I’ve always got a stash of paint sample pots to hand — you’d be amazed at how often they come in handy for small but impactful DIY projects. Because, actually, you don’t need to totally repaint a room to give it something of a makeover; there are some clever ways to decorate that use small quantities of paint.

To prove my point, I’ve found four cool, modern paint ideas that all use smaller pots, whether it’s a liter or a tester, to do something that completely changes the feel of the room. From painted borders to using color in a way that shifts the design dynamic, here’s how you can make a little go a long way.

1. Add Two Color Details

The striped painted ceiling of the lounge at members' club Crafted at Powdermills was designed to create a “rhythm that responded to the proportions of the Georgian room,” explains Andreas Christodoulou, founder and creative director of House of Dre.

“The idea was to create a calming frequency overhead, something you might not consciously register but that gently settles the space.”

2. Create an Anchoring Accent

An unexpected contrast can be the most impactful use of paint, like the anchoring fireplace in this London home. “The brown is grounding and enveloping,” says Jessica Gibbons, the designer and director of Field Day Studio, “and hopefully it creates a backdrop that feels steady and enduring.”

The bright green accent brings life and energy. “It has an immediacy that contrasted beautifully with the richness of the brown.”

3. Create a Color Block

Color blocking can help change the perspective of a room, especially one with challenging proportions such as this one.

“The living room is relatively narrow yet very tall, so we wanted to counterbalance that strong verticality,” says interior designers Julie Nebout and Giuseppe Punzo of design studio Fotosintensi. “It works almost like a suspended plane — a kind of floating canopy that wraps the room rather than allowing it to endlessly stretch upward.”

4. Create Tailored Stripes

There’s something almost sartorial about the painted black line dividing the painted ceiling from the walls in the Rotterdam living room of interior designer and vintage furniture dealer Kesslee Kasius of Studio 2XK. It’s a design element that extends through the apartment, including in the kitchen and bedroom.

Of course, these are the only ways a little can go a long way. Why not consider how you could also use wallpaper remnants to decorate in an impactful way.

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Darker, richer, more heritage-inspired colors are becoming increasingly popular in interiors, and we've seen bolder greens replacing softer shades of sage and olive. You could say the return of decorating with Hunter Green has been subtly foreshadowed for a while now, but Lick's recent collaboration with Hunter just solidified that the millennial-coded color is having its renaissance.

In truth, Hunter Green has always been timeless; it's just how and where we use it that needs to adapt with the times. In 2026, decorating with green needs to be bold — a moody drench, a striking stone, or even a playful, glossy finish — and here, Hunter Green comes alive.

There is a comfort in returning to a familiar favorite, and, as the new limited-edition (and very, very cool) Lick x Hunter collaboration proves, there are ways to honor green color trends while still feeling distinctly modern. Layered with rich blue and black undertones, Lick's new Green 170 feels both grounding and elegant; here's how we'd use it in your home.

How to Use Hunter Green in 2026

"I think the key to decorating with this color in a way that feels fresh and contemporary is to really lean into it," says Tash Bradley, founder and director of interior design at Lick. Hunter Green is such a beautiful part of a modern heritage color palette, but rather than just using it as a small accent, "go all out and fully color-drench a space in it," she adds. And that mentality of jumping headfirst into decorating with color is exactly what makes this shade feel freshest.

Think utility rooms, boot rooms, and downstairs bathrooms — those smaller spaces where you can create real impact. But beyond application, the paint finish you choose is really important with a color like this. "Going for an eggshell finish instantly makes it feel more modern because it reflects more light around the room and gives the color this richness and depth," says Tash.

Hunter Green also works particularly beautifully as a paint color in dark rooms because "instead of fighting the lack of light, it embraces it and creates something really cocooning and atmospheric," explains Tash. So, basically, if you're going to try a shade like Lick x Hunter Green 170, it pays to really go for it.

The best color combinations with a color like Lick x Hunter Green 170 offer balance and contrast. So, while there are a lot of colors that go with green, with Hunter Green specifically, you have to think about the shade's specific undertones.

For instance, Hunter Green has a deep blue base, so pairing other blues will draw out that undertone and have a stunning effect. But it's a fine line. "Hunter Green is already such a rich, grounding color, and when you layer another deep, saturated tone like purple alongside it, the room can start to feel visually heavy and a little flat, especially in UK homes where natural light can already be limited," warns Tash.

Need a simpler place to start? Tash says to look to nature as your biggest source of inspiration. "The color combination I really want people to start using more is Hunter Green and blue together, almost looking at blue as the new neutral," she adds. And it makes perfect sense. Think of blue skies against rich green landscapes — those colors naturally sit so beautifully together.

Tash particularly recommends pairing Lick x Hunter Green 170 with softer, fresher blues like Blue 01, Blue 02, or Blue 18. "Hunter Green is a mid-to-dark tone, so balancing it with a lighter blue helps soften the weight of it and creates this really calming, nature-inspired palette," she says.

If you want to lean more neutral, Tash recommends sticking to complementary undertones. Green works beautifully with neutrals that have a subtle red or pink undertone, like beige, tan, and white (she specifically recommends Beige 10 or White 06). They soften the richness of the green without making it feel stark or cold.

"For me, Hunter Green looks its best when paired with colors that soften and balance it — blues, burgundies, earthy reds, and dusty pinks," says Tash. These tones allow the richness to shine while still feeling timeless and contemporary.

With deep greens, there is room to get creative with styling, especially when bringing that modern edge to the color. "I'm really leaning into warmer, more natural wood tones at the moment," says Tash. Rich walnut, aged oak, and darker-stained woods all work beautifully because they add warmth and depth while still feeling timeless.

"I think overly pale or very cool-toned woods can sometimes make Hunter Green feel slightly disconnected, whereas these warmer woods make it feel much more grounded and layered," she adds.

For metals, antique brass and muted metals with Hunter Green enhance that richness and heritage feel while still feeling soft and elegant. "Bronze also looks incredible if you want something slightly moodier and more contemporary," says Tash. However, she says to "avoid anything too polished or overly chrome because Hunter Green has such depth to it that it works best with finishes that feel a little more lived-in and tactile."

Even adding Hunter Green accents, beyond just paint, can help round out the scheme. If you are going for a larger renovation, a dark green stone backsplash or countertop really makes a statement, or you can experiment with Hunter Green by adding a lamp or throw in the shade.

Hunter Green may have been overlooked in recent years, but something tells me the Lick x Hunter collaboration is about to change that. In the right context (read: not an accent wall), Hunter Green could actually be the best green paint color for an elevated take on heritage color schemes.

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A fresh coat of paint does wonders for your outdoor space, but fall into the trap of common garden painting mistakes, and you're left with a rather expensive and unavoidable problem. As we begin to spend more time in the sunshine, the goal is a garden that entices the senses and encourages longer lingering, and that won't happen with a lackluster paint job.

So, what are the most common garden painting mistakes, and how can one avoid them? As you can imagine, proper preparation and the right finish should be considered from the beginning. However, less obvious things, like how your wall color or painted furniture blends with its natural landscape, will also impact your final result as well.

Current exterior paint trends prove there is room to have fun with your garden color choices while still remaining timeless. The one thing we don't want is a garden that feels bland or basic, so below are five garden painting mistakes to watch out for.

1. Poor Preparation

If you're looking to repaint your home's exterior, timing and preparation will be just as important as the color you choose. "In the UK, the best time to paint the outside of your home is usually between late spring and early autumn, when the temperatures are mild, and conditions tend to be the driest," says Anna Hill, brand director and color consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook.

This kind of planning is really important because "the paint needs time to cure properly," explains Anna. "Avoiding rainy seasons, frosts, or extreme cold or heat will ensure a longer-lasting finish."

As with all paint jobs, preparation is key to achieving a high-quality, durable finish. Ensuring surfaces are clean, dry, and properly treated (a good base coat like Dulux's Weather Shield Primer is always a good idea) before painting is the best way to avoid this common garden painting mistake.

2. Using Overly Bright Colors

Neutrals like whites and grays are, of course, a very classic outdoor paint choice — they'll likely never find their way onto an outdated exterior paint color list. But people often overlook how these shades will actually live in a garden.

"The biggest mistake homeowners make when choosing colors is selecting something too bright, too cold, or too flat in natural daylight," says Anna. Strong whites and cool grays tend to look quite harsh outdoors, especially in the UK or places with softer lighting.

In reality, your sleek, stylish, all-white garden may actually read more as flat. This is because "Outdoor light tends to soften colors significantly, so shades can appear very different once painted across a large exterior surface," explains Cathryn Sanders, color expert at Earthborn paint.

The best way to avoid this garden painting mistake is to choose a color with a little more nuance. Perhaps a soft yellow (like French Stone from Little Greene) or a muted taupe (like Stirabout from Farrow & Ball) is a neutral that will appear more soothing.

3. A Completely Monochrome Palette

Similarly, overly matching everything in one color can leave your home looking lifeless and lacklustre. To avoid this, "Stay away from overly stark, monochrome schemes or any overly saturated shades that fight against the natural surroundings," says Anna.

Instead, opt for layered, earthy color palettes or contrasting accents to bring warmth and eye-catching detail. This doesn't mean a tonal garden color scheme can't work; it just means you need to be strategic about your accents.

"Introducing contrast through interesting exterior trim colors, front door shades, or garden furniture can help create a more inviting and visually interesting exterior," adds Cathryn.

4. Not Considering Your Homes Surroundings

This leads us to the next garden painting mistake of not considering your home's natural surroundings. For instance, you might not want to introduce deep blacks and blues if the goal is to create a warm, Mediterranean-style garden.

You can still experiment with bold colors, but balancing the different contrasts and complements is key. A lush green garden would look stunning with pops of terracotta paint.

"The most successful exteriors usually work in harmony with neighboring homes, landscaping, and the architectural style of the building itself," says Cathryn.

5. Choosing the Wrong Finish

And lastly, it's really important to choose the right paint finish for the surface you're painting. First of all, certain finishes are designed specifically for exterior use, so they can withstand changing weather conditions while maintaining their appearance over time. But you should also consider what it is you're painting.

"For woodwork and doors, an exterior eggshell in a water-based formula will be best as it can withstand harsh weather conditions and flex to the substrate, without fading or cracking over time," says Anna. (Farrow & Ball's exterior eggshell line is a good choice for this.)

For render, masonry or blockwork, "a high-quality masonry paint is recommended, particularly one formulated with UV-resistant pigments and flexible properties to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish," adds Anna. (Dulux's Weather Shield Masonry Line is one of the highest-rated choices.)

And while there is room to get creative, Cathryn warns against using high-gloss finishes outdoors: "It can sometimes feel too harsh against the softness of natural surroundings," she explains. More natural-looking matte or soft low-sheen finishes tend to sit more comfortably within outdoor spaces.

A job well done always starts with a job well planned. These are the top garden painting mistakes to avoid if you don't want a dull and basic garden, but you might also want to see what things are worth clearing from your garden before summer really begins — we can help with that too!

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Temperatures are set to hit 30 degrees in London this weekend, and if that isn't the sign you need to know that winter is officially over, I don't know what is. It's time to get outside, and therefore, it's also time to get our gardens in tip-top shape. You may have already sorted the furniture, but without a decent exterior paint job, your outdoor space will never look its best.

It's not every day (or even every year) that your home's exterior needs a paint refresh, but whether it's adding a colorful trim or completely repainting the walls, a freshen up has a big impact on your home's curb appeal. I asked paint-industry experts what color trends are materializing for exteriors this year, and while it's not quite as drastic as indoors, it seems heritage colors with experimental pops are having a moment.

Exterior paint trends tend to be subtler, focused on accents and small elevations. For instance, nature-inspired hues will always be a classic exterior wall color, but maybe you can try a bolder color on your garden fence, trim, or door. Ready to pick up a paintbrush? Below is what's trending in the world of exterior paint.

1. Nature-Inspired Palettes

Neutrals, whites, and tans remain classic choices in exterior paint trends. How often you repaint your exterior depends on how long-lasting the color you choose is, and when you pull inspiration from your home's surrounding, you can't go wrong.

Anna Hill, brand director and color consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, says, "Over the past year, we've seen a significant move towards softer, nature-inspired exterior palettes that feel more timeless." For walls and trim, warm whites, muted taupes, olive-toned neutrals, and earthy stones are proving especially popular because they are versatile enough to work with a variety of brickwork and architectural styles.

Earthy color palettes are dependable and create a refined aesthetic that you can style with more experimental decor. For instance, "Deep greens, blues, and rich clay-inspired tones are also coming to the forefront, especially on front doors and architectural detailing to introduce personality and depth," Anna adds.

2. Gentle Heritage Colors

Similarly, modern heritage color palettes and shades that reflect a home's character are an increasingly popular exterior paint trend this season. Granted, these are quite timeless tones; however, it highlights a shift away from stark or bold exterior colors.

As Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, explains, "For exterior walls, warmer neutrals and soft mineral tones are always popular." Shades like stone, warm white, and soft sage work beautifully because they bring character while still feeling classic. "We also see a lot of interest in true heritage-inspired colors that reflect the age and setting of a property, such as gentle pinks (like pink ground from Farrow & Ball), earthy yellows (like sandstone from Earthborn), and wheat-inspired tones."

The idea is that you can keep to a more classic, timeless exterior paint palette, while still giving your home a little more personality and playfulness.

3. Tonal Trims

For exterior trim colors and window frames, "homeowners are leaning toward more tonal schemes, using sages, muted grays, and warm putty shades to create a more harmonious look," says Anna. And though it's been around a while, she adds that color drenching is also increasingly being used on exterior elements — beyond just the house itself.

"From pergola trends and fencing to planters and exterior walls, painting everything in coordinating tones creates a much more considered, immersive look," she explains.

This exterior paint trend stems from our desire to connect our homes to a greater outdoor living room scheme. "Where outdoor features were once painted separately, homeowners are now using color to visually connect the home and garden as one, truly bringing indoor-outdoor living that flows seamlessly," says Anna.

So, while a pop of color can be really stylish when done well, a tonal color scheme will result in a more harmonious, visually serene space. And for a more unexpected take, darker and moodier shades, such as deep olives, can be used on masonry and garden structures to make greenery feel more vibrant.

4. Playful Shades on Outdoor Furniture

And lastly, don't forget your outdoor furniture color when trying a fresh exterior paint trend this season. Painted tables and chairs are the hottest way to add a pop (and not to mention, can be more easily changed and repainted through the years).

"Garden furniture is becoming more playful," Cathryn shares. "Soft pastel shades such as faded yellow, dusty pink, and muted blue feel fresh outdoors, especially in sunlight and surrounded by plants." Furniture is where you can have a little more fun and be experimental.

At the same time, earthy greens and terracotta tones continue to be popular "because they sit naturally within the garden and age beautifully over time," says Cathryn. It all depends on your exterior's design scheme. And of course, there is plenty of colorful garden furniture to shop for if you don't want to commit to painting your decor.

When it comes to exterior paint trends, timelessness tends to be the best approach — and, of course, avoiding any costly exterior paint mistakes.

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When it comes to painting a room, a spray gun will most definitely get the job done quicker. However, using a spray gun to paint walls is not as simple as it may seem. You may be saving time by skipping the tediousness of a paint roller or brush, but you're opening the door to a whole new painting method...and inevitably, a few new painting mistakes you'll want to avoid.

Spray guns tend to apply paint in a thinner, more airbrushed layer, meaning this technique won't hide imperfections on the wall as easily. Plus, if you have some experience with similar paint applications, like spray paint, you'll know that if you spray too closely, your surface area can end up with a blotchy finish.

Basically, there is a whole new set of rules for painting a wall with a spray gun. And while it may sound intimidating, this painting technique can produce streamlined results with a little practice. So, to help your paint project go smoothly, I've asked experts to share their tips for working with a spray gun to paint walls at home.

1. Preparation is Key

As with most painting jobs, the proper preparation will always yield better results. Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal designer at Planner 5D, tells me, "When using a spray gun, the preparation itself will often take longer than the spraying. This is because spray painting applies the paint in very thin layers, so the wall must be as smooth as possible."

Plus, with fine paint particles being sprayed out into your space, you will need to cover absolutely everything in your room — yes, that means every outlet, switch, sink, countertop, cabinet, hinge, fixture, floor, and piece of furniture. "If you're not willing to mask like crazy, don’t spray," warns Bill Nishanian, the owner of Nash Painting in Nashville, Tennessee. It's best to avoid painting shortcuts that may lead to mistakes.

If you leave room for paint to get on your floors or furniture, then you'll end up with more work than you bargained for. Suddenly, the time saved by spraying is lost.

2. Practice Your Technique Before You Begin

The best results when using a spray gun to paint a wall are almost solely dependent on your technique. Just like spray painting from a can, mistakes such as holding the spray gun too close to the wall or an unsteady head can cause blotching and dripping.

Evelina's method is to "maintain the same distance between the spray gun and the wall — ideally 15 to 30 centimeters." Then, move the gun in smooth, even strokes while applying the color to the wall. "Start moving before you press the trigger and keep moving until you stop, so that too much paint doesn’t accumulate in one spot and run down," she adds.

Professional painter, renovator, and founder of Sunset Coatings, Ralph Peralta, says, "Always test the spray pattern outside on a large piece of cardboard or other scrap surface. This lets you dial in pressure, flow rate, and technique." And practice enough so that you're completely comfortable and feel like you've mastered the motions needed for even coverage to save your interior from any DIY mishaps.

3. Invest in the Right Materials

Investing in quality paint and a trusted spray gun will also help maximize your results. In theory, any paint can work in a spray gun, but in reality, it's not quite as one-size-fits-all. "Some paint finishes are very thick, which is fine for rollers, but your spray gun won't be able to handle them," Evelina explains.

Bill says it's best to "let your skill level determine your paint choice. If you're an experienced sprayer, choose a high-quality self-leveling paint from any of the best paint brands because it will smooth out minor inconsistencies on its own." However, if you are new, an ultra-flat wall paint finish will hide imperfections and can be touched up more easily.

Here are some highly reviewed spray guns to shop.

Though painting a wall with a spray gun may require practice, it's not a home renovation project you should totally avoid doing by yourself. In fact, it can help make your walls look incredibly smooth and even once you get the hang of it.

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Of all the decorating choices worth deliberating, settling on a paint color has got to be one of the most consequential. As a design writer living in a compact apartment, take it from me: this decision matters even more in small rooms. Get it wrong, and you’ll feel it as well as see it. Get it right, though, and you’ve done one of two things — blurred the boundaries, making your space feel bigger, or celebrated proportions and created a jewel-box effect.

The best Farrow & Ball paint colors succeed at doing both. Renowned for its sophisticated palette, the British brand creates pleasingly complex shades that have become an instinctive choice for interior designers in the UK and well beyond. Speaking from experience, working within its tight palette (there are just 132 shades on the color card) helps to steer decisions in the right direction rather than leaving you wandering through a maze of tonal hues. They’re also ideal for paint tricks for small rooms, maximizing tight dimensions or creating a sense of all-wrapped-up intimacy.

So, which are the best Farrow & Ball paint colors for small rooms? Is it best to be brave and go bold, or opt for a neutral with nuance? Pick up your paintbrush, and read on...

1. Farrow & Ball's Matchstick No. 2013

Farrow & Ball really know how to do neutral paint colors. From whites through to almost-blacks, its collection of tonal shades spans from cool and serene through to rich and warm. One of the latter, Matchstick, is the top choice of Tennessee-based interior designers Norris Studio.

“Matchstick is a creamy, warm neutral that appears alive,” explains principal and founder Samantha Feuer. “With yellow undertones, it often reads as soft yellow, especially as light shifts throughout the day. It’s highly light-sensitive, meaning it never seems flat."

This makes the color an excellent choice for small spaces. “Matchstick reflects light in a way that keeps the space feeling open and breathable, without compromising warmth,” explains Samantha. “It never looks overwhelming or heavy, making it especially well-suited for tighter areas.”

The Farrow & Ball palette is well-known for adding depth and character, making it a favorite in period properties as well as more contemporary projects. “In this kitchen, we chose the color to make the new construction feel more established and timeworn," Samantha adds. "Matchstick has the warmth and brightness we really needed.”

2. Farrow & Ball's Calke Green No. 34

Don’t be afraid to go a little bolder in small rooms: a nature-inspired hue gives tighter spaces a rich, grounded feel. “Green is one of the most versatile and emotionally resonant colors you can use, especially in smaller rooms,” says Susie Pfeiffer.

The interior designer nominates Farrow & Ball's Calke Green as her top choice for decorating a small room. “This deep shade sits somewhere between soft sage and forest green, offering the perfect balance between warmth and depth," she says. "It gives a nod to nature without leaning into a rustic feeling.”

This quality makes the color an ideal option for rooms dedicated to relaxation. “Although painting a small room in a dark color can seem counterintuitive, this shade of green works differently,” reflects Susie. “It has a natural, calming quality that softly absorbs light and creates a cocooning effect.”

The latter can be maximized by using the paint shade for color-drenching, as in the bedroom above. “Calke Green hits all the right notes when used all over," says Susie. "It becomes soft, cozy, and warm yet still feels powerful.”

3. Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White No. 239

As someone who has previously argued against painting small rooms white, believe me when I say that Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White is different. “Compared to a pure brilliant white, which can feel a touch too sharp, this color has more depth and softness,” agree Allison McAffee and Naina Hotchkiss, the duo behind Park Interiors.

“The color creates a gentle, inviting backdrop and allows layered materials like wood, stone, and softer textiles to feel richer against it,” the pair says, explaining their use of the shade in the small-scale living room above. “It works beautifully with warmer, material-driven palettes.”

Deciding between one white or another is a classic interior design quandary, so what makes Wimborne White special? “Many whites can lean too cool, too yellow, or too flat depending on their environment,” say Allison and Naina. “This shade avoids the harshness of brighter whites while consistently offering a softness.”

It's a reminder that not all whites function the same way. "Undertone and depth matter tremendously,” the designers add. “Often, the most timeless whites are not the brightest, but the ones like this that offer a bit more warmth and complexity.”

4. Farrow & Ball's Preference Red No. 297

“Farrow & Ball's Preference Red is a stunning combination of red, purple, and pink all in one,” explains Sophie Chapman, associate at The Vawdrey House. The color is the deepest red in the Farrow & Ball palette, making it a bold choice. “Many people incorrectly shy away from darker colors in small spaces, but this shade can actually add depth and height.”

While decorating with red can be a daring choice for a smaller space, this deep shade works far better than a brighter version of the color. “Preference Red is a deep, rich, and luxurious hue with warm, velvety undertones,” adds the interior designer. “A brighter red would appear jarring and have an adverse effect in small rooms.”

As a kitchen color, it is a considered design choice as it adds real contrast to the mix of different materials — wood, metal, stone, and more — typically found in the space. The darker shade allows the nuances of tone and texture to be better appreciated.

“Preference Red also gives a cozy, cocooning feeling and lends spaces a lived-in look,” says Sophie. “This is a perfect combination in a multi-functional space that has to encourage relaxation, socialising, and inspiration all at once.”

5. Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue No. 30

When you’re keen to make smaller spaces feel like jewel boxes, opt for a dark, dramatic tone. “Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue has a rich, moody character that creates a comforting, sophisticated atmosphere that looks striking and refined in small spaces,” says Charlton Brown’s Huseyin Bicak.

In this powder room, the dark color again allows materiality to take center stage. “There’s a real tonal richness to it, allowing it to act as a backdrop and letting other features in a space stand out,” explains Huseyin. “Here, it picks up and enhances the blue tones found in the agate basin and the glint of the brassware.”

Where light is limited, and you therefore have to rely on artificial sources, darker colors can feel particularly enveloping and give real presence. This shade’s inky undertones work well to create just that atmosphere without ever seeming closed-in.

“Hague Blue appears vibrant and blue in natural light, but really shines in dimmer spaces as it creates depth," Huseyin adds. "This makes it a bold statement color for small rooms, which is exactly why we chose it for this space.”

6. Farrow & Ball's Eddy No. 301

When is a neutral not a neutral? This complexity is characteristic of the Farrow & Ball palette. “Eddy sits somewhere between a classic neutral and a true color, changing slightly throughout the day depending on its light,” says Esme Amberg, in-house designer at The Roost.

“It is a gentle, easy green with a muted gray undertone,” she explains. “In smaller rooms, I tend to look for colors that feel soft and enveloping rather than stark, and Farrow & Ball's Eddy has that muted quality that helps walls to recede and rooms to appear larger.”

“The shade feels calm rather than fresh or sugary, which gives it more depth than a typical pale neutral. It makes rooms feel interesting without ever seeming loud or overpowering.”

