Since the pandemic, interior design trends have shifted toward bold, maximalist styles and colors. Many people, spending more time at home, have decided to embrace bolder choices. Neutral tones like beige and gray are being replaced by whimsical, playful, and colorful options.
How to Choose Vibrant Paint Colors
Choosing the right color for a home is a personal decision, according to designers. Lesley Myrick of Lesley Myrick Interior Design says a vibrant paint color should be a commitment, something the homeowner will still love when trends change. She advises paying attention to the colors one likes to wear, the colors already in the room, and how the light changes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Myrick notes that vibrant color cannot be an afterthought and must be rooted in something specific and personal.
Designers suggest picking a color the homeowner loves, ensuring it works with other items in the space, and observing how light affects the paint throughout the day.
Best Rooms for Bright Colors
Bright paint colors energize a space, making them suitable for lively rooms or those needing a boost. Myrick recommends small spaces for bold colors, as the color wraps around the occupant and creates a complete mood. She suggests a powder room in a deep, glossy green or saturated blue as an example.
Daniele Doerge, a color expert from California Paints, recommends entryways or hallways as good spaces to introduce vibrancy. She also suggests dining rooms and living rooms, as these are natural gathering spaces where strong colors can feel inviting. Myrick agrees that dining rooms are a natural fit, especially because they are often used at night when rich colors look their best in low light.
Overcoming Hesitation
Using neutral colors can feel safe, while bright colors require courage. Both Myrick and Doerge offer advice for those who are hesitant. Myrick points out that paint is a temporary design decision. She recommends getting large samples, painting them on two different walls, and living with them for a few days. She advises looking at the samples in morning, afternoon, and night light.
Doerge suggests starting small by painting cabinets, an interior door, or an accent wall. She also recommends pairing bold colors with a grounded neutral or texture in furniture, decor, or rugs. Myrick advises committing fully to a bold choice, stating that a half-hearted vibrant color often disappoints.
Current Bright Paint Trends
According to Doerge, current trends include vibrant colors rooted in nature, such as golden yellows, clay-inspired corals, and lush greens. These colors feel bright but still grounded. While vibrant colors are energizing, the right bold color can still feel calming and intentional.
