9 Paint Colors We Reach for When Adding Color to a Home
sharing some of our favorite no-fail paint colors that aren’t neutrals
It feels like the all-beige interior that once was is finally on its way out, and while I’ll always love a good warm white and neutral backdrop, I’ve loved seeing color make a comeback. It doesn’t have to be used in a big way, but incorporating color adds so much more charm and layering to a home. To me, a home with color on the walls feels like a home where someone is planning to stay awhile.
And because I know how hard it is to pick paint colors, I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite (and dare I say), no-fail paint colors that aren’t neutrals, along with why we love each one. We have many more recommendations (all listed in our paint guide), but wanted to dive into just a few today.
What I look for in a non-neutral paint color
When we’re selecting colors for a space, we usually start with the colors our clients naturally gravitate toward and steer clear of anything they don’t love. There are certain colors we use more than others because they feel a little bit more earthy and historic (greens, blues, yellow, red).
I tend to lean toward colors that feel natural, like something you’d actually find in nature. I think it helps to consider where the color is taking inspiration from. For example, you’ll see those brighter zinc-y blues on rooftops throughout Europe, and they still feel timeless and grounded because of where they take inspiration.
I also love when colors are almost a color, ex. a gray that’s almost a blue or a green that reads a little brown. Typically muddy colors are easier to work with in interiors (especially when it comes to cabinetry, etc.). You can’t go wrong with a softened and almost a little desaturated color.
Our 9 favorite paint colors
Just a little disclaimer as you go through this post—paint colors can look so different depending on lighting in the house, editing of the photo, what other colors they’re next to—so always be sure to test out colors for yourself to see how they work in your space.
Let’s start with green colors we love…
Cardamom by Farrow & Ball - Our favorite dark green. We chose this color for our office and I love the depth that it has to it. It’s a rich, deep, green with a hint of brown in it and is a really great statement color for an entry, mudroom, office, etc.
Hancock Grey by Benjamin Moore - The perfect muddy green. This one is just saturated enough to feel green without being too overwhelming.
Vitty Green by Farrow & Ball - If you’re looking for a color that’s a little less of a color, this one is a great choice. I really like using this one in a bedroom because it doesn’t feel too overpowering. It also looks great on cabinetry or built-ins, in bedrooms, etc.
Now onto blues…
De Nimes by Farrow & Ball - A great option for a more saturated blue - of you’re wanting color, go with this one. The undertone can make a big difference when it comes to a blue (can make it lean more purple, etc.) and that’s what makes this color so good. It doesn’t feel too warm or too cool and pairs well with so many other colors.
Railings by Farrow & Ball - Everyone needs a dark, navy-toned blue in their back pocket and this one has never failed me. A classic trim or door color to make a home feel more elevated.
Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore - The perfect bedroom blue! One of those “almost a color” colors that looks a little different depending on the lighting but has a slight light blue tone that I love in a bedroom or somewhere smaller like an office or library.
A few more favorites…
String by Farrow & Ball - If you’re looking for a yellow that doesn’t read overly “yellow,” this is such a good option. It has a really beautiful undertone that feels warm and inviting without becoming overpowering. Another favorite of ours that’s very similar, just a touch deeper, is Cord by Farrow & Ball.
Cottage Red by Benjamin Moore - The perfect red! Rich and historic, not too bright or saturated, and plays well with lots of other colors.
Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball - Such a pretty color (even though it doesn’t have the prettiest name). I love using this color in a girls room or bathroom because it’s close to a pink without getting “too pink” - it feels a little more timeless to me.
This color is a great example of how much lighting and surrounding finishes can affect the way a paint color reads. In the photo on the left, it appears much pinker because it’s paired with a bright white wall and the lighting is a bit cooler. Overall, though, I’d describe it as a warm, slightly muted pink. We included a few more examples below so you can see how much it can shift depending on the space and lighting.
I also thought it might be helpful to share a few other posts below where we talk about paint colors, sheens, and color pairings. And if you're a Founding Member, we have a really detailed Paint Guide where we share even more of our most-used paint colors, along with all of our tips for swatching and choosing the right sheen.
Love this post. Would love to know the accompanying colors to cottage red in that picture of the hallway/mudroom. Thanks again for sharing this resource!
Love all of these 😍 The design curation / coordination is insane, as always.
Side note, for those of us who read substack on our phones, sometimes we don’t know which photo is “on the right”. Would love a mobile descriptor as well :)