This allows the color to work well in smaller spaces, which often need to tick multiple interior design boxes. “Eddy is ideal in bedrooms, small living rooms, or home offices,” instructs Esme. “It’s a top choice in rooms where you want to feel calm, but still want there to be character and personality.”

Whether you’re remodeling your compact home or simply giving one tightly-proportioned room a refresh, take inspiration from interior designers using Farrow & Ball’s sophisticated palette. These colors bring depth and personality, no matter how small your space.

Need more inspiration? Discover our pick of the best Farrow & Ball color pairings and sign up to Livingetc's newsletter to have ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

As color continues to drive contemporary trends, inevitably, creative applications are sure to follow. Surprisingly, it's actually small moments like painted doors and trims that tend to have the biggest impact. And while curtains might be the first thing you think of when dressing your windows, perhaps a lick of unexpected paint would do more heavy lifting.

Imagine this: a soft off-white bedroom wall with a warm pop of contrasting pink on the window frames. It can be as bold or as subtle as you like, but that little bit of contrast can make a world of difference. "I think what we are seeing now is less a new interior design trend and more a revival — much like all good design," says interior designer Anna Haines. "Colorful contrast window frames allow you to bring character to a space without having to embrace a fully decorated scheme."

This colorful window treatment is simple in theory, but adds so much joy and energy to an underutilized surface in our homes. Plus, contrast window frames would be easy to do yourself in a weekend... here's what you need to know.

Historically, and particularly in 18th and 19th-century houses, "joinery was often picked out in deeper or different tones to highlight architectural detailing," explains Anna Haines. Painted trim helps to frame views, adds depth to a room, and draws attention to original features like a beautiful frame or architrave around a door. "It also helps introduce a sense of architecture to a room where it may otherwise be lacking," adds Anna.

And much like the 'Peek-a-Boo' paint theory, painting window frames or trim in a contrasting color is a great way for those who are a little color-shy to add personality. Helen Shaw, a color expert at Benjamin Moore, explains, "It offers an opportunity for small but striking flashes of color in unexpected places, rather than committing to a fully painted wall or large block of a hue."

Colorful contrast window frames encourage people to be brave and rebel against decorating rules, and show just how easy it can be to decorate with color. "It takes confidence to 'paint outside of the lines', but it’s one of the easiest ways to make an impressive impact in an otherwise simple space," says Helen.

Trying colorful contrast window frames in your home is as easy as learning how to paint trim and applying a little extra creativity. You'll want to get the technical aspects right, like prep and choosing the right paint finish for trim, to avoid any painting mistakes, but after that, it's all about aesthetics.

"A colorful frame is a great technique for drawing attention to architectural details," says Helen. "It helps define the structure of a room and adds depth without overwhelming the overall scheme." Window frames are oft-forgotten surfaces that we usually default to painting white. However, adding flashes of color can create moments of surprise and visual interest.

"This works particularly well in places where small glimpses of color appear as you move through a space, such as along the edges of windows," adds Helen.

"A deep green (like Benjamin Moore's Waterbury Green) paired with bright yellow trim (Benjamin Moore's Imperial Yellow, pictured above) is a bold combination that perfectly captures the idea of using contrast to create impact," says Helen.

The richness of the green provides a soothing backdrop, while the yellow introduces a vibrant edge that draws attention to the architectural lines of the window and adds an uplifting energy.

Plus, a pop of chartreuse or acid olive green is very in touch with the latest color trends. And on such a small surface area, a painted window frame can really be a place to experiment with more playful colors.

Alternatively, "blue walls with green trim offer a more harmonious approach, whilst remaining visually interesting," adds Helen. "This combination works particularly well in spaces where you want color without overpowering the space, adding depth through a softer contrast."

I think Sap Green from Farrow & Ball would make a particularly lovely pop next to a crisp light blue/white shade like Farrow & Ball's Sizing. The pair balance each other and create contrast, but they are both still grounding earth tones.

This paint technique can be applied in whatever dose of daringness you want. A high-contrast color pop will leave a fashionable impression, while something more subtle creates intrigue without overwhelming.

And remember, you can always pair the colorful contrast window frames with furniture and accessories in the same shade to lock the scheme together.

Not quite sure about a colorful contrast? There is plenty of ways to add interest while painting your ceiling and trim the same color, too, but colorful contrast window frames perfectly tiptoe the playful-chic line.

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Painting a room yourself is not easy. In fact, it requires a lot of planning, prepping, and patience. However, many of us are working with a champagne taste on a beer budget, and hiring a professional to do the job isn't always in the cards. Trust me, I get it, and I've tried my fair share of painting to know that a few insider tips and tricks help elevate your paint job from amateur to exceptional.

Skipping proper cleaning and priming? Is the matte finish looking too flat? These are a few of the painting mistakes that give away the fact that a professional decorator was indeed absent during the renovation. And no one wants a DIY to actually look like a DIY. So who better to get the scoop on how to properly paint a room than designers, decorators, and painting experts themselves?

Below, I've rounded up five of the most common room painting mistakes and the best painting tips to avoid them. Don't worry, I'd never let you put a paint roller on the wall without assessing all possible obstacles.

1. Selecting the Wrong Type of Paint

First and foremost, yes, the kind of paint you use matters a lot. Professional painter, renovator, and founder of Sunset Coatings, Ralph Peralta, says, "The paint you select must be suitable for both the surface and the location." You'll want to select your paint with elements like indoor or outdoor, high-traffic spaces, and moisture-prone rooms in mind.

And most of the time, high-quality paints from trusted paint brands will outperform cheaper, lesser-known brands. "You'll find they go on more evenly, provide better coverage, are more true to color, are easier to clean, and last longer," says Ralph. When all of those pros are on the table, it's worth investing a little more for quality.

The paint can also differ in how much pigment it has, and typically, higher-quality paint has better pigment. With this in mind, "Farrow and Ball's paint is one of my favorites to use," shares interior designer Michelle Accetta. "Higher pigment helps the paint look more consistent in different lighting and provides better coverage."

2. Skipping Swatch Tests

Next, and possibly one of the biggest painting mistakes you can make, is skipping a swatch test. Sampling paint around the room helps identify how the color and finish will sit in the space, as well as how the lighting will affect the color.

"The lighting of the room you are painting is often overlooked, and it can result in a room feeling too cold or just looking flat," says Portland-based interior designer, Brittany Luedecke. In a north-facing room, for example, you get a lot of cool, indirect light throughout the day. To counterbalance that, pick a color in north-facing rooms that's on the warmer end of the color wheel.

Alternatively, "If you really want to bring color into a south-facing space, you should consider the fact that the light will probably bleach out a more subtle color, so going for something a little more saturated might be the right option," says Brittany.

Swatch tests will help you discover what works before coating an entire room — and that's a painting mistake we definitely want to avoid.

3. Selecting the Wrong Sheen

The next painting mistake that will make your finish feel less professional is less obvious. Almost every expert I spoke to mentioned how the sheen of your paint finish is basically make-or-break-it.

There is no hard-and-fast rule, but "Most designers will use satin or semi-gloss for baseboards, cabinets, and trim," says Brittney. We interact with doors and trim frequently, and a glossy finish hides stains and oils.

For walls, "you usually want to go with a flat or matte finish, and the same goes for the ceiling," she adds. However, be wary of blindly following trends like super-matte finishes. While these can be very stylish when applied correctly, "flatter paints will get scuffs that stick around," says Michelle. And no one wants a paint color that actually feels flat.

If you're color-drenching a room, using different sheens on the walls versus the millwork is actually what makes the built-ins, crown molding, and baseboards pop even when everything is the same color.

4. Skipping Proper Planning and Prep

"But even if you nail the color and the sheen, and use all the right tools, none of it matters if you haven't prepped properly," says Brittney. Prep is the most important thing when painting a wall, and it's where most people cut corners.

So, what does proper prep look like? Clean your walls, caulk anything that needs smoothing out, remove hardware where you can, and cover your floors. Basically, trust your instincts on what needs to be done, and don't skip anything.

At minimum, Brittney says, "Tape down two to three feet of brown paper or plastic along the baseboards so it can't shift while you work." Drips and overspray always happen, and paint specks on hardwood or tile are a dead giveaway that someone rushed the job.

5. Not Considering Your Home's Wider Scheme

And lastly, a painting mistake that a professional decorator would never make is failing to consider how paint colors coordinate throughout a home's color scheme.

A bold color on a wall that stops too abruptly will read more as an out-of-place accent wall. The same thing happens when considering how colors will flow from room to room. Homes should feel cohesive, especially in an open concept, and if each room feels like it belongs to a different house, it breaks that finished feel.

Michelle adds, "Not working with the undertones of the walls also distracts from the overall design scheme." Even if you are working with white walls, they have subtle undertones that lean either warm or cool. "Make sure to use the same undertone in the paint you are choosing to paint the new area," says Michelle.

Hopefully, this list of subtle painting mistakes to avoid helps you prep for your next project as the professionals do. Ultimately, it's all about putting in the time to yield the best results.

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Something about the start of spring and the color pink goes hand in hand. It's found in the sunsets of longer evenings, blooms on cherry tree branches, and in the wildflowers that sprout up all over our gardens. In interior design, pink is having a serious comeback — we're seeing subtle pops and peaceful, steadying variations that feel calming, and not at all saccharine. And nowhere is that more evident than Farrow & Ball's pink paint collection.

Decorating with pink in contemporary interiors is about muted tones and interesting undertones — a color that goes with almost everything, but adds flair. Across the 19 pink paint colors in Farrow & Ball's selection, there's everything from faded terracotta and rosy beiges to bright blushes and darker, purple-toned pinks. Basically, there's room to go as maximalist or as minimalist as you wish.

So, as the spring season settles in, maybe you're looking for a pink paint to brighten up your home. I asked interior designers to share the Farrow & Ball pink paint shades they are loving and using currently in interiors, and these are the three colors they swear by.

1. Farrow & Ball's Peignoir

The first pink paint to know is Farrow & Ball's Peignoir. Upon first glance, it looks more off-white than pink, but that's the genius of this color. It's one of Farrow & Ball's best neutral shades, but still brings a little personality to the table.

"Peignoir sits beautifully between pink and neutral, with a muted gray undertone that prevents it from feeling overly sweet or sugary," explains Pringle & Pringle founder, Sophie Pringle. It has a quiet sophistication, offering a softer, more liveable take on pink that works especially well in layered interior design schemes.

It's particularly lovely as a pink bedroom color, where its softness creates a calm, restful atmosphere. "We recently used it in a girls' bedroom; however, it also works well in spaces that need a gentle lift — adding warmth without overwhelming the scheme, making it a great choice for both lighter and slightly moodier rooms," says Sophie.

For the bedroom pictured above, Peignoir was used on the wardrobe joinery and woodwork, "to draw out the pink-gray tones within the wallpaper," explains Sophie. As you can see, it makes a great accent on cabinetry or trim, but could also be used more generously for a subtle color-drenched effect.

2. Farrow & Ball's Folly Pink

On the other hand, Farrow & Ball's Folly Pink is for those who crave something a little bolder. "This is a gorgeous soft terracotta pink which has no saccharine quality to it whatsoever, but all the warmth and calmness of pink," explains interior designer Laura Stephens. The terracotta tones make it feel more grounded, while still bringing that joyful color to the forefront.

Laura says that the best way to use this color is as a soft but impactful accent. "It's best for architectural details and ceiling paint colors," she adds. It provides that pop that's effective when balanced with softer tones or contrasting colors — plus, there are plenty of colors that go with terracotta.

"We've used it as a secondary paint color (seen above) over three stories of hallways and landings at half height, which gave just the right amount of color without feeling overwhelming," she adds. The natural tones make the color blocking technique feel more contemporary.

"I've also used it on a bedroom ceiling with neutral walls to 'bring down' a tall ceiling whilst adding a serene feel to the space," she adds.

3. Farrow & Ball's Tailor Tack

And lastly, Farrow & Ball's Tailor Tack is a pink paint color that blends true pink tones with subtle softness. "I love this shade of Farrow & Ball pink paint as it is very light and delicate, but strong in character," says Studio Raymond founder and interior designer Carina Raymond.

That mix of character and gentleness makes Tailor Tack quite versatile. "I have used it in a sunny kitchen, dining, and open plan lounge area that gets lots of natural light, but it could also be used in a hallway or bedroom," Carina says. Think of this shade as a subtle color in rooms where you'd naturally reach for a neutral like white.

"It works well in rooms that get lots of natural light (if you are looking for paint colors in south-facing rooms), as the light reflects really nicely off it, and it has enough contrast juxtaposed with creams and whites," she adds. But it "looks especially good on walls, ceiling, and joinery, and juxtaposed with bronze metallic finishes, and reds and blues," Carina adds.

It's official, pink trends are getting more neutral and more popular in modern interior design. Will you be trying any of these designer favorite Farrow & Ball pink paint shades?

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Walking through the front door is a ceremonial moment. It's where you cross the threshold between inside and out, and it's a moment worth marking. What does your front door say about you and the way you live? Is it cheerful and welcoming? Sophisticated? Or lacking effort?

I didn't really think much about what different front door colors meant before, but I've recently learned that the shade you choose says a lot about you and your home. It can subtly affect your mood the moment you step through it. "After a long or stressful day, seeing certain colors (and literally stepping into them) can have a surprising psychological impact," explains Michael Rolland, MD, a paint expert at The Paint Shed.

Tuning into 'front door psychology' means understanding the hold color has on our homes. To help sort out which shade is right for your front door, I asked the experts to explain the color psychology behind it all — here's what they told me.

1. Red

A moment of 'unexpected red' anywhere in your home is always a good idea. While it may seem like a lot for a front door, it actually can be a very dynamic and spirited entryway color. "Decorating with red is warm, energetic, and attention-grabbing — it's also the color of love," explains The Paint Shed's Michael Rolland. "For that reason, it is great for giving the impression that 'this is more than a house — it's a home'."

Red is also a natural complement of green, meaning it will stand out against any foliage in your front garden. "A pop of red enlivens your front porch, patio, or garden, adding character and joy with a bold, contrasting color that instantly elevates a space," adds Ruth Mottershead, the creative director at Little Greene.

Plus, a red front door — whether you go for a bright 'letterbox' red (like Firefly from Little Greene) or deep oxblood (like Little Greene's Theatre Red) — not only hits the latest color trends, but also shows you're confident when it comes to decorating. "It suggests these homeowners have a fashionable, passionate, and perhaps even a slightly fiery side," says Michael.

2. Sage Green

But not all of us want that fiery pop of red on our front door; it's an intense entrance, after all. Embracing front door color psychology is about finding what speaks to you. If you want an entryway that calms and relaxes, perhaps a sage green paint color would suit your front door.

"Sage green suggests owners value a slower, more relaxed pace of life," Michael says. "Its soft, cottage-like vibe brings a sense of calm, as green's natural associations suggest freshness and balance."

Green front doors help promote peace as you enter into your safe space after a long day. Sprig IV from Paint & Paper Library and Farrow & Ball's Vert de Terre are two popular sage green paint colors to consider.

Plus, green is a joyful color. "This shade gently lifts mood and enhances happiness without the intensity of a bold yellow," adds Michael.

3. Bold Blue

Blue is another popular exterior paint color trend, and there are a few different shades of blue that make for a impressionable front door. "A royal blue front door exudes elegance and a touch of regality," says Michael. "Shades like Farrow & Balls Blue Maize nod to iconic doors, such as the one from the film, Notting Hill."

While a bold and energetic color, royal blue is timeless and "complements period properties by combining the classic with a modern punch," he adds.

If you like the deepness of blue but want something that feels more serene, "a delicate blue such as ‘Celestial Blue’ creates a calming and balanced feel," says Ruth. (Livingetc's latest color crush, Soft Celeste, is the perfect color to capture the mood of light blue. Plus, light blue paint colors work well with off-white shades on exteriors.)

4. Yellow

Lastly, the psychology behind a yellow front door is like a burst of energy, joy, and sunshine. "Rich yellows are brilliant choices for transforming the atmosphere of a space, evoking happiness, positivity, and warmth in entrances and hallways, but yes, even on front doors," says Andy Greenall, head of design at Paint & Paper Library.

Decorating with yellow on your front door delivers a joyful and sometimes surprising welcome. To lean into that bold, bright, and lively welcome on your front door, Ruth suggests "A vibrant and joyful yellow such as Mister David or Giallo," both from Little Greene.

While it may seem like just a finishing touch to your porch, "your front door is a real focal point," says Ruth. "It is often the first thing to greet you and your guests, creating an immediate first impression and setting the tone for your home."

And that is exactly what makes front door color psychology so important. The door is the perfect place to make a visual statement that reflects your design personality.

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Color brings a home to life, but it can be one of the most intimidating aspects of interior design. Committing to a palette, taking a chance on a bold hue, and learning how to contrast colors effectively takes courage and plenty of nuance. That's why introducing color in small moments feels less intimidating — all you need is a little flash of red or blue to show off your style without drowning a space.

That's the essence of the 'Peek-a-Boo' paint theory, an idea coined by paint brand Dulux. By decorating with color in bite-sized moments it's more approachable, and harnesses the power of hidden or unexpected moments (hence, the name 'Peek-a-Boo'). Think of it like a blue wall visible through the doorway of an orange room, or a red cabinet in an otherwise green kitchen. It's subtle, but effective.

"It's something we've long seen in fashion, like a bright lining inside a jacket, and it translates beautifully into interiors," explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director and color expert at Dulux. "These subtle details add personality and interest without overwhelming the space, making color feel much more approachable and personal." Here's everything you need to use this color rule.

What is the Peek-a-Boo Paint Theory?

When you strip it back, the Peek-a-Boo paint theory translates basic color theory principles to something far more digestible. Complementary colors on the color wheel are directly opposite each other and provide the highest possible contrast, but they are complementary for a reason — they balance the eyes' receptors.

This theory is rooted in complementary color combinations. In a study conducted by Dulux, the brand found that 76% of the homeowners revealed they thought they should avoid 'clashing' colors altogether, while 43% admit their biggest fear when decorating was getting high contrast rooms wrong.

And, fair enough — contrast can read as jarring, but it doesn't have to. "What Peek-a-Boo paint theory does is remove that pressure," explains Marianne Shillingford. "People often think of these color combinations as 'clashing', but in reality, they create balance in interior design and enhance one another in a really beautiful way."

"By introducing contrast in smaller, more subtle ways — through details, trims or even accessories," she adds, "you can experiment without feeling like you're committing to something too bold. It's a really gentle and easy way to build confidence with color."

And because these combinations are rooted in color theory, they naturally work together. Even when they feel unexpected, they tend to feel balanced and harmonious, especially when you use softer or more muted versions.

How to Use the Peek-a-Boo Paint Theory in Your Home

Color trends in 2026 aren't just about the shades we're using, but how we're using them. It's less about bold, all-over statements and more about thoughtful placement, "like a warm terracotta inside a cupboard set against a calm blue room, or a contrasting color revealed through a doorway," says Marianne. It creates a layered, expressive look that feels modern and considered rather than overpowering.

"The Peek-a-Boo paint theory is all about using color in a way that feels joyful, surprising, and a little bit unexpected," she adds. Instead of committing to bold, energetic colors across an entire space, it's about those hidden moments — little flashes of contrast that reveal themselves as you move through a room.

And it works in a variety of places; it's not limited to walls or doorways. Try introducing pops of color through accessories and furnishings. Ultimately, "it's all about where and how color is revealed," says Marianne.

"One of my favorite combinations is a calm, expressive blue paired with a warm, earthy terracotta -like Mellow Flow alongside Clay Pot," says Marianne. "They’re very different, but they're intrinsically connected, and that contrast brings real warmth and depth to a space."

Another classic combination is variations of red and green together. Green walls with a muted or dusty red (such as on paintings or picture frames) feel grounded but still full of life.

Or, if you’re looking to refresh your home for spring or summer, lilac paired with butter yellow is a beautifully soft option, and blends harmoniously with spring color palettes. "It's fresh and uplifting, yet still gentle enough to live with every day," says Marianne. Try introducing yellow and purple together through soft lilac walls complemented by butter yellow cushions or accessories for a subtle, seasonal update.

And of course, blue and orange are another classic. "When one of the shades is softened or warmed, it feels vibrant yet balanced, perfect for those peek-a-boo moments through doorways or on smaller architectural details," says Marianne.

There are so many more combinations you can create through complementary colors than meets the eye. And when you employ color and paint techniques, like the Peek-a-Boo paint theory, the process becomes far less intimidating.

As always, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter for more inspiration.

Years of weather and wear-and-tear tend to take a toll on even our toughest outdoor furniture. I'm looking at a rather sad green bistro set in my garden as we speak — paint chips aplenty. But sometimes it's nothing a clean and fresh coat of paint can't fix. But, for your fixer-upper to last another few years, you're going to need some of the best garden furniture paint to do the job (yes, it's different from normal paint).

"High-quality garden furniture paint is formulated to stand up to anything that comes at it," explains Lucy Steele, the senior brand manager and resident color expert at Valspar. It should protect against rain, moisture, and changing UV or temperature levels, so your best outdoor furniture can look its best, too.

No matter how stylish the outdoor paint trend is, durability is critical because nothing looks good with cracks and general wear. "It should offer strong adhesion to outdoor furniture without compromising a seamless result," adds Lucy. So to help, I've found all the best places to buy garden furniture paint, plus the best shades currently on offer.

1. Little Greene

First up, Little Greene. The brand's garden furniture paint range includes hardwearing, water and oil-based paints in various sheen levels, so you have options.

As for the creative director, Ruth Mottershead's, favorites, "Intelligent Exterior Eggshell is weather-resistant and completely washable," she shares. "It's touch-dry in just two-four hours, so your DIY project can be completed in just one afternoon."

For an exquisite finish with superior penetration properties, "Consider Tom's Oil Eggshell," says Ruth. "This extremely durable paint is the preferred choice of professional decorators."

And lastly, don't overlook the impact a glossy finish can have on your furniture and garden decor ideas. "Our gloss options for painting garden furniture include Traditional Oil Gloss and Intelligent Gloss," says Ruth. "These tough finishes achieve a sophisticated high sheen on both interior and exterior projects. Choose Traditional Oil Gloss for a classic finish, or Intelligent Gloss as an eco-friendly, water-based alternative."

2. Farrow & Ball

Some of the best paint shades for interiors come from Farrow & Ball (Green Smoke? Railings?), so it's no surprise that the brand has also explored the world of outdoor furniture paints, too.

Farrow & Ball offers two exterior paint finishes — exterior masonry and exterior eggshell — and both are available in an extensive range of Farrow & Ball's shades. There is a plethora of colorful choices, but I have to say I'm most drawn to its range of deep, earthy neutrals.

Exterior eggshell is probably the most popular choice for outdoor furniture paint, as it's designed to add a soft sheen to outdoor wood and metal, as well as protection against weather, UV, and other wear-and-tear.

The masonry line is designed more for brick and render, so you'd likely want to use this on exterior walls. Its new formulation has enhanced UV protection, so colors stay truer for longer — and quick-drying, self-priming, and water-resistant.

3. Cuprinol

Dulux is always a go-to when it comes to quality paint, but in my research for this article, I discovered the brand's garden furniture paint sits under a different name: Cuprinol. This range is designed specifically for the garden, and will last on wood of all kinds — all your sheds, fences, and furniture.

Plus, it has an easy-to-navigate product selection based on the kind of project you are working on. Decking? Furniture? Sheds? Fences? You can customize the paint you get to ensure a smooth coat. Below are a few of Cuprinol's currently trending colors.

4. Valspar

Especially if you live in the UK, you need a garden furniture paint that can withstand the unpredictable weather and is also resistant to mold, UV fluctuations, and water. For that, you can go wrong with Valspar's exterior paint range. It's available in both matte and satin finishes, and with options depending on whether you will be working with metal or wood pieces.

As for its best colors, Lucy Steele says, "I'm seeing more people take inspiration from their existing outdoor color scheme, using paint to enhance and elevate surrounding inspiration that's already there." Nature-drenching, anyone? Warm, earthy tones from sage and olive through to terracotta are particularly effective for creating a harmonious look that complements the natural surroundings and brings the whole space together.

"Alternatively, the garden is the perfect place to add more personality with uplifting colors," adds Lucy. "These shades are a great way to introduce contrast against natural greenery and add a playful touch, just in time for the warmer months."

5. Frenchic

Frenchic was one of the most searched brands I found while looking for the best outdoor furniture paint. Its Al Fresco range is a collection of water-based, weatherproof paint that's highly durable and resistant to both moisture and UV rays — all the qualities needed to ensure your garden DIY lasts.

There are over 40 colors to choose from, with a few limited-edition pigments that hit the latest color trends for outdoor spaces (I'm personally loving Cirtrine).

