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.
The Paint
Grape Green, Benjamin Moore
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
The Paint
Soothing Green Tea, Glidden
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 mid-century ranch. It’s a good balance of eye-catching yet subdued.” — Alicia Drown, Studio Rancho, Denver, CO
The Paint
Central Park, Benjamin Moore
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, D.C.
The Paint
Avocado Toast, Clare
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
The Paint
Dill, Sherwin-Williams
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)
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
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
The Paint
Royal Orchard, Behr
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
The Paint
Tate Olive, Benjamin Moore
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
The Paint
Courtyard Green, Benjamin Moore
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
The Paint
Lounge Green, Sherwin-Williams
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
The Paint
Direct Green, Sherwin-Williams
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
The Paint
Ivy League, PPG Paints
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
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
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
The Paint
Deep Pine, Dunn-Edwards
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
The Paint
Headspace, Clare
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
The Paint
Iced Green, Benjamin Moore
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
The Paint
Blue Ground, Farrow & Ball
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
The Paint
Bird’s Egg, Benjamin Moore
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
The Paint
Morning Calm, Magnolia HOME by Joanna Gaines
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
The Paint
Lazy Sunday, Benjamin Moore
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
The Paint
Deep Ocean, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“Although people often assume that painting a space anything other than white makes it look smaller, rich blue gave this living room depth. Using the same shade for the rug creates a cool effect. All that blue gave me the chance to do a hot pink sofa.” — Barbara Milner, South Hill Interiors, Toronto, Ontario
The Paint
Treble, C2 Paint
How You Can Use It
“The box beams in my dining room are so pretty that I wanted to help them stand out. My secret: I used this deep denim blue in full strength on the walls, and at 50% saturation between the beams. It’s still high impact but with a lighter tone, so it’s not as if the ceiling is crashing down on you.” — Melanie Coddington, Coddington Design, San Francisco, CA
The Paint
Denim, Sherwin-Williams
How You Can Use It
“Once I flanked this living room’s fireplace with bookshelves, the red brick suddenly seemed dated. A deep blue totally modernizes it—and makes it the center of attention. Dark gray paint on the hearth keeps the focus on the surround.” — Samantha Klickna, Case Design/Remodeling, Bethesda, MD
The Paint
Blue Tang, PPG Paints
How You Can Use It
“Blue is always a crowd-pleaser. This particular shade may be dark and moody, but there are bright undertones, so it’s more exciting than classic navy. Paired with metallic accents, it’s extra dramatic.” — Michelle Thomas, Michelle Thomas Design, Austin, TX
The Paint
Slate Teal, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“Most of my house is painted white, so I decided to go moody in a couple of areas. The peacocks I saw on a trip to Morocco inspired me to use this vibrant blue. When the room was done, it looked so good that I cried!” — Lucy Penfield, Lucy Interior Design, Minneapolis, MN
The Paint
Galápagos Turquoise, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“My husband’s only request when we remodeled was no all-white kitchen! We are both fans of ocean blues, and this turquoise is the best shade because it’s unexpected and bold. It really shows our style.” — Jackie Culmer, Christiano Homes, Costa Mesa, CA
The Paint
Navy Teal, Dunn-Edwards
How You Can Use It
“Combine the richness of classic navy with the electric feel of teal and you get this blue. It’s the best of both worlds— not too out there, yet exciting enough for a young couple who requested something bold on their built-ins.” — Corine Maggio, CM Natural Designs, Mill Valley, CA
The Paint
Calypso Blue, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“Since this homeowner is creative and fun-loving, I picked something equally vivacious for the walls of his home office. This shade of blue is super energized and a little offbeat—a perfect match.” — Orlando Soria, Homepolish, Los Angeles, CA
The Paint
Perfect Storm, Valspar
