Cool Paint Shade Ideas We Love: Blue, Green, Purple and More

Wow! What color is that? HGTV Magazine is here with some tips on how to use cool paint colors around your house.

From: HGTV Magazine

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Andrew Sherman

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Andrew Boyd

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: REBEKAH WESTOVER

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Bonnie Sen Photography

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Jessica Delaney

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Garey Gomez/gareygomez.com

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Whit Preston

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Katie Varela

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Michael Radford

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Stoffer Photography

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Jamie Salomon

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Drew Rice

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Christopher Dibble

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Cassie Bustamante

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Stoffer Photography

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Austin Black

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Jenny Melick

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Erica Mark

Photo By: Lucy Cuneo

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Mike Van Tassel

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Andrew Sherman

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Andrea Pietrangeli

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: LANCE SELGO

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Dabito

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Shannon Dupre'

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Jess Blackwell

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Ellie Lillstrom

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Angie Seckinger

Photo By: Nick McGinn

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Molly Culver

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Christopher Dibble

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Camille Lai

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Havalah Carlson

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Julie Soefer

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: JENNA PEFFLEY

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Lauren Pressey

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Michael Hunter

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Sandy Jandu

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Marisa Vitale

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Alex Lukey

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Elizabeth Day

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: David A. Land

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Sean Shanahan

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Dustin Halleck

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Sarah Winchester

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Megan Cherepko

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Donna Griffith

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: D. WANG PHOTO

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Lauren Edith Anderson

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Erin Kestenbaum

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: TWest Photography

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Christina Dennis

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Sean Litchfield

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Paula Ortiz

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Spacecrafting Photography

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Lane Dittoe

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Tessa Neustadt/Homepolish

Photo By: Jack Wineinger

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Cati Teague

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Dustin Halleck

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: JULIA LYNN

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Casey Dunn

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Josh Gibson

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Jessica Delaney

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Jamie Orr

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Miranda Estes

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Sarah Baker

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Jessie Preza

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Molly Culver

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: David A. Land

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: Stoffer Photography

Photo By: StuartTyson/Studio D

Photo By: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Sean Litchfield/Homepolish

Photo By: Philip Friedman

Photo By: Mary Clare O'Sadnick

Photo By: Stuart Tyson

Photo By: We Studio, LLC

The Paint

Soothing Green Tea, Glidden

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Doors are such a great way to bring a splash of color into a room — small risk, big reward! I picked a light avocado green for my entry that’s in step with my midcentury ranch. It’s a good balance of eye-catching yet subdued.”

—Alicia Drown, @studiorancho, Denver, CO

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Grape Green, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Although this living room has a few windows, the light wasn’t enough to make the long, narrow space feel happy. Luckily, my husband and I aren’t afraid of color! Paired with bright white trim, acid green feels amazingly energetic. Visitors have always been surprised by the choice — in a good way.”

—Raina Kattelson, Raina Kattelson Stylist, Red Hook, NY

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Granny Smith, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“For the crafting room of a color-happy family, painting the cabinets and the shelves was a no-brainer. This green apple shade is playful and not overwhelming next to the patterned floor. Who wouldn’t have fun here?!”

—Deboni Sacre, Liv Design Collective, Highland, UT

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Central Park, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Painting the ceiling of my son’s room calls out the little curve at the top of the walls, which is one of our condo’s many charming prewar features. This green seemed just right for a nursery: not too in-your-face, but not babyish, either.”

—Kiera Kushlan, Residents Understood, Washington, DC

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Avocado Toast, Clare

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“The dining room in this early 1900s Colonial deserved a younger vibe. Grass green livened it right up. The homeowners were all in, but to someone on the fence, I’d say go for it — it’s just paint!”

—Beth Bourque, Beth Bourque Design Studio, Milton, MA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Green Onyx, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“For my clients’ 1920s home, I had in mind a color that felt historic and modern. This green delivers! Popular in that era, it looks like copper patina, yet next to the dark hood and brass accents, it’s fresh and spring-y.”