This garden furniture paint has been specifically developed to transform your outdoor furniture, but if you love the shade, it can also be used indoors for kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, or just general furniture projects where you might want an extra durable finish.

FAQs

Are There Tips for Applying so It Stays?

Good preparation can be the difference between a flawless finish and a streaky appearance when painting outdoor furniture. And if you want your paint job to last, then never underestimate the power of proper prep.

"Always clean and lightly sand the surface to ensure the paint adheres properly and apply thin, even coats," says Lucy. "Remember to let the paint dry for the recommended time before applying more layers, as this is vital in preventing peeling and patchiness, giving the coating the strongest possible start."

Securing quality garden furniture paint is the first step in giving your garden the spring refresh it deserves. Now, as for what color... Have you heard pink garden furniture is trending?

For more garden inspiration and to stay up-to-date on the latest outdoor decorating ideas, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

Iconic paint brand Farrow & Ball has announced the winners of its inaugural, and aptly named, competition, Iconic Spaces 2026. Calling on design enthusiasts from around the world, the aim was to select spaces that have used Farrow & Ball paint in creative and inspiring ways, celebrating the positivity of color — a joyful approach to the new season.

Judged by a panel of Farrow & Ball experts, the five categories included: Best Outdoor Space, Best Front Door, Best Use of a Signature Palette, Best Use of an Archive Color, and Best Use of Wallpaper, along with the overall winning space dubbed 'Iconic Space 2026'.

However, due to the strength of the worldwide entries, the judges decided to award two overall winners rather than one. These are the five spaces that came out on top across the five categories, and we can absolutely see why they did — prepare to be inspired.

Overall Winners

Best Use of a Signature Palette

The visually commanding Farrow & Ball green paint on the window recess and shutters frames the view outside, drawing the outdoors in, while also providing a wonderful focal point in the space that brings life to the freestanding bathtub.

Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, explained, “We were all unanimous that the award should be split to fully represent Farrow & Ball as both a heritage and modern brand.

"We all wanted to dive into the bath and were scenario playing on music and scent to accompany the bubbles." The pop of vibrant color is a wonderful contrast to the otherwise neutral color scheme in the space, and adds depth to the color used on the bathtub.

The owner of this winning space, Jane Manifold, explains, "The Grieves Farmhouse at Banchory Farm has always had an extraordinary story to tell, and my ambition was to honor its heritage while reimagining it for contemporary living. Working with interior designer Ali Heath, we balanced past and present with sensitivity and intent.

A palette of Farrow & Ball colors brings depth and richness that shifts beautifully with the light, creating warmth and a gentle sense of whimsy throughout. The result is a timeless, layered primary bedroom designed to be truly lived in and loved by our guests.”

Best Use of an Archive Color

"We loved the way soft pastels played such a striking, yet empathetic role in the structure of the new extension," says Patrick of this winning space in the UK. The joyful colors make the room light and bright, even when the sun isn't shining.

“The skillful layering of our Archive colors in this space can’t help but make one feel happy," adds Joa Studholme, color curator for Farrow & Ball. "The playful use of three colors makes for a sunny and uplifting space created by the juxtaposition of three very different tones, but each with the same intensity."

The winner, Anais Bléhaut, explains, "I chose the California FBKW color scheme to resolve playfully the different panes of the stair volume broken in triangular shapes. I couldn’t select the colors before seeing the surfaces finished and the light; colors are essential sculpting tools in my work; as soon as I saw the space, I thought that was the right place. The roof room was to be my client’s little California, her holiday place away from busy life."

It's a space that radiates warmth, and each tone adds another dimension to the architectural details.

Category Winners

Best Outdoor Space

I've only ever seen one other home use pale pink as an exterior wall color, and it was as impactful as this space — it makes its presence known without dominating, and it has a quiet confidence that sparks joy.

“Exteriors have been a major focus for us in the research and development team over the past few years," explains Gareth Hayfield, head of research and development for Farrow & Ball.

"Seeing this color used in such a vast environment, and in such an impactful way, made it an immediate winner for me, evoking a sense of happiness and bringing a smile to my face."

Best Use of Wallpaper

“We loved the bold use of our Closet Stripe wallpaper across every plane. While the tent-like effect draws on a traditional approach, the colorway and architecture gave the space a fresh, modern optimism,” says Charlotte Cosby, creative director of Farrow & Ball.

Hanging wallpaper in this way, with vertical stripes, draws the eye up, elongating the walls and adding dimension and depth to the space — it works with the architecture, rather than against it, creating a bold and playful design.

Best Front Door

There's something so refined about using this blue-black shade for a front door color. More blue-leaning in this space, it exudes understated drama, and painting the door surround in the same color adds depth and a design moment to delight guests before they even enter the home.

“This statement front door decked in sophisticated Full Gloss grabbed our attention straight away, and we loved how Railings was brought forward onto the door surround for a truly impactful first impression," adds Charlotte.

What I love the most about each of these spaces is how wonderfully unique they all are. And that's the joy of design — creating uplifting, beautiful, character-filled spaces that are uniquely personal, ultimately to be enjoyed by you, but appreciated by others.

If these winning spaces have inspired you to take on some decorating this season, these are the Farrow & Ball colors that designers say work perfectly for kitchens.

And for more color and design ideas, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter, and all the latest will be delivered straight to your inbox.

“As many of us move away from the trend for minimalist and pared-back decorating designs, it's becoming clear that some of the paint colors that defined that look can now seem a little flat," says Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident color expert at Valspar. Unfortunately, this leaves many of us stuck with shades that lack warmth or depth, which no home deserves.

So what's the fix? It starts with identifying any shades that look rather lackluster on the wall. As you can imagine, stark whites and cool grays are the most common offenders, but there may be a few on this list that surprise you. A flat or dull paint color doesn't necessarily mean the shade itself is a bad color, but rather that it isn't doing your specific space any favors.

To avoid a misfitting color choice, it's better to understand the paint color ideas that will work in your space and those that won't. To streamline this process, I've asked experts to identify the paint colors that most commonly fall flat — and how to fix them if this information has come too late.

1. Stark Whites with Cool Undertones

I think it goes without saying that cool whites are notoriously hard to use in a room. "Brilliant whites and cooler grays in particular can make living rooms appear stark or overly crisp, especially when used across large surfaces," Lucy Steele explains.

This result is emphasized in spaces with limited access to natural light, as there is no surface to warm the cool tones. So, decorating with white, especially stark whites, in this setting can make rooms come across as lifeless or unconsidered.

To help a paint color in north-facing rooms feel more rounded, Farrow & Ball paint expert Patrick O'Donnell says, "Try to avoid these overly clean and harsh whites, as they will just feel too gloomy and gray." Instead, look for whites with a little more color or undertone. "Something like Matchstick or Joa's White will work a treat as the former has some yellow through and the latter a dose of red," adds Patrick.

2. Icy Blues

In a similar vein to stark whites, Patrick warns, "Icy blues can sometimes feel rather chilly and clinical." Especially when it is a lighter blue paint color with strong gray undertones. Anything that feels too cool or too gray will often read as dull or dated.

However, this doesn't mean you should rule out blue paint colors (like Farrow & Ball's) entirely. Instead, Patrick says, "Look for a blue that has some green through it, such as Dix Blue." A green undertone helps blue feel more natural and full.

3. Pale Pinks

Decorating with light pink can also be a tricky shade to work with. While gentle and calming, pale pinks can easily become lost within a design scheme, especially when used as a paint color in a south-facing room or rooms with lots of natural light.

Lucy explains, "Very pale or desaturated pastel pinks often sit too close to white in terms of lightness, so when walls, ceilings, and skirting boards are all equally light, the room can lack contrast and appear slightly washed out." This ultimately leads to the color feeling flat.

So, if you're toying with the idea of adding a little pink in your space, it's best to lean further into pink trends. In some cases, "introducing deeper or more contrasting variations can actually help a space feel lighter and more lived-in, as stronger tones create definition and visual depth," says Lucy.

4. Drab Greens

Lastly, nobody wants a drab green bringing down the aesthetics of their space. It's easy to reach for a non-offensive green to bring color without deviating from neutral color schemes. However, the 'safer' you play your greens, the more often they fall flat. For example, a sage or dark green with gray undertones will end up feeling like a dated fallback shade.

Patrick says, "These drab greens can also be a big challenge for north-facing rooms, as there is no light to help enliven them." While you may be able to get away with them in south-facing spaces where they become softened by light, they can feel too gray and gloomy when no natural light is available.

Instead, find a green paint color with a little more edge. If sage green paint is your shade, then look for one with a zingy undertone. If you are gravitating toward olive green paint, try leaning into the yellow base and opt for a more modern variation.

How to Fix a Flat and Dull Paint Color

So what if you've already spent the time painting your walls, only to step back and realize things are feeling flatter than you imagined? There are ways to fix a paint color that's feeling a little dull, without completely painting over it.

"Becoming more intentional with lighting choices is the easiest way to transform the look and feel of the room," says Lucy. Switch cool lighting for warmer bulbs or add in layered fixtures, like floor lamps or wall lights, to soften the color scheme.

Or you can break up large wall areas with picture galleries, mirrors, and shelving. Hanging art (or something to cause a visual break) is another simple way of elevating the room without completely redecorating. "Paneling works particularly well here, as it introduces texture and dimension to the area without introducing another paint color, creating a well-balanced and considered effect," says Lucy.

Lastly, "Choosing complementary colors is an easy way to help bring a duller shade to life," adds Lucy. "Use the color wheel to identify what colors and tones will pair effortlessly."

A flat paint color isn't the end of the world; it isn't even the end of your decorating possibilities. All it takes is a little pre-planning to ensure you're choosing the right shade, and a little inventiveness if things go awry. And on that note, these are the colors that designers choose to make a room look effortlessly more expensive — and they're not just neutrals.

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Blue is arguably the most popular color; it's in the sky, the sea, it's everyone's 'favorite', and it has a rich history. In interior design, blue makes a home feel calming and serene — it's almost considered a neutral these days. But with such popularity comes profuse variety. And if anyone knows blue paint, it's Farrow & Ball, which has over 50 shades to choose from.

A baby blue kitchen? A moody navy study? Perhaps a gentle blue-green for your bedroom? While a plethora of shades to choose from means it's more likely you'll find one you love, it makes it harder to decide the best blue paint for your space, specifically. That's where a well-trained eye can help, and for that, I've asked designers for their favorite Farrow & Ball blue paint colors to narrow down your search.

Amongst the list are paint colors you may recognize, and some more obscure shades you might never have considered. Don't let choosing a blue paint stir up the renovation blues; let this designer-approved list be a guiding light.

1. Wine Dark

Starting strong with a deep but warm shade of blue: Farrow & Ball's Wine Dark. The name might sound misleading (I was expecting purple), but it sits just lighter than a traditional navy, which allows those subtle red undertones to really shine through.

Interior designer Carina Raymond, founder of Studio Raymond, says she's drawn to the paint color because "it's such a nuanced, characterful blue — rich and enveloping, but with a softness that stops it from feeling too heavy," she says.

What makes Wine Dark a real stand-out for Carina is its depth. The warm undertones give it a vibrancy and complexity you don't always get with darker blues. "It feels layered rather than flat," she says. "And, because of those red notes, it pairs beautifully with the warm side of the color wheel, particularly earthy reds, rusts, and burnt oranges, creating a warm color scheme that feels bold, joyful, and full of personality without being overpowering."

Use it in spaces where you want to create a sense of comfort and retreat. "We recently used it in a family room that needed to feel fun for the children but still sophisticated enough for the adults to unwind in the evening," explains Carina. "It works brilliantly in these kinds of multifunctional spaces; perfect for movie nights, hosting friends, or simply switching off after a long day."

Her pro tip is to use this Farrow & Ball blue paint color confidently. "Its richness makes it especially effective in rooms where you want to lean into the atmosphere rather than maximize brightness," she says.

2. Lulworth Blue

Next up, something a little lighter. London-based interior designer Laura Stephens is currently loving Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue. "It's such a lively blue — instantly uplifting without feeling sugary," she says. "It has a fresh, breezy quality that brings energy into a space, but it's still soft enough to live with every day. It feels optimistic."

Light blue paint colors can be especially hard to choose from as they have so many subtle differences. To that, Laura says that this one "really sings as a paint color in south-facing rooms where the sunlight enhances its clarity and brightness." That said, it's also a great trick for darker spaces; using it on trims, doors, or woodwork adds a hit of color and light without overwhelming the room.

"I tend to use it on joinery, doors, and architectural details rather than fully drenching a space," adds Laura. It works beautifully as a crisp accent, enough to lift a scheme and give it personality without taking over.

3. Stiffkey Blue

On the other hand, interior designer Sophie Pringle, founder of Pringle & Pringle, chose a darker shade from Farrow & Ball's blue paint colors. "We've recently used Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball in two of our projects, and it's a shade we return to time and again," she says. It's a beautifully inky, coastal blue with real depth, but it never feels flat. "There's a richness to it that instantly gives a space presence," says Sophie.

Stiffkey Blue is ideal for those trying to hit that balance between striking and liveable; "It's deep and atmospheric, yet it carries enough warmth to stop it from feeling stark," says Sophie. This comes from how the paint color responds to light. "It can feel almost dramatic in the evening, yet softer and more nuanced during the day," the designer adds.

Use it in spaces where you want a sense of intimacy — studies, snugs, bedrooms, or color-drenching units in sitting rooms. Sophie says it's especially good in rooms that lead off lighter spaces (layered with natural textures, crisp whites, or warmer accent tones), as the contrast makes both areas feel more dynamic.

4. Oval Room Blue

After a more modern heritage palette? Interior designer Melissa Hutley, co-founder of Hutley, says you can't go past Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue. "It has a wonderful depth of color that saturates a space effortlessly," she adds. "It's a blue that evolves throughout the day and never feels static."

From first glance, Oval Room Blue is a complex blue with a distinct green undertone, making it incredibly adaptable — "It feels grounded and earthy rather than overly crisp, which gives it a timeless quality," adds Melissa.

It holds its own in bright daylight, says Melissa, meaning it can work successfully in south-facing rooms, but "this blue really comes into its own in the evening or as a paint color in north-facing rooms, creating a wonderfully atmospheric setting," she adds.

Its natural tone works well for color-drenching, particularly in rooms with sloping ceilings or minimal architectural detailing, as it enhances the sense of cohesion and intimacy. However, in spaces with ornate cornicing, "keeping the cornice and ceiling white can be incredibly striking; the crisp contrast against the blue walls really highlights those period details," adds Melissa.

5. De Nimes

Next is a shade you may have heard of before, as Farrow & Ball's De Nimes is one of the brand's more popular paints. In my opinion, it's a perfect blend between contemporary and timeless, acting as a neutral paint color when you need it and an accent in more high-contrast moments.

One of the best qualities of this shade is its versatility — you can feel confident using it to coat an entire room (the gray undertones make it a very calming, sensory-conscious paint color), or you can use De Nimes as a way to deepen accent moments.

Interior designer Julia Miller from Yond Interiors says, "We used a fresh coat of De Nimes blue paint to highlight the incredible existing architecture." It's a shade that you'll love just as much in 10 years as the day after painting with it.

6. Hague Blue

Now here's a shade you've very likely already heard of. Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue has become a staple for anyone with a fancy for navy blue in their home. Interior designer Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors, says, "I love Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue because it's incredibly decadent and rich, creating a cozy, cocoon-like effect."

The best way to indulge in this navy blue paint color is to use it in moody, confident spaces where coziness is still paramount. There are slightly green undertones that make the shade feel more natural and allow it to work well in spaces filled with light, too, though.

For something a little more daring, "You can also add a lacquered finish to beautifully reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space," adds Marie.

7. Blue Ground

Feeling brave? You might love this 'robin's egg-meets-mint green'. Architect Eddie Maestri, founder of Maestri Studio, liked Farrow & Ball's Blue Ground so much he used it on his own front door.

It's a classic light blue color, but when used in more daring scenarios, it becomes a shade that can really steal the show. Particularly when paired with high-contrast color combinations, like this black-and-white entryway.

"I love Blue Ground even more for its calming nature," adds Eddie. "It has a resort-like vibe that's also a tad retro." This recommendation definitely comes at the perfect time for anyone planning a spring color palette.

That aside, Eddie says he also loves Farrow and Ball's Stiffkey Blue. "It has a flair for the dramatics without being too dark," he adds.

8. A Custom Farrow & Ball Blue Paint

But even if you can't find a shade of blue you love, don't despair. You can always mix and match shades to curate your very own custom Farrow & Ball blue paint color, like designer Emily Tucker, founder of Emily Tucker Design, did.

"We wanted to have some color in the kitchen, but not so much that it felt overpowering," she explains. "In the end, we settled on this Farrow & Ball's Light Blue, which we mixed with a lighter green so that the kitchen reads as a pale green." Clever!

So there you have it, a designer-approved list of the best Farrow & Ball blue paint colors. Now you just need to find the right colors to go with blue — luckily, Livingetc can help with that, too.

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Q: My hallway is a coat and shoe dumping ground. What can I do to turn it into a space that I’m pleased to come home to?

Before you even think about how a hallway looks, you have to view it from a practical perspective. The pressure on a hallway is huge — it’s a high-traffic area, with a big need for hallway storage — so it’s important to get that bit right first.

In my house, I have a large vintage cupboard I’ve reconditioned with hooks on the interior — it’s a bit of a shoe pile inside, but it allows me to close the doors and not have to see it. If you don’t have the space, consider a bench with a lift-up lid and baskets inside, which you can sort out periodically, keeping the clutter hidden away.

Then comes the fun part — hallways are a great place to inject a bit of color into, as while people tend to want bedrooms to be calming, you’re in this space for such a brief time, you can be as daring as you like with hallway paint ideas.

In one project, I drenched the hallway in Terre Jaune paint by Argile, which is a bright mustard but has a hint of earthiness, so it isn’t too overpowering. But if you’re nervous about using paint for a space that people tend to brush through with coats and parcels, then grasscloth wallcovering is more forgiving and comes in a wonderful palette.

Q: What advice do you have for picking the perfect patterned rug for a living room?

Choosing a patterned rug can be difficult, especially if you have an existing color scheme that you’re trying to fit it in with. If you feel really stuck, a good rug company could talk you through it — A Rum Fellow or Vanderhurd will tweak colors in existing patterns to complement what you already own.

If that seems too much, pick a pattern that has a lot of blank space in it, like the Element rug I designed for Christopher Farr. It means you can put bolder pieces of furniture on the paler parts and more neutral items on the color, so they really stand out.

Q: When it comes to picture framing, what are the main things I should think about?

This is such a good question! People agonize over what art to buy, but the framing often falls off their radar. Yet it can make or break the art itself. A good place to start is to go to a local framer — it may sound obvious, but they can be such a good adviser and suggest options you’d never have thought of.

They can usually do frames in any color, painting them with sample pots. You just have to be careful not to match the color too much to the art — if your piece is cobalt blue and you pick a cobalt frame, it can look a little… well, high street. Instead, look for a corresponding or complementary tone.

That said, sometimes it’s nice to stay simple, clean, and white, and on smaller pictures I like a much bigger linen mount to make the image seem oversized. A tray frame makes the art look like it’s floating. Or consider a stainless steel frame — thin and crisp for a very modern take.

Also, remember that framing isn’t just for new art — reframing a piece can give it a new lease of life, allowing you to see it differently, or it can make a picture you’ve kept for years for sentimental reasons seem more expensive and current. Timelessness is the key to owning and displaying art, and updating the frame can help you fall in love with the work all over again.

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Interiors thrive when we embrace good design, even in the smallest of moments. The interior of a cupboard or closet is probably not something you've ever given much thought to, but what if we gave it the same attention as other, more obvious parts of the home? That's right — a coat of bright paint behind the doors of a cabinet, wardrobe, or cupboard can make these tucked-away spaces pop with life.

Painting your closet's interior is less about maximalism and more about making forgotten corners feel considered. It's a sign you really, really care. A shade of green or a sexy pop of red demonstrates intention and can actually reduce visual clutter. How, you ask? Rather than a place to hide, a bit of color brings visual cohesion — soon you'll be jumping at the chance to show off your closet's interior.

But as with all out-of-the-box, bold interior design trends, a painted closet (whether it's a walk-in or built-in closet) requires nuance. From the right colors to choose and styling techniques to how to apply and install, I've gathered tips from the experts to streamline your next painting project.

First of all, there are a few different places where a colorful interior works well. There are walk-in closets, wardrobes, cupboards, and cabinets, and each type can be transformed with a simple coat of color and some styling.

And, believe it or not, applying a colorful painted interior to any of these spaces affects the room as a whole. For instance, a closet interior in a soothing or alluring shade would make for a lovely hidden makeup vanity idea, while bolder colors work well for an intriguing pop in a hall closet or kitchen cupboard.

Wherever you're considering giving your closet interior a coat of color, architect Sophie Nguyen says, it's about emphasizing these more forgotten corners of our homes. "The closet should be celebrated as part of the dynamic in a home. It performs the noble and necessary function of tidying our living spaces and consequently freeing our minds from the debilitating tyranny of mess," she explains. "Adding a bright color to the closet qualifies the storage space as an important item, creating a surprising discovery and focal point in the room."

For closets that stay concealed most of the time, a painted or colorful interior becomes more of a personal moment; "a little treat for the owner every time they open the doors," says Leila Touwen, co-founder of British kitchen company, Pluck. It's a paint technique for elevating how you live with and interact in your space, rather than for immediate visual reward.

That said, the color you choose for your closet interior communicates differently. Bold color trends work well as an unexpected accent moment, while something more tonal will be a harmonious extension of the room's scheme.

"We have designed colorful closets and larders with a bright pop of color that doesn't feature anywhere else in the room," Leila says. "The result is a considered moment that feels cheeky and offers a little bit of fun."

Alternatively, you can echo a color found elsewhere in your scheme, like painting your trim or door in the same color as the closet interior, or even continuing the palette through textiles like a colorful carpet or throw pillow.

With the right shade, you might even find yourself wanting to leave the doors cracked for longer, and honestly, that's not always a bad thing. If you get your closet organization and styling right, this can become an impactful way to show off the personality of a painted interior.

Leila even suggests using fluted glass on cabinet or closet doors for greater impact when decorating with color like this — letting the color shine through. It adds greater depth to the design, she explains. "Quite literally, there is color sitting behind the doors at the back of the cupboard, so it adds layers to the scheme."

Below are a few colors that would make for a fabulous, colorful closet accent.

A bright pop of high-contrast color in a closet interior has an equally high impact. It creates a pause, a visual moment that will attract attention and show off your personal style.

In times past, we’ve been conditioned to think about the color of our walls at the expense of the color across the rest of the elements in our room. But once you cross the mental boundary of understanding that your trim, ceiling, and yes, internal doors don’t need to be painted white, it opens up a whole new world.

“I love using internal doors as quiet moments of surprise,” says interior designer Cleme de Grivel, co-founder of studio Lehlo Interiors. “They’re a wonderful opportunity to introduce color in a way that feels curated but not overwhelming. I always start by considering the atmosphere of each room individually, and then I treat the door almost like a bridge between the two,” the designer adds.

The internal door is an underutilized opportunity, I’d say, to try some creative paint ideas in your home, so I’ve rounded up a few examples of how it works best, which serve as inspiration for a quick weekend project you could take on to totally transform how your home feels.

1. Golden Thread

In this modern kitchen, design studio Jetsam Made made a bold color choice and specified bespoke — outside of the usual RAL color chart — to tie the scheme together.

"Having the kitchen tie into the freestanding cabinet and the pantry doors helps define the kitchen zone within the open-plan living area," explains designer Francesca Gaskin. It’s an idea that could easily be recreated with paint, too.

2. Perfect Landing

This idea for painting each door a different color brings a playful touch to a transitional space. "This is a tiny staircase landing, and we wanted to serve a big punch," say Robin Edlow Heller and Jen Levy of Surrounded by Color.

"This trio of door colors was an iteration of our original design that we kept softening until we landed on this perfect combo of three bold Farrow & Ball shades."

3. Living On the Edge

Turning the idea of the statement door on its head, Studio Rhonda color-matched the doors themselves to the raw plaster walls in the hallway of this London home, instead opting for colorful painted borders, almost like ornate trim framing the property’s passageways. The colors are picked up in areas like the painted staircase, too.

4. Changing Rooms

The challenge? When neighboring rooms require different color treatments. "What matters is that both sides feel completely at home within their respective rooms," says Cleme de Grivel of Lehlo Interiors.

"The edge of the door then becomes the key detail, either kept intentionally neutral so it disappears, or painted in a tone that gently links the two spaces."

The next thing that might be on your mind is: Should doors and trim be the same color? Find out what designers are doing now.

