20 Top Paint Colors to Go With Any Style
Everything you need to know
Paint is one of those simple things that has a significant impact on the look and feel of a space. Whether you’re painting walls, cabinets, trim, or the exterior of your home, selecting paint colors can be a tricky task. Nothing is worse than picking the wrong color and having to repaint everything after the fact.
Photographed by Kat Alves Photography
That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite paint colors that work well for both exterior and interior use. Whether you prefer a more neutral color pallet or a colorful one, we’re covering it all, along with painting tips, so your next painting project can be a breeze.
What to Consider When Choosing a Paint Color
Before we dive into our paint color recommendations, we want to review some things to consider when a choosing paint color. There are lots of factors that affect how paint appears on a swatch vs. in your home, so before you start painting you should
Think about the function of the room—How do you want it to look and feel? This will affect the color pallet you choose.
Take inspiration from your existing decor and color scheme—Unless you’re starting from scratch you’ll want to select paint that compliments the aesthetic of your current space.
Pay attention to lighting—Both natural and artificial light impact how color appears. A single color can look like 4 different colors depending on the lighting.
Be mindful of paint undertones—Color undertones are either warm or cool, select paints with the same undertones as the other design elements in the space.
Know your paint sheens—Paint sheen or finish is how much light it reflects, or how shiny it is. Higher sheens are more durable and easy to clean while showing more surface imperfections.
Buy from quality paint brands—High-quality paints last longer, provide more coverage, and are less toxic with low to zero-VOC options, as compared to cheaper alternatives. Our favorite brands are Farrow & Ball and Benjamin Moore.
Test before you commit to a paint color—It’s important to test the color, along with similar alternatives, on your walls so you can see how the color looks in the space and at different times of day under different lighting conditions. You can test the color on a clean primed wall, painted on posterboard, or with peel-and-stick samples.
With these tips in mind, keep reading for our paint color recommendations below.
Our Favorite 20 Paint Colors
We love the versatility of paint. Whether we begin with a serene, natural foundation and infuse character with tasteful accents, or dare to make a bold statement with vibrant hues, we embrace projects that embody both styles.
For both neutral and color lovers we’re covering our favorite paints below so you can decide which might be a good fit for your home.
Top 10 Neutral Paint Colors
Going with a neutral color pallet offers some timeless color combinations. It’s also a safer route to go with a neutral backdrop and add color through furnishings and accents. While it may be a safer approach, it’s definitely not boring. Neutral paint colors can be used as a light foundation or a statement-making feature. Check out our favorites below
Great White is a beautiful and sophisticated warm white with a hint of lilac. Though it has slight red undertones, it’s not too warm, offering a balanced and soothing ambiance to any space. It’s a great canvas for endless design possibilities.
One of their most popular shades, Ammonite is a versatile white with subtle grey undertones, resulting in a hue that’s not too warm nor too cool. In our Sag Harbor project, this was the perfect paint for the family and living areas to complement the warm wood tones and surrounding color palette.
Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore
One of Benjamin Moore’s best sellers and a favorite among designers, Chantilly Lace is a very versatile white. It has slight yellow undertones, which is what gives it just a little bit of warmth, preventing it from feeling stark.
Infused with subtle yellow undertones and a delicate touch of gray, White Dove offers a soft and creamy off-white hue. The seamless blend of warm and cool undertones results in a perfectly neutral white paint, radiating a sense of tranquility and sophistication that complements any space.
Though the name may sound off-putting, Dead Salmon is a beautiful brown with pink undertones. It’s a sophisticated and warm shade that is a great neutral without reading too pink. Use it as the backdrop for a living or dining space or as an accent to contrast with lighter walls.
If you’d like to venture to the dark side, then Iron Mountain is a great choice. It has a washed-out black look and adds depth and character to your home. Whether you want a touch of sophistication or a hint of drama, it complements both warm and cool color schemes.