—Micaela Quinton, @copperskydesignremodel, Atlanta, GA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Dill, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Green on the lower cabinets livens up an otherwise all-white kitchen. The color is just right: Its hint of yellow is warm and bright, and it’s a great complement to the yellow-leaning oak floors.”

—Murray Legge, Murray Legge Architecture, Austin, TX (Photography: Whit Preston)

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Vine Leaf, Behr

How You Can Use It

“It was once a dingy secondhand white dresser, and I restored it for my husband. I chose hunter green — a favorite of his — and applied three coats over a weekend, removing the wood knobs to keep them natural, like the top. Once we moved the piece into our bedroom, I did a vintage gallery wall to complete the eclectic feel.”

—Katie Varela, @our.home.on.a.hill, Lake Forest, CA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Basil, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“I wanted to give this hallway study space a timeless feel, and this shade of green, with gray undertones, was just the right paint for the job. I replaced part of the wall with a wood partition that lets in light but still creates a sense of privacy during homework time.”

— Lisa Rossman, @ll.design.co, Huntington Beach, CA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Moss Point Green, PPG Paints

How You Can Use It

“After putting up green-and-white wallpaper on three of this bedroom’s walls, I decided to do something different with the wall behind the bed so the gridded paneling wouldn’t get lost. This clover color makes it pop. And it’s so fresh, like spring on a wall!”

—Julie Howard, Timber Trails Development Company, Western Springs, IL

The Paint

Olive Rush, Valspar

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“All the trees outside this lakeside home inspired me to choose a leafy color for the kitchen cabinets that paired beautifully with a sky blue oven and hood. The look is a breath of fresh air!”

—Kristina Crestin, Kristina Crestin Design, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Royal Orchard, Behr

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“There’s something dramatic about a bookcase that’s painted the same color as the walls. You get a space with the elegant feel of a library. This green isn’t at all overbearing — it’s bright and invigorating in the morning, and cozy and intimate at night.”

—Taylor Clouse, Love County Design, Austin, TX

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Tate Olive, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Here’s a way to make a room look cozy and classic: Paint the walls, trim, built-ins and baseboards the same color. I went with a sophisticated leafy green in this family’s den. For contrast, the wall finish is flat and the built-in is satin.”

—Max Humphrey, Max Humphrey Interior Design, Portland, OR

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Secret Garden, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“I can’t have as many plants in our family room as I’d like because our curious toddler loves to dig in the dirt. Instead I painted the entire fireplace earthy green. An angled brush let me get into the bricks’ nooks and crannies.”

—Cassie Bustamante, homeowner, Greensboro, NC

The Paint

Courtyard Green, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“A great green was my mission, per the 10-year-old boy whose room this is. Although putting that on all the walls would have been too much of a good thing, it’s just right on the built-in bed and shelves.”

—Julie Howard, Timber Trails Development Company, Western Springs, IL

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Envy, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“Painting this secondhand cabinet brought out its cool bamboo, wicker and brass details. The color was inspired by the homeowner’s lush yard — it reminds me of a four-leaf clover.”

— Austin Black, @styled.byaustin, Denver, CO

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Lounge Green, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Since this bathroom doesn’t have windows, we chose a color that would lighten things up, inspired by the home’s vibrant lawn. It looked so great on the vanity, the homeowner wanted to give the medicine cabinet a matching door.”

—Aly Glavin and Dara Barber, The Daraly, Charlotte, NC

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Jitterbug Jade, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“I decided to paint this butler’s pantry a happy green because it’s the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. The rest of the house is mostly white, and this space has become a real showpiece.”

— Ashley DeLapp, Ashley DeLapp Interior Design, Charlotte, NC

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Direct Green, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“I scored the wicker table and chairs on Craigslist for $150 — a steal, except they were a dated and sad yellow. A preppy, glossy green gave them a much-needed modern twist. For a flawless finish, it’s best to use a paint sprayer so color covers the intricate designs and goes on nice and smooth.”

—Sam Sidney, homeowner, Charleston, SC

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Envy, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“When I painted my front door kelly green as a distraction from my home’s beige brick, I decided to also paint the inside for a mega statement. On double doors, it has double the unexpectedness.”

