Wall colors interior
20 Best Paint Colors - Interior Designers' Favorite Wall Paint Colors
Sarah Winchester
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Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball
"I love this deep rich green color in powder rooms (I used it in my own!) and on millwork," says interior designer Erin Gates. "We've been using it a lot lately in libraries and dens. It has a nice amount of gray in it, which makes it subdued yet dramatic."
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Life Created
2 of 20
Forged Steel, Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams' Forged Steel is a go-to choice for Lauren Lerner of Living with Lolo. "I love that this color changes depending on the lighting and nearby hues," she says. "It is a warm gray with some brown tones and a great neutral to be used as a dramatic backdrop."
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Photo: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien; Stylist: Char Hatch Langos
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Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore
When it comes to gray paint colors, Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray is the top pick for Kitchen Design Group's Caren Rideau. “It brings soft warmth to a room and does not distract from artwork or any bright colors in furniture. It is a nice backdrop in a room."
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Mike Van Tassell
4 of 20
Century Darjeeling, Benjamin Moore
Dark hues can make a big impact, and this project from interior designer Gail Davis is proof. "I had the opportunity to use this expressive color in a guest bedroom for a private residence in Princeton, New Jersey. This color did not disappoint, being the perfect backdrop for the headboard and artwork. It takes your breath away."
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Melinda Kelson O'Connor Design
5 of 20
Dimpse, Farrow & Ball
Gray paint colors, like Farrow & Ball's Dimpse, are beyond versatile, according to architect and designer Mindy O'Connor. "Dimpse is a cool pale gray that works as a terrific neutral in lieu of white in modern space. It is a perfect backdrop for kitchen cabinetry or against other natural wood and stone elements without overwhelming the design.
While setting a more cool tone, it is not stark."
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Brianne Bishop Design
6 of 20
Gray, Benjamin Moore
"We love using a deep, moody color to give depth to a space and this color achieves that with the perfect balance of warm and cool," says Brianne Bishop.
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Travis Richardson
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Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
"When it comes to white paint, we like to use the same shades throughout for the walls, trim, cabinets and ceilings," says House of Jade Interiors' Kirsten Krason, noting that Sherwin-Williams' Snowbound is the perfect hue.
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Donna Dotan
8 of 20
Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore
Designer Ariel Okin likes this cool, crisp white from Benjamin Moore. "It automatically opens up a room and makes it feel airy and clean," she says. "We also love pairing it as a trim color with Simply White by Benjamin Moore on the walls for a nice warm-cool contrast."
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Ryan Garvin
9 of 20
Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore
Teal is a no-fail choice for a bedroom, library, office or even cabinetry, according to designer and HGTV star Breegan Jane.
Her favorite? Benjamin Moore's Aegean Teal. "Teal is reminiscent of the shimmering waters of Ibiza on a warm, sunny day," says Jane. "It's synonymous with serenity, and who couldn’t use a little more of that?"
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Amy Bartlam
10 of 20
Cavernous, Dunn Edwards
Look no further than Dunn-Edwards' Cavernous if you have an affinity for dark paint colors. "The contrast is amazing with a crisp white, but also has this ability that allows it to pair perfectly with the warmer neutrals that we are using more and more of these days as well," says Los Angeles-based interior designer Kate Lester.
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Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
11 of 20
Palladian Blue, Benjamin Moore
"My go-to paint colors are classic and easy to live with," says interior designer Lauri Ward. "This blue-gray-green shade can be used in almost any room. It's an especially good choice for cooling a very sunny room, or creating a tranquil bedroom."
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Ace Hardware
12 of 20
Garden Stone, Clark+Kensington
"I try to stay away from colors with heavy blue undertones, and I direct my clients toward warm grays that will stand the test of time," say Ace design expert Katie Reynolds.
"This shade is a favorite."
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Courtesy of Ace Hardware
13 of 20
Compatible Cream, Sherwin Williams
"When I need a yellow that isn't too sunny, I choose this one," says Jill Hosking-Cartland of Hosking Interiors. "This creamy shade is warm, inviting and very flexible when it comes to coordinating with colors with adjoining rooms."
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Benjamin Moore
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Intense White, Benjamin Moore
"Don't be fooled by its name — this color gives off a grayish tone." says Irene Lovett, founder of designstiles. "It's an ideal backdrop for those who aren't brave enough to go with a bold color, but still wish for a subtle contrast with white trim. I love pairing this modern hue with transitional furnishings for a more contemporary mix."
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Jonny Valiant
15 of 20
Salmon Peach, Benjamin Moore
You can't go wrong with pairings found in nature (hello peonies!). Amanda Lindroth choose this blush-like hue to contrast with the pops of green.