Tavern Charcoal, Benjamin Moore
Not your average charcoal, Tavern Charcoal is a deep gray with warm green undertones, giving it a luxurious quality. This color makes a big impact and works well for accent walls, lower cabinetry, bathroom vanities, or trim.
Photographed by Stephanie Russo
A deep blue-gray, Inchyra Blue is a moody color that’ll add depth and sophistication to your home. Depending on the lighting it’ll read more grey, blue, or even green. It’s a great alternative to charcoal if you’d prefer to introduce a bit more color to the space.
This was the perfect accent color for the main bathroom in our El Dorado Modern project. Making the expansive bathroom feel upscale, spa-like, and serene.
For a classic navy, you can’t go wrong with Hale Navy. One of their best-selling colors, it’s popular for a reason. Perfectly balanced with warm and cool undertones, it’s extremely versatile and pairs well with White Dove. Use it as an accent color for a single wall, lower cabinetry, or as an exterior paint.
If you’d prefer a richer navy that nears black, then Westcott Navy is for you. Its timeless elegance suits both traditional and modern styles. Another adaptable choice, it can work for both interior and exterior spaces.
Top 10 Colorful Paint Colors
If you want to take a bold approach to color, then don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with some beautiful hues that range from soft, to bright, to moody. Pair these shades with a neutral paint or let them shine on their own.
Our new favorite, Sudbury Yellow is a cheerful yet sophisticated color that’s perfect for a bright and airy kitchen. It’ll look brighter in well-lit rooms and softer in dimly lit spaces and goes well with either white or dark trim.
Card Room Green, Farrow & Ball
For a soft rich green, Card Room Green is great if you want to embrace color without venturing too far from the neutral family. Perfect to contrast with a white or a darker green for a more traditional look or go a modern aesthetic by using it on its own.
For a joyful punch of color, we love Curlish Green. A bright and vibrant yellow-green that’s not too vivid or overwhelming. This one is great as an accent that adds plenty of character to any space.
Wedgewood Gray, Benjamin Moore
Not a true gray, Wedgewood Gray is a very versatile soft blue hue. It has gray and green undertones, so depending on the lighting it’ll lean more towards those colors. It works well as an interior or exterior paint, or for furnishings.
Dusty Cornflower, Benjamin Moore
Dusty Cornflower is a subdued and gently faded shade of blue. It’s great if you want a touch of color without going too bold or vibrant. This was the perfect choice for the powder room wainscoting in a recent project to complement the off-white walls. It’s best used as an interior paint and not for exterior use.
For a bright and refreshing pop of color, we love Peach Jam. It’s the perfect soft shade of orange that’s never jarring. Depending on the light it will look more pale or muted. Perfect if you’d like to infuse the feeling of summer in your home year-round.
Reminiscent of delicate dried flowers, Hint of Mauve is a graceful taupe with a touch of muted mauve. If you’re looking for a neutral shade with a touch of whimsy this one makes the perfect backdrop.
A delicate pink blended with gray, Peignoir is a beautiful elevated pink. It goes well with Great White and is a sophisticated color for adult and kid’s spaces alike.
Inspired by the deep hue of eggplants, Brinjal is a beautiful brown/purple with warm undertones. It works well as a trim or accent color, especially when paired with Dead Salmon, but can also make a statement when used as the primary color in a hallway, powder room, or study.
New London Burgundy, Benjamin Moore
New London Burgundy is a beautiful deep red with violet undertones. It’s a rich and welcoming color that goes well with Chantilly Lace. Perfect for the backdrop of a smaller intimate space or as an accent color.
Feeling inspired by these paint colors but need help figuring out what will work best in your space? Call in the pros! At KED we offer a range of services including project consultations, room updates, renovation, and new construction projects. We design beautifully elevated spaces to suit your needs and lifestyle. Get in touch with us today!
Ready to get started? Contact us today to discuss your unique project goals and needs.
