The Best Light Paint Colors to Transform Any Room in Your Home

Since the beginning of the pandemic, interior trends have been leaning towards bold, maximalist styles and colors. Lockdown has collectively taught us that life is short, and too much time spent at home has invited many to caution. If this is where we spend most of our time, we must really love our place. OK? Say goodbye to sad beige and millennial gray—sleek, playful, and colorful in the middle. The lighter, the better!

Earlier, I spoke with designers to get their thoughts on bold paint colors—how to choose them, where to paint them, trending colors, and perhaps most importantly, how to overcome any doubts when working with bold colors.

Featured image from our interview with Suruchi Avasthi’s Kate Arends.

How Do You Choose Bright Paint Colors?

Choosing the right color for your home is a personal decision. Lesley Myrick of Lesley Myrick Interior Design always starts her design process with the client, and she is never a trend. “A bright paint color should be a color of commitment, something you will still love when the design world moves on to the next,” he said. Myrick suggests paying attention to the colors you like to wear, what colors are already in the room, and what the light is doing between 8am and 8pm.

“A bright color has a big impact, which means it can’t be an afterthought. You have to focus on something specific and personal. Otherwise, you end up with a room that looks loud instead of layered,” he continued.

In short, choose the color you like. Make sure it plays well with the other items in your space. Take the time to notice how the light affects the color of the paint throughout the day. Enjoy it!

Which Rooms Are Best For Vibrant Paint Colors?

Bright paint colors will energize the space, so choosing rooms that are lively, or perhaps in need of zest will work well. “A small space is the best place to hold courage, because color wraps around and creates a complete mood,” says Myrick. “A powder room in a deep, bright green or deep blue will be the most memorable room in the house.”

“I always recommend the entryway or hallway as great spaces to introduce vibrancy,” says Daniel Doerge, color expert at California Paints. “Since then, I like dining rooms and living rooms to have bright tones. These spaces are natural meeting places, and having a solid color can feel attractive and clear.”

Myrick agrees. “Dining rooms are another natural feature, especially because you tend to use them at night, when rich color looks best in low light,” he adds.

Hesitant To Use Bright Bright Colors In Your Home?

Neutrals can feel safe, and especially if you have a big tendency, even if it’s a little boring. But covering a room in bright blue, bright yellow, or bright chartreuse requires a healthy dose of courage. It is natural to feel doubt. Both Myrick and Doerge have a few tips to help calm your nerves.

Check out the Paint Samples

“First of all, paint is the smallest design decision you’ll ever make,” confirms Myrick. “If you hate it in three years, you paint over it – that’s all. Bold color is not the irrevocable bond that people think it is.” He also suggests getting large samples, painting them on two different walls, and sitting with them for a few days to make an informed decision. “Look at them in the morning, afternoon and night light. The same color will change a lot depending on the place and time of day,” he said.

Start Small

“Try painting the cabinets or an interior door, or adding an accent wall to see how you feel about the color,” recommends Doerge. “I also advise people to pair bright colors with some kind of neutral or basic texture—whether that’s furniture, decor, or rugs.”

Go Bold or Go Home

Finally, Myrick recommends digging your heels in and committing to your full chest. “The bright color that is part of the heart, the one that felt ‘safer’ than the decision you like, always disappoints.

What Bright Paint Colors Are Big Right Now?

Even though bright colors are naturally energizing, the right bold color can still feel cool and purposeful. Colors inspired by nature are always a smart choice. “We’re seeing some trends for bold, nature-based colors—think golden yellows, earthy-inspired corals, and greens that feel bold but still grounded,” says Doerge.