Choosing a new color can be a thoughtful part of the decorating process, so getting inspiration from real homes is always a good place to start.
To help you decide, we asked interior designers which colors they prefer to use in their own four walls. We have summarized the results below.
From shades of white as a neutral background to bolder and richer hues that add depth and excitement, there are so many color ideas here that are sure to give you inspiration for your next decorating project.
Colors that interior designers use in their own four walls
These paint color ideas for rooms from the bedroom to the living room include colors from many of the top paint brands, from Benjamin Moore to Farrow & Ball, and cover a variety of decorating styles.
1. Simply White, Benjamin Moore
(Photo credit: David Frazier, photography Gieves Anderson)
“Simply White” by Benjamin Moore is a popular warm white color and a popular background color for all types of rooms and design styles.
Interior designer David Frazier chose this timeless color for the living room walls, which provides the perfect neutral backdrop for the finer furniture and accents. “Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is a perfect warm white,” says David. “It’s a soft white with yellow undertones, but still remains fresh.”
2. Studio Green, Farrow & Ball
(Photo credit: David Frazier, photography Gieves Anderson)
In this bedroom, designer David Frazier Using Studio Green by Farrow & Ball on the walls and ceiling, a colorful environment was created that creates an expressive look yet still a cozy and calming space.
“Studio Green by Farrow and Ball is a rich green-black with a deep hue full of depth and colour,” adds David. “It adds instant rich colour to any room.”
3. Wythe Blue, Benjamin Moore
(Photo credit: Sarah Vaile, photography Aimée Mazzenga)
In the entryway of this home, Chicago-based interior designer Sarah Vaile used Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore, a soft teal color that’s a great alternative to decorating with neutral colors.
“Wythe Blue by Benjamin Moore is a real palate cleanser for me,” explains Sarah. “This historic blue is just subtle enough to be neutral, but offers more dimension than a simple gray.”
4. Portola Colors
(Image credit: Hommeboys Interiors, photography Adam Potts)
“Our house is a mixture of limewash, Roman clay and Venetian plaster, all in an individual, deep, earthy grey-brown tone,” say the designers Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer at Hommeboys interior design.
“We love working with Portola Paints and our plasterer on these finishes to create the perfect shades for each room. Limewash is a great DIY option for people who want to add more natural movement and an organic quality to their interiors.”
5. Lido Pink, The Pickleson Paint Co.
(Photo credit: Matthew Williamson, photography Damian Russell)
Interior designer Matthew Williamson used a variety of colors from The Pickleson Paint Co. throughout his home, starting with Lido Pink in this maximalist living room.
“The walls of my living room are painted Lido Pink, a soft blush,” explains Matthew. “It contrasts beautifully with the crisp white ceiling and creates an unexpected, cheerful combination with the colour of my window frames and woodwork – Hackney Gold, another colour from The Pickleson Paint Co.”
“Blush or plaster pink is my favorite neutral and Lido Pink was exactly what I was looking for for my living room walls. It’s kinder and more forgiving than white, cheerier than beige and warmer than gray.”
6. Tequila Green, The Pickleson Paint Co.
(Photo credit: Matthew Williamson, photography Damian Russell)
Another shade Matthew Williamson uses in his home is Tequila Green. “The walls of my bedroom are painted Tequila Green, while the ceiling, shutters and baseboards have a darker sheen – Basilica Green by The Pickleson Paint Co.”
“An eclectic mix of rugs, artwork, bedding and plants work together and are tied together by the color green. Wherever I live, I use green liberally as I know it enhances my wellbeing. Tequila green is a medium mint tone that is simultaneously fresh and striking, yet evokes a sense of calm – perfect for the bedroom.”
7. Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball
(Photo credit: Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, Photography Michael Hunter)
“My favorite color that I have used in my own home is Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball,” says interior designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton of Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design.
“We used this perfect deep teal shade in our library and because of its deep, rich tone, it also works beautifully in dens, doors, bars and dining room walls.”
As Bambi suggests, this is an incredibly versatile colour, but if you’re looking for more specific ideas, take a look at our best ways to decorate with Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball.
8. Love Affair, Benjamin Moore
(Photo credit: Blessed Little Bungalow, Kimberly Murray Photography)
For this cozy living room, designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow chose “Love Affair” by Benjamin Moore to add an interesting touch to the neutral color palette of the rest of the room.
“The walls in my living room are painted about 5 feet high with Benjamin Moore’s Love Affair,” Amber tells us. “The color is a moody, mauve merlot that invites guests and creates a relaxing mood for me in the room.”
Whether you’re looking for a timeless neutral or a bold and energetic shade, these designer homes should give you some color ideas. Before you decide on a shade, remember to always try the colors in your own home first, as colors will look different in each room depending on the lighting.