—Beth Diana Smith, Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, Irvington, NJ

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Ivy League, PPG Paints

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

"Using a vivid emerald green on otherwise simple cabinets pushed the envelope in a classic space. The color reminds me of new growth on a plant and new beginnings. How could your day not start out great here?”

—Jessica Webber, Webber Coleman Woodworks, Watkinsville, GA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Argyle, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“This jewel-toned green is really stunning on a piece of furniture — the chest’s brass details are like sunlight hitting a patch of grass. It’s actually pretty versatile, and it looks good with blue, gray, yellow and even blush accessories.”

—Janelle Blakely, Blakely Interior Design, North Kingstown, RI

The Paint

Derbyshire, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

"This boy’s room used to be moss-color — not nearly bright enough for his personality. I pulled the kelly green from his pillow. The seamless effect of walls and trim painted the same color makes the room feel a bit larger.”

—Emily Larkin, EJ Interiors, Dallas, TX

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Deep Pine, Dunn-Edwards

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Here in sunny Miami, deep green is not the most obvious choice for an entryway. But I love how dramatic it is while still feeling natural. When you step inside, it’s like you’re taking a walk through the woods.”

—Federica Molini, Arte Bohème blog, Miami, FL

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Martha's Vineyard, Benjamin Moore

How You Can Use It

“My clients really like green. This blade-of-grass shade punches up the neutral sofa. And because it’s saturated and fresh, it makes a statement without weighing down the dimly lit room. That sunny ottoman plays well with the green and ties in with the gallery wall.”

—Isabella Patrick, @isabellapatrickinteriors, New York, NY

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Ionian, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“This ’60s-era office used to be oak on oak. Once I had the wood paneling painted this rich green, the desk and shelves popped. The vibrant shade keeps the homeowner alert during long workdays!” — Ashley Christensen, TVL Creative, Denver, CO

The Paint

Yarmouth Blue, Benjamin Moore

How You Can Use It

“I consider this blue one of my go-tos. It’s calming, yet happy, and cozy but not at all gloomy. Though I love it on the walls in this guest room, it would also look great on cabinets in a laundry room.”

— Lindsay Pincus, Lindsay Pincus Design, Seattle, WA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Headspace, Clare

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“When I painted my family’s dining room, I lifted the fresh blue-green shade from the fabric on the dining chairs. I love how it shifts in color throughout the day from a bright blue to a soft teal at night when the warm light from the chandelier hits it.”

—Kevin Francis O’Gara, Kevin Francis Design, Atlanta, GA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Iced Green, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Here’s a color that’s fun but still a neutral. It’s spa-like when paired with white accents, but you could easily dial it up by adding poppy coral accessories.”

—Marika Meyer, Marika Meyer Interiors, Bethesda, MD

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Blue Ground, Farrow & Ball

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

"We chose sky blue to complement the tub tile in this Jack and Jill bathroom for a brother and sister. It’s a cheerful shade that goes especially well with a yellow rubber ducky!"

—Scarlett James, The Mix Interiors, Nashville, TN

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Bird’s Egg, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“This laundry room gets no natural light, but it doesn’t feel that way because of the vibrant sky blue we painted the cabinets. Now it’s a cheerful spot to walk into, even if it involves doing a chore.”

—Raquel Skrobarczyk, Heather Scott Home & Design, Austin, TX

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Oval Room Blue, Farrow & Ball

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“For a partially above-ground basement in the sometimes gloomy Pacific Northwest, I went for a seafoam shade that’s both cheerful and cozy. Once the wall was color-blocked and the whole fireplace was painted, its corner placement looked very cool.”

—Emilia Callero, @emilia_decor, Portland, OR

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Duke Gray, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines

How You Can Use It

“I love all of the decor in this room, and the bold paint color really elevates the space. It’s an interesting shade of green — only in low light do you see the hint of gray that the name suggests.”

—Camille Lai, @houseof.lais, Orlando, FL

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Morning Calm, Magnolia HOME by Joanna Gaines

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“I love this aqua blue because it’s easy on the eyes and not overwhelmingly bright, which makes it a great color for the wall of shelves in this room. Still, it’s inviting and fun, and that’s important because I want my family to hang out in our screen-free zone!”