"The palette is based on the apple painting, which I inherited from my mother," the designer told House Beautiful.
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Benjamin Moore
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Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore
"This is my go-to color when working with an open floor plan," says Abbe Fenimore, founder/principal designer at Studio Ten 25. "A fail-safe neutral, it works with all styles, from traditional to modern, and both warm and cool color palettes. It's a great alternative to white, as it adds enough color to a room without overwhelming."
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Courtesy of Brittany Zachos
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Decorator's White, Benjamin Moore
"This shade has the most brilliant pure white undertones," says Brittany Zachos of Zachos Design Group. "It's perfect for bright ceilings, trim and even bathrooms when you want a crisp, clean feel."
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Courtesy of Arianne Bellizaire
18 of 20
Wool Skein, Sherwin Williams
"If you're looking for a great neutral that will play with the other colors you want to bring into your space, try this one," says interior designer Arianne Bellizaire.
"I love this color because it won't turn 'pink' on you."
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Benjamin Moore
19 of 20
Manchester Tan, Benjamin Moore
"This shade is my go-to warm neutral," says Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Morgante-Wilson Architects. "What I love about Manchester Tan is that it changes with the light. It goes from a rich warm hue to light and fresh depending on the source of the light in the room."
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Beatriz da Costa
20 of 20
Lavender Mist, Benjamin Moore
"People underestimate the power of lavender," Mary McGee told House Beautiful. Pale orchid livens up this entryway's walls while keeping rooms light and airy.
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50 Best Living Room Color Ideas
Read McKendree
When it comes to living room design, a flattering color palette is one of the first aspects you need to nail down. It will likely drive the whole design scheme and set the mood for years to come. Plus, your living room is probably the most-used room in the house, so choosing colors that make you look forward to spending time in it is a must! Whether you want something bold and bright, neutral, or dark and moody, we've laid out tons of designer-approved living room paint color ideas to help you get inspired.
All you have to do is put on your overalls and grab a roller—or, you know, hire someone else to do the dirty work. The hardest part will be deciding between all of these living room colors. But once you do, you can start shopping for the decor.
🏡You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Seth Smoot
1 of 50
Gray-Purple
In a Cape Cod-style home for a couple of empty nesters, designer Lauren Nelson painted the living room walls in Farrow & Ball's Dove Tale—a warm gray with purple undertones. It keeps the atmosphere neutral yet inviting.
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Pearl
A soft white paint with a slight gray tone to it can easily make your living room a spot you want to spend all day in. Take it from designer Sharon Rembaum, who dressed this living room with textured pieces in a neutral color palette to boost its overall coziness.
TREVOR PARKER
3 of 50
Cerulean Blue
Designer Garrow Kedigan made use of Lakeside Cabin by Benjamin Moore on the walls of this cozy corner.
The faded cerulean blue acts as a soft backdrop to the rich orange and gold decor and dark gray sofa.
Sean Litchfield
4 of 50
Cloudy Green
Reminiscent of the outdoors and luxurious spas, sage green can instantly make your living room feel welcoming. In this speakeasy-inspired room by Brooklinteriors, Art Deco, Eastern World, and bohemian elements are blended together on a background of Clare's Dirty Martini paint for an opulent but casual atmosphere.
Alyssa Rosenheck
5 of 50
Sunny Yellow
Sunny yellow walls can instantly brighten up your living room— no matter if you have big windows or small openings for natural light. In this room designed by Taylor Anne Interiors, Farrow & Ball's Citron adds energy to the tropical-yet-modern space.
Haris Kenjar
6 of 50
Ebony
Set a moody yet cozy scene by painting your walls and ceiling in a soft shade of ebony. For designer Sean Anderson's client, comfort and function in the living room were crucial for entertaining.
He painted the room in Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams and layered items that told the homeowner's story to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
Mali Azima
7 of 50
Red Clay
Designed by Melanie Turner, this living room's walls are painted in Windswept Canyon by Sherwin-Williams. The assortment of furniture styles is united by a common colorway that pairs nicely with the paint.
LAUREY GLENN
8 of 50
Frost Blue
Frost blue walls—in Benjamin Moore's Philipsburg Blue, to be exact—offer the right amount of softness in this formal dining room designed by Jenny Wolf. Gold framed art and a textured rug add warmth near the fireplace.
2022 TREVOR PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY
9 of 50
Teal
"It’s a vibrant happy blue while not being too overwhelming, says designer Rudy Saunders of the color on the walls of his Upper East Side studio apartment. It's Fine Paints of Europe Jefferson Blue from the Dorothy Draper paint collection.
