas. Kate Cox’s Bristol flat chose Farrow & Ball’s ‘Sudbury Yellow’ as a bright yet understated setting for her art and objects. Ben Pentreath’s Georgian house dining room features Emente’s ‘Bromine’ as a heavenly backdrop, while his own parsonage uses Farrow & Ball’s 'St Giles Blue' with monochromatic Piranesi prints. Angelica Squire’s house highlights vibrant art against Farrow & Ball’s 'Setting Plaster', and Brandon Schubert’s collection is showcased against Farrow & Ball’s ‘Castle Gray’. Further illustrations include Edward Bulmer’s ‘Celadon’ serving as a delicate backdrop for botanical prints in a country house, and 'Lilac Pink' and 'Cerulean Blue' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint providing a fresh, modern scheme for traditional portraiture at Eildon Hall. Rita Konig’s Co. Durham farmhouse uses Edward Bulmer’s 'Invisible Green' for botanical prints. Nicola Harding’s country house features Farrow & Ball’s ‘Stone Blue’, demonstrating how strong colors can make abstract art shine. Farrow & Ball’s 'Old White' acts as a neutral base for art, while warm pink walls in Dulux '90RR 52214' create an ideal backdrop for Walton Ford prints. Dulux’s ‘Alluvial Inca’ provides a warm setting for a vintage painting in an Australian house. Neptune’s ‘Paprika’ paint complements a vintage poster in Emma Sims-Hilditch’s London house, and Dulux’s ‘Mossy Stone’ creates a refined backdrop for art in Rose Hulse’s country house. Pure & Original’s ‘Aubergine’ paint in a country house by Nicola Harding makes graphic artworks stand out, and Farrow & Ball’s ‘Wimborne White’ showcases pressed flowers and foliage. Finally, Farrow & Ball's 'Arsenic' paint pairs effectively with a gallery wall of botanical prints, highlighting the interplay between vivid color and neutral artwork. #PaintColors #ArtDisplay #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WallDecor #ColorSchemes #DesignInspiration #ArtCollection

This article explores popular paint color choices favored by local interior designers, offering guidance for refreshing home interiors. It highlights that selecting a paint color can be challenging due to the vast number of available options, even within a single hue or brand. The article aims to simplify this process by presenting expert-approved shades for various home environments, ranging from calming neutrals to bold statement colors. Jennifer Verruto, founder and designer-in-chief of Blythe Interiors, recommends Sherwin-Williams's "Really Teal" for small spaces, describing it as bright, fresh, and cheerful, perfect for creating an intentional and vivid pop in areas like a reading nook. Verruto also expresses her affinity for Sherwin-Williams's "Naval," a timeless, bold color that adds richness and depth. She advises that despite its dark tone, "Naval" can make a room feel cozy rather than small, provided there is ample natural light and large furnishings to balance the color, as demonstrated in her son's nursery. Danielle Perkins, principal designer and owner of Danielle Interior Design & Decor, often uses Sherwin-Williams's "Westhighland White" for clients seeking white walls. She notes that this warm white is ideal for rooms with abundant natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, she cautions that in rooms with limited light, it might exhibit a yellowish tint. Perkins has applied this color throughout open-plan spaces, including ceilings, to allow architectural features like woodwork to stand out. For windowless rooms, Perkins consistently opts for Sherwin-Williams's "Alabaster," a cooler shade. She pairs it with warmer lighting to prevent the space from appearing stark, emphasizing its reliability in such settings. Treci Smith, an interior stylist from Treci Smith Designs, suggests Glidden's "Midnight Hour" as a versatile charcoal neutral. She has utilized this dark gray extensively, painting fences, her studio, and various rooms within her home. Smith characterizes "Midnight Hour" as sophisticated and moody, suitable for both small, dramatic spaces, like a kids' bathroom, and larger rooms with ample natural light, such as an all-white kitchen where she used it on lower cabinets. Hope Clark, founder and principal designer of Olive + Oak Interiors, considers Benjamin Moore's "Silver Satin" the ideal gray. She describes it as a balanced shade—neither too light nor too dark, and neither too cool nor too warm—making it perfect for creating a subtle contrast against white trim. Clark also highlights Farrow & Ball's "Card Room Green" as a popular choice, reflecting a trend toward soothing colors inspired by natural elements. She used a lightened version of this soft green (25 percent brighter) on the woodwork in her son's nursery to evoke a sense of calm. Oscar Bravo of Oscar Bravo Home recommends Behr's "Rustic Taupe," a warm taupe that appears almost gray. He notes its effectiveness in rooms lacking natural light, explaining that a saturated hue like this can make a space feel cozy and elegant, contrary to the misconception that bright colors are always best for dark rooms. Bravo applied "Rustic Taupe" to textured wallpaper in his guest room to achieve this effect. The article concludes by encouraging readers to consider these designer-approved shades for their home renovation projects. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #DesignTips #SherwinWilliams #BenjaminMoore #Glidden #Behr