How You Can Use It
“I love geometric wallpaper, but I find a stencil way easier. I bought one with 12 triangles from Olive Leaf Stencils on Etsy, then measured the wall so I could start in the middle—that way the pattern would be even on both sides. I secured the stencil with painter’s tape and did one coat of dark teal with a roller, keeping the pressure light so paint didn’t seep under the stencil’s edges.” — Summer Wick, Cascade Vintage & Co. blog, Camas, WA
The Paint
Dark Harbor, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“This home office used to be a dull shade of gray, hardly an inspiring place to get stuff done. I painted three walls white, and an accent wall deep, moody teal. The color brings lots of personality and showcases the art. Who wouldn’t want to work here now?!” — Gina Sims, Gina Sims Designs, Decatur, GA
The Paint
Downpour Blue, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“I had these cabinets put into the den of a house that’s over 100 years old and has a lot of original molding, so we didn’t need more wood tones. The homeowner had chosen navy but at the last minute worried it would be too dark. And that’s how we landed on this amazing sapphire blue.” — Robin Titus, R Titus Designs, Chicago, IL
The Paint
Champion Cobalt, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“It took a few tries to find the right blue for this beach house dining room. I wanted a saturated shade that wouldn’t lose its color when it gets dark outside and the family is gathered around the table. This one is striking day and night.” — Kevin Isbell, Kevin Isbell Interiors, Los Angeles, CA
The Paint
Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“Since this kitchen opens to a family room, I wanted to define the cooking space with color. I turned to my go-to: navy. It looks so chic next to brass accents and leather stools.” — Trish Ireland, Trish Ireland Interiors, Cincinnati, OH
The Paint
Nightspot, C2 Paint
How You Can Use It
“Painting a runner on a staircase is a great way to add a splash of color, like in this coastal home. The blue is fun and sophisticated, but the best part is that sweeping sand off painted stairs is a lot easier than vacuuming carpeted ones.” — Jenny Keenan, Jenny Keenan Design, Charleston, SC
The Paint
Mount Etna, Sherwin-Williams
How You Can Use It
“Using the same grayed-out navy blue on the cabinets, trim and ceiling made a small kitchen seem more expansive. It would also be an amazing shade for a side table or a powder room vanity.” — Danielle Loven, Vivid Interior Design, Minneapolis, MN
The Paint
Blackberry, C2 Paint
The Paint
“When a room is large and also gets a ton of light, it can lack an intimate feel. Navy that’s so dark it’s almost black gives a space a cozy vibe, like it did for this master bedroom sitting area.” — Beth Bourque, Beth Bourque Design Studio, Milton, MA
The Paint
Fresh Kicks and Blackest, Clare
How You Can Use It
“My son wanted an all-black room, from the walls to his bedding. Scary! We literally met in the middle and did black-and-white. I painted them on a diagonal for an energetic boost, and a decal of a tree with gray tones softens the contrast.” — Natalie Myers, Veneer Designs, Los Angeles, CA
The Paint
Veiled Violet, Sherwin-Williams
How You Can Use It
“The millwork on the vanity is so special, I had to highlight it — plain white wouldn’t do. The hue is a quieter version of the lavender in the shower’s accent tile.” — Rachel Cannon, Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors, Baton Rouge, LA
The Paint
How You Can Use It
“I always say ‘Pick a color and commit,’ so I went for it in this bathroom in my house! The light purple is both calming and sophisticated. I paired it with blush window treatments, but it would also look great with dark purple or navy.” — Mary Patton, Mary Patton Design, Houston, TX
The Paint
Tropical Dusk, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“My client and I turned a sitting area off the master bedroom into her dream closet. So why not make it as fun as possible? We painted the cabinets lavender, which plays off the ottoman she loves.” — Alisha Gwen, Alisha Gwen Interior Design, Pittsburgh, PA
The Paint
Dark Burgundy, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
"People tend to think open lofts have to be all white. This rich purple proves that’s not true! Using it for an accent wall in the dining area gives the space definition. I also like that it looks like the perfect glass of wine." — Kevin Clark, Homepolish, New York, NY
The Paint
Grape Juice, Benjamin Moore
The Paint
“This condo’s master bedroom used to be a lifeless shade of tan, which was a bad match for the vivacious homeowner. Eggplant gives it lots of spunk but looks dramatic and sophisticated, too.” — Laura Tribbett, Outline Interiors, Chicago, IL