Bjorn Wallander
10 of 50
Sangria
Designer Krsnaa Mehta aimed for a salon feel in the heart of his India home.
The sangria-and-blue palette of the living room achieves that inviting look that's best suited for entertaining.
Lisa Romerein
11 of 50
Cream
This sunny living room designed by Thomas Callaway exudes warmth, despite the grand size and ceiling height. Callaway broke the room into zones to enhance intimacy and then used soft buttery glaze on the walls to give the room a golden glow, and layered rich yet mellow fabrics.
Jared Kuzia Photography
12 of 50
Dark Blue-Green
Designer Cecilia Casagrande chose rich jewel tones for this Boston Colonial living room. It's classic yet fresh. The paint color—Farrow & Ball Hague Blue—in particular, straddles that duality of modern and traditional styles, perfect for a historic home. Casagrande also mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new.
Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside
13 of 50
Dusty Rose
Atelier ND and homeowner Carice Van Houten used a variety of plant species to liven up the room and create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes.
It really freshens up the bold pastels and rich earthy tones for a unique composition. Pro tip: Don't forget to paint the ceiling for a more immersive impression.
Anna Spiro Design
14 of 50
Buttercream
Instead of painting the walls blue, designer Anna Spiro covered the hardwood floors in a cheerful blue color. She also made the windows extra sunny by painting the frames buttercream yellow.
Brie Williams
15 of 50
Pitch Black
Dark black walls and lots of warm gold and caramel tones make this living room designed by Ariene Bethea super cozy but also formal and regal—the ideal balance if your living room doubles as the family room. She used Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams.
Kendall McCaugherty
16 of 50
Peach
The open floor plan in this Chicago family apartment designed by Bruce Fox called for cohesion between the dining and living room areas. That soft peachy paint and deep pink sofa are reflected in the printed armchair at the head of the dining table, and also mimic the rosy glow of the pendant light.
The color scheme was inspired by a photograph taken of the family in London during spring when the city was veiled in cherry blossoms.
Read McKendree
17 of 50
Clay
Dark gray walls can be a bit brooding, like storm clouds, but in the case of this sunny Manhattan apartment by Elizabeth Cooper, they look playful and contemporary. Cheerful pinks, a dash of cobalt blue, traditional granny-chic patterns, and whimsical artwork lighten the mood.
Nicole Franzen
18 of 50
Off-White
While bright colors can help liven up a room, it's not the only route. Take this neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine: Soft and texture-rich upholstery mix with off-white paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents to make a surprisingly modern impression with lots of character.
Robert McKinley
19 of 50
Olive
Robert McKinley wanted to keep the color scheme in this country retreat earthy and neutral but also wanted to inject it with a little warmth.
He opted for a quietly sophisticated shade of olive green for the walls while the chose a cream color for the wood-paneled ceiling.
Chris Mottalini
20 of 50
Steel Gray
This New York City living room designed by Nanette Brown is a lesson in dark paint decorating that strikes the balance between formal and casual, sophisticated and easy-going, elevated and cozy. The exact color pictured is Amethyst Shadow from Benjamin Moore.
Paul Raeside
21 of 50
Light Lime Green
Take your cues from the bold pattern mixing and modern artwork on display in this living room designed by Les Ensembliers. A light green color on the ceiling is an unexpected surprise that ties the whole room together. Here, it pairs beautifully with the yellow curtains, geometric green ottoman, and plenty of gray tones throughout.
Paul Raeside
22 of 50
Lemon Yellow
Does the thought of painting your living room yellow scare you to your very core? How about now that you've seen this timeless and cheerful living room designed by Michael Maher? One glance at this space, and we're about ready to repaint our own: It radiates warmth and offsets the cool blue tones.
Heidi Caillier
23 of 50
Light Fawn
This muted fawn color in a living room designed by Heidi Caillier is hard to pin down, and that's exactly why we like it. Not quite brown, not quite beige, it's a nice offbeat eath-tone option that functions as a neutral.
Simon Watson
24 of 50
Glossy Black-Green
Deep, dark, and glossy, the lacquered black-blue-green color makes this living room by Kristin Hein and Philip Cozzi seductive and mysterious. Paired with bohemian furniture and accents, the more moody qualities become more approachable and cozy.
Maura McEvoy
25 of 50
Kelly Green Splash
"I love the juxtaposition between the traditional space and the modern staircase," says Eliza Crater of Sister Parish Design. The rich kelly green accent wall and decorative floral curtains help bring some fullness and warmth to otherwise all-white surfaces in her home.