Neutral rooms are sometimes thought of as flat or boring, and public opinion is often against them. But what neutrals bring to a room is nothing short of transformative, creating areas that exude not only calm, but warmth, tactility, harmony, and creativity. These rooms are not about playing it safe — they’re about crafting interiors that are curated, considered, and full of understated, confident character. And neutral paint colors are where it all starts.

Neutral tones go hand in hand with the natural, where many of their shades are drawn from, spanning dusty clay and sand to plant-based linen and hemp, rocky pebble and stone, weather-drawn mist and cloud, food-rooted oat and mushroom, and woodland-y ash and oak. Even neutral perennial beige is so named after the tone of undyed wool. These are spaces that feed the soul, as well as the senses.

But decorating with neutrals is a land of nuance, of exploring undertones, of studying light, and of getting into complexities — and as such, it can be a journey best traversed with the help of an experienced guide. I spoke to seven renowned interior designers about the shades they lean on when they’re creating nuanced, neutral rooms, for when you’re finding it hard to see the difference between your ivories, chalks, and creams. Here are the exact tones the experts choose for rooms that feel complete without color.

1. Farrow & Ball's 'Stirabout'

A pale neutral with a hint of earthiness and just a little gray, Farrow & Ball's Stirabout takes its name from the traditional porridge eaten in Ireland. Like its milky, oat-y namesake, it creates balanced, sustaining warmth.

"Stirabout is the embodiment of a cozy interior, making rooms feel calm, grounded, and effortlessly livable," says Jack Simpson, founder and CEO of London interior design studio and real estate developer Nomad. "It adapts easily to its surroundings, complementing other accents, rather than creating harsh contrasts. The softness and consistency of the color create a quiet backdrop, allowing natural materials to add warmth, depth, and personality without overwhelming the space."

2. Benjamin Moore's 'Sail Cloth'

A very fine, measured beige-y, white-ish shade, Benjamin Moore's Sail Cloth does indeed have an essence of the faded-by-a-life-at-sea about it. It says effortless elegance as well as 'I’ll work anywhere.'

"Sail Cloth is an off-white neutral with delicate beige undertones; soft, soothing, and sophisticated. It’s not a bright white, but gentle enough to feel refined while still cozy," says Paris Forino, founder and principal of New York interior design firm Paris Forino.

"I’m drawn to its quiet, grounding quality," she adds. "It has a subtle warmth that’s intentional without ever being overpowering, creating a backdrop that allows the furniture, textures, and objects to shine, while the walls remain elegant and understated." (An important color rule when working with neutral colors.)

3. Edward Bulmer's 'Clove 60%'

A deep beige tinted with red oxide for a little spice, Edward Bulmer's Clove brings a dash of pigment to the world of neutrals for a little heat and spice. (A bit more of a 'dirty' neutral, if you like.)

"Clove has real depth while not being overly powerful in terms of color," explains Sarah Davies-Bennion, senior designer at London-based interiors brand Kate Guinness Design. "It’s really cozy without being oppressive. It’s ideal for light-filled spaces as it works well with high natural light levels, glowing wonderfully in the sun without washing out."

4. Crown Paint's 'Milking Lane'

A light, velvety beige, Crown Paint's Milking Lane (available at B&Q) has a muted butteriness that makes for organically welcoming spaces. It rejoices in light of all kinds, leaning cozy and snug rather than becoming heavy.

"Milking Lane sits somewhere between soft stone and baked clay; there’s a gentle earthiness to it that feels balanced and quietly expressive, like a mineral pigment that’s settled over time," muses Franky Rousell, CEO and founder of Manchester and London-based interior design studio Jolie. "It has a calming presence that allows the space to breathe, not competing with furniture or textures but holding everything together. It feels timeless and familiar."

5. Farrow & Ball's 'Wimborne White'

Almost but not quite a pure-white, Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White is given softness and ease with just a sprinkle of yellow, mixing cleanliness with brightness.

"Wimborne White is a beautiful and versatile off-white, a stony neutral that feels much gentler than a standard brilliant white. Its tiny hint of yellow gives it a distinct warmth without being creamy or dated," explains Annie Harrison, interior designer and founder of London’s Fare Inc. "It responds very well to natural light, not turning gray or cold in the shadows and staying luminous throughout the day."

6. Farrow & Ball's 'Pointing'

White with a warmth and delicacy, Farrow & Ball's Pointing is named after the shade of lime pointing used in traditional brickwork. Fresh and uncomplicated, it creates pretty walls imbued with poise and composure.

"Pointing is a chalky off-white with a subtle heat to it. It has a gentle cream undertone which gives it a relaxed, lived-in quality, bringing a calm, welcoming softness," says Rachael Gowdridge, founder and creative director of London’s Rachael Gowdridge Interior Design. "It’s timeless and quietly elegant, reflects light in a very flattering way, particularly in changing daylight, and creates an inviting backdrop that makes a space feel intimate yet airy."

7. Farrow & Ball's 'Shadow White'

A mellow white that had a little dalliance with gray somewhere along the line, the tone of Farrow & Ball's Shadow White is (you may have guessed this from the name) drawn from what happens when white falls into the shade. Think of it as a white paint with an air of mystery about it…

"Shadow White is a soft white that’s calm yet refined," explains Annabel Hickton, co-founder of international creative design studio Untold Interiors. "It responds beautifully to changing light, and creates a relaxed, elegant feel without the harsh contrast of pure white."

Neutral walls have all sorts of powers. The power to hold a room together without drawing attention to themselves. The power to hush visual noise. Even the power to make a room seem more expensive. In other words, they’re hard workers — pared-back, yes, but utterly room-enhancing.

With spring slowly creeping up, I've got redecorating and interior refreshes on my mind. How can I make my space feel more lively for the new season? A fresh coat of paint on the walls would certainly do the trick. And, the colors of the season? If Earthborn's just released 12 new paint shades are anything to go by, it's the year of blue and green.

In stride with the paint brand's commitment to eco-conscious paint, this new collection offers a variety of calming blues and greens, with a few vibrant shades mixed in. "They're colors that feel just as right in a family kitchen as they do in a bedroom, providing versatility, timelessness, and joy," explains Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn.

"This new palette includes colors we've found to be in high demand from Earthborn fans, new takes on classic shades, and bold new colors with an Earthborn twist," explains Cathryn. However, there might be more to it than just that. 2025 was a year we saw warm tones everywhere — terracottas, beiges, rich dark browns. Every new color trend tends to be a reaction to what came before, so if 2026 does see us embracing cooler, more refreshing color palettes, that might be the reason why.

The paint colors in this new collection are all inspired by shades you can find in nature, but done with a contemporary twist. Do you need a calming blue to set the tone of your sleeping space? Or a bright pop of yellow to warm up a north-facing living room? Earthborn's new range merges exciting pigments with colors that you can actually live with.

They're vibrant and versatile, as Cathryn puts it. Below, I've shared a little bit of background on each color, along with advice on where to use it.

You don't have to buy all new decor or spend a ton of money to make your home feel new. Sometimes, a fresh lick of paint makes even your oldest pieces feel refreshingly revived.

Q: I’m starting to get on board with the trend for chrome-colored metals, but it still scares me a bit. How best to use it in a space so that the room still feels warm?

We just love decorating with metal in general, but do tend to use a lot of stainless steel. It has a rawness to it, and part of its appeal to us is that it doesn’t look new for very long. It ages fast and patinas, softening as it does.

We actually use an orbital brush on every stainless steel kitchen surface as we install it, to hasten the process. This gives the metal a more velvety appearance, which stops it from having that commercial kitchen vibe we all associate with it. Instead of being scared, think of the silver shine as a way to balance warmer textures and shapes around it.

We love the contrast of hyper-cool stainless steel with the hyper-warmth of anything that is a bit chalky, or a wood finish, or both. In a recent kitchen project, the metallic cabinets were softened by the curve of the alcove the kitchen was tucked into, the creamy wall color, and the texture of the joinery.

There weren’t any other 90-degree angles, which would possibly have felt too harsh against silvered metal. And happily, it works with any wood — even blonde oak can look warm in comparison when used next to it.

Q: I’m sampling every warm white and can’t decide — any advice?

We use a lot of ultra matte chalky finishes with a 2% sheen. We love that for walls and ceilings — Farrow & Ball’s fairly new Dead Flat finish can be used over woodwork, architraves, and cornicing, and has such a wonderful matte-ness. To use it is both a very efficient way of decorating and very calming.

Little Greene offers a similar finish, and we used its Joanna paint for our office, which has made our north-facing space seem more comfortable. We also love Bauwerk Colour’s limewash finish — and it’s easier to do a limewash in a paler color than a darker pigment, where you notice the brushwork more.

Q: I want to get some open fitted shelves made for my living room — what might I need to know beforehand?

Firstly, go for a chunky shelf width — the thickness has a big impact, and open shelves that are too slim can look a little… un-elevated. We had some made for alcoves on either side of a fireplace and opted for a chunky profile of about 40 millimeters, which really helped to give them presence.

It also meant there was more chance to see the grain and personality of the wood, upping how luxe they felt. In fact, we used an oak veneer (stained to look more like walnut), which allowed us to get the partitions to curve more easily — an extra design element. We had the veneer crown cut, which is how you get the grain to be more expressive.

In terms of the shelf design, don’t be tempted to go for symmetry or regularity. It’s more modern if you take inspiration from the likes of Charlotte Perriand, who loves to break the harsh lines of a space with some asymmetry. Plus, differently-sized partitions allow for a better visual flow, with some sections large enough for a stack of books, others for only a single objet and some delicious negative space.

2025 marked a turning of the tide in interiors. Once all about calm, serene minimalism, now more value is placed on spaces that ooze with personality — without trying too hard, of course. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the high gloss finishes once synonymous with the Art Deco era are back.

Believe it or not, your paint finishes matter. The same shade done in matte will look completely different in an emboldened gloss. "High‑gloss paint remains a favorite in interiors for good reason," says Iona Graham from UK paint brand Graham & Brown. "Its reflective surface bounces light around a room, making spaces feel brighter and more open; a simple trick with big impact."

But it can be unforgiving — every bump casts a shadow, so it's important to really consider how, when, and where you choose to put high gloss on your walls and ceilings. It's high risk, sure, but also high reward. Here's what designers have to say.

Let's start by establishing the actual difference between matte vs gloss paint. "People often use the term lacquer when they refer to high-gloss, and they're referring to the aesthetic, but it's actually a different material," explains Martin Kesselman, a Farrow & Ball ambassador and color expert at NYC’s INCOLOUR.

And it's an easy mistake to make. Lacquer decor and furniture have been everywhere lately — it's part of the interior design trend — and just like with lacquered finishes, high gloss paint appears almost like glass.

"Gloss paint is essentially more reflective, or has a higher level of sheen than other finishes," adds Cameron Carcelen, owner of Connecticut's Ridge Architecture. "So you'll get dramatic highlights and shadows depending on the way light hits the painted surface."

Beyond the visual benefits, gloss paint is also praised as one of the most durable. "It stands up well on woodwork like skirting, trim, and doors, and works well on metal surfaces such as radiators," adds Graham & Brown's Iona Graham, making it a surprisingly versatile finish.

Where to Use High Gloss Paint

1. On the Ceiling

A painted ceiling has quickly become one of the most exciting places to accent in a room. Want to make a room cozier or more intimate? Taller? More well-rounded? A high gloss ceiling not only adds a fashionable pop of color, but the reflectiveness can also help prevent darker colors from making the room feel too enclosed or looming.

"I love to use high gloss paint for an accent wall or unexpected ceiling," says NYC’s Sarah Jefferys. "The high gloss paint is reflective, creating a more expansive space. I especially like to use high gloss paint with pops of cheerful color. The gloss provides another dimension of depth."

2. In a Bold Color Drench

Just because high-gloss paint is bold doesn't mean you should shy away from using it with confidence. In fact, high gloss done as a color drench can have a serendipitous effect.

The key to a room coated in this glass-like effect is choosing a color that creates a sense of balance in design. The sheen itself has a boldness to it, so when visualized through something like an earth tone, neutral color scheme, or deeper shade, the combination feels more livable than overwhelming.

High gloss paint undeniably creates a wow-factor when color-drenched, but the way it reflects light and other furniture within the room means it remains dynamic rather than feeling overwhelming.

3. As an Accent

The most common way to use a high gloss paint finish is through accents around the home. "We'd recommend using interior gloss paint for things like doors, trim, metal, and woodwork," says Iona Graham. Smaller doses allow space for gloss to shine amongst the rest of your existing design.

Things like high-gloss kitchen cabinets, high-gloss doorways to accent a space, or even high-gloss painted furniture to bring life to older pieces — all of these applications can elevate a space with a simple coat of paint.

The Best High Gloss Paint Colors

There is no true limit to what paint colors or color trends you can translate into high-gloss. "High gloss in both light and dark colors can work well depending on the space," say Melinda Cahill and Suzanne Glavin, designers at Illinois’ North Shore Nest. "Darker paint colors add drama, and the high gloss finish adds light because of the reflective surface."

But here are a few shades Iona recommends for the best outcomes with high gloss paint.

It may require a bit more consideration than matte, but high gloss paint on your walls or ceiling is certainly more fun. If you're not quite ready to make the full commitment, though, maybe start by exploring the difference between satin vs semi-gloss paint.

When decorating a room with the intention of creating a space that feels calm, it's easy to turn to a palette of soft neutrals. And while these mellow tones are certainly soothing, there are plenty of other colors (some a lot richer) that can lend the same restful feeling, while injecting more personality into a room.

"I always say this to clients: calm isn’t a color, it’s a feeling," says Tash Bradley, color expert at Lick. "And to create that feeling, we have to first understand the function of the room. A bedroom needs a very different type of calm than a living room; a hallway needs a different type of calm than a home office. Once we know the purpose of the space, then we can choose a tone that supports the energy you want to feel the moment you walk in."

From earthy greens to plaster pinks, to timeless whites and dark reds, below, interior designers and color experts share their very favorite specific paint shades for creating calm color palettes.

1. Farrow & Ball's 'Pointing'

Farrow & Ball's 'Pointing' is a warm white that feels fresh as well as calming. “It's calming because it sits in that perfect space between white and stone," says designer Alicia Meireles of OWN LONDON.

"It has a gentle warmth and a chalky softness that stops it from ever feeling stark or clinical," she adds. "The subtle pigment gives it depth, so it shifts beautifully with the light rather than sitting flat on the wall. It feels quietly architectural and grounding — a color that allows the room to breathe, creating a sense of calm, balance, and understated elegance.”

2. Farrow & Ball's 'Pink Ground'

“I love Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground because it almost behaves like a neutral — interesting without ever becoming overpowering," says designer Kate Cox of HÁM Interiors, who used this soft pink paint in the bedroom pictured above.

"It has such warmth, which is why it works in so many settings," she adds. "It seems to sit well in almost any space, particularly on a landing, where it brings a softness. You can use it as a full drench for mood or keep it lighter as a backdrop — it has a balance that complements rather than competes.”

3. Little Greene's 'Slaked Lime'

While some white paints can be too stark to lend a calming feel, Little Greene's Slaked Lime has enough warmth to keep things soft and soothing. "It's one of our favorite paints, as it takes on a warm life of its own depending on the levels of natural light within a scheme," says designer Samantha Watkins McRae.

In the space pictured above, Samantha used Slaked Lime as a kitchen wall paint color. "As the ultimate calming neutral, it has so much capacity to be adapted within a modern or period property," she shares.

4. Lick's 'Blue 03'

Don't rule out blue paints when imagining a calming scheme. "Lick's Blue 03 is one of the most mentally soothing colors in our palette," says Tash Bradley, color psychologist and director of interior design at Lick. "It’s a light blue with a gentle drop of green in the undertone, which means the eye doesn’t have to work hard to adjust to it, creating an instantly restful, clarifying feel."

It works well in bedrooms or any space where calm is the priority, she adds. "For a truly soft, cocooning scheme, I often recommend painting the woodwork in the same shade and pairing it with a warm neutral ceiling such as White 03 or White 05," says Tash.

5. Lick's 'Taupe 03'

Lick's Taupe 03 adds a touch of pink to a room but still feels neutral enough to be calming. Tash describes it as "a color that genuinely lowers the shoulders the moment you step into the room."

"With its brown-pink undertone, it feels warm, grounding, and quietly enveloping, making it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms," she adds. "Its softness means it can take richer accent colors layered on top, from burgundies to mossy greens, without ever feeling heavy."

6. Farrow & Ball's 'Preference Red'

Livingetc's color expert Amy Moorea Wong turns to dark paints when creating calming spaces. "It’s the rich, deep shades that wrap around and envelop us that slow my heartbeat and make me feel most safe, content, and cozy," she says, highlighting Farrow & Ball's 'Preference Red' as a favorite.

"It’s calming in the way that a huge bear hug soothes the soul; its embrace is heartfelt, instinctual, steady, and easy," she adds. "Yes, the color is powerful, but its velvety complexity and the heavy shadows it produces add depth that feels rich, absorbing, and like something you just want to dive into."

As for how to use it best? She recommends an all-over drench in a room you use semi-infrequently. "I’m thinking the guest room, dining room, or some kind of secret snug," she adds.

7. Little Greene's 'Olive Colour'

Little Greene's Olive Colour is another option that proves dark paint colors can be just as calming as light ones. "Warm greens such as Olive Colour are wonderfully grounding shades that bring an immediate sense of calm and positivity to an interior," says Little Greene's creative director Ruth Mottershead.

"Deeply connected to the natural world, they evoke the quiet reassurance of foliage and landscape, which is why they feel so inherently soothing within the home," she adds. "Olive greens pair effortlessly with other earthy tones, particularly the soft, warm hues of Portland Stone or Bath Stone."

8. Farrow & Ball's 'Mizzle'

If you're looking for a pale green paint that feels livable and fresh, Farrow & Ball's Mizzle is a good one to try. Patrick O’Donnell, color expert at the brand, describes it as "a calming pale mint that feels incredibly soothing, but thoroughly modern."

"It will team really well with stronger colors such as our bolder Pigeon or even the charcoal notes of Off-Black on kitchen cabinetry with Mizzle as your wall color to temper the boldness of your kitchen units," he adds.

9. Mylands' 'Beata White'

Another option, if you enjoy decorating with white for a calming and understated look, is Mylands' Beata White.

“Beata White BH. 01 is a soft white with a warm undertone that performs well in kitchens, living spaces, and anywhere you want a clean, welcoming feel, as its balanced tones create a calming backdrop," explains Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands.

10. Benjamin Moore's 'Silhouette'

Benjamin Moore's Silhouette (the brand's Color of the Year for 2026) is a rich espresso color that's bold and dark yet still somehow calming. Helen Shaw, color expert at Benjamin Moore, says that colors like this one "reflect less light, making a room less active and therefore more restful."

"These hues also have a natural association with nature, which is innately soothing and grounding, helping to calm us throughout the day," she adds. "To further this effect, layer the room with plenty of natural materials such as ceramic clay vases, linen, and rattan furniture that soothe the senses."

11. Farrow & Ball's 'Setting Plaster'

Color consultant Charlotte Cropper highlights pink as one of her favorite calming colors. "As a tint of red, it retains a sense of warmth but loses the intensity, which is why it's often used in environments designed to soothe and comfort," she explains.

As for her favorite paint shade: it's Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster, which she describes as "a much-loved shade that manages to suit any style or architecture."

She says that plaster pinks "behave almost like warm neutrals, as they flatter skin tones, soften architectural edges, and bring a gentle glow to a space."

12. Farrow & Ball's 'Green Smoke'

Another green paint that designers turn to when creating calming schemes is Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke — a dusky and muted hue that's grounding rather than lively.

"Green Smoke is an exquisite, deep hue that captures the essence of nature, warmth, and moody sophistication, making it inherently calming," explains designer Jennifer Worts. "This earthy color is wonderfully anchoring, providing a stable backdrop that eliminates visual noise and promotes tranquility."

"For maximum effect, apply it generously," she adds, "extending the color to your trim and ceilings further enhances this comforting, cocoon-like embrace, making any room feel deeply restful and established."

13. Benjamin Moore's 'Clay Beige'

"We often find the most calming paint colors to be soft and neutral," says designer Nicole Hirsch. "Something versatile enough that it could be paired with any other color but never reads as jarring or too bright. One of our go-tos, particularly in bedrooms, is Benjamin Moore's Clay Beige."

"It creates a cozy and inviting look when enveloped throughout the room," she adds. "We paired it with blush and cream, and it makes the entire room feel cohesive."

From light neutrals that will always be timeless to richer shades that wrap rooms with warmth and coziness, these calming paint colors cater to lots of different room types and styles. To keep things fresh for 2026, take a look at the biggest color trends to complete your soothing scheme.

Q: Color Drenching — When Should I do It and When Shouldn’t I? Plus, What Do I Need to Know if I Decide to Go for It?

Color-drenching generally makes a space feel cocooning and cozy. In a cinema room we designed, we wanted exactly that feeling; it’s predominantly an evening space, so leaning into depth and drama made sense. But that’s the key consideration: is it a room you use mainly in the day or at night? My general rule is that daytime areas need to feel lighter and brighter.

If you’re color-drenching, then picking the color needs to come first, with everything else inside the space flowing from that main choice. The cinema room features a wall covering rather than paint — we used Tektura Bead in a rich, plum tone; it’s a textured design with a subtle metallic thread that lifts the scheme, and we paired it with cream lighting and a neutral rug for contrast. Too many dark pieces would have sucked out all the natural light.

It was also important to link the space to the main hallway, which we’d painted in a creamy tone, so it felt connected rather than jarring. Because that’s the thing with color drenching: it shouldn’t be a jolt, but an inviting effect that feels like it belongs in the rest of the home.

Q: I’m Considering Limewash (or Limewash-Effect Paint). Which Brands Are Good and What Should I Know?

True limewash is a lovely wall finish, but it’s tricky to apply – and often hard to find tradespeople who can do it. We’ve worked with a specialist decorator who treated it like art, creating samples until we found the right finish. But when I tried it in my own loft, it was a disaster.

If you want the effect with more reliability, Bauwerk Colour offers limewash paints in beautiful hues, though they can still be quite fiddly to apply. Alternatively, microcement can create a similar look with more resilience, even in wet areas.

Q: Is Black Ever a Good Choice for a Room? I’m Beginning to See It More and More… and Starting to Find Myself Liking It.

Yes, me too! But, as with color drenching, it depends on how the space is going to be used. For a formal living room that’s for pre-dinner drinks and evening conversation, moody, atmospheric colors — and yes, that includes black — can be wonderful. However, if you’re mostly using the space during daylight hours, it’s likely to absorb the light and feel too harsh.

In one project we undertook, the living room had 2.6m-high ceilings, and we used Farrow & Ball’s Railings on the walls to create a grown-up space where you might gather with friends in the evening. As far as black goes, Railings is a smart choice — it has a touch of blue in it, so while it’s dark, it doesn’t drain the light. We contrasted it with cream linen upholstery, a bespoke rug, and charcoal-blue cushions, so the scheme feels sophisticated and bright. Natural, warm wood flooring in a herringbone design helps to lighten the look, too.

This balance of colors and textures means the front living room, often overlooked in Victorian houses, has become a favourite spot for unwinding and entertaining. One thing to note, though: if your ceilings are low, then go lighter. Blacks can feel oppressive without sufficient height.

So, you want to use color in your home, but are scared it's going to feel overstimulating? Fair enough. It's a tough balance to find, especially with the bold, saturated hues currently dominating trends. But don't worry, whether you've already put paint on the wall or are still planning your palette, there are plenty of ways to use color while avoiding an overstimulating color scheme.

Decorating with color is an art in itself. It takes a little practice and patience to understand which colors work in a space — and together — as well as how to decipher more technical details like tint and tone. When planning a color scheme, Livingetc's color expert, Amy Moorea Wong, says, "The eyes need places to rest in a room. When spaces don't offer moments of pause through calming shades or a color break, or if there's too much saturation, hues can end up competing for attention and feeling mentally exhausting."

So, before you try that bold shade of electric blue on your walls, it's key to make sure it's incorporated in a way that is conducive to a calming environment rather than a stressful space. Our homes are supposed to be our safe havens, so if your color scheme is feeling a little overstimulating, here is how designers recommend fixing it.

Why Do Color Schemes Start to Feel Overstimulating?

So what causes a color scheme to feel overstimulating rather than a balance of comfortable and visually striking? "I naturally design with a lot of restraint when it comes to color, but I don't shy away from it," says interior designer Gabriela Eisenhart of Silo Studio. "There is a way to introduce energetic colors in a space while still keeping it calm and visually fluid."

Color schemes tend to feel overstimulating when colors compete. "When you enter a room, your eyes should travel, and your nervous system should be able to rest," Gabriela explains. When too many colors compete, the eye has nowhere to move, which can create visual overwhelm.

