From neutrals to bright colors – consider these 15 paint colors for your next project
When it comes to home decor, one of the most impactful elements you can choose is the color of your walls. Wall paint is more than just a decorative element; it’s a powerful tool that can alter the mood, size, and overall ambiance of a room. In this blog post, we’ll explore what wall colors do to a space, the importance of choosing the right wall paint, and the different types of wall paints available.
Spoiler alert: I am revealing the paint color of my apartment at the end!
The Impact of Wall Colors on a Space
- Mood and Atmosphere
- Warm Colors (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): These colors tend to evoke feelings of warmth and coziness. They are energetic and can make a space feel more inviting. Ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens.
- Cool Colors (Blues, Greens, Purples): These hues create a calm and serene environment. They are perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms where relaxation is key.
- Neutral Colors (Whites, Grays, Beiges): Neutral tones provide a versatile backdrop that can complement any decor style. They make a space feel clean, open, and sophisticated.
2. Perception of Space
- Light Colors: Light hues like whites, pastels, and light grays reflect more light, making a room feel larger and more open. They are a great choice for small spaces or rooms with limited natural light.
- Dark Colors: Darker shades can make a room feel more intimate and cozy. They can add depth and create a dramatic effect, especially in larger rooms.
3. Style and Personality
- Wall colors are a direct reflection of your personal style and the overall vibe you want your home to convey. Bold, vibrant colors can express creativity and energy, while soft, muted tones can suggest tranquility and elegance.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Wall Paint
Selecting the right wall paint is crucial for several reasons:
Aesthetic Appeal
- The right color enhances the beauty of your space, tying together various elements of your decor. It sets the foundation for your interior design and can elevate the overall look of your home.
Functionality
- Different rooms serve different purposes, and the color you choose can influence how well a room functions. For example, a bright, stimulating color might be perfect for a home office but too overwhelming for a bedroom.
Mood Enhancement
- Color psychology plays a significant role in our emotions and behaviors. The right color can help create a space where you feel happy, relaxed, and productive.
Property Value
- Neutral, well-chosen wall colors can increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers, potentially raising its market value.
Types of Wall Paints
Understanding the types of wall paints available will help you make an informed decision based on your needs:
Matte Paint
- Finish: Non-reflective, provides a smooth and velvety appearance.
- Pros: Hides imperfections well, gives a sophisticated look.
- Cons: Less durable, can be difficult to clean.
- Best For: Low-traffic areas like bedrooms and ceilings.
Eggshell Paint
- Finish: Slightly reflective with a soft sheen.
- Pros: More durable than matte, easy to clean, hides imperfections.
- Cons: Not as smooth as matte.
- Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways.
Satin Paint
- Finish: Smooth with a slight shine.
- Pros: Durable, easy to clean, resists mildew.
- Cons: Can highlight wall imperfections.
- Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
Semi-Gloss Paint
- Finish: Reflective with a noticeable shine.
- Pros: Very durable, easy to clean, moisture-resistant.
- Cons: Highlights imperfections.
- Best For: Trim, doors, and cabinets.
Gloss Paint
- Finish: Highly reflective with a shiny finish.
- Pros: Extremely durable, easy to clean.
- Cons: Shows imperfections clearly, can be too intense for large areas.
- Best For: Trim, furniture, and accent walls.
These 15 wall paint colors are my favorite out there
Over the past years, my work with interior design has brought me across multiple different wall paint colors. Depending on the space, a specific color needs to be chosen in order to enhance and bring out the best of a space. Besides the paint color, the paint type is extremely important too. As we’ve seen above, there are many different types of paint which all have a different finishes. This means, one can play around with the paint color itself but also with the texture and finish. Here are the my personal 15 favorite wall paint colors I have came across over the last years and worked with. Let’s take a look at them!
- Farrow & Ball – Elephant’s Breath
I absolutely love this color. It’s the perfect mixture between something neutral, light but still darker, and fancier. It’s also ideal for two-tone spaces to mix things up. The perfect taupe color!
2. Little Greene – Portland Stone
Little Greene is a great company for wall paint, with many amazing options. Portland Stone is my personal favorite when it comes to something neutral that isn’t boring! This shade also comes in a lighter and darker version. Note: Little Greene offers different finishes too!
3. Bauwerk Color – Moth
Limewash is one of my favorite finishes as it has the loveliest texture and adds some character to it. While Bauwerk offers a fantastic selection of different colors, I personally love the more neutral ones like Moth.
4. Farrow & Ball – Dead Salmon
While I’m not so sure about the name of this color, I am very sure about the beauty of it! It’s the perfect mix between taupe and rosé, which brings a lot of warmth and calmness into a room. Beauty!
5. Bauwerk Color – Tea Rose
A beautiful rosé color that lays gently on the walls. It warms the interior without being too much, perfect if you want to add color into your home without being too brave.
6. Farrow & Ball – Blue Grey
Just as the name already says: this color is the perfect mix between a light and gentle blue, as well as a hint of grey. This way, the color matches any space without being too much. While blue can be a very stimulating and cold color, the added grey undertone calms this and adds a bit of warmth.
7. VerWANDlung – Mondgestein
The very famous paint I used in both bedrooms at Project Greenwood. This one is very special, as it is mineral plaster that has the loveliest texture which you can decide on. As the “paint” is made from natural materials, it is also very healthy for your indoor climate.
8. VerWANDlung – Castillo
Another favorite was the mineral plaster and micro cement I used in one of the bathrooms at Project Greenwood. A darker, very unique color that perfectly matches a natural environment.
9. Farrow & Ball – Wevet
The perfect color if you want “white” walls without them actually being white. When put next to a white wall, you’ll be able to see a major difference. Therefore, I highly recommend to paint everything in Wevet, including the ceiling! It’s the softest white you’ll see, spreading lots of calmness and warmth without being too white.
10. Farrow & Ball – Eating Room Red
Although I am not the biggest fan of red and yellow, this one is a great option if you’re into something like this. Perfect to accentuate certain spaces or play around.
11. Farrow & Ball – Card Room Green
Green is such a trending color and I’m so here for it! Green adds much warmth and character to a space, making it very warm and comfortable. I personally prefer to work with more gentle green tones as they make the space more luxurious and lighter without compromising in the design.
12. Rust O’Leum – Chalk White
The paint color I get the most questions about is the one I have in my own apartment. While I unfortunately don’t know the exact shade (as I moved into the freshly painted apartment), I have found an extremely similar paint color that matches mine perfectly!
Conclusion
Choosing the right wall paint color and type is essential for creating a space that is beautiful, functional, and reflective of your personality. By understanding how colors impact a room and the different types of paints available, you can make informed decisions that will transform your home into a haven of style and comfort. So, go ahead and experiment with colors—your perfect space is just a brushstroke away!
Looking for more? Make sure to read our blogpost about different color schemes here, or the psychological effects of color here.
