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.

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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 midcentury ranch. It’s a good balance of eye-catching yet subdued.”
—Alicia Drown, @studiorancho, Denver, CO
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
Granny Smith, Benjamin Moore
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
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, DC
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Envy, Sherwin-Williams
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
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
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
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
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
Oval Room Blue, Farrow & Ball
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
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
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
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
The Paint
Winter Chime, Dunn-Edwards
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
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
The Paint
Blue'd Up, Clare
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
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
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
The Paint
Notable Hue, Sherwin-Williams
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
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
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
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
The Paint
Ol' Blue Eyes, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“My 9-year-old son needed a bathroom to match his personality. He’s lively but with an old soul, and this cerulean is the same. I’d never gone so bold, let alone painted everything the same color. Now he has the best space!”
—Megan Cherepko, @megancherepko, Valparaiso, IN
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
Paddington Blue, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“The homeowners were a little nervous about using cobalt blue in their open-concept dining space, but they bit the bullet and ended up loving it. Its brightness brings an exciting and playful energy to the room. We added molding in a grid pattern to make it even more of a feature wall and chose a white table and chairs to really let the color shine.”
—Ruchi A Mohan, Design by Ruchi LLC, New York, NY
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
Loyal Blue, Sherwin-Williams
How You Can Use It
“To help turn a bathroom into a glam escape, I picked a jewel tone for the vanity. Paired with the gold drawer pulls and the black-and-white tile, it feels like you’re in a chic boutique hotel.”
—Diane Rath, The Rath Project, Fairfield, CT
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
Observatory, Behr
How You Can Use It
“The little lake right outside a cabin I own inspired the main bedroom. Parts of the water are deeper and darker, and a steely shade with hints of gray reflects that. Putting it on a shiplap-style wall gave it contemporary-coastal style.”
—Christina Dennis, @thediymommy, Edmonton, Alberta
The Paint
Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball
How You Can Use It
“A single mom owns this house, so I wanted the kitchen nook to be a glamorous color that could transition from breakfasts to dinner parties. This dark blue is perfect! Teal undertones show when the sun hits, and at night this shade is perfectly moody.”
— Cecilia Casagrande, @ceciliainteriors, Brookline, MA
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
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, @mrorlandosoria, 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
Cyberspace, Sherwin-Williams
How You Can Use It
“Since I knew a dining room with windows on three walls and tall ceilings could handle a dark, dramatic color, I went all in. Alongside the touches of warm gold, it’s moody yet chic. Sitting in here is like being wrapped in a cocoon.”
—Kat Lawton, @katlawtoninteriors, Puyallup, WA
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
Fairy Glen, Pratt & Lambert
How You Can Use It
“I like my tiniest clients to have a say in their spaces, so purple walls and a teal headboard it was for this young girl’s room. Lilac is a great shade for a kid because it’s youthful now, but it’s sophisticated enough to grow with her.”
—Laura Ellis Barnes, @houseof_barnes, Tulsa, OK
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
Kalamata, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“My clients’ daughters wanted magenta in their bathroom, except their parents thought they might outgrow it. So we pushed it slightly darker to eggplant. The color picks up on the gray streaks in the countertops, and the girls loved it all the same.”
—Kate Lester, @klinteriors, Hermosa Beach, CA
The Paint
Mulberry, Benjamin Moore
How You Can Use It
“My home office is the first room I’ve ever decorated just for me, and I went full glam. The bold color reminds me of purple calla lilies. I chose warm gold accessories to chic it up even more.”
—Julie Geyer, Julie Geyer Studio, Bethesda, MD
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
The Paint
Dancing Shoes, Portola Paints & Glazes
How You Can Use It
“I had to find a way to make a rich velvety purple I was really into work in my dining room. Putting in white wainscoting lightened the space. The dark color dresses it up, and it’s a chic backdrop for my chandelier.”
—Tamar Kestenbaum, @siennasageinteriors, Seattle, WA

Photo By: Philip Friedman