So what are the key triggers to look out for? "Proportion," says Amy Moorea Wong. "If colors are used in equal amounts and no hues lead, the scheme can feel too much, and the space is confusing to observe (let alone live in)."

The wrong hues, tones, tints, shades, and undertones can also create overwhelm. "The warm vs cool colors can fight each other for dominance, which can create more subtle visual overwhelm," Amy adds.

And then, of course, there's lighting to think about. "If a color is glossy and bounces light, that can lead to overexposure of the hue, as can overly bright artificial lights, which can sharpen colors beyond what the eye feels comfortable with," explains Amy.

All of these elements can cause color to feel visually taxing and stressful rather than promoting a serene living environment.

Are There Certain Colors to Use or Avoid?

What colors feel overstimulating in a space is largely subjective and really depends on how the color is used, as well as your personal feeling towards (and history with) that color. "The colors that most frequently overwhelm are either those that are bright, especially with an extreme visual energy, or colors used boldly over large surfaces," notes Amy.

Energetic colors like acid yellow, hot pink, phone box red, ultraviolet, and electric blue are a few stereotypical colors that can easily lean towards 'overstimulating.' "The shade Brilliant White is also a huge offender, creating spaces that feel cold, harsh, and glaring (even if more quietly than the more pigmented colors)," adds Amy. "And jet black also feels heavy and oppressive, like it's dragging you down and weighing on the space."

Of course, earthy tones, neutral color schemes, and sensory-conscious colors will always be a safe bet, but there is no need to count out bold colors entirely — it's all in how you use them.

How to Fix an Overstimulating Color Scheme

Whether you are prepping a new project or hoping to fix a past painting mistake, there are several ways to bring serenity back into a colorful space.

Start by trying bolder hues (or colors that feel overstimulating to you) in small doses; think joinery, trims, or even decor around the room. Didn't work? Try reducing a color's saturation level rather than banning the hue itself. "How about brick red rather than something fire engine bright?" suggests Amy. "Olive rather than lime green?"

Paint finishes can also help. Try something matte, chalky, or textured to temper the brightness and add depth and tactility.

And then there's your application. New York-based interior designer, Sarah Tract, says, "This may be slightly surprising, but I actually think color drenching makes creating a calming color scheme easier. Painting an entire room a bold color often has a more soothing impact than you might expect."

That said, I'm not suggesting that color-drenching your room in a bright orange will instantly be more calming. "Earthy color palettes and warm neutrals are a good starting point because they resonate with what we are used to," notes Sarah. "Rich browns, deep greens, and burgundies are naturally occurring schemes that will ultimately feel organic and comfortable."

Bold colors in interiors becomes overstimulating when the entire room or palette isn't considered. Think of how you want to layer your space and live within it before you jump into any highly saturated color trends.

Before you know it, you'll be a pro at coordinating paint colors through an entire home soon enough.

I don't know if you've noticed, but Ralph Lauren has been everywhere this Christmas. From pop-up coffee stands in major cities like London and NYC to inspired Christmas decor and holiday trends. And, if you ask me, it makes perfect sense.

"The brand's aesthetic taps into something deeply comforting and aspirational at the same time," explains interior designer Nina Liechtenstein. It feels polished without being precious, layered without feeling busy, and grounded in a sense of tradition that never feels forced. And that's exactly why this aesthetic extends far beyond just the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend; the character-rich, elegant design style can be translated into interior design year-round — specifically, when it comes to the iconic Ralph Lauren color palette.

Think reds, creams, navies, and forest greens; classic colors that feel both refined and rich. "When translated into paint colors, this look becomes especially powerful," adds Nina. "It creates interiors that feel calm, collected, and enduring, while still allowing space for richness and personality." Below, I've broken down how to bring the look home.

What Is a Ralph Lauren Paint Color Palette?

A Ralph Lauren color palette is rooted in restraint and confidence. These are colors that do not chase interior design trends or rely on novelty. Instead, they draw from nature, heritage interiors, and classic menswear. There is a reason Ralph Lauren Christmas is popular; it's evergreen with colors that feel familiar yet stylish.

Specifically, this palette feels architectural and considered, with every shade serving a purpose and adding depth. At its core, a Ralph Lauren color palette is built on warm, complex neutrals paired with saturated, modern heritage colors.

So what does this mean? "Creamy whites, soft stone tones, and gentle greiges form the foundation," explains interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. "They are never stark or cold."

These base colors create a peaceful backdrop that allows richer shades to shine. From there, "the palette deepens into inky blues, forest greens, tobacco browns, and restrained burgundies," Nina adds. "Each of these colors feels grounded and familiar, yet elevated. It's a palette that works beautifully for neutral spaces that want warmth and sophistication, but also welcomes deeper hues without overwhelming the room."

Ralph Lauren-Inspired Paint Colors

For specific paint shades available from all the best paint brands, there are plenty to choose from. It's about finding the right tone, hues, tints, and shades (yes, there is a difference) to make your space feel warm and cozy, but with a refined heritage feel.

How to Use Ralph Lauren Paint Colors in Interiors

You don't have to paint your walls to incorporate Ralph Lauren paint colors in your design scheme. In fact, to pull off this aesthetic, it's all about how you can tie in the colors around the room. Decor makes the space grow into something more dynamic.

When incorporating a Ralph Lauren color palette, the goal is not drama for the sake of it. Instead, "the desired outcome is a space that feels composed, warm, and confident," says Nina. "These colors are meant to support a layered interior filled with texture, natural materials, and meaningful details."

Leather, wood, wool, brass, and stone all come alive against this palette. The mood should feel grounded and welcoming, with a sense of permanence and ease.

Ultimately, "a Ralph Lauren color palette invites you to slow down. It creates rooms that feel lived in rather than styled, spaces that hold up beautifully over time and across seasons," says Nina, giving your bedroom, kitchen, or living room timeless paint colors to elevate the space.

Especially during the holidays, there is something deeply appealing about colors that feel familiar, comforting, and assured. "That is where the enduring appeal of a Ralph Lauren-inspired palette truly lies," says Nina.

Traditional and familiar design is regaining popularity in contemporary trend cycles (as if it really ever left). However, rather than bringing tired colors into your home that feel dated, embracing a modern heritage palette will bring that desired blend of traditional elegance and contemporary comfort.

So, what is a modern heritage color palette? Well, it relies on classic colors like cream, navy, and earth tones as its foundation, but elevates the scheme further by layering contemporary color trends, such as deep espresso browns, oxbloods, and camel tones.

"A modern heritage color palette is rooted in classic design yet reimagined for modern living," says Iona Graham, color expert at Graham and Brown. "This balance of old and new adds depth, warmth, and a sense of considered style to every space." In short, it's the secret formula for a space that feels timeless, yet still now. Thinking this could be the answer to your color scheme plans? Here's everything you need to know.

How to Define a Modern Heritage Palette

To understand the colors that work with a modern heritage palette, it's worth considering how this term can actually be defined. We know that modern heritage palettes bring together timeless, characterful shades with fresh, contemporary accents to create interiors that feel effortlessly elegant and beautifully current.

Iona Graham goes a little deeper, though, explaining that, "This color scheme will be built upon muted, timeless tones and rich colors that draw inspiration from historic interiors and the natural beauty of earthy pigments." Think dark greens, navy blues, rich charcoal grays and blacks, and oxblood reds.

"I would then add modern neutrals, like espresso browns, camels, and creams, to the mix," she adds. "These shades create the balance in the design, resulting in a palette that is grounded, refined, and effortlessly contemporary."

It's classic hues reimagined through a contemporary lens, says Erica Davis, principal designer at Florida-based design studio Eralyn Interiors. "Yes, they feel rooted but more familiar than some dated hues," she adds. "Think depth, warmth, and classic rather than trendy or overly contrasting."

What Colors Work in a Modern Heritage Palette?

So, what are a few of the specific shades to look out for when building a modern heritage color palette? As explained, the colors that most notably fit into this scheme are warm white, creams, tobacco, camel, olive, traditional navy, oxblood, and deep browns.

"They are colors that have lived in architecture and interiors for generations," explains Erica; let them be your bread and butter when decorating in this design style.

"Some of my favorites are Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20, Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, Farrow & Ball Liquorice, and Color Atelier Espresso," addsEmily. All of these shades represent the more expected or classic side of the modern heritage palette, while adding in the deeper, more unexpected colors is what will make this style feel more contemporary.

Speaking specifically, Iona adds, "Deep greens like Graham & Brown's Glasshouse or State Room, sophisticated burgundies like our Color of the Year Divine Damson, rich blues like Rhapsody or Brave, and Charcoal grays like Tattoo."

Some other colors you may not think of that fit wonderfully into this palette are muted plum, aubergine, and ochre. While purple and deep reds have made a recent resurgence in interiors (purple dining rooms are my most recent obsession), they will always be classic.

When sourcing the best neutral paint colors or shades that will feel timeless, it's easy to get pinned down to a certain safety net of colors. However, 'timeless' palettes can also exist in stylish, contemporary spaces, and the modern heritage color palette is a recipe for success.

Decorating with Hunter green is a current favorite, and it might surprise you how modern this shade can look when styled correctly.

White walls are a timeless staple in interior design. It's the blank canvas, the serene, clean slate, and the dependable base upon which a multitude of design schemes can be dreamed up. However, today, we've moved beyond the stark white walls that feel more clinical than calming. White, in contemporary design, is more nuanced (just ask Pantone) — peppered with warm undertones and offering that essential breathing room that many spaces need.

Have you picked a white paint for your interior walls only to discover it looks a bit blue and cold, rather than cozy and comforting? Achieving a more layered white base is all in the undertone: one wrong step and that calming, expansive feeling can quickly turn frosty and minimal. Don't worry, white walls appearing blue is a common problem when painting walls white, and many factors can lead to this illusion. Consider lighting, complementary colors, and pay close attention to samples.

To find out why your white wall may be feeling a bit blue, I've asked the experts. Here's everything you need to know to warm up this neutral, some specific paint samples, and the accompaniments you need to keep it on the warm side of the color wheel.

Why Do White Walls Look Blue?

Whether you like it or not, Pantone's color of the year announcement will likely drive an increase in white walls and a welcoming reset in our homes. 'Cloud Dancer' is a prime example of how many layers can exist in one shade of white — a small touch of warmth removes the harshness. So, when you find yourself with a blue-leaning white, more often than not, it's because the undertones are on the cool end of the color wheel.

Color expert and brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, Patrick O'Donnell, explains, "Generic whites tend to be cool in tone — what we often refer to as Brilliant White — so if a sanctuary-like warmth is what you're after, always consider something a little more nuanced."

Once you're face-to-face with the sample book of white paint chips, you'll find that there are enough subtle variations of the color to quickly get lost. For warm tones, Patrick says, "You can look for a yellow or red-based white, such as Farrow & Ball's White Tie or Pointing, or something a little more characteristic, such as Farrow & Ball's Shaded White or Off White with greenish/gray and yellow notes."

Warm white doesn't mean you have to be tiptoeing the butter yellow line, though. As Patrick says, you can warm up cool tones with greens, reds, and grays as well. Just make sure to find the undertone of the paint color that matches the rest of your room's color scheme.

Cool Whites vs Warm Whites

How to Warm Up Your White Walls

So, I think that we've established that decorating with white is not as simple as it seems. But how can you get those pesky blues tones to fade away?

First of all, lighting can have a huge impact on how your white paint presents in a room. Patrick says, "Natural lighting, whether it's on a paint color in a north-facing room or east-facing (in the northern hemisphere), has a cooler morning light. Plus, some artificial lighting can give off a bluer note."

While you can't necessarily change the kind of natural light that streams through your window (if that's the cause, you'll have to use a warm white paint), you can easily change your bulbs. "Check for the warmth of your chosen bulbs — you want lower kelvin scale numbers as these are warmer," says Patrick. There are plenty of warm light bulbs on Amazon.

After you've taken these two main factors into account, you can start working with the other decor that's in the room. "Obviously, adding layers to a room will help white walls feel cozier," says Patrick. Think a blend of cushions on your sofa, walls drenched in pictures, curtains, and rugs.

But if you still want large areas of exposed wall, "the problem will still exist, albeit less notably," says Patrick. Sometimes it's simply down to the paint you choose; "maybe consider re-painting in a warmer or more empathetic white as mentioned above," he adds.

White paint is a more complex interior color to work with than meets the eye, but a space layered with enveloping, warm whites is well worth the effort. Of course, you can always add a little color to liven things up — and, as you can guess, there are plenty of colors that go with white.

With every new color story, trend, or palette I uncover lately, I grow more convinced that 2026 is going to be purple's year. For too long, it's been deemed outdated or too juvenile to be taken seriously in design — depending on what shade you go for — but now, purple, especially in its deepest, reddish-brown tones, is the color that every interior designer can't stop talking about, particularly when it comes to the dining room.

Recently, I asked a number of different designers to share the one color they have been eyeing off when it comes to fresh dining room color ideas for 2026, and, coincidentally, they all said the same thing: "That smoky, near-black eggplant tone that is red in some lights and purple in others, and feels like candlelight turned into paint," as San Francisco-based interior designer Lorri Hicks Cazenave put it.

So, as we move ever farther away from the era of all-gray, juicy jewel tones are redefining how we gather. Though decorating with purple may seem daunting, done in mesmerizing aubergine shades is much more timeless than you may imagine. Consider this my official apology for ever doubting purple's chicness. Here's how designers do it.

So, why has purple become the dining room trend of the moment? Central to many contemporary interior design musings, people are craving spaces rich with soul again, which naturally translates to colors with depth, mystery, and mood.

"Aubergine brings all of that without tipping into theatrical," explains Lorri Hicks Cazenave. It's refined, a little unexpected, and the natural evolution from the safe neutrals everyone is tired of.

"Decorating with deep purples tends to slow everything down in the best way," adds Lorri. "Dinner feels longer, conversations feel deeper, and it flatters everyone in the room. It's essentially the visual equivalent of dim, glowing light."

And looking great simply because you've been greeted with a fabulous backdrop is something every dinner guest will appreciate.

If you don't want to go as full-purple as shades like Livingetc's color crush, Cosmic Purple, leaning slightly red is actually the best way to make it feel more versatile and livable.

"Deep, warm purple-reds like aubergine can envelop a room in a cozy, cocooning vibe; yet, it's the rich, dark reds with slightly cooler undertones that really set the mood," says interior designer Susan Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs.

They can even stimulate the appetite, invigorate conversation, and spark exciting connections at the table — purple is regal, yet passionate, and perfect for an entertaining space.

How to Use Purple in a Contemporary Dining Room

The best way to embrace a dark purple or aubergine in your dining room is to fully commit to it. "Treat it like a moody neutral and let it take over the architectural envelope — walls, trim, even the ceiling if you want the full cocoon effect," says Lorri.

Color drenching in the shade will bring the most captivating and atmospheric results. "If you have the room height, take your aubergine purple all the way up onto the ceiling as a remarkable jewel in the crown," adds interior designer Kelly Neely.

However, if you decide to drench your dining room, Lorri suggests, "Sticking to a matte finish rather than a paint finish with too much sheen, to keep it soft, luxe, and atmospheric."

An ultra matte finish or even a limewash will give some texture to the walls and help the purple shine as a statement without overwhelming the room.

"Purples, plums, aubergines, and even burgundies are the new neutrals," says Kelly. Yes, you read that right — purple coordinates well with so many colors once you understand its place on the color wheel.

Purple sits between red and blue, and its direct complementary is yellow. So, while people are quick to group purple with the cool colors vs warm colors, it can actually live harmoniously on either side.

For example, dusty ochre, moss green, bone white, bold magentas, chocolate browns, and smoky blue all play beautifully with it. "It also gives versatility in the result of the room," says Kelly. "You can create a space that's very moody and dramatic, or one that's more modern and playful."

But with all the different, entertaining decor elements, focusing on finishes will be your guiding light when planning your purple dining room ideas. Kelly recommends, "Materials like aged brass, dark timber, and natural linen add texture and keep the palette grounded and timeless."

Pair these materials with a little purple decor, and your dining room will be hosting-ready in no time.

In 2026, it looks like interior design will be pursuing all things purple. Painting your dining room in an aubergine shade creates atmosphere and drama — it's the perfect color for such a space. But who knows? Maybe you'll be jumping on the purple sofa trend next.

When making over a room, it's not often we reach straight for dark colors. But, while the idea of dark walls and ceilings can summon images of cave-like teenage bedrooms and spaces steeped in gloom, in reality, dark paint can have the opposite effect on a home, making it feel rather glamorous, as well as cozy, warm, and welcoming.

Several dark tones are predicted to be big color trends in 2026. Why? Because they have an intimate, wrap-around-you-like-a-hug effect. They make a room feel moody, infusing it with charge and drama. They ground an interior, creating visual weight, stability, and emanating a profound sense of calmness. They speak of indulgence and luxury, imparting a muted refinement and opulence. They are texture-enhancers, making timber, fabric, metals, and more stand out against their duskiness. And, as a bonus, they helpfully hide small imperfections on walls, making flaws, dents, or imperfections less obvious.

It can be easy to foster a blind spot for the shadowy end of the paint color spectrum — but now’s the moment to fully open your decorative eyes. I spoke to six interior designers and creatives on the deep, expressive tones they turn to when they want to bring out an intriguing, intense dark glamour. Here are the exact dark colors they use.

1. Farrow & Ball's Mahogany

An intense, dark brown, almost edging on black (especially in hidden corners), Farrow & Ball’s Mahogany takes its name, as you may have guessed, from the red-tinted wood we associate with heritage, craft, and luxury. It has a comforting, organic edge that’s familiar, as well as bold.

"The deep, nuanced brown of Mahogany feels rich and enveloping, the dark tone softening the atmosphere like a velvet filter over everything — it strikes a beautiful balance between classic and unexpected," explains Olivia Botrie, creative director at Toronto-based interior design firm Dart Studio, who recently used it in a project’s living room.

"It feels calm, inviting, and quietly glamorous due to its depth and contrast," she adds. "We used a high-gloss finish on the millwork and a flat finish on the walls to create a subtle shift in texture, which makes the space feel layered and intentional. It absorbs and reflects light to add dimension, and its warm undertone stops it from feeling flat."

2. Little Greene's Ganache

The most Bruce Bogtrotter-y of shades, Little Greene’s Ganache is a blend of chocolate and cream, and as such is indulgent and deliciously tempting.

"Ganache is so sumptuous and luxurious, and has a lot of depth — it feels like a warm hug," says Kasia Kronberger, founder and principal designer of Berlin interior practice Studio Bosko. "It has a striking depth, the matte surface creating a modern, sophisticated feel, and combining it with the white ceiling brings a contemporary crispness."

3. Little Greene's Invisible Green

A shade popularized in Georgian times to use in gardens to blend in with the vegetation, Little Greene's Invisible Green is now anything but; its shady, verdant hue makes indoor walls commanding and statement-making.

"Invisible Green is enveloping, natural, and earthy, and adds depth and tone to the room," says Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at London architecture and interior design studio The Vawdrey House, which painted it onto the walls of a recent Victorian-era living room.

"The cocooning color is a contemporary twist in the traditional space, smart yet cozy and inviting, and it ties in beautifully with the natural materials," she adds. "It feels like an unusual and surprising color to use, and it’s a real example of grown-up glamour, without the glitz."

4. Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue

Taking its gloriously strong hue from colored Dutch woodwork, Farrow and Ball’s Hague Blue has a powerful siren call that pulls you into its inky depths.

"We wanted a color which would be a striking feature for the main bedroom but also one which was livable on a daily basis — Hague Blue is subtle, has a good level of depth to it and acts as a canvas for the natural light and shadow to set different moods," explains Ben MacFarlane, associate at Edinburgh firm Pend Architects, which recently used the shade in an 18^th century bedroom.

"It’s sophisticated and unexpectedly juxtaposes the usual ‘bright’ Georgian space," he adds. "The color drench pushes any ornamentation into the background and allows moments of light and darkness to become the focal point."

5. Benjamin Moore's Black Beauty

A pure black, Benjamin Moore's Black Beauty is high on impact and classic contrast —this is a tone that’s truly timeless.

"Black Beauty is a true, neutral black that’s remarkably versatile — because it doesn’t lean warm or cool, it plays beautifully with any undertone, making it both grounding and liberating to design around," says interior Designer Zoë Feldman, who has an eponymous studio in Washington, D.C, which just used the shade in a light-filled dining room.

"It’s unapologetically dark but never heavy," she adds. "It creates a sense of intimacy and quiet sophistication, absorbing just enough light to feel cocooning yet still allowing the warmth of wood and the glow of brass to shine."

6. Sherwin-Williams' Fabulous Grape

Sherwin-Williams’s Fabulous Grape does indeed live up to its name, the red-purple tone prompting playful memories of brimming wine glasses and effervescent late-night laughter.

"I haven’t always been a fan of purple undertones, but Fabulous Grape completely changed my mind — it carries so many different tones and depths," says Kristin “Kiki” Hector, founder and principal designer of Los Angeles-based interior design brand Kiki Design Studio.

"It can feel richer when the light hits it, or shift into a very mature, moody plum in the shade. It is the perfect entry point into decorating with purple," she adds. "It's like your favorite piece of jewelry that works with every outfit, the color just pulls the whole vision together and elevates everything around it. Even though it’s bold, it never overwhelms — it enhances the interior, making it inviting while not too serious."

Once again, as Sherwin-Williams is not readily available in the UK, try Benjamin Moore's Dark Burgundy instead.

From decorating with navy, smoky aubergine, soft charcoal, or velvety black, dark paint colors are imbued with a sense of glamour and elegance that paler shades just can’t quite compete with. Wrapping in room in warmth as well as wow, they bring intimacy, atmosphere, and a grounded take on grandeur.

It’s difficult to be glum in a yellow space. The color simply radiates happiness, from the most delicate of lemons to beaming banana tones and the most muted of mustards. It’s the same way sunlight makes us feel. Yellow paint is intrinsically linked to light itself and comes with emotional resonance as well as a brightness level — yellow paint can’t help but evoke positivity and uplift our souls.

Stroll into a yellow space and you’re hit with very similar feelings to the first sunbeam of spring on your skin, heat hitting your face as your holiday begins, watching golden hour richness spreading across the landscape, or soaking in the heady afterglow of dusk. So, when decorating with yellow, before you find the best yellow paint color, the first thing to ponder is light. Which direction does the room face? Northern light cools; southern light adds gold. How much light does it get? Yellow fades in low light; in the sun, it sings. What about artificial lighting? Cool LEDs flatten it; warm bulbs will enrich. And when will you use the room? Morning freshness lifts; evening shade envelops.

I spoke to seven designers, architects, and interior creatives on the best yellow paint colors they reach for when the world seems a bit overcast, just in case you’re not overly keen for hundreds of yellow test patches speckled across your walls. Here are the yellow paint colors they choose when they want to capture warmth, lift mood, and bring brilliance.

1. Paint & Paper Library's Caddie 452

A brown-based yellow that flirts with the realm of neutral colors, Paint & Paper Library’s Caddie (452) is earthy as well as uplifting. The tone feels toasted, its yellowness subtle yet still powerful enough to keep temperatures up through winter.

"It anchors a space, the richness bringing a sense of quiet refinement and creates a grounded yet elevated atmosphere," says Tola Ojuolape, interior architect and founder of London design firm Tola Ojuolape Studio.

On what pulls her to Caddie 452, she says, "I love its earthy quality and the depth it brings. Even on dark, wintry days, this color brings a gentle warmth to the room. It catches the light softly, for a cocooning feel."

2. Farrow & Ball's Hay

A peaceful yellow named after the dried crop, Farrow & Ball’s Hay is imbued with warmth and a mellow dustiness, akin to hazy, lazy sunlight.

Franky Rousell, founder and ceo of Manchester and London-based interior design studio Jolie, sees Hay as "a soft and grounded shade, more honeyed than sunny. Its muted ochre and clay undertones offer an effortless comfort and a sense of calm — a quality you get from aged pigment or clay tones."

She continues, "I love how it feels lived-in and tactile. It’s not the kind of yellow that dominates a space; it supports it, adding warmth and light in a really subtle way reminiscent of natural light filtered through fabric. You don’t just see, you feel it — on gloomy days, it almost works like a built-in light source, giving the room a gentle glow that feels cozy and uplifting."

3. Little Greene's Yellow-Pink (46)

Little Greene’s Yellow Pink is based on ochre; the hue is so named because the word ‘pink’ was historically used to describe an earthy yellow-ish tone produced by the Woad plant — as you can probably tell, there’s no pink in it.

Andy Goodwin, co-founder and creative director at London- and Los Angeles-based interior architecture and design studio, Fettle, is drawn to Yellow Pink because the bold mustard "brings warmth, vibrancy and personality to a space."

