1. Trendy Palettes

While it might be tempting to jump aboard a new paint color trend, restraint will typically pay off. According to Kurc, choosing a palette should be more about serving the space rather than chasing trends. “The most timeless interiors aren’t frozen in time; they evolve slowly and thoughtfully.” The designer advises considering whether the color will elevate the space's architecture and mood. If you can answer that question in the affirmative, you’re on the right track, even if you’re working with a bold color.

2. Beige and Taupe Everything

It’s time to say goodbye to all-over applications of beige and taupe. “It was fresh and exciting, even calming in the beginning, but now people are seeking more energy and movement in their spaces,” says Alix. Instead, the designer suggests going for bright-white everything. While it can still lend that neutral feel many home decorators are after, it does so with a fresh, clean energy that can make a space feel larger, she explains. Just be sure to find the right tones. “Warm, nuanced whites like Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee or Farrow & Ball Pointing feel lived-in rather than clinical,” says Kurc.

3. Color Drenching

“It's beautiful in photos and makes for wonderful before and after shots, but living inside of a color-drenched home is, well, a lot,” says Alix. When color drenching spaces, it’s often deep, dark jewel tones we reach for, but the designer says this can give the space a cave-like feel. If you’re still looking for a drenched aesthetic, Alix recommends incorporating color-drenched elements into your space, such as rugs, furniture, and walls. Instead of extending the color to the ceiling, introduce a new texture there. “Custom wood paneling or molding is a great alternative to adding more paint.”

Kurc offers another option, too, suggesting tonal variation throughout the room and adding in textural elements. “Think dusty sage greens or layered taupes with stone, linen, and wood,” she suggests.

4. Flat Blacks, Saturated Teals, and Artificial Pastels

There’s a trend with these of-the-moment hues; they’re all a bit one-dimensional. When looking to teals and turquoise to impart a calming effect, Kurc advises taking a more muted perspective. Picks like Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay or Farrow & Ball Green Smoke take a more muted blue-green perspective that is complex, calming, and rooted in nature, she says.

Black paint colors should also be viewed through the lens of dimension. “Opt for inky, layered charcoals or off-blacks like Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black or Farrow & Ball Railings that shift with the light and feel more architectural than trendy,” Kurc explains. You can also add more interest to pastels by opting for chalkier versions. “Farrow & Ball Calluna or Benjamin Moore Silver Marlin feel grown-up and atmospheric.”

5. Themed Palettes

Alix says it’s time to move beyond the farmhouse gray and greige look, as well as those cool coastal blue and whites. The era for themed palettes is quickly coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have an overarching aspect to your paint color story. These themed ideas are a great starting point, but if you want to avoid a dated look, mix in an unexpected tone like rust, ochre, or moss, the designer suggests. This will keep the palette feeling grounded while adding a fresh dose of unpredictability, Alix says.

Edmund Barr

How to Avoid Painter’s Remorse

“Painter's remorse is a real thing, and I've found it has a uniquely high correlation to the use of bold colors,” says Alix. “Perhaps because bold colors are louder, and the longer something is screaming on your walls, the sooner you'll get tired of hearing it.”

The good news is that the designer says it’s still possible to use color boldly without feeling like you’re jumping on a trend you’ll soon tire of. She advises focusing on intentionality. Consider the space and its purpose before deciding how bold you want to be. Spaces like a playroom, home office, or home theater are excellent opportunities to take a bolder paint stance. “Kitchen cabinets, however? The exterior of your home? Do your future self a favor and don't get too daringly bold unless you're a zero-regrets type of person,” Alix warns.