Buzz
While paint is often touted as the easiest way to change a room's look, the real challenge lies in selecting the perfect color. With so many choices, finding the right one can feel like a daunting task. However, there’s a simple trick that both DIYers and designers use to narrow it down: they decide whether to choose a 'warm' or 'cool' color.
"Warm colors can infuse a room with energy and excitement, thanks to their lively and fun qualities," says designer and best-selling author Emily Henderson. "Cool colors, on the other hand, are soothing and calm, much like the colors found in nature."
Focusing on a color's warmth or coolness can shape the overall mood of a room, making it easier to blend all the elements together. If you’re aiming for a specific feeling—whether it's "cozy," "joyful," or "playful,"—this approach will guide you. Along with Henderson, Julia Marcum from Chris Loves Julia and Heather Goerzen, lead interior designer at Havenly, share their expertise on selecting the perfect shade for any room so that the entire process is streamlined from start to finish.
What Are Warm Colors?
Henderson explains that warm hues are mainly found in shades like oranges, browns, yellows, reds, pinks, and whites with warm undertones. While there are more intense versions of these colors, she doesn’t rule out bold options. "If that’s your style, they’re best suited for smaller spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms," she suggests. "But if you love the color and balance it with cooler tones, you can use warm shades anywhere."
Marcum recommends using warm tones in communal spaces throughout the home. "I prefer to keep the kitchen and living areas warm," she shares. "These rooms should make you feel cozy and calm when you enter." She also advises a matte finish for its practicality in family settings. "If it's easy to wipe down, that's my top choice," she adds. "I like to use the same shade on the trim in a semi-gloss."
Both designers emphasize the importance of considering the other elements in the room to ensure the color complements them. Marcum focuses on the floors, while Henderson pays attention to cabinets. "If you have orange-toned wood you can’t change, I’d suggest balancing it with a cooler color," Henderson says. "But beyond that, make sure you include some cool tones for contrast and you’ll be good to go."
Warm Color Combinations
For color pairings, Henderson likes the combination of blush and mustard, or rust with warm cream. Marcum prefers terracotta walls with an olive green sofa, or golden ochre mixed with plum. Goerzen enjoys two color schemes: warm neutrals with accents of brown and brick red, and camel, brown, or marigold hues paired with cool accents like green and blue.
What Are Cool Colors?
On the other hand, Henderson describes cool hues as blues, greens, blacks, purples, and whites with cool undertones. "These are my go-to colors for my personal style because they bring an airy, light, and serene feel to my space," she shares. Like warm tones, both designers agree that with the right balance, cool shades can work in any room. "I prefer matte finishes with cooler tones, but for cabinets, kitchens, and bathrooms, a touch of sheen is essential," Henderson advises.
Cool shades like blue and gray are likely to highlight subtle undertones in the room, so it's crucial to bring in different textures for added depth (the same applies to warm tones when used as a balancing element). "For cool tones, try adding wood accents, leather, and gold or brass touches to prevent the room from feeling too chilly," Henderson suggests. "Too many warm tones can make a space feel outdated and overwhelming, so balance them with soft textures and incorporate cool-toned whites and black accents."
Cool Color Combinations
Marcum recommends pairing a warm blue with cognac leather accents in a bedroom, while Henderson favors a soft sage green with light gray, especially for an entryway. Goerzen loves combining olive green with warm brass and wicker tones, complemented by crisp white and black.
Tips for Using Warm Colors and Cool Colors
While the general design rule suggests using cool colors in relaxing spaces like bedrooms, and warm colors in more social areas like living rooms, it's really up to personal preference. "This is all about what you like," says Goerzen. "Color theory states that hues like blue and green are calming, making them ideal for a bedroom or bathroom—but we believe that warm whites, soft sienna, and warm ochre can have a soothing effect too!"
Here’s how to achieve the perfect balance of color temperature in any room.
Blend warm colors into a cool color scheme—and vice versa
Accents from the opposite side of the color temperature spectrum can prevent a space from feeling too one-dimensional. "I love the concept of mixing warm and cool colors with accent shades," says Goerzen. "For example, you can create a warm palette with tones like warm white, sienna, tan, and then incorporate a soft olive green as an accent color."
"Blending cool and warm tones so seamlessly makes the space feel more dimensional and refined! If your primary palette is warm, introduce cool-colored throw pillows, and vice versa."
Subtle down the hue
The key to introducing an unexpected color into a room? Keep it subtle. "Opting for more muted, earthy versions of any color will help create a calming, cozy vibe rather than a bold, attention-grabbing one," Goerzen advises.
Select a focal point
When designing your color scheme, it’s often helpful to start with one standout piece for inspiration. "Choosing a color palette can feel overwhelming," Goerzen explains. "I find it easiest to begin with one large item that you absolutely love—like a camel velvet sofa or an olive green rug—and build your color scheme around that."
Understanding Color Undertones
Another important factor when choosing a color with balance in mind: don’t overlook undertones! "Every color has both warm and cool undertones," Marcum notes. "Take a set of gray paints, for instance—on their own, they might seem neutral. But when viewed together, you’ll see that some grays carry blue undertones, making them 'cool' grays, while others might have yellow or pink undertones, marking them as 'warm' grays. Once you recognize undertones, you’ll have a better sense of how colors truly interact, whether warm or cool."
Focusing on a color's undertones can highlight its warmth or coolness, making it easier to mix and match as you gain confidence. As you experiment, you’ll also realize that warm and cool shades should not be treated as entirely separate. "A truly balanced room will incorporate both warm and cool tones, but not necessarily in equal amounts," Henderson explains. "Avoid grouping all your cool tones on one side and your warm tones on the other. Distribute the colors throughout the room for a more cohesive effect."