The firm swathed the shade across the walls of a London project. Andy explains, "It’s one of the rooms with the smallest windows and without much of a view, so Yellow Pink’s strength, paired with warm lighting, helps create an inviting feel across all seasons."

4. Benjamin Moore's Cypress Grove (388)

A pale-ish yellow paint that's given a hint of sharpness with a touch of green, Cypress Grove 388 by Benjamin Moore is fresh and sprightly.

"It’s like the perfect glass of lemonade on a hot day," says founding principal of New York-based architecture practice Mattaforma, Lindsey Wikstrom. "What's incredible is that the yellow takes in the cool tones of winter light and becomes a sharper, more invigorating bath of sunshine."

Mattaforma used the yellow paint color in a New York attic bathroom to bring joy every morning and every evening. Angela explains, "We wanted to cultivate a true revitalization, and the space changed from an unlit corner to the brightest spot in the home."

5. Little Greene's Indian Yellow

Referencing a pigment used in oil paintings between the 16^th and 19^th centuries, Little Greene's Indian Yellow is bright and expressive while remaining a little elusive.

"Slightly chalky and buttery, Indian Yellow is warm without being overly bright," explains Tom Rutt, director at London-based architecture and interiors practice TR Studio.

"We were drawn to the way it interacts with natural light — on grayer days, it reflects and amplifies whatever light there is; it feels almost like a source of light itself."

6. Paint & Paper Library's Imperial Chinese Yellow

Inspired by a tone from a 1934 book on color, Paint & Paper Library's Imperial Chinese Yellow is delightfully vivid, with subtle hints of sour chartreuse.

"Imperial Chinese Yellow is a bright but warm and rich yellow, sunny without being overpowering," says designer Alice Palmer, founder of London homeware brand Alice Palmer & Co, who used the shade in her own living room.

"It’s full and saturated, so even in my north-facing space it uplifts, making it feel cozy and inviting, especially in the evenings when the candles are lit and the fire is going," Alice adds. "It’s exactly the kind of yellow that transforms a space into a room you actually want to spend time in during the winter."

7. Ressource's Le Parchemin

Energetic and vibrant, Ressource’s Le Parchemin yellow paint is as gleaming and glorious as a midsummer’s day.

"It’s luminous without being overly bright. Think of it as sunshine captured in paint form — soft enough to be enveloping rather than overwhelming," says Brussels-based interior architect and designer Victoria Maria Geyer, who used it on the beams of a Brussels living room.

"On gray days, the space transforms into a cocoon of warmth and light," she adds. "It genuinely feels like stepping into the sun. The color lifts the spirits and creates this cozy, embracing atmosphere that makes you want to curl up with a book by the fireplace. It's restorative in a way that few colors can be."

Victoria Maria paired Le Parchemin with Ressource’s paler La Madeleine on the walls to add depth and rhythm to the room’s architectural lines. "Yellow became the heart of the living room, radiating energy throughout the entire home," she adds.

From yellow bedrooms to yellow kitchens, the sunniest hue is unmatched in the home for being simultaneously optimistic and comforting, cheerful and soothing, and radiant as well as restful.

However you use yellow paint colors, softly or as a statement, it can fill any space with warmth, light, and joy — is there any better reason to reach for the paintbrush?

In the midst of all the fashion and design weeks, autumn brings about another important category of trend forecasting for the interior design world: the 2026 Color of the Year announcements. Benjamin Moore is the latest brand to reveal its shade slated to set the mood for 2026, and it seems the trend cycle is, thankfully, starting to slow.

Yes, the newly crowned shade from Benjamin Moore, Silhouette, is a deep, warm brown with strong gray and purple undertones. It's elegant, timeless, and a shade that both stands out as an accent or blends into a neutral palette. But more interestingly, it's not that different from Benjamin Moore's color of the year 2025, Cinnamon Slate — "an evolution, not a revolution," as Benjamin Moore's Helen Shaw explains.

It's a pretty timeless neutral for a Color of the Year, but as design principle of interior design studio 1508 London, Ailsa Connery explains: "It's the type of color that makes a perfect base — think of it as the backbone of your scheme." And while some Colors of the Year go extreme in their choices, this one is a paint color we can see a lot of people actually using.

Indeed, embracing familiarity was key to the brand's thought process when choosing Silhouette, along with the accompanying color palette, 'Tailored Classics.' Much like a favorite suit or little black dress, these shades are livable and have serious staying power.

We're seeking saturated, elevated shades that inspire us in our interiors, while still feeling rooted in the comfort of nostalgia. Silhoutte captures these characteristics and feels like a natural progression for 2026. So, how should you bring it into your home? I've broken it all down below.

"There is a comfort and reassurance in classic pieces and the cornerstones of traditional design. They have staying power for a reason and offer an opportunity to be more dynamic and innovative in the composition of a scheme," explains Helen Shaw, color expert and director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.

Current color trends point towards a softer, more bespoke take on the familiar classics. For instance, rich oxbloods that read brown in certain lights, or darker teals that don't feel as vibrant or overpowering in a room. Helen says, "With Silhouette, it's all about the details and the attention that goes into dressing an outfit and dressing a room."

There is a balance between comfortable and chic that allows it to easily fall in the classic colors category, as well as adopt an extremely versatile nature. It can be an espresso shade when you need it, or it can lean more charcoal depending on the light and how you utilize the color, as Ailsa explains. "In the daylight, you'll get that cooler, fresher gray, while at night, it feels more warming and comforting," she says.

Colors That Go With Benjamin Moore's Silhouette

Being adjacent to brown and gray on the color wheel in interior design allows Silhouette to flow with neutral color schemes, monochromatic looks, and even as a grounding color with bright shades. It's a true workhorse.

However, Benjamin Moore has done all the hard work for you, having curated a palette of eight hues perfectly tailored (hence the 'Tailored Classics') to showcase the capsule-wardrobe-for-your-walls nature of Silhouette.

From neutral pairings to all-out color, below are a few of the shades you can expect to see in the palette.

Loving this timeless tone so much that you're already planning where to style it? Check out Graham & Brown's color of the year for another rich and regal shade that might just be another perfect pairing for Silhouette.

If you're tapped into the design scene, you may have already heard the term color capping doing the rounds over the past couple of months. What may be new to you, however, is how perfect this technique is for making your teeny tiny kitchen feel just that bit bigger.

Unlike similar paint techniques, like the super popular color drenching, this method allows for a slightly more delicate, nuanced touch. And, best of all, it's a perfect small kitchen idea.

Color capping is the idea of using a tonal palette across your walls and up onto your ceiling, transitioning into a darker shade as you go.

As a proud occupant of a minuscule kitchen, I was eager (read: desperate) to get the full lowdown on color capping from the experts, and they did not hold back. So, if you want to know everything about this look, from how it works to how to style it, you may want to keep on reading.

Understanding Color Capping

Before we dive into why this technique is quite so effective in small kitchens, let's begin by fully establishing what we actually mean by 'color capping'.

Essentially, this trend is all about painting your room with varying shades, all within the same color family. In a living room, this typically looks like using one shade for the walls, a slightly deeper variant of the shade for the cornicing, and finally, saving the deepest version of the color for the ceiling, and its quickly becoming a supremely popular decorating method. Helen Shaw, from Benjamin Moore, the originators of this trend, says, "Color capping, where wall color is extended up onto the ceiling in a tonal wash, is fast becoming a go-to design trick for those looking to add subtle polish to their scheme. Rather than treating the ceiling as a forgotten ‘fifth wall’, color capping pulls it into the overall design, creating a space that feels more cohesive and considered."

Picking one color and exploring all the different facets of that shade within your room results in a space that feels both cohesive and multidimensional. Bringing a different color to these varying heights and decorating the ceiling can help to lift the space. However, within the context of a kitchen, this can take a slightly different form.

The kitchen brings with it unique structural properties, introducing new opportunities for how to make the most of this trend. As Richard Davonport, from Davonport, explains, "Color capping is the technique of using one tonal palette across a kitchen, but shifting the shade depending on the height of the room."

Relying on your cabinetry, as opposed to your walls, to make this statement breathes new life into this trend, showing its versatility across the home.

It makes a space feel more considered and homely. As Emma Bestley from YesColours says, "Color capping instantly adds a sense of design intention, giving a kitchen a more architecturally considered feel without the need for a full renovation. It introduces warmth and character while offering a sustainable design approach, which refreshes existing walls with color rather than replacing finishes."

Why Is Color Capping Useful in Small Kitchens?

So, now we know what it is, what exactly makes it so great for making small kitchens look larger?

Well, it's all about tricking the eyes, like an optical illusion of sorts. As Helen explains, "For small kitchens in particular, by blending the upper walls seamlessly into the ceiling, the eye is tricked into perceiving more height. This continuity makes the ceiling appear further away, giving the illusion of a taller, more open room without harsh contrasts or disruptive breaks in color."

Compared to a contrast ceiling, it's a soft transition, so your eye isn't immediately drawn to the boundary of the room, while compared to a color drench ceiling and walls, it doesn't feel quite so flat. "It is a useful approach because it adds depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space or relying on a busy pattern," says Richard.

It doesn't have to be reserved solely for tiny kitchens, too; this technique has merit for all kinds of spaces. "In larger rooms, color capping helps to emphasize the architecture, while in smaller kitchens it can blur boundaries and make the room feel more expansive," Richard adds.

Unlike techniques like color drenching, this offers more softness and dimension. "It’s a simple way to bring definition to a kitchen without covering the whole space in one strong colour," says Camilla Masi, from Otto Tiles.

How to Get the Look

Opting for neutral, classic color palettes can help to keep the whole thing from feeling overwhelming. Plus, with color capping, something like a cashmere kitchen, which can often feel a bit flat, suddenly becomes rich with depth and tone. As Helen explains, "The effect is quietly impactful. Even with a neutral palette, using a slightly deeper or more saturated shade on the ceiling, above off-white or softer wall tones, helps draw attention to period detailing while ensuring the ceiling feels like an intentional part of the décor rather than an afterthought."

This effect of a soft statement means the technique works beautifully with neutrals, but can look equally impactful with rich color combinations too, if that's more your speed. "It also works with bolder, knocked-back jewel tones, creating a modern twist on traditional navy blue or forest green cabinetry - softening the intensity of the dark hues while seamlessly integrating the ceiling into the overall design for a sophisticated, contemporary," Helen adds.

And when it comes to materials, the world is your oyster, but you might find that this paint technique does the bulk of the work, visually, so you may want to choose some more toned-down elements to pair with it. Camilla suggests, "I’d pair a color-capped scheme with natural textures – zellige splashbacks, terrazzo worktops, and wooden cabinetry – to keep it feeling layered rather than flat."

Consistency is key; you want things to feel cohesive and free-flowing. Richard says, "To style the look, keep finishes consistent and allow the color to be the main story. Brassware, handles and worktops can then be chosen to complement the palette rather than compete with it."

Allowing the gradual growth in colors and tone to play the key role will be a useful tool when designing a color-capped kitchen.

Still not convinced? Allow Richard to summarize this cozy, encompassing look one final time.

"The overall effect is seamless and sophisticated. Color capping can create a cocooning, intimate feel when the ceiling is painted in a darker tonal variation," he says.

But, if cocooning, intimate spaces aren't your thing, here are some cooler, industrial kitchens for you instead.

Love it or hate it, purple is shaping up to be the most stylish color for 2026. Not just any purple, though — Aubergine, specifically. As the color forecasting season descends upon the design world and paint brands announce the shades that will define the next 12 months, it's somewhat comforting to see familiar colors in the mix. From the mocha browns and warm chocolates we know, plum-perfect purples feel like a nice next step.

That's what paint company Little Greene thinks, at least, having just named its dark aubergine, Adventurer, as the color of the year for 2026. The burgundy-adjacent is dark with warm undertones that foster an intimate, comforting, and refined atmosphere.

It's exactly the aesthetic we've been drawn to over the past year — the kind of bold, warm colors that create comforting environments. But this feels like we're pushing it further, experimenting with a bit more heightened confidence and character. And why wait for 2026? It's perfectly timed for the autumn season, I say. Here's what you need to know to style it.

Full disclosure: a dark aquamarine-teal was top of the list for the Livingetc team's color of the year 2026 predictions, but between Little Greene's announcement and the recent Graham & Brown design of the year, it looks like we're sticking to the warm side of the color wheel for another year yet.

Why? Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, explains, "We first saw this in the use of calm, earthy neutrals that have an inherent warmth to them, and more recently in the return of brown, with deep, sumptuous chocolate hues being embraced alongside rich caramels and honey tones to create elegant and indulgent spaces that offer real comfort."

Color trends have seen a clear shift towards warm, earthy shades that are soothing and connected to the natural world. For 2026, Ruth predicts we'll see a natural progression in the use of burgundy in interior design, "with shades of red, pink, and purple all becoming more popular as customers continue to demonstrate more color confidence in their homes."

It's about taking that nostalgic familiarity of earth tones and 70s color palettes, and expanding them in ways that feel slightly more contemporary and vibrant.

How to Use 'Aubergine' in Your Interiors

So, now comes the fun part — figuring out how to style rich colors like Adventurer in our homes. Decorating with purple (especially dark, plum purple) may seem daring, but that doesn't necessarily mean scary.

In fact, "Regal, reassuring plum aubergine hues like Adventurer are historically associated with opulence, providing the perfect shades to combine luxury with tranquillity, intimacy and restfulness," says Ruth, making it ideal for bedroom wall colors, dining rooms, and bathrooms.

When opting for an aubergine color-drench, deep, earthy pinks like Little Greene's Nether Red provide a wonderful tonal contrast. Creating this balance is essential when working with darker paint colors.

On the other hand, there are plenty of colors that go with burgundy, outside of the red-pink-purple family. Use softer, more neutral shades to tone down its intensity while still allowing it to shine. I even think butter yellow would make a fabulously stylish color pairing for aubergine (purple and yellow are complementary colors on the color wheel after all).

Once you've planned where to paint this luxurious color, dot a few aubergine decor pieces around the room to tie it all together.

A cheeky purple throw across the end of the bed or over the back of a neutral sofa? An aubergine table lamp to add ambiance and a moody reddish glow to the room? There are so many ways to make this color work for a contemporary interior.

Loving this purple-tinted color renaissance? Wait until you hear about the purple sofa trend.

Unless you are going for a dramatic high-gloss or purposely tactile limewash, choosing a finish for your paint may seem like a simple, straightforward, inconsequential decision. In truth, it's anything but. Paying careful attention to this small detail is what elevates your paint project from one that looks good to one that looks fabulous. So, what's the best option?

Over the past year, super-matte has become a tell-tale of a cool, contemporary interior, most popular for its durability and sophisticated low-sheen. Or, of course, you could lean into the high-gloss style that is also having a moment. For something that captures the best of both, though, Farrow & Ball has just released its new Flat Eggshell Finish.

It's a timeless, low-sheen finish that is as durable as it is versatile. For those who aren't as well-versed in the nuances of paint finishes, this Goldilocks product might be the solution you've been waiting for. Find more on Farrow & Ball's Flat Eggshell, below.

Firstly, What is Flat Eggshell?

Most of the best paint brands have released a matte paint finish, but Farrow & Ball's Flat Eggshell feels like the final piece to complete its well-rounded selection.

The brand's paint color expert, Patrick O'Donnell, explains, "After the introduction of Modern Eggshell and Farrow & Ball's Dead Flat, we wanted to complete the brilliant durability of these finishes by creating a low sheen product to create a trinity of products that are both beautiful, easy to apply, and incredibly hardwearing."

Hence, the introduction of Flat Eggshell. Together, these three finishes offer the homeowner "a choice of practical finishes at 40 percent, 2 percent, and 20 percent, respectively," says Patrick.

It has all the characteristics of our Modern Eggshell but at a reduced sheen level (20 percent vs 40 percent). What does that really mean? For those wanting a softer sheen on their woodwork, "this is the go-to product," says Patrick.

How and Where to Use Farrow & Ball's 'Flat Eggshell'

"Flat Eggshell works well across surfaces and materials in the home, including wood, metal, and concrete," says Patrick. And don't count this finish out for your walls either. "Flat eggshell has a soft sheen and is highly practical for all your decorating needs anywhere in your home," he adds.

For something a little bit more unique, try using it to spruce up old floorboards in your home. Flat eggshell is one of the most durable paint finishes, making it tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear, and a surprisingly beautiful floor paint.

It's a nice low-sheen option for other, more highly trafficked areas of the home as well. For instance, flat eggshell works well for kitchen cabinet ideas, or, as Patrick recommends, "As a way to make gloomy white radiators disappear by applying this finish to match your chosen wall color."

This finish provides a happy medium between regular, slightly glossy finishes and the trending ultra-matte styles. How you choose to use it is up to you.

Shop Paint Colors in Flat Eggshell

Whether you have a few of Farrow & Ball's most popular neutral paint colors in your shopping cart or daring blues and reds are more your speed, you can now shop your favorite shades in the new flat eggshell finish.

Below are a few of my favorite Farrow & Ball paint colors to inspire your next refresh.

When it comes to choosing paint finishes, start with understanding the basic differences between things like gloss vs matte paint, and go from there. Pretty soon, you'll be confidently navigating the paint finish selection at the check-out with ease.

If there's one trend the design world isn't ready to move on from, it's jewel tones. The rich, vibrant hues exude a certain luxury and opulence that make any room feel more sophisticated. The only way they could be made better? When they're styled to imitate natural gemstones, of course.

Besides their shimmery luster, precious stones like agate, onyx, and malachite are admired for their striking banding — distinctive layered lines that reveal variations in color and composition (akin to the rippling finishes of moiré silk or burlwood). It's this striking contrast that's typically lost when we decorate with jewel tones in the home, but it turns out, it doesn't have to be. Armed with some paint, a piece of cardboard, and a bottle of acrylic glaze, you can mimic these beautiful ripples with a genius paint trick.

This innovative technique was dreamed up by interior designer Jewel Marlowe, who combined the rich textures of malachite with a bold jewel-toned palette on the surface of two storage doors. The result? A striking faux paint finish she's dubbed "Jewelachite". As far as paint trends go, this is one you're going to want to recreate at home, and below, Jewel tells us how to do it.

The best living room DIYs don't look like DIYs — they look like custom jobs that cost a fortune. Jewel Marlowe's bespoke paint idea is the perfect example. Working on a $16 million home (just under £12 million), a budget look was not on the cards.

"While designing my space in the Hamptons Designer Showhouse, I wanted to think outside the box with ideas that would take the space from merely pretty to truly memorable," she explains. "Conceptually, I loved the idea of a warm-toned faux finish in a malachite pattern. I knew it would be impactful in berry and red tones, but once I arrived in the Hamptons, I almost chickened out."

After some convincing words from a friend, Jewel decided to bring her idea to life on two storage doors in the living room. To begin, she painted the surface of the doors with her contrasting base color. She used Little Greene’s shade, Carmine, a hue she calls a "Pepto-Bismol-like pink".

You'll need to use a matte latex finish for this first coat, and the lighter the shade, the more contrastive your "Jewelachite" banding will be.

Once the base coat was dry, Jewel mixed acrylic reds, purples, and browns in a small bucket to create her desired shade. "Using a brush, I layered this blend with acrylic glaze (scumble) over the latex-painted door," she says.

You'll need approximately one-third acrylic glaze (available from Amazon) to two-thirds paint to achieve enough translucency for this paint idea, as this will act as the contrastive luster color on top of your basecoat.

Using a piece of torn, jagged cardboard as her application tool, Jewel then scraped an imitation malachite pattern on the doors using this scumble glaze. The trick is to use the card as a sort of pivot to achieve the curved, wavy strokes that mimic the natural forms of malachite.

"It’s important to work in small sections and to keep scale in mind when choosing your cardboard," Jewel adds. "Larger areas look best with longer pieces, while smaller scraps can be used to quickly fill in details."

And remember, "If it isn’t going well, you can easily 'erase' mistakes with a brush and start again," adds Jewel.

After you've applied the glaze coat, Jewel notes that a marine-grade gloss topcoat can then be used to seal the deal and help the paintwork to really shimmer. Once dry, you'll be left with expensive-looking doors that barely left a dent in your wallet.

Although I'm utterly obsessed with the dramatic storage doors in Jewel's Hamptons showroom, this isn't solely a paint technique for walls and doors. It could easily work on furniture, door frames, or even ceilings for an alternative jewel-inspired look.

Of course, you can also play with the colors. For a true malachite effect, use a teal base and an emerald green acrylic glaze, or choose blue tones for a look more akin to azurite. The opportunities are truly endless.

Complete the Look

While this DIY calls for a bit of patience, it doesn't require pricey tools or an expert hand. The result speaks for itself — a truly unique and striking paint effect that guests won't be able to ignore.

Jewel's space isn't your typical Hamptons home. Thanks to her ingenious paint trick, it's now an eye-catching space dripping in opulence, and proof that affordable IKEA-style hacks don't have to be expensive to look expensive.

Painting a room a new color doesn't come without a bit of reflecting and ruminating. Maybe you know for a fact you want to cover up the gloomy, dated gray taking up space on your walls, but what comes next? If you move on too quickly, you may find yourself back at square one, flipping through a stack of swatches to cover up the latest painting mistake.

Slow down and take a deep breath; you don't have to have the perfect color figured out immediately to cover up what's currently on the walls. How, you ask? Paint your walls in a stopgap paint color in the interim. A stopgap paint color is an easy-on-the-eyes neutral paint color that covers up the current wall color while you take the time to carefully select your final choice. And voila! All that stress rushing to get the right shade, gone.

Sounds ingenious, right? Below is all the expert guidance you need on defining a stopgap color, how to use it, and whether your project could benefit from introducing this helpful technique.

What Is A Stopgap Color?

By definition, a stopgap color is a temporary paint color or paint finish used to freshen up a space until a permanent choice is made. Co-founder and interior designer at UK-based wallpaper brand Bobbi Beck James Mellan-Matulewicz explains, "It provides a clean, neutral backdrop that makes a room feel brighter and more cohesive, often with shades like soft white, light gray, or beige."

Many people use stopgap colors when moving into a new home to quickly cover outdated paint colors or overly bold schemes left behind.

Ian Masonbury, brand director and paint expert from Armourcoat, says, "A stopgap paint color often comes into play when you’re between design or renovation phases, when you’re still learning how light, furniture, and architectural details come together as a final scheme."

There are many reasons why you might want to take on the additional job of a stopgap paint color, but the basic purpose is "practicality and the instant relief a fresh lick of paint brings," says Victoria Yardley, founder of Victory Colours. Rather than dealing with how to fix a paint color in the aftermath of a rushed decision, you're nipping the problem right at the source.

It keeps rooms presentable and adaptable, allowing you to live with the space, see how the light changes, and consider how furnishings and accessories interact before committing to a final scheme. "In short, it buys you time and helps you make a more confident, informed decision," says James.

What Are the Best Stopgap Colors?

How to Use a Stopgap Paint Color

There is no strict limit on how long to keep a stopgap color on the wall, but most designers suggest treating it as a short-to-medium term solution. "Six months to a year is usually enough to understand the light, how the room functions, and what atmosphere you want," says James.

However, "the best design decisions are made when there isn’t a tight deadline," says Ian. "It's usually apparent when the 'perfect' color solution presents itself, ensuring the process feels natural rather than forced."

So rather than allow your stopgap color to be a safety net, listen to your gut and the design decisions you have already landed upon in the rest of the space. Sometimes, considering your wall and sofa combinations can lead to a clearer choice, or even taking into account how to coordinate paint colors throughout your home.

Give yourself a large enough timeline to let the creative juices flow, but small enough so that "the temporary color doesn't end up becoming permanent without ever achieving the look you truly want," says James.

Is a Stopgap Paint Color Right for You?

While this offers a sure way to prevent future painting mistakes or color regret, some might see taking on two paint jobs in a short space of time as a waste of energy and paint.

From a personal perspective, Livingetc's editor, Hugh Metcalf, says, "I'm against a 'stopgap' anything unless it's essential." Whether you're painting basic IKEA furniture or a full wall color, "buying into something that's 'just for now' while you're actively seeking to make your home into your dream space can quickly become a waste of time, money, and it's just not particularly sustainable," says Hugh.

Especially if you are painting your room's trim or looking for kitchen cabinet paint colors. With these places, in particular, "a stopgap color might end up causing you more strife in the long run, as there's a finite number of times you can paint woodwork before you start to lose detail, meaning a heavy job of sanding back or replacing trim for new," says Hugh.

For simpler jobs, though, the stopgap method can be a beneficial way to buy yourself some time to think and process what exactly you want for your dream space.