The article explores a variety of interior design color schemes, as recommended by professional designers, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful color selection to create timeless spaces rather than falling prey to fleeting trends. It addresses the challenge of distinguishing between enduring palettes and passing fads, particularly given the influence of social media. To simplify the process for readers, the article compiles twelve expert-approved color combinations, offering visual inspiration for each. One featured combination is 'Aqua and Pink,' which designer Shauna Glenn describes as evoking happy summers and beach cabanas, with endless possibilities across various shades from deep raspberry to pale aqua. Another scheme, 'Green, Blue, and Pink,' is favored by Christina Salway for historical houses, where soft neutral white walls are complemented by historically appropriate colors on trim and millwork, such as Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue, Vert De Terre, and Setting Plaster, to add contrast and interest. 'Purple and Green' is highlighted by Amber Guyton, noting its majestic and inviting quality and natural blend, reminiscent of wisteria and vineyards. This combination pairs well with various metals and design aesthetics, creating an effortless, collected look with layers of solids and patterns. 'Blues and Greens' are recommended by Elle Cantrell for bold color applications, especially saturated cool tones that pair beautifully with stained woods, adding depth without overwhelming the space. Connie Vernich champions 'Shades of Green,' calling it an outgoing and likable hue that harmonizes with almost any color on the color wheel. For neutral and calming environments, Jennifer Sissom suggests 'Mid Brown and Stony Gray,' advocating for layering patterns in neutral tones and corresponding colors. She also advises sampling paint colors at different saturations and combining brands, citing Benjamin Moore's Stone Hearth and Farrow & Ball’s London Stone as an inviting example for a powder room. Laetitia Laurent prefers 'Gray, Beige, Off-White, and Pale Pink,' a natural color scheme with soft, muted tones contrasted by bolder elements like walnut wood or black details. This versatile palette can be easily updated, enhances natural light, and adapts to different styles. Marc Ange is drawn to 'Terra-cotta, Ochre, Sienna, Browns, and Gold,' a warm, earthy scheme that evolves with his personal journey and the cultural landscape, often accented with contrasting greens or blues. Jaqui Seerman advocates for 'Color-Drenched' schemes, finding them powerful in creating luxurious, enveloping environments. Lindye Galloway incorporates 'Earth Tones' for their versatility and ability to add warmth, ensuring a cozy and timeless feel. Finally, Cecilia Casagrande favors 'Burgundy, Smoky Green, and Pink,' especially with brass and walnut wood tones, praising its richness in unexpected areas like kitchens and baths, and she also loves 'Jewel Tones' like sapphire, ruby, and emerald for living rooms, for their grand, luxurious, yet warm and inviting appeal. #InteriorDesign #ColorSchemes #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #PaintColors #HomeStyling #DesignerTips #RoomDecor #ColorPsychology

Architectural trim is an often-overlooked design element that can significantly impact a home's aesthetic. While traditionally painted white, designers are increasingly exploring alternative approaches to trim color and finish to create unique visual effects and highlight a home's character. The decision to paint wall trim white or to use bolder colors or natural wood involves considering various factors, including the desired aesthetic, historical context, and potential for design flexibility. Painting wall trim white offers several benefits. It creates a crisp, clean, and modern look that serves as a versatile accent to any wall color, whether white, grey, or a bolder hue. White trim is considered a classic choice that remains timeless and provides a neutral backdrop, allowing other design elements to stand out. When aiming for an all-white scheme, selecting the right shade of white is crucial; designers recommend avoiding overly bright or stark whites that can create harsh contrasts. Instead, warmer off-whites, such as Benjamin Moore's White Dove, are often favored for their compatibility with various light colors and their ability to prevent a room from feeling too clinical. White trim also offers flexibility for future design changes, as it harmonizes with virtually any wall color, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who enjoy refreshing their paint scheme periodically. Furthermore, white trim can effectively highlight intricate architectural details and historical features in a home. In homes with detailed crown molding or ornate trim, painting these elements white can make them more prominent by preventing them from being obscured by shadows, a common issue with darker colors. This approach subtly emphasizes the home's heritage and adds depth to the design. However, alternatives to white trim offer distinct advantages. Embracing natural wooden trim is suitable for historic homes with existing wood grain, preserving their original character. Designers suggest considering the home's overall interior design style and architecture before deciding to paint over natural wood, as stained wood trim might appear dated or heavy if not complemented by other architectural details like wood paneling. In a space lacking such elements, painting the trim might be more appropriate. For example, in a converted warehouse apartment with original beams, leaving the wood exposed enhances the historical authenticity. Using colored trim is another way to emphasize architectural features, adding a contemporary touch and highlighting fine details like carved doors, large windows, or decorative molding. This trend allows for a broad spectrum of color choices, often influenced by the existing furniture or dominant colors in the room. Selecting a color within the same family as the wall color, perhaps a slightly lighter or darker tone, or picking a color frequently appearing in the space, can create a cohesive and impactful look. Colored trim can also beautifully complement playful or richly patterned wallpaper, providing a seamless transition that white or wood trim might not achieve. When pairing with wallpaper, choosing a trim color directly from the wallpaper pattern helps to blend design elements harmoniously. Another innovative approach involves using a high-sheen paint for the trim in the same color as the walls. This method creates a subtle distinction through varying textures and finishes without introducing a new color. A higher sheen, such as semi-gloss or satin, on the trim contrasts with an eggshell finish on the walls, producing a sophisticated 'jewel box effect.' For a more dramatic statement, painting an entire room, including the trim, in a high-gloss finish can be mesmerizing. Finally, the monochromatic look involves painting all surfaces—walls, ceiling, and trim—in a single color. This technique is particularly effective in smaller rooms, as it creates an illusion of limitless space and a cozy, enveloping atmosphere. It works equally well with dark or neutral palettes, offering an optimistic pale blue example that evokes a sense of expansive sky. Ultimately, the choice of trim color depends on the desired ambiance, the architectural style of the home, and personal design preferences. #WallTrim #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalMolding #MonochromaticScheme #DesignTrends #ColorSelection