Designers Weigh In: The Surprising Rooms Where Bright Paint Colors Work Best

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Ever since the pandemic, interior trends have been leaning towards bold, maximalist styles and colors. Lockdown taught us collectively that life is short, and more time spent at home has invited many to throw caution to the wind. If this is where we’re spending a large amount of our time, we should really love the space we’re inhabiting. Right? Say goodbye to sad beige and millennial gray—whimsy, playfulness, and color are in. The brighter, the better! 

Ahead, I chatted with designers to get their take on bright paint colors—how to choose them, where to paint, trending colors, and perhaps most importantly, how to get over any hesitancy when working with vibrant hues.

Featured image from our interview with Kate Arends by Suruchi Avasthi.

How Do You Choose Vibrant Bright Paint Colors?

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

“Vibrant color is high impact, which means it can’t be an afterthought. It has to be rooted in something specific and personal. Otherwise, you end up with a room that just looks loud instead of layered,” she continues.

In short, pick a color you love. Be sure it plays well with the other items in your space. Take the time to see how the light affects the paint color throughout the day. Have fun!

What Rooms Are Best for Vibrant Paint Colors?

Bright paint colors will energize a space, so opting for rooms that are lively, or are perhaps in need of some zest will work well. “A small space is the best place to go bold, because the color wraps around you and creates a complete mood,” Myrick says. “A powder room in a deep, glossy green or a saturated blue is going to be the most memorable room in the house.”

“I always recommend an entry way or hallway as great spaces to introduce vibrancy,” Daniele Doerge, a color expert from California Paints, shares. “From there, I love dining rooms and living rooms for vibrant tones as well. These areas are natural spaces to gather, and having a strong color can feel inviting and expressive.” 

Myrick agrees. “Dining rooms are another natural fit, especially because you typically use them at night, when rich color looks its absolute best in low light,” she adds.

Hesitant to Use Vibrant Bright Colors in Your Home?

Neutrals can feel safe, and especially if you have maximalist tendencies, even a bit boring. But covering a room in a bright blue, cheery yellow, or bold chartreuse requires a healthy dose of courage. It’s totally normal to feel hesitant. Both Myrick and Doerge have a few tips to help calm your nerves. 

Test Out Paint Samples

“First, paint is the least permanent design decision you will ever make,” Myrick reassures. “If you hate it in three years, you paint over it—that’s it. A bold color is not the irreversible commitment people think it is.” She also suggests getting large samples, painting them on two different walls, and living with them for a few days to make an informed decision. “Look at them in morning light, afternoon light, and at night. The same color will shift dramatically depending on the room and the time of day,” she shares.

Start Small

“Try painting cabinets or an interior door, or even add in an accent wall to see how you feel with the color,” Doerge recommends. “I also advise people to pair bold colors with some sort of grounded neutral or texture—whether that’s furniture, decor, or rugs.”

Go Bold or Go Home

Finally, Myrick recommends digging your heels in and committing with your full chest. “The half-hearted vibrant color, the one that felt ‘safer’ than the bold choice you loved, always disappoints. If you’re going to go bold, go all the way,” she urges.

What Bright Paint Colors Are Big Right Now?

Even though vibrant colors are inherently energizing, the right bold color can still feel calming and intentional. Colors inspired by nature are always a wise choice. “We’re seeing some trends towards vibrant colors rooted in nature—think golden yellows, clay-inspired corals, and lush greens that feel bright but still grounded,” Doerge shares.