Hugh says, "I'd ask myself, is the stopgap really necessary, or could you do your research and at least try to actively decide on a classic color you will like long term?"

For some, this extra step may be unnecessary, but if you tend to be a bit indecisive, like me, this may just be the helping hand you've been waiting for.

Looking for some renovation inspiration ahead of hibernation season? Renowned British paint and wallpaper brand Graham & Brown has just unveiled its color, wallpaper, and mural designs of the year for 2026, and I'm seeing a more stylized and sophisticated winter home in your near future.

As the last few months of the year roll on, the best paint brands begin to tie up loose ends of the past year and focus their sights firmly on what's ahead. In the design world, this means a plethora of predictions that will help navigate 2026. And while new trends often mean change, Graham & Brown's 2026 predictions point to a more enduring style.

The color of the year — Divine Damson — is familiar, if not nostalgic, while the prints reflect many of the styles that grew in popularity throughout 2025. Perhaps 2026 doesn't need to be about a complete overhaul, but just a finetune. So, without further ado, let's dive into Graham & Brown's Designs of the Year for 2026.

Graham & Brown's Color of the Year 2026

This year, we're welcoming Divine Damson into Graham & Brown's paint color family. The dark, moody red is a mix of oxblood, cherry, and mocha brown (a color trend that also defined 2025), with a touch of deep aubergine (a color that's growing in popularity).

It's a paint color that will give your walls the stylish refresh they deserve this winter, while remaining a timeless and classic color choice. Trust this opulent shade to bring drama in a subtle, yet livable way.

The brand says the color was inspired by the lush tones of ripe damson and figs. It's luxurious, yet comforting, and can be classified as a chameleon shade, shifting gently with the light. Use it as a paint color in a north-facing room for increased depth and ambiance, or in more direct sunlight to bring out its hints of mulberry and garnet.

Graham & Brown's Wallpaper of the Year 2026

As for the brand's Design of the Year? Graham & Brown unveiled a multicolored, hand-painted wallpaper with an equally enchanting title, Eternal Weave.

Inspired by an artwork from the brand's archive with heavy influences from nature, mythology, and the opulence of Jacobean crewelwork, it has been reimagined for 2026, with a hand-painted style that mimics embroidery. The result is a dramatic wallpaper that hints at gothic styles and adds instant elegance to a space.

The wallpaper comes in an array of different colorways, including greens, blues, and, of course, Divine Damson. So, whatever wallpaper ideas you have for 2026, Graham & Brown has you covered.

Graham & Brown's Mural of the Year 2026

Last but not least, and quite frankly, the pièce de résistance of Graham & Brown's Designs of the Year is its Eternal City bespoke mural.

Inspiration for this vibrant illustration was taken from the architecture and textiles found in the Pink City of Jaipur — an ancient city with heritage and charm regarded by artisans around the world. You can see the Jaipur-inspired motifs throughout the mural in the dome buildings, foliage, bright colors, and animals.

Wall mural ideas continue to evolve in interior design trends, and this design deftly blends the mural aesthetic with a pattern-like repetition. Though colorful, the heavy sage and green notes allow this mural to be styled in a variety of different spaces.

Graham & Brown always stands out as a favorite amongst the color of the year announcements, and this year they are merging luxurious with livability for a truly design-forward home.

Don't miss the Livingetc team's color of the year 2026 predictions as the season of year-defining color continues.

September's here, and several months of snuggling up indoors lie ahead of us. That means the colors on your wall matter — now more than ever. If your room could use a refresh, why not take some inspiration from UK paint brand Lick's just-announced 2026 color edit? It's playful, primary-packed, and full of pigment.

If you're up to date on color trends, you may have already noticed a running theme: nostalgia. Over the last year, interior design has embraced reimagined neutrals and retro-inspired schemes (Lick even welcomed this with its 2025 color edit: New Nostalgia), and it's a trend that's set to grow and evolve in 2026, though those nostalgic shades are gaining a truer, sharper form.

Lick's 2026 color edit (yes, not just one color of the year, but eight) invites us to return to the whimsical, child-like way of choosing color solely based on interaction — how it makes us feel and what we are drawn to. For that, the brand has released a primary-based palette of eight of Lick's best paints in saturated tones that are as timeless as they are playful. Explore the full color edit, aptly named 'Return to Play', below.

Lick's 2026 Color Edit

How the 2026 Color Edit was Created

Rather than promoting a single color of the year, Lick opted for a more nuanced and comprehensive edit that explores how color has evolved over the last year and how it will continue to set the tone for 2026.

Tash Bradley and the team based the 'Return to Play' edit on several musings found within the interior design and fashion world. Surrealism in design, daring colors used as "drenches" instead of feature walls, the "gamification" of fashion trends (think Labubus, and Louis Vuitton's Snakes and Ladders-themed runway) — these all led to a clear idea of what color would mean for Lick in 2026.

The edit is meant to offer bold, yet classic colors that can be clearly and creatively combined for years to come. "The paint at Lick is never made out of any necessity to follow strict trends," says Tash.

Picking a single color to define the year can easily confine the color palette throughout your home to something you may grow tired of or that will date. Breaking this mold is what inspired Lick to build its yearly palettes out of the colors already existing in its repertoire, since the beginning.

That's right, no new paint colors made for the 2026 color edit; instead, this palette is a reimagining of how colors interact with one another. "Colors are meant to be layered," explains Tash. "When a blue you may not have formerly paid any mind to is now seen next to a deep red or moss green, it becomes something fresh and exciting."

2026 has a lot in store when it comes to decorating with color. Here's to the start of color of the year season!

So, let's be honest. The oxblood wall you boldly envisioned is starting to look a little too cherry, right? Don't panic. It's actually completely normal to get painter's fatigue or lose confidence halfway through a project — especially when it involves a new wall color. But every paint color storm has its silver lining, and how to fix a paint color mid-refresh is easier than you may think.

Livingetc's color expert, Amy Moorea Wong, says, "new colors over large spaces are visually and physically overwhelming (especially once they go past head-height)." Perhaps you began a paint job in the evening, and now the morning sun is casting a different light on it, or maybe the color just isn't sitting exactly as you had pictured. Learning how to paint a room is an art, and it's perfectly fine if the first attempt doesn't go quite as planned.

Whatever the problem, there are ways to tackle it. To find out the best approach, I spoke with experts, and below, I share the tips and tricks they gave me when it comes to the warning signs for paint regret, and how to fix a paint color once it goes wrong.

Why Paint Colors Can Easily Go Awry

Interior design is deeply personal, and when it comes to choosing paint colors, we are often inspired by other spaces we’ve seen or visited, as well as the latest color trends.

While these are great jumping-off points for choosing a palette for your own home, Helen Shaw, a color expert at Benjamin Moore, says, "It’s important to pay attention to the specifics of the space you’re applying that color in, otherwise it can easily feel 'wrong'."

For example, if you haven’t considered the room’s lighting or orientation closely enough, "when it comes to applying the paint, it can look quite different from other spaces you’ve seen it in," says Helen.

North-facing rooms often lack warm sunlight, which can cause colors in north-facing rooms to appear cooler than intended. Alternatively, south-facing rooms receive abundant light, which may exaggerate undertones or make pale shades feel flat.

Until the room is completely put back together — curtains, furniture, rugs, life, etc. — "new colors can feel strangely abstract and a bit scary," adds Amy.

So stop, take a breath, and don't panic-pick another shade. "If the alarm bells are ringing very loudly, step away for a few days and give yourself a chance to settle and get used to the hue," says Amy.

And if all else fails, below are a few tips on how to fix a paint color.

1. Test the Paint in the Room

It may seem obvious, but the best thing you can do when painting a space is swatch testing the paint throughout the room before you begin.

"Testing paint samples directly on the walls is an essential step, as it allows you to see how the color behaves at different times of day, in various weather conditions, and under artificial lighting," says Helen.

To avoid the need to know how to fix a paint color, put the effort in and learn how to use paint samples and other essential techniques. Once you’ve painted a few swatches, Amy says, "Check on them at different times of day, and move them around the room to see how the color changes."

Compare the colors to the objects within the space, find the undertones of your paint colors to make sure they complement each other, and most of all, trust your instinct. "If a shade feels wrong in sample form, ditch it and move on; there are a lot of colors out there," says Amy.

2. Tweak the Lighting

If you are wondering why your paint color looks different on the walls, don't forget to consider how lighting may affect it. "A shade that feels warm in natural daylight may suddenly appear dull, cold, or washed out once artificial lighting takes over in the evening," says Helen.

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements when decorating with color, especially paint colors. "Sometimes it’s as simple as changing bulbs from cool to warm white that can take your paint color from wrong to right," says Helen.

If you feel like you've made a serious painting mistake, try living with it for a while before painting it again. "Observe the color in different lights, and you’ll see how the space alters throughout the day — it may mellow into something more pleasing, and you might relax into it," says Amy.

3. Bring in a Bit of Decor Back

So you’ve done the prep work, but something still doesn’t feel quite right. For that, try bringing a few pieces back into the room — artwork, furniture, textiles — to help visualize your space as a whole.

"This step will help to see if the hues, tints, tones, and shades all click together, bearing in mind you can adjust smaller pieces to work with the wall’s undertones," says Amy.

Should you realize the paint doesn't work with your prized possessions, it's an easy decision as to what needs to change. "A repaint is always going to be a faster and more cost-effective solution to solving your color palette troubles," says Helen.

4. Mix or Tweak the Paint Itself

And, if all else fails, you can consider your options for mixing and correcting your paint. Specialists can add pigments to paint to deepen or calm an existing shade into something more livable, but this probably isn’t a solution you’d want to DIY.

"You can try treating the original color like a base coat and layer a slightly translucent tone or muted top coat over it to form a subtler effect," says Amy.

Using a limewash paint technique can also help to temper the color of the wall. Or perhaps it’s a supporting color that needs to change. "Is the ceiling paint color too stark? The trim tones slightly off? Perhaps a tweak around the new color will make it all fall into place," suggests Amy.

Giving your room a fresh coat of paint should be exciting, not stressful. Take the proper preparations, and know that mistakes may happen. And if they do, it's not that hard to learn how to fix a paint color.

Pretty soon, you’ll be confidently coordinating paint colors throughout an entire home.

A neutral palette is timeless. Imagine a crisp, off-white wall to brighten the space, while a warm caramel rug envelops the room with comfortable warmth — it's dependably chic. However, with daring colors making a return in contemporary interiors, an all-beige space can sometimes read too expected, too clean.

The solution? It's time to get our hands dirty when it comes to browns and beiges. Something a little bit muddy and murkier, if you will. Dirty neutrals go beyond the clean complexion of the most expected neutral color schemes in interior design, offering a more lived-in, aged quality that makes them feel effortless. "These shades soften the edges of a scheme, creating depth and nuance that brighter tones don’t quite hit, forming atmosphere and making a room grounded, layered, and relaxed," explains Livingetc's color expert, Amy Moorea Wong.

So, step away from the flatness of clean beige or stark gray, and lean into something with depth, grit, and complexity. Below is everything you need to know to begin elevating your neutral palette.

What are Dirty Neutrals?

In Livingetc's round-up of master British interior designers, Tiffany Duggan, of Studio Duggan, shares that 'sludgy' has become her new buzzword when decorating with color. And it made me think: how could 'sludgy' be translated into the world of neutrals? What actually is a dirty neutral?

"These are hues you’ll find loitering around near the shadows, colors that hang around close to the floor or perhaps lurk long-forgotten in the attic," says Amy Moorea Wong. "They’re dusty or a bit grubby, roughed and tinged by tones such as gray, brown, or black."

And while that doesn’t sound particularly nice, when translated into design terms, it more or less means they feel softly cloudy, approachable, and familiar (but with a slight edge).

These new neutrals encompass shades such as mushroom, stone, or olive. "These colors bring the outside in with a hint of atmosphere and intrigue, connecting to the landscape in a way that’s uncomplicated and honest as well as evocative," adds Amy.

As for things like hue, tint, tone, and shade, it's best to keep things ambiguous. "I gravitate toward colors that sit in the space between warm and cool, shades that resist being pinned down," says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein.

For instance, a mushroom taupe with a greenish undertone, a gray infused with a touch of brown or mauve, or a deep putty that feels both warm and moody — these neutral paint colors read as more complex but still easily fluctuate between design styles.

How to Style Dirty Neutrals in Your Home

As with every color trend, the true magic lies in how you layer and style each shade. Rather than just acting as a backdrop, dirty neutrals instantly add sophistication because they create atmosphere.

"They connect a space to the natural world, like weathered wood, river stones, or worn clay, and bring a sense of timelessness," says Nina. Start with a paint color that reflects this familiarity, and build your neutral room idea from there.

Amy highlights a few schemes as a jumping off point: "Stone and olive point to nature in a low-key, subtle way (add rust or ochre for earthiness), while tones such as putty, taupe, camel, or fawn work together for a comforting warmth."

For cooler and more classic colors, "try shades such as ash, pewter, charcoal, or flint. These bring a sense of gentle refinement," says Amy.

From there, don't be afraid to mix and match your dirty neutrals with an array of textures to create a scheme that’s both cocooning and elegant. Dirty neutrals are chameleonic and pair beautifully with natural materials, while leaning either rustic or refined.

"I love combining them with warm metals like aged brass or antique bronze to amplify richness," notes Nina. On the other hand, textural elements such as linen, bouclé, and raw wood allow the tones to feel organic and a touch softer.

For unexpected contrast in design, Nina recommends trying "sludgy taupe walls with crisp white trim or muddy green cabinetry with pale stone countertops." "This combination makes the palette feel dynamic," she says.

Where clean neutrals can sometimes feel sterile, dirty neutrals envelop a space with warmth and depth, making it feel intentional, layered, and emotionally resonant. Below are a few decor pieces to inspire your next dirty neutral refresh.

Dirty neutrals prove that a neutral palette doesn't have to be boring. "They carry undertones of earth, clay, smoke, or stone, making them more layered than 'safe,' yet still versatile enough to anchor a room," says Nina.

Loving this new wave of neutrals? Neutral maximalism is another exciting way to spice up your more monochrome ideas.

With just over three months left of this year, the design world is starting to look to the year ahead. What colors and patterns have defined the past months, and what do we have to look forward to in 2026? For the UK-based paint brand, Dulux, that means announcing its next color of the year, and for the first time ever, there are three of them.

It's a collection of upbeat, versatile blues in the aptly named Rhythm of Blues family. The palette features three shades: the airy and serene Mellow Flow, rich and grounding Slow Swing, and vibrant and expressive Free Groove.

Having three rather than a single shade gives a better chance at finding a color tempo that speaks to the mood of your interior, as well as the perfect palette for creating a more nuanced look. There's a moment for calm reflection, carefree bliss, and bold fun — and it's open to creativity with how we use them. Why choose just one blue when you can have a layered trinity?

Below is everything you need to know about the Dulux color of the year announcement, the respective palettes, and how to style them in your home.

Marianne Shillingford, creative director and color expert at Dulux, explains that the choice to have a trio of blues as Dulux's 'color' of the year for 2026 helps steer us away from focusing solely on color trends and instead makes us think more about what we want from our homes.

"Blue has been the world’s favorite color for years, but it’s far from one note," she says. "It delivers a sense of fluidity, relief, stillness, and freedom, which is exactly what’s needed in today’s fast-paced world."

While an office may suit a sensory-conscious paint color like light blue to promote productivity and focus, a living or dining room could call for a darker shade to boost energy and ambiance.

"Rhythm of Blues allows us to do both — it’s a family of colors that can soothe, steady, or excite, depending on how you play it," says Marianne.

But beyond just a trio of blue paint colors, The Rhythm of Blues launch is accompanied by three color stories — Free, Slow, and Flow — each inspired by a different 'tempo' of life. From grounding neutrals to pops of warm ochre yellows, these color palettes help you master the art of decorating with blue and plan the perfect scheme for your space.

Meet Mellow Flow

Mellow Flow is a soft, light blue that brings a sense of clarity, calm, and open breathing space, and is the first palette in Dulux's new color collection. These shades are for those who want a relaxing atmosphere, but don't want to sacrifice on stand-out color.

The natural tones are reminiscent of fresh seaside walks, or soft sunsets, and the rejuvenating quality that comes with those scenes..

"Its roots in nature give us something to connect to, as well," says Marianne. "When we see light blues like Mellow Flow, we might think of soothing springs or sunrise skies, for example," — instantly inviting serenity.

Use this as a calming bedroom paint palette or anywhere you need a little extra relaxation.

Slow Swing

Slow Swing, on the other hand, is the Dulux color collection that picks up the pace a little bit. This color palette is anchored by a deep, velvety blue that offers grounding and reassurance, providing the same familiarity and coziness as an inky starlit sky or a deep ocean scene.

You can either pair this navy blue with other dark colors like mocha brown for intensified drama, or create contrast in design with a creamy off-white or dusty pink.

Free Groove

Lastly, Dulux introduces the bold color palette made for the vibrant and energizing Free Groove. Where the other colors and respective palettes have a more subdued or calming effect, "Free Groove offers a more intense heat, like that of summer pool parties," says Marianne.

Decorating with saturated colors doesn't have to feel intimidating, and this color collection proves that. For example, the bright sunshine yellows are balanced by pale butter yellows, and the bright mid-tone blue feels like a natural accent against the other Dulux color of the year selections.

Use this palette to brighten kitchen walls or bring a more playful atmosphere to living rooms or hallways.

Blue has been considered an expensive-looking color for centuries, which is why we've been decorating with it in our homes for as long. And it seems like 2026 (and 2027) are set to continue the trend.

Benjamin Moore has 177 white paint colors listed on its website, Farrow & Ball and Little Greene both have 35, and Sherwin-Williams has 118 variations of white paint available for sale. Each brand's collection ranges from bright, snow white, to colors that could be better classified as brown or even green. Why mention these numbers? The sheer volume of choice proves that white paint is not as simple as just white paint. And whether you choose to use white vs off-white in your home will greatly impact your space.

"Whites are some of the most deceptively complex paints you can work with," says Pennsylvania-based interior designer Krystal Reinhard. Decorating with neutrals can lean warm or cool, shifting undertones depending on their base and what they’re reflecting off of in a space — floors, furniture, even the greenery outside your windows.

Krystal explains, "When we think of 'white,' we often imagine a true, crisp white, which typically pulls cooler. 'Off-white,' by contrast, is softened with warmth — ivory, cream, or chalky tones that read gentler and more forgiving." The aesthetics of each morph to however you use it. A creamy, off-white living room wall feels soft and inviting, while stark white cabinetry will feel clean in a kitchen. So how do you choose the right white paint for your home? Designers share the nuances of white vs off-white, and how to decorate with each.

When to Use True White

True white is like a solid and dependable baseline. It's a snowy, blank slate, from which you can build a sleek and streamlined environment. Krystal says, "A pure white is fantastic in spaces where you want clarity and energy — think kitchens and bathrooms. That sharp brightness makes a room feel clean, fresh, and functional. It also allows finishes like stone, tile, and polished fixtures to stand out."

The best white paint for interior walls will be ones that give that gallery-like crispness that enhances details without distraction. Krystal says, "White sharpens. It creates a crisp, alert environment — perfect when you need light to see details clearly, whether you’re cooking, getting ready, or working at a desk."

White reads beautifully in purpose-driven spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, especially when you add materials like tile and marble to create depth in the design. However, where white kitchen ideas can prevail, there is also room for error.

There is an inherent timelessness to pure white hues, but their sleekness can easily turn sterile, creating several problems with painting walls white. Oftentimes, pure white has cool undertones that can clash with warmer neutrals, and pure white can be tricky to style and maintain.

It's a bolder color choice than meets the eye, and when done well, it results in a very visually striking space.

When to Use Off-White

On the other hand, off-white is like a calming embrace, gentle on both the eye and the atmosphere of the room. Krystal says, "Off-whites are my go-to for living spaces and bedrooms, where the goal is to feel cocooned and at ease. They add subtle warmth that encourages you to exhale and sink in, making a space more relaxed and inviting."

Paint colors like Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee or Little Greene's French Gray are beautiful in these rooms — they soften edges, complement natural textures, and help the room feel lived-in rather than stark. Off-white thrives in social spaces and adds more contrast to white living room ideas and cozy bedroom plans.

Off-whites also toe the line between neutral paint colors and beige paint colors. The true definition of where off-white stops and brownish-beige begins is up to interpretation. This ambiguity translates to versatility in design, making off-white a more accessible white to incorporate in interiors.

Krystal says, "Off-white soothes. It gives just enough brightness while inviting you to slow down."

How to Blend White and Off-White Together

While it's good to know the nuances of white vs off-white paint, the true magic happens when you employ an expertly blended palette. Don't worry, it's much easier than you may think.

Combining white and off-white colors is essentially the same as building a neutral color scheme. To do this, Denver-based interior designer Peggy Haddad says, "When we’re going for light and airy in a more modern home, I love a warm off-white for most of the walls, trim, and ceilings. This creates a welcoming backdrop that supports other design choices, furniture, and textiles."

Off-white is also beautiful on cabinetry and larger furniture pieces, as it typically adds more depth and interest than plain white. Just make sure that you are paying attention to the temperature and undertone of the paint colors. Peggy says, "Subtle warm or cool undertones can completely change the mood of a room, and clashing them will result in an inharmonious space."

From there, layer, layer, layer. Texture and material will be your guiding light when combining true white and off-white tones. A cream throw pillow that matches the color of your curtains will tie the room together.

It can all sound a bit complicated, diving into the white vs off-white colors, but the profound subtleties are what make using them in design so interesting. If you're unsure where to start, the hidden hue rule is a fabulous beginner's guide to perfecting neutral pairings.

We get so caught up in the decor and furniture that make our gardens come to life that we often forget one vital detail: the color of our exterior walls. Where a dull gray wall can wash out your patio, a crisp mint green or warm terracotta makes your garden sing with energy. It's all about embracing a design-forward moment, so what unexpected exterior wall colors are designers and paint experts using?

When we think of exterior paint colors, sage green, soft neutrals, and classic blue are the usual suspects. While these are certainly timeless choices, if your garden is suffering from a case of boredom, then it might be time to think outside of the box, and look to bolder exterior paint trends. With just the swipe of a paintbrush, you can transform your garden from lackluster to luxurious.

It's time to put a little more thought into your exterior wall colors — whether that be a garden wall, the color of your patio area, or the entire house's facade. Here are four exterior wall colors you may not have previously considered, but that have undeniable appeal.

1. Pale Mint

Pale mint is gaining momentum in interior color trends, which makes it no surprise that exterior paint trends are following suit.

When used on an exterior wall, "pale mint has a cooling effect, like a breeze on a hot day, and instantly lifts the mood of a garden or outdoor space," says interior designer Lauren Saab, the founder of Saab Studios, a Dallas design studio.

It lives in the lighter realm of exterior wall colors, meaning a pale mint will reflect light and make the entire setting feel fresh, airy, and welcoming. If you're looking for reflective garden decor to turn down the heat in your garden, this paint color is a surprisingly effective choice.

While you might not usually picture mint outside, "in sunlight, it suddenly makes sense and feels like it belongs there," says Lauren. Of course, it works well as a wall color, but if you are looking for something different, try it on trim or fencing — "it gives just enough lift to outline the garden without taking over," Lauren adds.

2. Sunshine Yellow

"When it comes to painting exterior walls or fences, injecting zesty appeal with vibrant citrus hues creates the perfect juxtaposition to abundant greens of pot plants, trees, and hedges," says Helen Shaw, color expert and director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.

Decorating with yellow is always a bold choice, especially when using it as an exterior wall color. However, when paired with plants and other garden furniture, yellow becomes a warm dose of comfort and creativity.

Helen says, "Zesty yellows offer a sense of lightness and brightness so you can feel the sunshine every day, even when the weather doesn’t play ball."

3. Terracotta

Terracotta might not be the most unexpected shade, but it is the perfect color choice to make your garden pop.

Why? First of all, terracotta has always felt tied to the earth, which is why it works so naturally outside. However, the contrast between terracotta's red undertones and the natural greens of foliage creates a beautiful contrast in design.

Lauren explains, "A deeper shade can glow in the sun during the day and soften as the light changes at night. Terracotta will give a garden warmth and feels especially strong next to other exterior and hardscaping materials, like stone or timber." Go for a dark, red-leaning terracotta for a pop, or a paler shade for a more natural setting. Brands like Farrow & Ball have an outdoor paint range with a few different variations to choose from.

And you aren't limited to wall color in terracotta; this color can look incredible on planters or even on built-in seating.

4. Berry Pink

I know, pink may seem like a daring choice for exterior wall colors, but Helen says, "Raspberry pink shades, imperfectly applied for texture and depth, evoke a sense of 1950s La Dolce Vita." And who doesn't want a bit of holiday style at home?

