7 Unexpected Paint Colors That Will Elevate Your Home

If you're tired of staring at plain white walls or the overused Agreeable Gray, it's time to embrace a bold change. Opting for a unique shade might seem daunting, but it can breathe new life into any space. You want your room to remain inviting while still standing out. Here are five unconventional paint colors worth considering for your next home refresh. Experiment with these shades to create a striking yet comfortable atmosphere.

Deep Green

Nicole Gibbons, the founder and CEO of Clare, shares that Current Mood, a richly saturated and versatile shade, has unexpectedly become a favorite. “Many are amazed by its widespread appeal. Despite its deep, moody tone, it adapts beautifully to various spaces—bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, home offices, and beyond,” Gibbons explains.

For those seeking a bolder alternative, Gibbons suggests Deep Dive, a striking blue-green with a slightly darker tone.

Pink

Contrary to popular belief, pink is far from outdated. “Despite the millennial pink craze a few years back, it remains a beloved choice,” Gibbons notes. “Shades like Wing It and Meet Cute demonstrate that pink can be both fun and elegant. When a color endures beyond a fleeting trend, it’s clear it has staying power.”

For those hesitant about incorporating pink, starting with a bathroom or powder room is a great way to experiment.

Red and Purples

Reds and purples are daring yet stunning options for creating a dramatic design statement. “We adore working with reds and purples!” says interior designer Sarah Stacey. “While they might initially intimidate clients, the key lies in selecting the right shades and pairings. Deep, luxurious tones of red and purple can infuse a space with warmth and depth,” she adds. “For instance, we once painted kitchen cabinets in a rich cranberry red, and the result was absolutely stunning.”

Navy

Sales data from Clare reveals that deep navy blues are gaining popularity. Gibbons shares, “Goodnight Moon remains a top favorite, while Nearly Navy, launched last fall, is quickly becoming a standout. These hues demonstrate that bold colors can be both adventurous and enduring.”

These shades are ideal for bedrooms, offering a blend of warmth and elegance. If the depth feels overwhelming, they work wonderfully in guest rooms.

Elevated Yellow

While yellow might seem intimidating for a room, it’s a timeless choice when done right. Avoid overly bright tones and pair it with classic furniture for a balanced look. With butter yellow making waves in fashion, it’s worth considering for your home. This particular shade, with its subtle brown undertones, avoids being overly vibrant and adds a sophisticated touch.

Plaster Pink

While rosy tones might appear overly feminine or intimidating, a softer hue like this elegant plaster pink can feel surprisingly neutral. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of colors, as shown by the black cabinets here that harmonize flawlessly with the dusty rose walls.

A Custom Color

If you’re contemplating a paint color but wish it were slightly more or less vibrant, interior designer Audrey Scheck recommends customizing it to achieve your desired intensity. “A favorite technique of ours is tweaking the saturation to create a softer or bolder version of a chosen shade. For instance, if you’re using Pigeon by Farrow & Ball on your walls, we’d apply the standard formula for the walls and amplify the color’s intensity for the trim. Simply request your paint provider to adjust the formula before mixing to achieve this effect.”