If you’re looking around your humble abode and feeling like something needs to regain its spark, it's most likely your walls. Sure, you could snag new wall art, or even splurge on a comfy couch or living room rug for eye-grabbing focal points, but chances are you just need a new paint job.
To help with this, we asked experts for the vibiest paint color trends of 2024, and TBH, it maaay be time to officially pack up the stark white interiors and redefine neutrals. It's been a popular myth that lighter colors double the size of a room, but designers are pushing back on that now and embracing darker colors. Deep shades can surprisingly give an illusion of more space since they draw you closer in a mysterious way. On top of that, we will see spaces take a dip into more expressive choices that feel modern, edgy, and elevated. Yes! Please!
Below, we listed the top five paint trends of 2024 that will command the attention of everyone who walks in. Go ahead and text your group chat because you'll suddenly need help with a home project after reading this.
Rich Paint Colors
Beige and neutrals have been all over TikTok and Instagram forever. It's understandable though, since a go-to rule of thumb is that neutrals go with everything. But this year, there will be "a move towards more saturated tones and a step away from the all-white spaces of the past," says interior designer Ryann Swan, especially since using deeper, richer tones throughout your space can add "individuality and unique identity.”
DuVäl, owner and principal designer of DuVäl Design, sees deeper paint tones shaking up interiors to create a sense of intimacy and luxury, while adding warmth, depth, and character. “This departure from the lighter, neutral color palettes of previous years reflects a desire for more dramatic and cocooning atmospheres within living spaces,” he explains. "We’ll see darker tones like deep charcoal, inky navy, and sophisticated shades of forest green and burgundy,” he added.
Contrasting Ceilings
Painting ceilings has been a growing trend for a while now, specifically with folks choosing to do a monochromatic room with their walls and ceiling in the same color (this technique is called "color drenching" JFYI!). But interior designer Tara McCauley thinks the ceiling contrast will be the next big thing. “Painting the ceiling a contrasting color from the walls—even just a pale grey—makes a room feel more tailored and highlights details," like a gorge crown moulding, she says.
Home influencer Imani Keal tried the color drenching method in her bedroom first, but used the contrast ceiling trend in her office (as seen above in Frosty Berry by Valspar on the doors and ceiling, and Alabaster by Sherwin Williams on the walls) to keep things mixed up and interesting in her home. And! Only focusing on limited areas was super cost effective on both time and money, she said.
"Because I painted the ceiling and trim, I didn't have to remove any furniture out of the room, and I was done painting in a day and a half," said Keal, adding that doing the whole room would have taken about four days. "I only used one gallon of paint which cost about $60, but the entire room would’ve needed three gallons."
Go Green
Green is never going out of style. A go-to option for many makeovers, green grabs your attention right away. Hues like sage or peppermint are super grounding and peaceful, and give your space a refreshing feel. This year, we'll be seeing rooms that bring the outdoors inside, with floral accent walls and a soothing green pop to accompany it. If you're a plant parent, your budding blooms will feel right at home surrounded by a wallpaper of leafy green shades and flowers.
The New Neutrals
Okay, so not feeling everything we just said about more saturation? I respect it. For all you minimalists reading this list, there's good news for you: Your love of beige and tan isn't going anywhere, but you might see them warm up juuust a bit this year. “In 2024, warmer colors, such as taupe and darker shades of cream, are going to take center stage as we seek out cozier colors that bring a welcoming feel,” says interior designer Lindye Galloway, chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. I'd also like to make a point that greens are neutrals too! So all in favor of seeing more sage in 2024, say Aye!
Limewash
According to Jamie Davis, co-founder of Portola Paints, Venetian plaster and faux finishes were super in, but today’s trend is in a league of its own. “Limewash and plaster finishes have been around forever, but I think there is a wonderful trend happening in design right now that is very tastefully blending old and new," he says. "Textured walls like Limewash and Roman Clay are a wonderful way to add an element of design to your space without having to go super bold with color.” Home influencer Breanna Young used the limewash trend in her dining room (as seen above!) with regular paint by diluting it with water. We love an easy DIY moment!
Medgina Saint-Elien
Senior Market and Partnerships Editor
Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.