The vibrancy of bold and joyful colors creates a striking contrast against the natural palette of greens and earthy browns found in a garden.

Helen explains, "Pink (and other bright shades) help to draw the eye out and break up the space, something that enhances the space in spring and summer and is also particularly useful in winter and autumn when daylight is faster to fade and outdoor spaces can easily feel one-dimensional."

5. Dusty Blue

Dusty blue-gray feels timeless and serene, making it an ideal exterior wall color for both minimalists and traditionalists who still crave a pop of color.

"Dusty blue connects with both sky and stone while still offering contrast that makes plantings stand out," says Lauren. It elevates exteriors by creating a steady backdrop that frames greenery and adds balance in the design of outdoor spaces.

While it might feel counterintuitive to add more blues or greens to outdoor settings, these colors work well on painted surfaces in gardens. "Whether on a gate, fence, or simply as a backdrop to seating areas, their connection to nature feels comforting and easy for these zones, and they provide a gentle juxtaposition against brick, woodwork, and neutral outdoor furniture," says Helen.

As an exterior wall color, a gate, a pergola, or a front door, "dusty blue-gray blends into the landscape easily while still giving the structure definition," adds Lauren.

When venturing into the bold for your exterior wall color ideas, you're walking a fine line between fabulous and overwhelming. To help you get it right, study up on this year's outdated exterior paint colors before you begin your upgrade. Or, if you're working with a tight or narrow space, it's worth knowing the best color schemes for small outdoor spaces.

A perfectly balanced neutral color palette may come across as effortless, but any designer will tell you that getting neutrals 'just right' is an art form. The reason? Neutrals aren’t really neutral at all. Each one carries subtle undertones that can either harmonize beautifully or clash in a way that leaves a space feeling flat, mismatched, or even unintentionally cold.

"The biggest challenge I see when speaking to clients is that people often think neutrals are the 'safe' choice, but they can actually be quite tricky," says Tash Bradley, director of design at paint company Lick. The secret to a rich and layered neutral space lies entirely in paying attention to the undertones — a concept I'm dubbing the 'hidden hue rule'. Just like with bold, saturated, or bright color palettes, matching the hidden undertones will ultimately lead to a more curated space.

Perfecting a neutral color scheme isn’t about stripping color away. It’s about honoring the beauty of undertones. Once you train your eye to see them, your rooms will never look the same. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is the Hidden Hue Rule? And Why We Care About Undertones

The hidden hue rule highlights the significance of undertones in color theory in a way that makes it easier to understand when creating a color palette.

Simply put, undertones are what make or break a neutral palette, and matching undertones matters because it creates flow. Interior designer, Nina Lichtenstein, explains it by saying, "Think of it like tuning instruments in an orchestra: when they’re in harmony, you don’t notice each note, you just feel the music. Rooms designed with aligned undertones achieve that same effect."

The biggest roadblocks in decorating with neutrals often stem from assuming that all neutrals play well together. "A creamy beige might look lovely on its own, but pair it with a cool gray and suddenly the warmth in the beige reads yellow, even dingy. The same happens when combining whites: one with a hint of pink can make another with a green cast look sickly," says Nina.

Without recognizing the undertones, what should be serene quickly feels out of balance. It’s this subtle discipline that separates a neutral scheme that feels intentional from one that feels unfinished.

How to Use the Hidden Hue Rule in Your Home

So how do you choose neutral paint colors that belong together? Start the way you would with any color palette: by choosing an anchor color and identifying the base undertone. Neutrals always lean one way or another, toward blue, green, pink, violet, yellow, or orange. The key is to stay consistent.

From there, look for complementary shades on the color wheel that share a similar undertone, whether that’s warm, cool, or even slightly pink or green.

For example, Nina explains, "If your anchor shade is a cool gray with a blue undertone, look for complementary cool-based taupes, whites, or charcoals to support it. If your foundation is a warm greige, pair it with neutrals carrying similar warmth so they reinforce one another rather than compete."

Tash Bradley adds that the undertones need to complement the light direction of your room. "Warmer colors, like White 06 or Taupe 03, will work well as a paint color for North-facing rooms or East-facing rooms, whereas cooler undertoned colors, like White 04 or Grey 01, would feel cold in these spaces," says Tash.

When it comes to decor, try rounding out your neutral palette with coordinating throws, rugs, upholstery, and decor. "This will help you create the mood you want in a space — whether light and refreshing or cozy and warm," says Nina.

"Mixing within the same undertone family creates cohesion, while adding texture through fabrics and finishes keeps the palette interesting," says Tash. When neutrals are in harmony, they allow the other elements of the room, like furniture and artwork, to shine without ever looking bland.

Neutral Palettes That Use the Hidden Hue Rule

Warm harmony

Cool Serenity

Modern Greige

Earthy Neutrals

When done right, undertone-matched neutrals don’t just blend, they elevate. Everything feels intentional and soothing to the eye, creating flow in a space rather than disruption.

"This is when neutrals stop being a backdrop and become the design itself," says Nina. The depth and richness created rival most vibrant color palettes.

In 2025, customizing your furniture and decor is more than acceptable — especially when it's as easy as a fresh coat of paint (I painted my bookcases red, and I'm still obsessed with the results). But while paint can certainly enhance a feature or piece of furniture, it can also quickly become a major design flaw.

Whether you should paint furniture, and especially whether you should paint antique furniture, has been a hot topic in the Livingetc Slack channel this month. Of course, it's ultimately up to you, but it made me think: Is there a clear list of things you should never paint in your home?

I couldn't find it, so I've decided to make my own. Looking to get creative by personalizing a piece of furniture, or exploring cool paint ideas for your walls? Here are four things the interior designers I asked said they'd never, ever paint in a home.

1. Thermofoil or Melamine Cabinets

"If you’re working with thermofoil or melamine, don't bother with painting your kitchen cabinets," says California-based interior designer Terri Brien. These materials are non-porous for a reason: to resist stains and moisture. Those same properties make it nearly impossible for paint to stick long-term.

Even with sanding and specialty primers, you can end up with edges and corners that chip, peel, or scratch. Once that starts, Terri says it’s all downhill from there. "Peeling doors will end up costing more to fix than if you’d just replaced or refaced them in the first place," she says.

If you're weighing up potential painted kitchen cabinet ideas, consider professional refacing or swapping just the doors or drawer fronts for paint-grade wood or MDF. "If the cost is close to full replacement, wait until you can do it right," says Terri.

2. Tile (Especially on Floors and Backsplashes)

"I would never be brave enough to paint tiles; it can be done, but I've always been too chicken to attempt to," says interior designer and artist Rachel Castle. Why? Because tiles are often placed on a surface that gets a lot of everyday wear and tear, like the floor or kitchen backsplash.

Painting a tiled floor or kitchen backsplash might seem appealing (yes, we’ve all seen the DIYs), but it can be costly, not very durable, and frankly, inconvenient when not well-planned.

"The reality of living with it is usually less charming than it seems online," adds Terri. "Even with the right prep, paint will eventually wear off from foot traffic, cleaning, and normal use."

On floors, you’ll see scratches and chips almost immediately in high-traffic zones. On walls or backsplashes, wear tends to happen quicker near cooking areas (think about what oil does to most paints) and sinks, making the finish look uneven and unappealing.

Instead, it's best to re-grout, deep clean, or replace tile entirely for a lasting result. If you are still craving a DIY, you can have a lot of fun with custom tile designs or even experiment with colorful grout ideas.

3. Countertops

If you are looking to redo your kitchen countertop without replacing it completely, painting it simply isn't going to cut it. Not in the long term, at least.

"Painting kitchen or bathroom countertops is one of those 'looks amazing on day one' projects that rarely hold up," says Terri. "The prep work is intense, the top coats can yellow, and everyday life, like sliding a plate, setting down a warm (not even hot) pan, or a splash from last night’s curry, will leave marks you can’t ignore."

Save the paint job for more decorative surfaces, like beside tables, desks, or even floating shelving ideas. You won't have to worry as much about upkeep, allowing you to simply enjoy the personalized pop of color.

4. Antique Woods

Painting over high-quality wood furniture, especially vintage or heirloom pieces, can strip away both value and character. Wood ages beautifully and can be refinished to bring out its natural patina. But, "Once you paint it, reversing that process is time-consuming, messy, and often impossible without damaging the piece," says Terri.

It's best to let wooden pieces shine. Try refinishing, oiling, or staining to enhance the natural grain instead of hiding it away with paint.

Alternatively, Sussex-based artist Tess Newall (who is very much in the business of painting wood) argues that most pieces can be painted. Sometimes a smaller hand-painted trim or decorative motif is all you need, though.

"Antique and thrifted wooden pieces gain a new chapter in their life and story when decorated," she says. "I try to celebrate their original character and patina, often building up layers of color washes before adding the decorative detailing."

At the end of the day, "Ask yourself: Is the quick change worth the cost, time, and frustration when weighed against holding off and doing exactly what you want?" says Terri.

There are living room DIY projects that you can get done in a weekend with amazing results, but when it comes to coating a piece in paint, don't settle for "good enough" — take the time to understand what makeovers will look best on your furniture.

Most of the best-kept interior design secrets come from one place: the great outdoors. From the colors we decorate with to the textures we incorporate, it always works to take a leaf from Mother Nature's book, particularly when it comes to lessons like the 3/3 vertical color rule.

Never heard of it? It's a color rule that builds a palette in vertical layers, mimicking natural patterns. "The base is anchored by a darker color which transitions to mid-level colors at eye height with the lightest tones above," explains interior designer Olga Doykhen. Imagine rich, damp, dark soil at your feet, the soft greens of foliage sprouting up around you, and then the soft glow of sunshine from above.

To form a better understanding of what this looks like conceptually in a home, I asked interior designers to break the design rule down even further. Discover more below.

So, What Is the 3/3 Vertical Color Rule?

Once again, this approach to decorating with color takes its lead from nature — as all of the classic, most timeless aesthetics do — splitting the room into three 'levels' to mirror the palette of the forest. Dark colors are placed at the base, and the scheme gets lighter and lighter as tones rise through space. "It's also known as 'the forest floor principle," describes Livingetc's color expert, Amy Moorea Wong.

"The bottom layer represents the dark, shadowy floor of the forest with deep, heavy hues anchoring the room via flooring, rugs, and low cabinetry," she continues. Then the middle layer brings "the mid-tones of semi-shaded tree trunks or low plants to balance the palette on walls and large pieces of furniture."

And finally, there's the sunny top layer, where the palest hues sit — the ceiling, upper walls, or high shelving, which make the space feel open and not top-heavy. "Et voilà: your very own (rather abstract) indoor woodland," says Amy.

The 3/3 vertical color rule takes this grounding familiarity and molds it into something we can replicate in interior design. It's about creating serenity through calm color palettes and balance in design, all while making the decorating process more streamlined.

How to Apply the 3/3 Vertical Color Rule in Interiors

When applied indoors, the 3/3 vertical color rule creates an intuitive sense of flow. "We may not consciously register why it feels 'right,' but our minds respond to the familiarity of this order," explains interior designer Olga Doykhen. "It’s a way to make a room feel harmonious without looking overly designed."

"The ground inherently feels like a safe, sensible, stable space for weight (literal or visual) to be, while light, airy shades feel as though they belong skyward, here one minute, floating into the distance the next," adds Amy. The 3/3 vertical color rule soothes and calms us as it taps into this instinct through color theory.

On paper, it feels like this rule might only apply to green room ideas and earthy color palettes, but Amy assures that this is one rule that’s inclusive and universal. "The magic is in the shift from dark to medium to light, not in the hues themselves," she says.

This principle can work well with an array of tonal palettes that feel timeless, including:

• Neutral luxury: "I envision a warm stone or espresso grounding the base, soft mushroom or greige through the mid-level, and an airy linen or chalk white above," says Olga.
• Earthy minimalism: You could also go for more contrast in your design by using "deep charcoal at the base, rich clay or warm ochre mid-level, pale ivory or plaster at the top," she adds.
• Classic monochrome: And lastly, "Black or near-black grounding, mid-gray through the center, soft white above is the class take on monochrome with this rule," Olga shares.

If joyful colors and brighter hues are more to your taste, the 3/3 vertical color rule can also work with bolder colors. The key is to maintain the progression from darker at the base to lighter at the top.

"For example, deep burgundy grounds the base, muted terracotta and ochres through the middle, and a dusty blush or pale cream above," says Amy. "Even with statement colors, the gradation keeps the space cohesive."

It would work perfectly when applied through the latest 'color capping' technique, where you layer different shades of the same color on your wall. But the best thing is, it doesn't just apply to paint. The same rules can be used for furnishings, demonstrating the nuances of intentional decorating.

The 3/3 vertical color rule isn’t about strict formulas; it’s about channeling nature into interiors. "It’s the decorative alternative of a bright, cloudless day, pulling the eye upwards and subtly reminding us of the joy of the outdoors and the innate need we have to reach for the sun," says Amy.

And with nature at its core, you can sleep peacefully at night knowing this will never be an outdated color rule.

Just because you can paint something, doesn't mean you should. Anyone who has tried their hand at a DIY has likely learned this lesson the hard way. And nothing stirs up more heated debate in the design world than questioning whether or not it's acceptable to paint antique timber furniture.

Yes — painting over thrifted timber can transform a tired piece, but isn't that patina the whole point? Will those hand-painted stripes make something classic feel cheap? Or at the end of the day, is whatever you want the most important thing?

Plus, knowing how to paint furniture properly can be an art form in itself. From priming to picking the paint and finish, there's a lot that goes into it... and a lot that can go wrong. So, if you're tossing up between whether to paint a piece of antique timber furniture right now or let its patina shine, let the design debate below be your guide.

The Pros

So, you've got the piece you want to paint, but you are hesitant to pick up the brush. Don't stress — it's not always a design mistake. It just depends on the circumstance.

"I would only ever paint over a wooden piece that was not handcrafted," explains Rachel Castle, a Sydney-based artist who regularly paints on thrifted furniture. "If it spent its life cheap and cheerful, I am happy to give it a lick of paint and a few more years' service."

Better yet, painting furniture that has been discarded or donated (also known as 'no-hopers') is a great way to buy furniture more sustainably. "Sometimes we take off the trims to make them more streamlined and neat," adds Rachel. "I love the pieces where there is only room for improvement."

Rachel confides that she's currently very keen to paint an old, "shabby" piano, but is still working out whether this is sacrilegious. "I err from yes to no constantly," she says.

But, at the end of the day, it's up to you what furniture pieces you paint and which you leave in their original form. However, before you make any potential design faux pas, just ensure that painting the piece will truly elevate your space.

The Cons

But on the flipside, Susannah Cameron, an antiques expert based in Provence, France, says, "I’m here to defend dark wood furniture. It’s gorgeous, and if we keep slapping paint on it, future generations will think mahogany only comes in 'eggshell' and 'greige.'"

And dark antique timber furniture is well and truly on the rise in contemporary interior design trends. "It’s about time we stopped treating dark furniture like it’s brooding in the corner, plotting our downfall," says Susannah. "Many of these pieces are masterworks in timber, with striped marquetry, patina, and grain that deserve to be celebrated, not hidden."

In fact, it's these very qualities that will help you thrift furniture and antiques like a vintage dealer, so why would you want to cover them with a coat of paint?

If you're in the business of preserving the original timber, "A coat of beeswax will feed the wood, give it a gentle lustre, and bring its depth to life," says Susannah. "That glow can then pick up and reflect the light from silver-plated candlesticks, gilded or silver leaf mirrors, and pale glazed ceramics in white, cream, or soft beige."

With the right care and thoughtful styling, an antique piece of furniture can become the luminous anchor of a room, without a single drop of paint.

The Verdict

As for my opinion? I'd let the patina of an antique piece shine. I can see the appeal of painting furniture — there are plenty of DIYs that do it so well — but if you're going to do that, then pick up something cheaper, not necessarily made with the same quality as an antique.

And then it's all about the prep. Never paint furniture without sanding first ("Lightly but diligently, it’s the key to getting good paint coverage," says Rachel), fill any holes, gaps, or cracks, and make sure you're using the right paint.

"It's a lot of work, easy to get wrong, and not nearly as romantic as it sounds," warns Susannah. But painting IKEA furniture or something similar? That comes without the convoluted moral debate. And here are a few pieces ready and primed for a lick of paint.

While we're on the subject of mistakes that could be made while antique shopping, you may want to familiarize yourself with all the things you should never buy at a thrift store.

Accenting every architectural detail in a crisp, bright white used to be the safe bet — sleek, reliable, and surprisingly versatile. But, "Now that approach often feels sterile and unfinished," says interior designer Lauren Saab. Should doors and trim be the same color in 2025? And if not, what should we be doing?

Trim and doors are no longer just background details in our interiors. Designers are using these features to sculpt perspective, sharpen palettes, and give rooms more visual structure. "When painted the same color, they create a quiet envelope that feels intentional and calm," explains Lauren. "When painted differently, they act like framing lines that pull focus and anchor the space."

So, whether you choose to match your doors and trim or make them contrast, the key is having intention. How much presence do you want the architecture to have in the space? What architecture do you have to highlight? Then, choose what color to paint your interior doors and trims accordingly. Let's find out what the designers are doing.

Should Doors and Trims Be the Same Color?

"Matching your door color to your trim color works best when the goal is quiet cohesion and the architecture can hold its own," says Lauren Saab. Typically, it's the more common approach. Just think about color-drenching — using the same color helps to create a certain visual harmony in a space.

This is a common design choice simply because millwork (like doors and trim) is crafted in the same or similar materials, making them an unspoken pair.

Using the same door and trim color ultimately creates a softer look, but that doesn't mean boring; you can still introduce bold colors or contemporary trends when matching the shades.

However, "When everything fades into the same shade, a room can start to feel flat and forgettable," warns Lauran.

"Contrast in design is where the magic happens. For instance, a darker trim can sharpen the architecture, and a painted door can pull the eye through a hallway."

Denver-based interior designer Peggy Haddad of Peggy Haddad Interiors adds that, "People are getting bolder and more playful with color trends, even in architectural details. Trim and doors are no longer an afterthought; they’re a design opportunity." Matching feels soft, contrast adds depth and definition.

How Designers Paint Doors and Trims in 2025

1. Bold Color Statements

So, if we're leaning away from painting wall trim white as the default, what should we be doing instead?

The details that used to disappear into the architecture are now doing the heavy lifting. Trim and doors frame the entire space, and going for a bold look (whether that's through decorating with saturated colors or unique tonal variations) will help your color scheme feel more contemporary.

When going the rich colors route, Lauren says, "Bold trim and bold doors can absolutely live together, as long as the materials or tones speak to each other. Matching them creates a sculptural envelope that feels deliberate and immersive, while separating them builds tension."

There is no wrong move if every surface is pulling its weight. Get experimental — the mistake is playing it too safe and fading into default. "When done with purpose, a contrast becomes a composition," adds Lauren.

2. Interesting Materials and Curated Contrast

So, what are the best trim colors for 2025? White is quickly falling out of favor, and designers are replacing it with warm putty tones, inky charcoals, or natural wood finishes. These color choices still follow a neutral color scheme, but have that extra bit of flair that makes them more interesting.

Imagine a warm wooden door with a darker-stained trim or a rich charcoal-black next to a natural timber door — it's subtle yet stylish and playful.

"I just finished a project where the walls and trim were a warm off-white, and just the doors were the most perfect warm gray," says Peggy. "The contrast added subtle interest while still feeling soft and classic."

3. Highlighting the Architecture

Another way to pair door and trim colors is to use the details to highlight certain features of the room that you want to stand out.

Jo leGleud from Maddux Creative says, "We often use varying hues of the same color for picking out architectural detailing such as a bead or trim on a panel." This technique gives the impression of increased depth within the panel or molding and adds interest to the space.

"Where the room is already quite busy, we might choose to keep the detailing matching, to allow other areas to be the focus," adds Jo. On the other hand, suppose the panelling is particularly intricate or warrants the drawing of attention. In that case, "you could add other colors to carry the light or a strong contrasting color which feels more playful," Jo continues.

Whether you choose a matching trim and door moment or a color statement that pops, the key to getting it right lies in expressing your style. The biggest design mistake you can make is sticking to the 'rules'. And the same ethos can be applied to whether your trim and ceilings should be the same color.

The gradient gray-greens of leaves rustling in the wind, the deep leafy emeralds of an evergreen forest, the delicate greens of Spanish moss dangling from willow trees — green is all around us in the natural world, and translated to interiors, it invites that same calming familiarity. So, what are the best Farrow & Ball green paint colors to do it with?

When it comes to the best green paint colors, Farrow & Ball is a leader in the industry. "Not only does Farrow & Ball have 'chameleon shades' of green that change with the available light, but they also have true, beautifully stunning greens that carry immense depth, while remaining livable for the average room," says interior designer Melissa Oholendt.

However, to save you the daunting task of diving into the paint brand's extensive range of green hues (there are 57 in total), I asked interior designers to share their cheat sheet for which greens fall into their best Farrow & Ball paint colors lists and why. Below are six specific Farrow & Ball green paint colors they shared.

1. Farrow & Ball's French Gray

The most recommended Farrow & Ball green paint color among the interior designers I asked was the soft sage green, French Gray.

Seattle-based interior designer Lauren L Caron, founder and principal designer of Studio Laloc, says, "It's so versatile and changes tone, not just from room to room, but also throughout the day." At times, it can feel like a warm, rich green, while as a color for a north-facing room, it can bend to appear almost closer to a gray.

"My favorite use for French Gray is on millwork and joinery," she adds. "We've used it in both kitchens on cabinetry and bookshelves in libraries, numerous times."

If you are looking for something similar, but with a bit more true green as a base, interior designer Melissa Oholendt, founder and design principal of Oho Interiors, suggests Farrow & Ball's Mizzle. "I used this shade on my bathroom vanity cabinets in my own home," she adds.

2. Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke

Another highly recommended Farrow & Ball green paint color is Green Smoke. "I especially love incorporating Green Smoke when there's a need for a cooler, deep shade of green," says Melissa Oholendt.

As for how to use this alluring shade, Green Smoke has a beautifully timeless yet moody feel about it, making it perfect for places like media rooms, mud rooms, and even dining rooms.

And while you can use this Farrow & Ball green paint color as an accent, it also makes a great base. "Green Smoke pairs well with artwork and layered beneath gallery walls," adds Lauren.

3. Farrow & Ball's Card Room Green

Farrow & Ball's Card Room Green is ideal for those who want to experiment with a bit more color. The cool gray undertones, combined with subtle warmth, make it feel deeply connected to nature. It's an enveloping and comforting paint color, without being overwhelming.

In spaces where conversation and connectivity are key, this Farrow and Ball green paint color acts as a sensory-conscious paint color. "Card Room Green works so well in family rooms or dens," adds Lauren.

4. Farrow & Ball's Pigeon

"What I love about Pigeon is that it can shift from blue to green, and look lighter and darker depending on the light of the room," says Melissa.

It's an incredibly versatile Farrow & Ball green paint — elegant, adaptable, and endlessly usable. It’s that perfect blue-gray green that adds depth without overwhelming a space.

As for how to use it, Pigeon pairs beautifully with warm neutrals like Slipper Satin or Shaded White, or you can even try out bold color pairings like Railings or Off-Black for contrast.

However, Farrow & Ball Pigeon ideas are practically endless, and you honestly can't go wrong with the color.

5. Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue

Maybe it's cheating to add a Farrow & Ball blue paint color to the list, but that's where the in-between colors come in. Inchrya Blue was suggested multiple times by designers when discussing the best Farrow & Ball green paint colors.

With dark color trends on the rise, this moody hue reads more gray or green depending on the light. The shade feels totally in line with the 70s revival that's happening in design, but with a more accessible application.

In the home, Inchrya Blue would be a great alternative to charcoal, as it has a more intimate and personal feel. Color drench a small space or use it as an unexpected trim color for a more playful variation.

6. Farrow & Ball's Old White

Now, I know what you're thinking: how did an off-white make the list of the best Farrow & Ball green paints? Well, don't judge a book by its cover.

"Old White can read green as much as it reads an off-white," says Melissa. And to prove the point, this paint color is also actually listed in the green color family on Farrow & Ball's online store.

This soft gray-green simply earns its name by being one of Farrow & Ball's historic and traditional neutrals. It can read as a subdued green, particularly in north-facing rooms, but feels more of a classic off-white or gray in well-lit spaces.

If your home follows a neutral color scheme, but you want just a tiny touch of color, Old White is the Farrow & Ball green paint color for you.

You can't go wrong with any of Farrow & Ball's green paints, but you don't want to miss Farrow & Ball's new collection for 2025. It's the ultimate guide for how to successfully pair paint colors.