—Brianna Hall, homeowner, Portland, OR

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Spearmint, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“I wanted a fun, unexpected color for a single dad and his two boys. This rich aqua doesn’t feel like those typical bachelor standbys navy and gray, plus it looks so good with black and white.”

— Courtnay Tartt Elias, @creativetonic, Houston, TX

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Summer Dragonfly, Behr

How You Can Use It

“My mother-in-law asked me to create a nook in the room at her house where my girls and niece sleep over, so I installed a bench in the closet and painted the wall a cheerful color. A scallop pattern really draws eyes to this special feature. The girls love to play ‘school’ in here!”

—Pamela Goulden, @mypracticehome, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

The Paint

Blue Earth + Aqua Bloom, both Dunn-Edwards

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Dark and light cabinets add a little drama and make this kitchen feel more expansive. The deep blue draws the eye up and the light blue draws the eye over. I continued the colors onto the baseboards for a modern edge.”

—Camille Henderson Davis, The Niche Home, Bethesda, MD

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Winter Chime, Dunn-Edwards

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Aqua has an energizing effect that evokes diving into a pool, perfect for a client who wanted a bright area for doing laundry. I pulled it from the floor tile, which is by Oh Joy! for Clé. It makes everyone happy — rare for a laundry room!”

—Noelle Parks, Noelle Interiors, Manhattan Beach, CA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Water Fountain, Valspar

How You Can Use It

“The built-ins and cabinets used to be stained wood that had been stripped and were in desperate need of a makeover. I pulled the blue from the window shade. Putting it on the ceiling, too, turned the room into a cool escape — what’s better for hot Houston weather?”

—Ashley Goforth, @ashleygoforth, Houston, TX

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Blue'd Up, Clare

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“The minute I saw this denim-y color, I knew I wanted to use it in my living room for a homey feel. Its purple undertones envelop you like a comfy pair of jeans that fit just right.”

—Sandy Jandu, @elleehome, Cedar Grove, NJ

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Jay, Portola

How You Can Use It

“I wanted a blue in the dining room that would nod to the Pacific Ocean — it’s a few blocks away from this home — and add texture, but I couldn’t find a wallpaper that knocked me out. Then I remembered limewash. It’s applied in thin, watery layers. The brushstrokes give the effect of movement, like waves.”

—Natalie Myers, @nataliemyers, Los Angeles, CA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Aleutian, Sherwin-Williams

How You Can Use It

“You can’t go wrong with a pretty periwinkle, and blue is a favorite color of my clients’ daughter. Win-win! Monstera leaf decals were a fun way for her to put her own stamp on her room.”

— Meghan Carter, Meghan Carter Design, Toronto, Ontario

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Notable Hue, Sherwin-Williams

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“A calming blue brings peace to a highly trafficked mudroom where two kids and two dogs are constantly in and out. It’s like the sky on a clear day, and seeing it on the cabinets and the window is a breath of fresh air.”

—Jenna Gross, Colordrunk Designs, Decatur, GA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Lazy Sunday, Benjamin Moore

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“Most people use a bold color on the wall and a subtle one on the ceiling, but I flipped things around. The cheery blue resembles a bright, clear sky — perfect for such a light-filled living room. I used the same shade on the doors to tie it all together.”

—Alisha Gwen, Alisha Gwen Interior Design, Pittsburgh, PA

From: HGTV Magazine

The Paint

Blue Cue, Dunn-edwards

How You Can Use It

“That cornflower blue in the Clé Tile floors inspired the color of the bathroom’s vanity. Its serene lightness says ‘just relax and breathe,’ exactly what you want in an escape.”

—Rachel Chulew, designHAUS 24, Dallas, TX

The Paint

Ultra Marine Blue, Farrow & Ball

From: HGTV Magazine

How You Can Use It

“This home is near Lake Michigan and the owners wanted their office to remind them of the water. I chose an earthy blue that’s not too dark or inky. It’s calming, so it’s great for focusing on work, but it would be beautiful in a kitchen or mudroom, too.”

—Jodi Morton, 2to5 Design, Evanston, IL

From: HGTV Magazine