If you’re an indecisive person who struggles with commitment, then every single decision can become an epic struggle. Kids who can’t commit to peeling the back off of a sticker are the same kids who grow up to paint their houses white. It’s not that they don’t love color – it’s just that they can’t commit! 

Can you relate? Picking paint colors feels like a big, permanent decision, but it can actually be an excellent way to set the tone of your space. 

Sometimes, when you’re stuck choosing interior paint colors, the best thing to do is to look around and see what everyone else is doing. Today’s most popular paint colors are trending for a reason! Read on to find out what factors go into choosing between paint color options, and discover some of the most popular colors to try! 

Paint Color and Interior Design

When you pick a paint color to slap on your walls, you’re not simply expressing a preference. The color you choose can affect the size and atmosphere of the room. If you need help narrowing things down, start by considering the kind of vibe you hope to create in the space that needs a refresh. 

Warm and Cool

Generally, we can separate colors into two categories: dark, warm colors and light, cool colors.

Warm colors tend to be the types of shades that evoke warm feelings. Think “fire shades” like reds, browns, oranges, and deep yellows. Light colors are the opposite, tending toward blues, greens, and violets. 

Your warm colors will have the effect of making a room feel smaller, which is not always a bad thing! Many people use these colors for rooms that seem a little too large for their function. For example, a large den looks great in a deep, warm shade, adding coziness and encouraging visitors to snuggle up on the sofa. 

Conversely, your cool colors can make a room look larger and airier. Visually, they cause the walls to recede, adding visual depth, whether it’s there or not. Psychologically, cool colors can make a room feel physically cooler, too, which makes it a great color family if you live in a warmer climate. 

Color and Mood

Believe it or not, color psychology is a thing. Have you heard of the experiment in which they painted the cells of highly volatile prisoners pink? Psychologists found that the color change calmed the prisoners down.

You can subtly influence the mood in your own home by choosing colors that have a subconscious effect on mood and psychological state. While any color can have any number of associations, humans tend to share enough experiences that there is a universal, unspoken language of color. A few of the common associations include:

• Reds for energy
• Oranges for excitement
• Yellows for happiness
• Pinks for calm
• Greens for rest
• Blues to soothe
• Purples for drama
• Browns for comfort
• Grays for warmth and versatility
• White for spaciousness
• Black for edginess 
• Metallics for creativity

Of course, the shade you choose will also have an impact on the way your room feels. A deep, warm orange, for example, will not have the same exciting feeling as an electric orange. A deep orange living room will feel cozy, while a bright orange playroom will encourage joyful play. 

If you need tips for putting together these combos, there’s more information here.

Popular Colors Today

It seems like a funny idea that any color could go out of style, but each decade comes with unique color trends. Think about your typical 70’s style living room and the colors that such a space evokes! We don’t see too many olive green, pale orange, and brown homes these days!

What’s important is that you choose a color that you like and can live with. Many of the most popular shades today are popular for their versatility. They include many unique neutrals that look great with all kinds of furniture.

Everyone Loves Gray

The most popular color in the early 2020s seems to be gray. While this may seem like a depressing choice, it’s amazing how much the right shade of gray paint and modernize and brighten up a room. 

According to a recent study looking at interior design trends from Instagram, the most popular shade of all has been Zoffany’s Paris Gray. It’s an elegant shade that evokes French sophistication. Because it’s neutral, it’s easy to match this shade to your existing furniture. 

Try a Green Neutral

You may not think of the color green as a neutral color, but a little touch of green in an otherwise neutral hue adds a touch of spring to any space. Likewise, deeper greens add that warm coziness to a room without sacrificing brightness, making it an excellent choice year-round. 

Denim and Navy

Blue is one of the most universally beloved colors, and you’re likely to find deeper shades on the walls of many modern homes. Navy is a stylish, energetic color that works great as a bold accent wall. Denim is a fun and neutral shade of blue that, like its fashionable counterpart, is easy to dress up or down!

Add Some Mustard

If you page through any catalog or fashion magazine in the fall, you’re likely to come across mustard yellow everything. This deep golden shade evokes autumn and adds a touch of positivity to any space. It goes great with those cozier browns and wood tones for a space that encourages cuddling up with a blanket and a book. 

Design With Dusky Pink

Pink is good for more than the interior of a little girl’s bedroom. A good dusky pink is also a popular pop of fun for any living space. It’s a great accent color, especially if you choose a shade that is closer to a warm brown than bubblegum, which goes great with many popular neutrals. 

Picking Paint Colors Made Easy

No matter how indecisive you are, picking paint colors doesn’t need to stress you out! If you start with an understanding of how you want your room to feel when you walk in, you can narrow your options down to a few trendy hues. Taking a look at what’s popular can narrow your options further, and you’ll have a lovely space in no time!

Has the design bug given you a love bite? Check out the rest of the blog for more posts that can help you transform your house into a home.