Bjorn Wallander
26 of 50
Charcoal
The traditional, neutral furniture in this room designed by Balsamo Antiques and Interior Design make a minimal visual impact so the moody colors, artwork, light fixtures, and other decorative accents can stand out.
A deep, almost purple-gray tone turns out to be a wonderfully complex and evocative backdrop, so don't be afraid to try something different.
Douglas Friedman
27 of 50
Navy
Ann Pyne worked with decorative painter Arthur Fowler to create a contrasting geometric pattern on the walls. "I think of the puzzle-like shapes as a metaphor—it's a game of fitting all these disparate 'treasures' into a graphically coherent whole," she says. Matte navy blue and a gritty mustard tone work together to set a pensive and seductive backdrop—perfect for a smaller living room.
Heather Hilliard
28 of 50
Crisp White
A crisp, matte white is totally timeless. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you're not interested in going for a trending paint color.
Francesco Lagnese
29 of 50
Mint Green
Channel a lush tropical oasis, as Thomas Jayne and William Cullum did, with this fresh color. In a living room where the paint stretches all the way up to the rafters, the hue changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint and soft sea foam green.
Paul Raeside
30 of 50
Khaki
Designer Garrow Kedigian defines a neutral as "anything that isn't jarring," which is a super helpful way to reframe things if cream, white, or gray simply isn't cutting it in your living room and you can't figure out why. Certain spaces just call for something outside the box, whether it's because of an architectural style, light exposures, or existing furniture. Here, the walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Rattan.
Interior Color: 7 Tips and Solutions
Tips
Color plays an important role in interior design and should not be forgotten when repainting walls. Different shades evoke different emotions and feelings: some fill us with energy, others serve as an antidepressant, others irritate, and four help to relax and brew in a calm way. With the help of color, you can create a completely different atmosphere in your home, and our tips will help you do it in style and beauty.
Apartment in Moscow. Project by Alisa Shabelnikova.
- Photo
- Sergey Ananiev
Choose the right palette
Choose shades wisely, not based on fashion trends. Not all trendy shades are suitable specifically for your interior and lighting. Remember, your goal is a harmonious space where everything fits together.
TIP: blue green and yellow is a magical combination where each color compliments the other. Especially in combination with natural wood and live plants! nine0003
The combination of cool blue-green and honey yellow, vintage and modern, gives this interior a spectacular dynamism.
Accent wall
One step from love to hate - and vice versa! The accent wall is back - but this time in its classic form: not "pulling the blanket over itself", but creating a harmonious whole with the whole environment.
TIP: keep the white molding at the ceiling.
It will beautifully accentuate the transition from color to white and at the same time visually increase the height of the ceiling. nine0003
Light salmon is perfect for an accent wall in the bedroom.
Paint the walls in different colors
Always imagine the big picture. It is not necessary to paint all the rooms in the house the same color. If the rooms are located in an enfilade or next to each other, and another is clearly visible from one room, you can paint them in close tones, or in colors that blend well with each other.
House of stylist Sophia Wood in Stockholm. The gray-blue color of the living room goes well with the light gray walls in the adjacent dining room. nine0003
- Photo
- JAMES STOKES
Apartment in Moscow. Project by Alisa Shabelnikova.
- Photo
- rom
Juicy colors
One of the most trendy colors of recent seasons is a rich lingonberry pink.
It will work great in a small room or dressing room: the interior will gain depth and charisma. Looking to add some chic to your space without sacrificing tranquility? Work on the ceiling!
Lake Red, Farrow & Ball. nine0003
Paint everything!
Now it is fashionable to paint not only walls, but also everything else - rosettes, moldings, ceiling mouldings, shelves and even the ceiling - in one color. The space is homogeneous and solid. This solution is especially well suited for small rooms (entrance hall or, say, dressing room).
TIP: in a small hallway, you can hang shelves above the door and paint them in the color of the walls, and if there is paint left, storage boxes.
The "rusty" color of the walls and ceiling is harmoniously complemented by natural wood on the floor. nine0003
The apartment of the designers Stina Lofgren and Matthias Krisander. In the hallway, the cabinets, the door, and even the IKEA shoe racks are all painted the same color.
Paint Jotun Lady Supreme Finish 05 NCS S2010-Y50R.
Choose harmonious colors
We spend a lot of time in the bedroom, so it is especially important that nothing annoys you here. On the contrary, the palette should set you up for rest, relaxation and peace. Choose a color that will bring harmony and peace. Ideal for this are shades of gray or cool green, which both relieves stress and has a beneficial effect on the psyche. nine0003
The apartment of photographer Jimmy Eriksson and his girlfriend Hannah in Stockholm. The master bedroom of the house was painted a deep green. “He calms and pacifies,” they say.
