While it’s undeniable that blues, grays, and greens are inherently calm colors, the buck doesn’t have to stop there. There are neutrals, pastels, and high-pigment paint colors across the spectrum that make for a serene space, and we’re spilling all the secrets.
Muted Turquoise
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
“Sherwin-Williams Quietude (SW 6212) is a deep celadon that’s perfectly calming for a bedroom,” says designer Meredith Ellis of the peaceful pop of color she gave the master bedroom of Southern Living’s 2018 Idea House.
Chalky Green
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Give your home an earthy tone by going with a pale green. It makes a more interesting backdrop when decorating with a mix of neutrals.
In this Kentucky home, designer Hanna Seabrook chose Vert de Terre (No. 234) by Farrow & Ball for the perfect aged green.
Haint Blue
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Every Southerner knows that brushing your porch ceiling with a pretty haint blue keeps the wasps (and bad spirits!) at bay, but we’ve also been known to use it for a screened-in porch ceiling, too. Why? Not only is it tradition, but it instantly makes the space feel more charming.
In this Florida beach cottage, the porch ceiling was coated in Embellished Blue (SW 6747) by Sherwin-Williams.
Warm Gray
Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo; Styling: Ed Gallagher
Make your living space both comforting and stylish with a warm-toned gray (including the trim!). You’ll find a soothing pick with Dunn-Edwards Bay Salt (DET642).
Island Tan
Photo: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
This isn’t your typical khaki. Warm up any living or kitchen space with an island-inspired creamy tan color, especially when pairing with sand or cocoa hues.
In Southern Living’s 2017 Idea House, we paired tan Wellborn cabinetry in Dormer Brown (SW 7521) by Sherwin-Williams with a tanned cream wall color, such as Sherwin-Williams Whitetail (SW 7103).
Dusty Teal
Photo: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
When designing a bedroom, choose a dark and cozy palette to complement your place of rest and relaxation.
In this Fairhope retreat home, you’ll see Abigail Borg’s Laburnum Teal paper on the back wall of the master bedroom—but we’re taking note of the complementary deep teal on the surrounding walls: Scarborough 501-5 by Pittsburg Paints.
Pale Blush
Photo: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Don’t be afraid to “think pink,” especially when outfitting your personal spaces. In this case, it was Holly Williams—Nashville shop owner, musician, and the granddaughter and daughter of the famous Hanks—who coated her closet and dressing room in a warm blush pink that feels both calming and luxurious.
To get the look, go for Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball. “It brings a ladylike elegance to the edgier items I’m drawn to,” Williams says.
Ocean Blue
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Liz Strong
There’s nothing quite as serene as blue-green. If you’re not into all-over color, instead opt for a painted trim, like seen here.
Decorator Heather Chadduck Hillegas covered this bedroom’s windows and baseboards in Sherwin-Williams Jasper Stone (SW 9133) to contrast walls painted in Alabaster (SW 7008).
Sage Green
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cox
Sage Green is like a fresh breath of air, lending an earthy antique feel to any room. In this South Carolina cottage, decorator Whitney MacGregor, gave the dining room a more formal look to match her antique furniture by adding panels of molding to the plain drywall and hanging her art inside each panel. Find a true sage green in Dunn-Edward Belize Green (DEC782).
This post – courtesy of Southern Living, written by Kaitlyn Yarborough.