When decorating your own home, it’s always useful to take inspiration from interior designers, especially when it comes to decorating with color which can be a focal design element.
And so, I spoke to interior designers to find out which colors they like to include in every decorating project. While soft neutrals and whites were among the expected responses, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about brighter and more unexpected shades – suggesting that a bolder approach to color is the way forward.
Below, I’ve rounded up five colors that stood out among designers’ responses, to give you some room color ideas for your next decorating project. Whether you prefer the calming appeal of neutrals or more vibrant, uplifting tones, these hues have designers’ stamp of approval.
1. Yellow
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
‘I have been using many shades of yellow in my projects recently,’ says Charlotte-based interior designer Alexis Warren of Alexis Warren Designs. ‘Clients have been loving it and I personally think it is such a versatile color.’
‘Yellows layer and play nicely with a multitude of colors and add brightness to a space that can’t be achieved by using anything else. A yellow space is so inviting – it sets a cheery, welcoming tone for any room,’ says Alexis.
While decorating with yellow may seem like a brave choice, this cheery shade is making a comeback in modern homes, proving that bold colors don’t need to overwhelm rooms. Here, the sandy yellow kitchen cabinets add charm and warmth, demonstrating the appeal of the best yellow paints.
2. Warm neutrals
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball, photography James Merrell)
‘We often select warm-toned neutrals in our projects – soft taupes, greiges, and off-whites with warm undertones,’ shares designer Melissa Read, creative director at Studio Burntwood.
‘These shades are timeless, they bring warmth to a space, and they work with an enormous variety of fabrics and finishes. This means that when a client wants to update their furniture or accessories, they don’t have to repaint the entire space. Neutrals with warmth also create a sense of calm, making them perfect for living areas and open-plan spaces,’ Melissa adds.
Much like Farrow & Ball’s Scallop used on the walls in this light and airy dining room, warm neutral paints create an undisturbed yet inviting backdrop and make a go-to choice for many interior design styles, from modern decorating ideas to traditional.
3. Blue
(Image credit: Nadia Watts Interior Design, photography Emily Minton-Redfield)
‘It’s hard to pick just one color, but if I had to, I’d go with blue,’ says Denver-based designer Nadia Watts. ‘When I meet with clients, they often tell me they want their home to feel calm and peaceful. When I think of calm, I picture being by the lake or at the beach, breathing in that fresh air. Blue really captures that vibe for me.’
‘I also love pairing it with green – it’s all about growth and renewal, which adds a refreshing, natural touch to a space. I tend to use these colors in almost every project because they not only inspire me but also reflect the kind of atmosphere I want to create – peaceful, connected to nature, and cozy with just the right amount of freshness,’ says Nadia.
Decorating with blue is also a common theme in projects for designer Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors, who adds: ‘I love to use soft blue hues to create a calming space – it enhances natural light, pairs well with other colors and it simply makes people happy.’
4. White
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
White room ideas are fresh, timeless, and calming, so it’s no surprise that they’re one of interior designers’ most used colors when decorating clients’ homes.
‘We always find a way to use white or ivory on our projects. Whether on ceilings, walls, or baseboard it is a great neutral color,’ says designer Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors.
When decorating with white, designers often turn to the best white paints to create a timeless backdrop. ‘We frequently opt for Benjamin Moore’s Soft Chamois. Not only is it a versatile white for interiors, but the warm undertones create an inherently inviting allure,’ says designer Meg Lonergan.
Similarly, designer Amy Peltier, creative director at Peltier Interiors says, ‘I love using Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace for a crisp, clean white that leaves the space feeling fresh and modern.’
5. Green
(Image credit: Alexandra Kaehler Design, photography Aimée Mazzenga)
‘I tend to incorporate green in most of my projects,’ says Illinois-based designer Alexandra Kaehler. ‘I love that it brings the outdoors in and almost reads like a neutral. It has a lot of warmth and versatility as well. You can use a sage green for a soft, quiet space; or an emerald for something much more bold and moody.’
‘Green is a go-to color for me in almost every project,’ agrees designer Allison Garrison, founder and principal designer at San Diego-based Allito Spaces. ‘It could show up in any number of ways, like custom cabinetry or in a rug, but it could simply be the addition of a few plants. Green is the color of nature and has a soothing and grounding effect which we are generally trying to achieve in our projects.’
Which of these colors are you most drawn to? While neutrals will always be among the most timeless colors for your home, designers’ commitment to uplifting shades of yellow and bold greens proves that colorful rooms can be just as timeless when designed thoughtfully.
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