Choosing decor
Let the color chosen for the walls echo the interior details. Think carefully about decor and accessories - let them be in the same range or in colors that blend well with the background. This will give the room personality and "zest".
TIP: complement bright colors with natural materials. Natural wood, bamboo, wickerwork or a beautiful branch in a vase will add warmth and comfort to the interior.
nine0003
Gasoline 787 paint, Beckers.
Design by Zhenya Zhdanova.
how shades affect mood — INMYROOM
What color should you paint the walls in order to relax or, on the contrary, feel more cheerful? We tell.
White and Gray
Basic colors that are nevertheless perceived differently by everyone: some people find white light and refreshing, others find it dreary - so be guided by your feelings. However, now in most interiors, white and light gray act as the basis, and there are many reasons for this: they expand the space, do not overload it, and look stylish. A monochrome interior with a minimum of color accents also looks cool - for example, as in the project of Inna Azorskaya. nine0003
Suitable for: any room. Salvation for small rooms. And these colors go well with any other.
Design: Inna Azorskaya.
Black
Many people associate black with negative emotions – sorrow and longing.
But at the same time, it is the color of elegance and often an indicator of good taste. An option for the brave: use black for several walls, as in this project in Skolkovo.
Design: Kameleono. nine0003
Suitable for: as small accents in any room. Makes the interior more contrast, bright. Good in too spacious rooms that need to be made more intimate and comfortable.
Do not use: in large quantities. An exception is if you personally feel comfortable in a dark monochrome room and it does not put pressure on you psychologically. Remember that black “eats up” space a lot - it is not suitable for most small sizes. nine0003
Design: Buro5.
Beige & Brown
These warm, natural shades soothe and give a sense of security, balance, and grounding. Usually they are associated either with nature (trees, mountains, sand, stones) or with something appetizing - pastries, coffee or chocolate.
Design: GP Project.
Suitable for: any room, if you dilute them with contrasting accents.
Light shades of beige are an excellent base for any interior. nine0003
Do not use: brown is not the best choice for small, dark rooms. May create a feeling of clutter.
Design: Elena Markina.
Red and orange
Energize even on a physical level - can increase the level of adrenaline in the blood, affect the heartbeat and increase blood pressure. Warm shades of these colors make the room cozier.
Suitable for: living room and dining room - red and orange promote communication and stimulate appetite. nine0003
Do not use: in the bedroom, especially in large quantities - it will be difficult to relax. But red is great for accents - for example, textiles in this color were used in the project of Irina Travkina and Natalia Tarasevich.
Yellow
The color of joy and optimism. It is important to choose the right shade: if light ones make the interior more sunny and light, then darker ones can begin to oppress over time.
Suitable for: kitchen, dining room, bathroom, hallway. Looks good in small spaces. Especially good for accents - interesting details and accessories.
Design: Olga Shapovalova.
Do not use: in children's rooms - very young children are usually uncomfortable in yellow interiors. With caution - in the bedroom. In whatever room you use this color, it must be diluted with neutral shades (for example, light gray, as Svetlana Yurkova did) - otherwise it starts to irritate. nine0103
Design: Svetlana Yurkova.
Green
Considered the most natural and eye-pleasing color associated with wildlife, relieves stress. Combines the stimulating properties of yellow and the relaxing properties of blue.
Suitable for: any room, looks especially advantageous in combination with other colors such as white.
Design: Natalia Yanson.
Light blue and blue
Attune to peace and relaxation, lower blood pressure, reduce appetite.
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Suitable for: small spaces – light shades of blue visually expand the space. For rooms where it is always hot and the windows face the sunny side, cold tones will make them "cooler".
Apartment of designer Anna Muravina in Gelendzhik.
For bedrooms and bathrooms, these colors are very relaxing. Some shades are suitable for workrooms, as they help to concentrate. If you want to reduce your appetite and lose weight, blue is a great choice for a kitchen or dining room. See how delicate the blue color looks in the kitchen of designer Marina Zhukova. nine0003
Do not use: too much in any room - such an interior will make you feel sad. For the same reason, it is better to abandon the dark shades of these colors. To avoid this effect, dilute the blue color with white or another light neutral shade. Choose warm (for example, pervanche) or bright colors - azure or turquoise.
Design: Tatyana Kazantseva.
Purple and pink
Pastel shades of purple and pink soothe and relax, darker shades make the atmosphere solemn, strict and mysterious.
